Critical Point

is the fanon term for a narrow space of time where Link has the opportunity to inflict damage on a dungeon boss with his sword, or another item, but commonly utilizing the Master Sword at most of these events. Usually after required steps have been completed, the temple boss will become tired, expose a weak spot, or faint, giving Link a much needed chance to strike with his sword. In Twilight Princess, critical points in boss battles are denoted by a change of music, shifting from the common boss music to a more triumphant-sounding theme. It has been a facet of every 3D Zelda game to date, plus The Minish Cap, to consistently incorporate around three Critical Points (or more if the young hero doesn't do enough damage) in a boss battle before the boss is defeated, or changes technique, whereas the standard of three is repeated and so on.

Critical Points in Ocarina of Time



 * Note: Twinrova does not have a critical point in the first round because only the Mirror Shield can be used to deflect oncoming blasts of fire and ice and direct them back at the witches, not the Master Sword. Also, Phantom Ganon has no critical point as long as he's riding his horse.

Critical Points in Majora's Mask



 * * These bosses can be hurt outside their critical point.
 * Note: Twinmold does not have a critical point, because it has a constantly open weak point.


 * Another Note: All of the bosses' critical points can be reached by shooting the sword beams out of Fierce Deity Link's sword. This method is much quicker and proves to be easier, too.

Critical Points in The Wind Waker



 * Note: Gohma does not have a critical point during the first phase, because Link first has to disarm her armor, and until then no attack (not even the rock from the ceiling) will deplete her life meter.

Critical Points in The Minish Cap

 * ''Note: Link will be using the Four Sword or earlier infusions of it to attain Critical Points, not the Master Sword.
 * ''Note: Big Octorok does not have a critical point, because in order to attack him, Link must reflect his rocks and burn his tail.

Critical Points in Twilight Princess



 * Note: Blizzeta in the Snowpeak Ruins does not give Link a chance at a critical point because in order to destroy the Twilit Ice Mass, every time Link hits her with the Ball and Chain she will be hurt. Puppet Zelda does not have one either, the only way to damage her is for her own energy ball to backfire, as a product of a Dead Man's Volley between her and Link.

Critical Points in Phantom Hourglass



 * Note: The Cubus Sisters have no Critical Point, as they're in a high spot and thus Link can only hurt them by bouncing back their attacks.

Critical Points in Skyward Sword
{| !align=right|Ghirahim: !align=right|Scaldera: !alignright|Moldarach: !alignright|The Imprisoned: !alignright|Koloktos: !alignright|Tentalus: !alignright|Bilocyte: !alignright|Demise:
 * align=left| Though optional, Link can use the Shield Bash technique in the first battle as Ghirahim tries to charge at him. A succesful block with stun Ghirahim, allowing Link to attack him. As for the third fight, in the first phase Link must knock Ghirahim off the platform, then use a Fatal Blow to attack the diamond on his chest; in the second phase, Ghirahim's sword must be knocked out of his hand (or Link can win a Dead Man's Volley), after which the diamond MUST be stabbed at. In the final phase, Link must break Ghirahim's sword before he can stab at the diamond.
 * align=left| After Link throws a bomb into Scaldera's mouth, the boss will explode internally, removing some of its rocky armor and allowing Link to attack its weak point, the eye. However, Link must be quick, as the eye can shift away from him.
 * alignleft| In the first phase of the battle, Link can use the Slingshot to stun the eyes inside its claws when they are open, so Link can slash perpendicular to their orientation several times during the stun; this is optional, since Link can simply slash the claws whenever they're open.
 * alignleft| In the first two battles, Link must cut off all the beast's toes, then drive the Sealing Spike into its head after it falls onto its back. This can also be done at the start of the final battle, but the Groosenator (which can also be used in the second battle) must be used to access the spike for the remainder of the battle, with Link himself being launched for the third attack.
 * alignleft| In the first phase, Link uses the Whip to rip off the boss' arms in order to access its weakness, the red core. In the second phase of the battle, Link does the aforementioned arm-ripping, but now must attack Koloktos with one of his own swords, as the boss has caged up the red core.
 * alignleft| In both phases, after cutting off its tentacles, Link must shoot its eye with the Bow, then run up to the boss and attack the eye with the Goddess Longsword.
 * alignleft| After directing the green projectiles at Bilocyte's eye (which can also be shot with the Bow), Link must attack the eye with the Master Sword.
 * alignleft| In the first phase of the battle, Link has to use a shield bash to break Demise' guard, after which he must attack quickly. In the second phase of the battle, after attacking the Demon King with lightning (but only if Demise does not attack with or does not possess lightning; if Demise does attack, the attacks will cancel). Link may freely slash away at the boss, but, as mentioned, he must be quick. Link may also use a shield bash in this phase, but it is difficult, so the previous method is preferred.


 * Note that Ghirahim has no Critical Point in his second battle, and in the first he can be hit outside of the completely optional one. Likewise, Moldarach's Critical Point is optional during the first phase, and there is none in the second.