Not in a postgame world. In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, beating Demise and watching the ending returns you to the save point before the final battle if you decline Hero Mode. Load that regular save to finish optional content; choosing Hero Mode starts a new playthrough rather than continuing after the credits.
What happens after the final battle?
After Demise is defeated, the ending scenes and credits play. The game then offers Hero Mode. It does not save a cleared version of the world where you can roam after the ending. If you decline the new-run option, return to your regular save and continue from before the final fight.
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![The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51mI2YYfFeL._SL160_.jpg)
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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $59.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword with Music CD (Renewed) | $37.20 | Buy on Amazon |
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How to finish optional content
- At the Hero Mode prompt, decline if you want to keep working on your current run.
- Load your regular save file. It resumes from the point before the final battle, letting you return to exploration and unfinished side content.
If you are unsure which save option to choose, read the on-screen prompt carefully before confirming. The available source describes the return-to-save flow but does not establish a detailed slot-copy or overwrite procedure.
What does Hero Mode do?
Hero Mode is the option to begin another run after finishing the game. It is not a post-credits continuation or a way to explore the world after defeating Demise. Choose it if you want a fresh playthrough; return to the existing regular save if you want to complete optional content in your current run.
#1 Best Overall
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword game has been updated for the Nintendo Switch system
- Descend to the land beneath the clouds, explore dungeons, and solve puzzles on your quest
- Find and collect items that open up new paths and upgrades
- Use motion controls that correspond to your movements for more realistic swordplay, or use button-only controls
- Experience the earliest story in the Legend of Zelda series and learn how Link and Zelda first formed a legendary bond
| Choice | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Return to the regular save | Loads the pre-final-battle point in your current run. | Finishing side quests or exploring before the ending. |
| Start Hero Mode | Begins a new playthrough. | Playing through the game again. |
Does this apply to the Wii version?
The detailed ending-flow guidance cited here covers Skyward Sword HD on Nintendo Switch. Nintendo lists the HD edition as Switch software released on July 16, 2021: Nintendo’s Skyward Sword HD product page. The same post-ending sequence has not been independently established here for the original Wii release, so the specific Hero Mode prompt guidance should not be assumed to verify every version.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Controls and the 2021 update
In Skyward Sword HD, Nintendo supports motion controls and button-only controls; button-only play works in handheld mode or with a Pro Controller. Control options can be changed from the file-select screen before starting a save. These choices do not change what happens after the ending. See Nintendo’s control-options guidance.
Rank #2
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword boasts the most realistic sword combat of any game to date, turning every encounter into a challenge of both brains and brawn.
- Explore a massive, multilayered world that seamlessly blends soaring exploration in a sea of clouds with intense ground-based adventuring that blurs the line between the main world and traditional Zelda dungeons.
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword redefines the traditional Zelda framework and introduces an arsenal of items, upgrades and rewards unlike any game in the franchise to date.
- Every copy in the initial production of the game will come packaged with a special music CD featuring orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.
- A Wii Remote Plus controller or Wii MotionPlus accessory is required to play The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
Nintendo’s update page says the HD software update available August 10, 2021 preserves existing save data after installation. It does not say the update adds a post-ending free-roam state: Nintendo’s Skyward Sword HD update information.
The credits-to-Hero-Mode sequence and return to the pre-final-battle save are described in Gamer Guides’ Skyward Sword HD final-battle walkthrough.
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Rank #4
- Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
- ABIS BOOK
- Prima Games
Rank #3
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Embark on the most expansive Zelda adventure yet, setting the stage for the events of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time!
- Experience some of the most realistic sword combat of any game to date, turning every encounter into a challenge of both brains and brawn.
- Analyze enemy attacks and defenses and counteract with precise sword swings in a dynamic new combat system that combines fighting and puzzle-solving.
- Explore a massive, multilayered world that seamlessly blends soaring exploration some of the largest and most challenging dungeons in the history of the series.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
