Ball and Chain Soldier
Games | ||
Location | A Link to the Past | |
Threat |   | |
Attacks | Link's Awakening | |
Effective | ||
Related | ||
Contact
Ball and ChainBall and Chain Soldiers, also known as Ball and Chain Troopers, are recurring enemies in The Legend of Zelda series.[1] A similar enemy known as Darkhammer appears in Twilight Princess.
A Link to the Past
Link first encounters this enemy as the mini-boss of the first part of the game in the Hyrule Castle Tower, guarding Princess Zelda's cell. This enemy also appears later in the game when Link revisits Hyrule Castle after getting the Master Sword.
The most effective method to defeat a Ball and Chain Soldier is to throw jars at it. It takes just two jars to defeat one. Link can also incorporate a hit and run tactic. Run to it, hit it, and run before its swinging ball and chain has a chance to hit Link. Ball and Chain Soldiers take several hits, but taking his time with a hit and run tactic is better than all-out-attacking, since it can quickly defeat Link if he does this.
Link's Awakening
The Ball and Chain Soldier, known as the Knight,[2] is a mini-boss found only once in Kanalet Castle. To progress to Key Cavern, Link must defeat him, as he guards one of the Golden Leaves that Richard charges him with retrieving to earn the Slime Key.
This enemy can be a difficult foe due to its long-range weapon. Before attacking, it swings the ball and chain above its head slightly faster than normal. It is best to move in to attack it as soon as it pulls back its weapon. The Spin Attack is an effective strategy, since Link has plenty of time to charge it while waiting for him to attack. A few other methods to defeat him include the long-range arrows which can do wonders here. Link can also throw a bomb towards him to defeat him.
Oracle of Seasons & Oracle of Ages
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Four Swords
In Four Swords, Ball and Chain Soldiers move rather slowly, spinning their ball and chain over their head. Whenever Link is in direct line of sight, either vertically or horizontally, the soldier will toss its ball and chain in a straight line at him. The soldier will then restract the ball and chain. At this point, the soldier is vulnerable for a few moments before he starts swinging his weapon again. It will take six sword slashes to defeat a Ball and Chain Soldier.
Four Swords Adventures
Ball and Chain Soldiers can be found in a variety of stages in Four Swords Adventures, often as mini-bosses. In some varieties, such as in the Tower of Flames, their chains will leave behind trails of flame that the Links must avoid.
The Minish Cap
Ball and Chain Soldiers can be found in the Palace of Winds and Dark Hyrule Castle. They swing their spiked ball and chain in a circle while slowly walking around and hurls it at Link when he is in range. Link can use his shield to protect himself from the ball. Once they swing it out at Link, Link has a few seconds to run up and strike them. It will take six slashes with the White Sword to defeat one of these soldiers.
| Ball & Chain Soldier | |
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Appears in the Palace of Winds and Dark Hyrule Castle. They're not fast but that iron ball is a bruiser! Try to hit them after they swing the ball. |
Twilight Princess
- Main article: Darkhammer
There is only one Ball and Chain Soldier found throughout Twilight Princess, called Darkhammer, and it serves as the mini-boss of the Snowpeak Ruins.
A Link Between Worlds
Ball and Chain Soldiers are first encountered within the upper floors of Hyrule Castle. They appear like their predecessors from A Link to the Past, in which they whip around a large ball and chain. Link can quickly run in and deliver a sword slash to attack the enemy, or use a long-range weapon to prevent taking damage.
In Lorule Castle, more powerful Ball and Chain Soldiers can be found. These soldiers are donned in dark armor and carry a ball and chain that is lit on fire. These enemies are much more difficult to defeat, but the Ice Rod can be effective in stunning them to get a few hits in at a time.
Tri Force Heroes
In the Sky Temple, a more powerful version of the enemy known as a Sky Fire Chain Soldier appears. This variant has a flame surrounding its ball and it will launch it towards Link when it swings.
Gallery
Ball and Chain Soldier sprite from A Link to the Past
Gold Ball and Chain Soldier sprite from A Link to the Past
Ball and Chain Soldier sprite from Link's Awakening DX
Ball and Chain Soldier sprite from Four Swords
Ball and Chain Soldier sprite from The Minish Cap
Ball and Chain Soldier sprite from Four Swords Adventures
Cadence of Hyrule sprite
Artwork from A Link to the Past
References
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia, pg. 164
- ↑ "Knight" — Link's Awakening Nintendo Player's Guide, pg. 102