In the first boss battle of Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, you face a powerless princess up against the Hero of Hyrule. The Imposter Link is a difficult doppelganger armed with a sword and shield, making him a tough opponent. However, there are strategies you can use to defeat this formidable enemy.
How to Enter The Southern Ruins
After fleeing Hyrule Castle, your first mission leads you to Suthorn Village. To the northeast, you’ll encounter a large rift obstructing your way. Head along the path towards Suthorn Ruins, passing through a Spear Moblin camp, to find the entrance to the Mysterious Rift. Tri will show up and open the rift for Zelda.
Follow the path of floating islands upward until you encounter your first rift enemy. It will fly toward Zelda and create copies of various creatures. You can summon your own creatures to help – using a Spear Moblin works well, and you’ll find the Spear Moblin echo on your way to this rift.
To cross the floating trees and reach the first petrified person, summon Bed echoes. Ahead, you’ll find a cave door. Go inside and watch out for flying Keese. Use your own Keese to defeat them, then press the button on the right side of the room. Just stepping on the button once will unlock the door.
Once you pass through the unlocked cave door, you’ll find yourself in a combat room filled with Zol enemies. Summon a Spear Moblin or any creature you prefer, and start throwing the wooden crates to take out all the slimes. When the room is cleared, the exit gate will open.
Next, head up into the Stilled Suthorn Forest, where you’ll arrive at a large grassy island. Defeat the enemies here, and you’ll have two options: go left or right. If you go right, you can create stairs to reach a rupee. The left path is the main route, where you’ll find the second petrified person. Continue up to access the Suthorn Ruins dungeon.
Activate the Waypoint in the first room; this is the game’s first major dungeon. With Waypoints, you can leave and return at any time, so don’t feel pressured to finish the entire dungeon in one go.
In the second room, interact with the giant boulder to learn the Bind ability. Press [X] to send Tri forward and bind it to an object or enemy, allowing Zelda to move it in any direction. Move the bound boulder down over the pit and press [ZR] to release it. This will let Zelda reach the circle button and step on it to unlock the door ahead.
In the third room, bind the giant boulder again and move it left to discover a secret passage leading down. Enter this passage to access a side-scrolling area.
In the side-scrolling room, climb onto the spiderweb and take out the first spider you encounter. The easiest one to defeat is further to the right and close to the ground. You’ll need to hit it quickly several times—first, cut the string, then attack while its underside is exposed.
Once you defeat it, you’ll learn the Strandtula echo, which lets you create your own spiderwebs.
Dungeon Map Location: In the side-scrolling room where Strandulas first appear, summon a Strandula echo right below the treasure chest in the centre of the chamber. Position the spider so its web shoots straight up through the hole in the floor. Climb up through the hole, then place a table to help you jump over the Strandula and grab the Dungeon Map.
How to Defeat the Boss: Imposter Link
At the midpoint of the Suthorn Ruins dungeon, a fake Link awaits at the top of the stairs, ready to chase down Zelda with his sword and shield. He has two forms and becomes stronger after you inflict enough damage. If Zelda uses crates to block Link or hides behind them, she can lose him momentarily. He’ll stop chasing and search the area, allowing Zelda to sneak in and attack from behind.
The same strategies work against both of Link’s forms. Here are some effective methods for defeating him:
- Summon Keese: Keep a steady stream of Keese coming while circling around Link. He’ll take them out easily, but the constant distraction will ensure he takes damage.
- Use a Moblin and Rock Echo: Summon a Moblin, which can absorb several hits before disappearing. While Link is focused on the Moblin, throw the Rock Echo at him from behind.
- Summon Ignizol: This tactic works best if you lure Link into the tall grass on the left side of the arena. Even if he has his shield up, throwing Ignizol will often catch him off guard and deal burning damage.
- Stay Safe: Take your time and avoid direct confrontations. Smash jars around the room to find recovery hearts. You can also use the Bind ability on summoned monsters to control their movements, or even try it on Link himself.
Rewards After Defeating Imposter Link
Defeating Imposter Link will reward you with the Mysterious Sword. Press [D-Pad Up] to transform into Swordfighter Form as Zelda, allowing you to attack directly with the sword using [Y] or defend with the shield while locked on.
Keep in mind that this form has a time limit. When the meter runs out, you’ll revert to your normal state. Use this opportunity to clear out the black sludge in the northern part of the boss arena.
