With every game in the Legend of Zelda series, players are tested by a variety of puzzles and challenges. The series' most recent title, The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, is no exception, boasting a number of different environments to traverse, including the Silent Realms. Players must utilize their wits and the tools at their disposal to overcome each of the obstacles in their path.

Arguably the most notable challenges among those presented in the game are the Silent Realms. While Skyward Sword HD has many quality-of-life changes compared to the original 2011 release, the Silent Realm trials have been unchanged. This allows new and returning players alike to experience these tense challenges the way they were originally designed.

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In the main story, the Silent Realms are a series of spiritual tests for Link, designed by the game's deities. Completion of these trials awards the player with a new piece of equipment and upgrades in Skyward Sword HD that will allow them to navigate through one of the game's areas. When players agree to attempt such a trial, they are transported to a modified version of their current locale that is shrouded with an ethereal glow and complete with a soft, haunting arrangement of that area's musical theme. The challenge will be considered completed if the player can collect a certain amount of objects called "tears," which are scattered throughout the area. However, as soon as players step out of the protective circle from where they began, the true nature of the trial reveals itself.

How Skyward Sword HD's Silent Realms, Guardians, & Tears Work

Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword HD Chest Opening

As soon as players step forward to begin collecting tears in Skyward Sword HD, the subtle glow and gentle music vanish; in their place are a harsh clanging noise and an eerie, orange light that bathes the area. Nearby enemies known as Guardians spring to life and begin relentlessly pursuing the player. Unlike fighting bosses in Skyward Sword HD, it is only by collecting one of the challenge's tears that the Guardians can be subdued and returned to its tranquil state, but only for 90 seconds - any longer, and the pursuit will resume. With this, the game establishes a sense of urgency and tension within the player, as they now know the calmness of the area is temporary and dependent on their ability to quickly gather the necessary items.

The tone and difficulty of the Silent Realms make them a welcome addition to the bevy of challenges the game has to offer. It is likely that many fans of the series agree, considering Skyward Sword HD topped sales charts upon launch. With any luck, challenges with the same level of quality as the Silent Realm challenges will be implemented into more games in the series beyond The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD.

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