Helmasaur

Helmasaurs, also known as Hiploops or Iron Masks, are recurring enemies in.

Characteristics
The appearance of the Helmasaur has varied by game, ranging from, insectoids, bird-like creatures, to porcine or rhinoceros-like monsters. In all appearances however, they are characterized by their large, hard helmets or masks they wear over their faces or front bodies. These masks protect them from a wide assortment of attacks, and they will often make great use of this by charging at Link head on. These monsters have also been referred to by several names. They are called Helmasaurs in, , and , Iron Masks in  and the , and Hiploops in  and. Very rarely, unmasked varieties also appear, such as certain kinds in Majora's Mask.

While some Helmasaurs wander aimlessly, others will make an effort of pursuing Link in attack, and may even try to knock him off platforms and walkways. The Helmasaurs of A Link to the Past and the Hiploops of Majora's Mask use this to their strategy. Other Helmasaurs may simply blindly charge at Link, such as the variety in Twilight Princess.

While their masks provides them with great defenses, their backsides however are left vulnerable, which Link can strike when an opening is shown. In some games, specifically Majora's Mask, blocking their attacks with a Shield will knock them back, providing an opportunity to strike back. Other times however, especially those in A Link to the Past which actively charge at Link, may require their masks to be destroyed first. In most games, a well-placed Bomb's explosion is enough to destroy these creatures' masks, however in Twilight Princess the Bomb is useless in penetrating their armor. Other times Link can use Hammer weapons, such as the Magic Hammer, to break apart the masks. A Hookshot can also often be used to steal the masks right off the creature's face. Hookshots however may only stun or alternately kill them on the spot, as in the A Link to the Past GBA re-release. In the Oracle series, more unique methods can be used to remove their masks. The Magnetic Glove in can channel a magnetic force to rip off the masks, whereas the Switch Hook in  can switch places between Link and the mask. The switch however will cause Link some harm as he lands where the enemy is standing. The Gust Jar in The Minish Cap can be used to pull their masks off.

Helmasaur King
The Helmasaur King is the boss of the Palace of Darkness in A Link to the Past. It resembles a gigantic Helmasaur, and likewise wears a nearly indestructible mask that is impervious to most attacks. However like regular Helmasaurs, its mask can be destroyed with the use of Bombs or the Magic Hammer. Instead of ramming into Link, it attacks with fireballs and its long, whip-like tail.

Helmasaurus
The Helmasaurus in Twilight Princess is a similar variety to the regular Helmasaurs. Although while nearly identical, these enemies differ in that their iron plates cannot be removed, thereby requiring that Link strike them from behind. Like regular Helmasaurs in the game, they will attempt to ram into Link when they see him. They appear in the City in the Sky.

Gemesaur King
The Gemesaur King is the boss of the Dark Palace in A Link Between Worlds. It is extremely similar to the Helmasaur King of A Link to the Past, except that it is somewhat smaller and heavily armored with colored crystals on its back in addition to its protective mask. Its attack strategy is more truer to regular Helmasaurs, as it will attempt to ram and trample Link.

Trivia

 * Helmasaurs in A Link to the Past will bounce Link away when hit by the sword from any angle, rather than just the front side like a Hardhat Beetle.
 * The Helmasaurs and the Helmasaurus from Twilight Princess appear to have flat, grinding teeth, implying that they are herbivorous animals.