Hookshot
Hookshots,(ALttP | LA | LADX | OoT | OoT3D | MM | MM3D | TWW | TWWHD | ALBW | SSB | HW | CoH)[2][3][name references needed], also known as Hook Shots,(ALttP | LA)[4][5][note 1] are recurring Items in The Legend of Zelda series. They are machines consisting of a chain and hook. When used, the chains extend and send the hook attached towards their targets. If the hooks latch onto certain objects, Link is projected towards those objects. Link can also use them to pull enemies and objects towards him.
Location and Uses
In nearly all games, the Hookshot is almost always found inside dungeons. A recurring trend in the series is that the Hookshot is typically found inside water-themed or flooded dungeons, such as the Swamp Palace in A Link to the Past, or Catfish's Maw in Link's Awakening. The Hookshot is usually guarded by the dungeon's mini-boss and often becomes necessary to navigate the remainder of these dungeons it is found in. It is also often required to defeat the dungeons' bosses.
The Hookshot is used most commonly to grapple onto far away objects so that Link can reach previously inaccessible areas. In addition, the Hookshot can also be used as a replacement for the Boomerang by allowing Link to grab far away objects (like hard to reach Rupees or out of reach switches) and attack enemies. In most cases, attacking an enemy with the Hookshot will only stun them, but some weaker enemies such as Keese will be defeated when hit with the Hookshot. Other enemies, such as Like Likes, will instead pull Link towards them when hit by the Hookshot, which can potentially hurt Link or threaten his other items.
In 2D Zelda games, the Hookshot will latch onto specific solid objects that stand in any of the four cardinal directions and can include blocks, chests, specific stones, or pots. It is often used to pull Link over pits and unsafe hazards. In the 3D console games, the 3D environment makes greater use of the Hookshot as it can also be used to reach higher or lower heights. In these games, objects that can be grappled onto are usually marked with a bulls-eye target. In Ocarina of Time, the Hookshot also produces a laser light used for aiming the Hookshot. In Ocarina of Time 3D, the laser dot is surrounded by an extra red ring when the Hookshot is pointed at a viable object. In said game, the Hookshot can also be aimed by moving the Nintendo 3DS.
A Link to the Past
HookshotUse the chain attached to this hook to travel to distant points. It can also be used as a weapon.
The Hookshot allows Link to explore many areas, both in dungeons and, primarily, in the Dark World. With the Hookshot, Link can grapple onto several objects to pull him over water, chasms, et cetera. These objects include pots, jars, skulls, and small chests. In addition, the Hookshot can stun certain kinds of enemies and instantly kill a few others. However, Link is briefly unable to move when using the Hookshot. As an added bonus, firing the Hookshot makes Link temporarily invincible (seemingly to avoid damage from enemies or spikes while grappling).
It is found in the Swamp Palace and is used to defeat Arrghus.
A Link to the Past was the first game to introduce the Hookshot.
Link's Awakening
Hook ShotThe business end of the Hook Shot can be thrust into pots, treasure chests or blocks. You can then reel in the chain and pull yourself to the hook. This grappling hook can also be used to attack enemies or pick up items that are out of reach.
The Hookshot is found in the fifth dungeon of the game, Catfish's Maw and behaves similarly to how it did in A Link to the Past. However, a notable difference is that the item can be used to grab various bridges to extend them toward Link to use as platforms.
In order to acquire the Item, Link must defeat the Master Stalfos mini boss, who has taken it from a treasure chest inside the dungeon. The Master Stalfos disappears multiple times during the fight, and the player must track him down before he is defeated.
Slime Eel is the Boss of the Catfish's Maw in Link's Awakening. It is a giant eel-like monster that opposes Link in an attempt to prevent him from waking the Wind Fish. Link can use the Hookshot to pull its head from the wall, making it vulnerable.
Ocarina of Time
The Hookshot is found in Dampé's grave in Ocarina of Time after besting Dampé the first time in a race as an adult. An upgraded version of the Hookshot, known as the Longshot, can be found in the Water Temple. The Longshot has a much longer reach than the regular Hookshot.
The Hookshot is required to enter the Forest Temple, as Link cannot access the Temple and must aim the Hookshot at a nearby tree to enter. The game utilizes this idea of grappling to nearby targets to move around the environment (such as crossing gaps and traps) for the rest of the game.
This was the first game in the series to introduce the item in a 3D game. The Hookshot can be aimed around the environment from a stationary point with a first-person perspective. When targeting, however, Link can aim up and down while moving side to side.
It is a very useful item for collecting Gold Skulltula Tokens and killing weaker Enemies.
The sixth Boss, Morpha of the Water Temple, strongly focuses its attention on the Hookshot, using it to pull out its nucleus, making it vulnerable.
The Hookshot is the only item that can be used underwater (except in the 3DS Version, where the Iron Boots and Hover Boots were mapped to buttons.) Certain enemies live underwater and can only be killed with the Hookshot.
Only Adult Link can use the Hookshot.
Majora's Mask
The Hookshot is found in the Pirates' Fortress in Majora's Mask and acts exactly the same as it did in the previous installment, and can only be used by Link in his human form.
Unlike Ocarina of Time however, the Hookshot only has one chain length in the game. Despite this change, the item has quite a reasonable and long reach.
The Wind Waker
The Hookshot is found in the Wind Temple in The Wind Waker.
It acts similarly to how it did in previous 3D installments. However, notable changes to the item relate mostly to the Iron Boots. If Link equips both items simultaneously, he becomes so heavy and does not get pulled towards his target. Thus, he can use the Hookshot to pull heavy stones off the wall, such as the one imprisoning Makar.
It is found after defeating the Mini-Boss, the summoning Wizzrobe.
A Link Between Worlds
The Hookshot can be rented for 50 Rupees or bought for 800 Rupees from Ravio's Shop in A Link Between Worlds. The Hookshot can be upgraded to the Nice Hookshot by Mother Maiamai, if Link has purchased the Hookshot from Ravio's Shop and has found at least 10 Lost Maiamais. The Nice Hookshot deals more damage and extends farther.
The Hookshot can be used to grapple onto switches as well as wooden walls, which Link can then quickly merge with. Certain Floodgate switches in the Swamp Palace can only be grabbed with the Hookshot. These change the water level of the dungeon.
Other than this, it behaves similarly to how it did in A Link to the Past and is used to defeat the updated version of Arrghus.
Non-Canon Appearances
Super Smash Bros. Series
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- See SmashWiki's article on the Hookshot for more information
The Hookshot is Link's grab in Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee. In Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U, it was replaced by the Clawshot. Link, Young Link, and Toon Link can use this move as a tether recovery to grab the edge of the stage and pull themselfs back up to it. Young Link and Toon Link's versions of the Hookshot have a shorter range compared to the adult Link version. The Hookshot returns in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate for Young Link and Toon Link. However, normal (or adult) Link for the first time, does not have a Hookshot or Clawshot, but rather a normal grab.
The Hookshot also appears as a Sticker in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Sticker Information
| Sticker | Artwork from | Effect in The Subspace Emissary | Usable by |
|---|---|---|---|
 Hookshot |
Ocarina of Time | [Weapon] - Attack +4 | All |
Hyrule Warriors
In Hyrule Warriors, the Hookshot appears as an item obtained in the "The Shadow King" Scenario. The Hookshot is used to grapple onto ledges, indicated by a bulls eye target overhead and a glowing space when the Hookshot is selected. It can also be used to grapple onto enemies and quickly move towards them, sometimes also while performing an attack on certain enemies in some instances, such as on Aeralfos when it is in flight. The Hookshot can temporarily be upgraded by finding a item upgrade power-up in battles, which increases its strength for its duration. In this state it can also be used to pull and crash a tiny Moon onto enemies. Its duration can be increased by crafting Whip Badges. The Hookshot is also used to pull down and stun Argorok when its tail glows blue, as well as weaken a part of Ganon when his tail glows.
In Adventure Mode, the Hookshot is also an Item Card that allows to unlock a new area of the map upon completion.
Cadence of Hyrule
The Hookshot appears as a key item that can assist Cadence, Link, Yves, and Zelda in reaching areas that would otherwise be out of reach to them, along with stunning and knocking back enemies.[7] It can later be upgraded to the Longshot.
Nomenclature
 Names in Other Regions  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Names | Meanings |
 Japanese |
| |
 FrenchCA | Grappin (ALBW)[18] | |
 FrenchEU | Grappin (OoT3D | ALBW)[17][18] | Grappling Hook |
 German |
| |
 Italian | Arpione (ALttP | LA | LADX | LANS | OoT | ALBW)[8][9][10][9][11] | Harpoon |
 Korean | 후크샷 (Hukeusyas) (ALBW)[20] | |
 SpanishLA | Gancho (ALBW)[19] | |
 SpanishEU | Gancho (ALBW)[21] | |
| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | ||
Gallery
The Hookshot, as seen in the Inventory of A Link to the Past
Artwork of the Hookshot from Link's Awakening
Artwork of the Hookshot from Link's Awakening
Ravio demonstrating the Hookshot's use from A Link Between Worlds
The Rented Hookshot from A Link Between Worlds
The Rented Hookshot icon from A Link Between Worlds
The Nice Hookshot from A Link Between Worlds
The Nice Hookshot icon from A Link Between Worlds
Link using the Hookshot from Super Smash Bros. Melee
Young Link using the Hookshot from Super Smash Bros. Melee
Toon Link using the Hookshot from Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Hookshot icon from Hyrule Warriors
The Hookshot Item Card from Hyrule Warriors
The Hookshot Item Card from Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
The Hookshot Sub-Weapon from Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
Sprite of the Hookshot from Cadence of Hyrule
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See Also
Notes
- ↑ Hookshots were referred to as Hook Shots in a social media post for Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch on the official The Legend of Zelda Facebook page.[6] However, as this contradicts the name given in-game in Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch, it is not considered Canon.
References
- ↑ "In addition to destroying walls with bombs, you can attack distant enemies with arrows, climb up walls with the Hookshot, and more." — Nintendo of America, Hyrule Warriors Direct 8.4.2014, YouTube (video), published August 4, 2014, retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 127(ALttP | LA | OoT | MM | TWW | ALBW)
- ↑ "Hookshot: Use this on distant targets to pull yourself to them." — Tutorial (Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition)
- ↑ "BOING! This is the Hook Shot! It extends and contracts and... BOING! It can grapple many things!" — N/A (A Link to the Past)
- ↑ "You've got the Hook Shot! Its chain stretches long when you use it!" — N/A (Link's Awakening DX)
- ↑ "This is the Hook Shot in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Latch it onto something far away and ZIP, off you go! It's also great for stunning enemies if you hit them with it." — The Legend of Zelda, The Legend of Zelda - The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening - Hook Shot | Facebook, Facebook, published August 15, 2019, retrieved August 15, 2019.
- ↑ "Hookshot -- Assign it to
Use it to pull yourself to certain objects or stun and knock back enemies." — Inventory (Cadence of Hyrule) - ↑ "BOING! Ecco l'Arpione!" — N/A (A Link to the Past, Italian localization)
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 127
- ↑ "Aiuta Link a trovare gli otto Strumenti delle Sirene, collezionando oggetti come i Calzari di Pegaso e l'Arpione, oltrepassando gli impegnativi labirinti e sconfiggendo gli spietati boss." — The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX | Game Boy Color | Giochi | Nintendo, www.nintendo.it, retrieved September 10, 2020.
- ↑ "Arpione
Si conficca nel legno. E può servirti a raggiungere posti lontani." — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds) - ↑ A Link to the Past manual, pg. 45 Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Vol. 1, Shogakukan, pg. 25 Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords, Shogakukan, pg. 13
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Shogakukan, pg. 151
- ↑ "フックショット
木製の壁や杭などに突き刺さい
離れた場所へ移動できる" — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds) - ↑ "Du hast den Fanghaken erhalten! Krall dich an Gegnern oder Vorsprüngen fest. So hast du mehr Möglichkeiten, dich fortzubewegen!" — N/A (Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition)
- ↑ "Enterhaken
Ziehe dich an hölzernen Wänden oder Pfosten über Abgründe." — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds) - ↑ "Grappin
Une chaîne montée sur ressort qui se déroule puis se rétracte. Visez une cible pour vous y tracter." — Inventory (Ocarina of Time 3D) - ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Grappin
Se plante dans tout élément en bois. Grâce à lui, vous pouvez franchir des fossés." — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds) - ↑ "Gancho
Se clava en los objetos de madera y se fija a ellos para sortear fosas." — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds) - ↑ "후크샷
다무로 된 벽이나 말뚝에 꽂아서
떨어진 장소로 이동할 수 있다" — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds) - ↑ "Gancho
Se clava en los objetos de madera y se fija a ellos para salvar brechas." — Inventory (A Link Between Worlds)
- Items
- Hookshots
- Item Cards
- Items in A Link to the Past
- Items in Link's Awakening
- Items in Link's Awakening DX
- Items in Link's Awakening (Nintendo Switch)
- Items in Ocarina of Time
- Items in Ocarina of Time 3D
- Items in Majora's Mask
- Items in Majora's Mask 3D
- Items in The Wind Waker
- Items in The Wind Waker HD
- Items in A Link Between Worlds
- Items in Ancient Stone Tablets
- Items in Super Smash Bros.
- Items in Hyrule Warriors
- Items in Hyrule Warriors Legends
- Items in Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition
- Items in Cadence of Hyrule