Hero Mode

Hero Mode is a recurring mode in. It serves as a type of Second Quest, normally unable to be accessed until after completing the game normally.

Skyward Sword
In SS undefined, Hero Mode can be unlocked after completing the main quest. In this mode, enemies deal double damage and Hearts and Heart Flowers only appear when Link is holding the Heart Medal, so Link must rely on Potions to recover his health. In addition, actions such as rolling, performing a Spin Attack, or doing a Spiral Charge underwater will cost larger portions of the Stamina and Air Gauges than what they previously had. Furthermore, Link has access to all the hints the Sheikah Stones have to offer at the beginning of his journey. He also carries over any Treasures and bugs he collected from his first quest. Demise can also be fought in Thunder Dragon's Lightning Round, bringing the total number of bosses to 12. Finally, the Skyward Strike keeps its powered-up form, and when strengthened again, the charge time is virtually eliminated.

The Wind Waker HD
includes a Hero Mode similar to that of Skyward Sword, but is available upon the creation of a new save file. Hearts do not appear in Hero Mode, forcing Link to use Potions and Fairies to regain health. In addition, enemies deal double damage Hero Mode can be activated or deactivated at any point during gameplay through the file selection screen.

A Link Between Worlds
In, Hero Mode is unlocked after completing the main quest. In Hero Mode, enemies deal four times more damage. Unlike previous games, Hearts appear normally without any requirements. Also, Ravio's Journal can be found inside the Vacant House.

Twilight Princess HD
In, similar to , it is available at the beginning of the game, but unlike , a menu pops up at the creation of a new save file giving the player the choice of Normal or Hero Mode, and once Hero Mode is selected, it cannot be turned off. In this mode, Hearts will not appear and Link takes double damage from enemies and bosses. Also, similar to the Wii version of the original, the entire game is flipped horizontally, making Link right-handed.

Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild 's first downloadable content pack, scheduled to be released in summer 2017, will include a new "hard mode." It's unknown how exactly this mode will differ from the basic game other than being more difficult in some fashion.

Hyrule Warriors
In, Hero Mode appears as a difficulty setting for Scenarios in Legend Mode. It is unlocked after completing the original Scenarios in any other difficulty. In higher difficulties, enemies deal more damage and have increased defenses. Bonuses are also given by clearing Legend Mode Scenarios in a higher difficulty, such as an increase in Rupees gained. The Hard Mode Gold Skulltulas, also unlocked after completing the original Scenarios, can only be found by playing through the Scenarios in either Hard or Hero Mode difficulty in addition to fulfilling their other requirements.