Like Like

Like Likes are recurring enemies in. They are voracious and gelatinous, tube-like creatures notorious for sucking up their prey into their wide mouths, and robbing them of their Shields before spitting them out. Like Likes will suck in and engulf Link, after which they will spit him out without his equipment. In most games, they will relinquish the stolen Shield if they are slain quickly enough. While Like Likes will steal most Shields, unique equipment like the Mirror Shield usually cannot be eaten by these enemies. They usually reside in wet and dark places, but can also occasionally be found in dry areas.

Like Likes are often harmless and will not hurt Link, while in other games they will inflict minimal damage as they spit him out. Link can fight Like Likes with his Sword, Bow, Boomerang and most other items. In later games, a Bomb can be tossed into the Like Like's mouth as it tries to suck Link in. While the Hookshot can be used in some games to stun or damage them, it does not work in all games, and instead may pull Link into the Like Like's mouth and risk losing his equipment.

While Like Likes most commonly prey on Shields, other varieties of Like Like exist with a penchant for eating other items. These include Rupee Likes, which eat Rupees; Force Likes, which eat Force Gems; Deku Likes; and Life Likes, which simply drains Link of his Hearts. The Pikit is a similar kind of enemy that also steals Shields.

The Legend of Zelda
In, Like Likes inhabit dungeons. On the first quest, they appear in Level-4, Level-6, and Level-9. On the Second Quest, they appear in Level-5 as well as Level-6 and Level-9. Like Likes frequently appear in small groups, often in small spaces with other enemies, making them harder to avoid. While slow, they move in random and erratic patterns. Like Likes in The Legend of Zelda will only eat Link's Magical Shield, after which they will release him and his Shield reverts back to an ordinary Shield. If Link is caught by a Like Like, he can use his Sword to quickly attack it from inside before it can steal his Shield. Like Likes will not attempt to steal his basic Shield.

A Link to the Past
Like Likes appear in the Game Boy Advance port in. They appear as enemies in the Dark World in their tube-like form. Groups of Like Likes appear near the Shield Shop to the east of the Pyramid of Power, as well as in the Palace of the Four Sword. This incarnation of Like Like is similar to those in other 2D Zelda games. They move in slow, random paths, but will usually try to target Link when he is nearby. In this game, Like Likes are capable of stealing any of Link's Shields, including the Mirror Shield. If a Like Like manages to steal Link's Shield, it will quickly scurry away before flying off with the Shield. Link can defeat the Like Like before it flies away to retrieve his Shield. To counteract their ability to steal the Mirror Shield, a new one can be purchased at the Shield Shop if a Like Like successfully steals it. Most items can be used to attack or stun them. The Boomerang is only able to repel them back, while the Hookshot can be used to stun them.

Pikits share their Japanese name with Like Likes, making them the same enemy despite their vastly different appearance and behavior. Both Pikits and Like Likes co-exist in the Dark World in A Link to the Past & Four Swords in spite of this fact.

Link's Awakening
In, Like Likes appear similarly to those in The Legend of Zelda. They appear in groups in the prairies near Goponga Swamp. Like Likes are able to steal Link's basic Shield, but only if the Shield is equipped. Defeating the Like Like who stole it will salvage the Shield, otherwise another one can be bought at the Town Tool Shop. Like Likes will not damage Link or spit him out if he comes in contact with one, necessitating that he struggle free. They are unable to eat the Mirror Shield. Like Likes can be defeated with most items such as the Sword and Bombs, as well as Magic Powder, the Magic Rod, and the Boomerang. The Hookshot can also be used to defeat them as well without repercussions.

Ocarina of Time
In, Like Likes have a more gelatinous appearance and make a loud gushing sound as they move. They no longer appear in groups and tend to act alone. Like Likes will attempt to steal Hylian Shields, but are unable to take the Mirror Shield. Unique to Ocarina of Time, Like Likes may also steal Goron and Zora Tunics if Link happens to be wearing whichever one. When a Like Like spots Link, it will slowly move towards him and attempt to capture him in its mouth. When Link is caught in one, it will continuously constrict him before violently spitting him out with the possession stolen. The Like Like will then leave to digest the item. If Link defeats the Like Like before it can digest his equipment, he will be able to retrieve it back. It is also possible for Link to swap his equipment before he is spat out to prevent them from being stolen.

Like Likes in this game are significantly weak to fire, and can be defeated in one shot by Din's Fire or by shooting a Fire Arrow. The Biggoron Sword can also defeat it in one strike. The Hookshot will stun a Like Like, but will also pull Link in without swallowing him. When defeated, they drop three Blue Rupees. They appear Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly ( only), the Fire Temple, Water Temple, Bottom of the Well, Shadow Temple, Spirit Temple, Ganon's Castle, and the Gerudo Training Ground.

Majora's Mask
In, Like Likes appear the same as those in Ocarina of Time. They appear only in the Great Bay Coast and Zora Cape, and are found deep underwater. Since they are found exclusively underwater, they can only be attacked when Link is a Zora. They can be defeated by punching them repeatedly, or by using Zora Link's electrical barrier. The Double Cutters are only able to stun them. Since Link cannot dive down to their depths as a Hylian, the only way he can have his Shield stolen is if he uses the Hookshot on one, which will pull him in without stunning the Like Like. They are unable to eat the Mirror Shield.

Oracle Series
In the, Like Likes appear similarly to those from Link's Awakening. In, they appear in the Moonlit Grotto, Crown Dungeon, Jabu-Jabu's Belly, the Black Tower, and the Hero's Cave. In, they appear in the Woods of Winter, the Natzu region, the Lost Woods of the Tarm Ruins, and the Dancing Dragon Dungeon. Unlike previous games, Like Likes can steal and eat all levels of Shields, including the Iron Shield and Mirror Shield. When Link is engulfed by a Like Like, it will immediately eat his Shield regardless if it was equipped or not before releasing him. Defeating the Like Like will not return Link's Shield. However, once Link obtains the higher level Shields, shops will begin selling them should he ever lose one. As in other games, Like Likes are resilient enemies that take multiple hits from any attack to defeat. Interestingly, while Ember Seeds can burn them, it will not damage them. Like Likes cannot swallow Link if he is riding an animal companion.

The Like Like Ring can be worn to transform Link into the appearance of a green Like Like.

The Minish Cap
In, Like Likes appear similarly to their past 2D Zelda incarnations. They can be found in the sealed caves of Castor Wilds. They are able to conceal themselves in the earth, and appear suddenly when Link is near to ambush him. Like Likes are able to steal any Shield in Link's possession, including the Mirror Shield. However, Like Likes will not digest the Shield, and they can be defeated to get it back.

The Minish Cap also introduces a new type of Like Like called a Rupee Like, which drains Link of Rupees instead. These Like Likes bait and ambush Link by using the Rupee lures on their stalks.

Phantom Hourglass
In, Like Likes appear as uncommon enemies in small groups. The Like Likes of Phantom Hourglass differ from previous incarnations as they are able to suck in Link through a wind tunnel, similar to vacuums. Once trapped in their mouths, Link will need to struggle free by rubbing the stylus back and forth on the touch screen. If Link does not escape quickly enough, the Like Like will steal his Shield off of him. They can be defeated to retrieve the stolen Shield. Like Likes are highly resilient and take three hits of the Sword or Bow to defeat. The Boomerang can be used to stun them. New to Phantom Hourglass, Link can also throw Bombs into their gaping mouths as they are inhaling to attack them as well. They appear in the Goron Temple.

Rupee Likes also make a reappearance. They are more common than the ordinary Like Likes.

Spirit Tracks
In, Like Likes appear the same as those in Phantom Hourglass. Like Likes now have a new tactic, as some now hide in barrels, Pots, and fake Treasure Chests, attempting to ambush unsuspecting adventurers. These objects will shake just before the Like Like reveals itself. As before, they will attempt to suck in Link through a wind tunnel and steal his Shield, and the stylus must be rubbed on the screen to break free. While they are able to steal the basic Shield, they are unable to take the Shield of Antiquity. All previous strategies, including tossing a Bomb into their mouths, are effective. They appear in the cave at the Trading Company and the Goron Village.

A Link Between Worlds
In, Like Likes appear as enemies of Lorule. Rupee Likes appear as well.

Super Smash Bros. Series
In, Like Likes appear as both enemies in the level of  and as a Trophy. Like in the Zelda games, they attack by swallowing a character that comes near them, and when the Like Like spits them out, the player takes damage. These enemies can be defeated by hitting it until they take enough damage. For every Like Like the player defeats, 500 points are added for the.

Like Likes also appear as a Trophy in

Etymology
According to the Like Like Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the name Like Like is derived from an ancient Hyrulean proverb, "Shield-eaters and world leaders have many likes alike." In the Japanese version, it comes from the Japanese proverb, which roughly means "each to their own tastes." Since shield (たて) and (たで) are very similar in spelling, the Like Like is a reference to the saying, corrupting "water-pepper" to "shield."