|caption= The {{Term|TP|Hero's Spirit|link}} training {{Term|TP|Link|link}} so he can learn the {{Plural|TP|Hidden Skill}}.
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'''Hidden Skills''' are seven special [[Sword]] techniques taught by the [[Hero's Shade]] and learned by [[Link]] in {{TP}}.
The {{Term/Store|Hidden Skill|Hidden Skills|Series, TP, TPHD|plural}} are seven special {{Term|TPHD|Sword|link}} techniques taught by the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit|link}} and learned by {{Term|TPHD|Link|link}} in {{TP}}.<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= SS |publisher= Prima |page= 6}}</ref>
==Learning a Hidden Skill==
==Overview==
To acquire a Hidden Skill, Link must first find specific [[Howling Stone]]s that will teach him a new song. Once the young hero howls the melody with the [[Golden Wolf]], which is the wolf form of the Hero's Shade, the skeleton warrior will ask Link to transform into his human self and find him, pinpointing the location on the young hero's map.<ref>{{Cite|Let teachings of old pass to you... Take sword in hand and find me...|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> When Link has found the golden wolf, Link will walk up to the wolf and be transported to a cloudy area, where he will be taught the hidden skill by the Hero's Shade. However, before the session begins, the Hero's Shade will always ask Link if he is ready to learn the next skill.<ref>{{Cite|You have a little more of the look of a hero than you did before... Do you feel ready to earn your next skill?|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> Should the young hero say no, the warrior will transport Link back to [[Hyrule]]. If Link says yes, the Hero's Shade will test him to see if he properly learned the previous hidden skill, and if he passes the test, the Hero's Shade will proceed to teach Link the next skill.<ref>{{Cite|But before we begin, I must test you to ensure you have mastered the last skill I taught you...the ending blow.|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref>
To acquire a {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link|link}} must first find specific {{Plural|TPHD|Howling Stone|link}} that will teach him a new song. Once {{Term|TPHD|Wolf Link|link}} howls the melody with the {{Term|TPHD|White Wolf|link}}, which is the wolf form of the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit|link}}, he will ask {{Term|TPHD|Link}} to transform into his human self and find him, pinpointing the location on {{Term|TPHD|Link}}'s {{Term|TPHD|Map|link}}.<ref>{{Cite|Let teachings of old pass to you... Take sword in hand and find me...|Hero's Spirit|TP}}</ref> When {{Term|TPHD|Link}} has found the {{Term|TPHD|White Wolf}}, Link will be transported to a cloudy area, where he will be taught the {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} by the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit}}. However, before the session begins, the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit}} will always ask {{Term|TPHD|Link}} if he is ready to learn the next skill.<ref>{{Cite|You have a little more of the look of a hero than you did before... Do you feel ready to earn your next skill?|Hero's Spirit|TPHD}}</ref> Should {{Term|TPHD|Link}} say no, the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit}} will transport {{Term|TPHD|Link}} back to {{Term|TPHD|Hyrule|link}}. If {{Term|TPHD|Link}} says yes, the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit}} will test him to see if he properly learned the previous {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}}.<ref>{{Cite|But before we begin, I must test you to ensure you have mastered the last skill I taught you...the {{Color|TPHD Red|ending blow}}.|Hero's Spirit|TPHD}}</ref> If he passes the test, the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit}} will proceed to teach {{Term|TPHD|Link}} the next skill.<ref>{{Cite|Excellent. It appears you are certainly capable of performing my lost art.|Hero's Spirit|TPHD}}</ref>
Although up to seven hidden skills can be learned throughout the game, only the first one, the Ending Blow, is required to complete the game. As such, the first meeting with the Golden Wolf cannot be avoided.
Although up to seven {{Plural|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} can be learned throughout {{Term|TPHD|Hyrule|link}}, only the first one, the {{Term|TPHD|Ending Blow|link}}, is required to finish {{Term|TPHD|Link}}'s quest. As such, the first meeting with the {{Term|TPHD|White Wolf}} cannot be avoided.
==List of Skills==
===Ending Blow===
===Ending Blow===
{{quote|The enemies that are filled with energy will quickly recover and attack again even when stunned by a powerful strike. The ending blow is a secret technique you can use to end their breath before they spring back into action.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Ending Blow|link}} is the first {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that is taught to {{Term|TPHD|Link|link}} by the {{Term|TPHD|Hero's Spirit}}. As its name implies, the {{Term|TPHD|Ending Blow}} is an attack that will eliminate most {{Plural|TPHD|Enemy}} if properly executed.
The '''Ending Blow''' is the first Hidden Skill that is taught to [[Link]] by the Hero's Spirit. It is the only Hidden Skill that must be learned in order to advance through the game.
As its name implies, the Ending Blow is a decisive stroke that will eliminate any enemy if properly executed. Once an enemy is temporarily knocked down, Link will have a chance to finish off the foe by jumping in the air and performing a [[Down Thrust]] right into the enemy's chest, thus instantly defeating it. The chance to execute this skill is notified when the player is prompted to press the Action Button on the controller when "Finish" appears on the screen. If the button is pressed, Link will dispatch the downed foe with a jump and a downward thrust of his [[sword]]. However, if the enemy moves out of the way, Link will be temporarily vulnerable while trying to pull the sword out of the ground.
The Ending Blow can also be used on certain bosses and minibosses, such as the [[Deku Toad]]. The Ending Blow is used in the final part of the battle against [[Ganon]]dorf. Once Link has dealt enough damage to Ganondorf to knock him down to the ground, the young hero will use this skill to deliver the final blow to the Evil King, thrusting the [[Master Sword]] into Ganondorf's chest and thus defeating him.
[[Torch Slug]]s are the only foes that will prompt a Ending Blow "Finish" without taking damage, for they will emit a burst of flames that will fling Link off before he has a chance to make contact. Due to the control setup, this also makes a targeted [[Jump Attack]] impossible on a Torch Slug.
The move reappears in {{SS}} as the '''Fatal Blow''', executed by shaking the Wii Remote and Nunchuck vertically while targeting a downed enemy. The technique does not have to be learned explicitly and is again required to finish the game.
{{quote|No matter how well-tempered a blade is, if a foe is clad in armor and bears a shield, the sword will do it no harm. When facing such a foe, you must [...] thrust your shield against the defenses of your enemy, causing the fiend to recoil.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Shield Attack|link}} is the second {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that {{Term|TPHD|Link}} learns. To perform the {{Term|TPHD|Shield Attack}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must push his {{Term|TPHD|Hylian Shield|link}} out in front of him and use it to bash into {{Plural|TPHD|Enemy}}, lowering their defenses.
The '''Shield Attack''' is the second Hidden Skill in ''Twilight Princess''. This skill lets Link bash the enemy with his [[shield]] to open their defenses. To perform the Shield Attack on the GameCube version, Link must get close enough to the enemy while targeting it and then press the R-Button, which will cause the enemy to lower its defense and thus allow the young hero to attack the foe with another skill, such as the Helm Splitter.<ref>{{Cite|What ails you? You cannot shield-attack with [R] unless you lock on with [L] first! Get closer to your foe and shield-attack with [R]!|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|When facing such a foe, you must use [R] to thrust your shield against the defenses of your enemy, causing the fiend to recoil.|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> In the Wii version of the game, this Hidden Skill can be executed by thrusting the nunchuk forward.<ref name=shield>{{Cite|While [Z]-targeting your enemy, thrust the Nunchuk forward to shove with your shield. You can also reflect your foe's projectiles!|N/A|TP}}</ref>
Other than bringing the enemy's defenses down, the Shield Attack can also be used to deflect certain enemy projectiles.<ref name=shield/>
The move reappears in ''Skyward Sword'' as the '''Shield Bash''', executed by shaking the Nunchuck.
===Back Slice===
===Back Slice===
[[File:Back Slice.jpg|thumb|right|130px|The Back Slice]]
{{Main|Back Slice}}
{{quote|A mere shield attack is no match for an enemy protected not just by a shield, but by a thick, full-body coat of armor. Such enemies are often focused on guarding against frequent frontal attacks. They often leave their rear unprotected.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Back Slice|link}} is the third {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that {{Term|TPHD|Link}} learns. To perform the {{Term|TPHD|Back Slice}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must roll around the enemy and then attack while jumping up.
The '''Back Slice''' is the third Hidden Skill in ''Twilight Princess''. While Link is targeting his enemy, he can side jump with the Action Button to roll around the foe, which will cause for the young hero to end up directly behind his opponent and thus give him a chance to strike. By pressing the Sword Button at the end of the sidewards roll, Link will perform a jumping slice to stab into the enemy's back.<ref>{{cite|That is when you [L]-target and press [A] while tilting [<][+][>] to jump and roll around your foe, then perform a jumping slice.|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> This is seemingly one of the most useful Hidden Skills, as it can be used anytime and is one of the fastest ways to attack and defeat armored foes, such as [[Darknut]]s.
This technique can also be used when nothing is targeted, but Link will just roll sideways instead of in a semi-circular pattern. Side-jumping then side-rolling repeatedly is the fastest way to travel sideways, but running and rolling forward is still faster, unlike in {{OOT}} or ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]''.
The Back Slice is nearly identical to the vertical-countering parry seen in ''The Wind Waker''.
{{quote|It is impossible to circle around and perform a back slice against fully armored enemies that move swiftly in combat. Against such foes, you must first use a shield attack to make them flinch, but then quickly [...] leap into the air over the enemy's head and greet them with your blade by immediately striking from behind.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Helm Splitter|link}} is the fourth {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that {{Term|TPHD|Link}} learns. To perform the {{Term|TPHD|Helm Splitter}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must use a {{Term|TPHD|Shield Attack}} and then attack by jumping over the enemy and attacking from behind.
The '''Helm Splitter''' is the fourth of the Hidden Skills taught by the Hero's Spirit in ''Twilight Princess''. This skill proves useful when the enemy is too fast to successfully perform a Back Slice. The move is initiated by a Shield Attack to stun the enemy, then, by pressing the Action Button, Link will jump in the air above the foe and slices its head in a vertical flipping motion.<ref>{{Cite|As soon as you make your enemy
flinch with a shield attack, immediately strike with [A]. Do not miss your chance to land a helm splitter with [A] after your shield attack!|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> After performing the Helm Splitter, Link will land behind his opponent, giving him a possible chance to attack the foe again from behind. This skill is most effective against enemies with helmets (hence the name), such as [[Darknuts]].
The Helm Splitter is nearly identical to the horizontal-countering parry seen in ''The Wind Waker''.
{{quote|The ways of the sword are known to many creatures, and some have strengthened their guards against shield attacks and back slices. Should you encounter such a foe, the mortal draw that I am about to teach you is most effective. You must sheathe your sword and cast aside the most basic of sword skills, the [...] target. You must wait until your foe is upon you... Then, before the enemy can see through your ruse, you must quickly draw your blade [...]. There is no defense for this. The mortal draw deals death.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Mortal Draw|link}} is the fifth {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that {{Term|TPHD|Link}} learns. To perform the {{Term|TPHD|Mortal Draw}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must sheathe his {{Term|TPHD|Master Sword}} and wait for the enemy to approach him. Once the enemy is close enough, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must attack without Z-Targeting. This instantly kills the enemy.
The '''Mortal Draw''' is the fifth Hidden Skill taught by the Hero's Spirit in ''Twilight Princess''. It is perhaps one of the most useful and devastating of the hidden skills, but it is risky to attempt, especially against multiple foes. To perform it, Link must stand still with his sword sheathed and not target the opponent he wishes to eliminate. Once the foe gets close enough to the young hero, Link's hand will move to his hilt and the Action Button will change to "Draw", which causes Link to quickly draw his sword and perform a devastating blow to the nearest enemy.<ref>{{Cite|Await your enemy with sword sheathed. When Draw [A] appears vividly before your eyes, your chance to strike has come.|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref>
This skill will defeat most enemies in a single hit, and is notably the most damaging sword technique in the entire series in terms of how much it amplifies Link's regular slash.
===Jump Strike===
===Jump Strike===
{{quote|One of the basic sword techniques is the jump attack. It inflicts great damage, but none would call it effective against multiple foes. To perform the jump strike, prepare a jump attack, but focus power in your blade. The surge the blade releases can strike all enemies around you.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Jump Strike|link}} is the sixth {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that {{Term|TPHD|Link}} learns. To perform the {{Term|TPHD|Jump Strike}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must prepare a {{Term|TPHD|Jump Attack|link}} while charging power in his {{Term|TPHD|Master Sword|link}}. Once the power is fully charged, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must release the energy by jumping forwards and slamming his {{Term|TPHD|Master Sword}} into the ground, creating a shockwave that damages all nearby {{Plural|TPHD|Enemy}}.
The '''Jump Strike''' is the sixth Hidden Skill in ''Twilight Princess''. This move is an upgraded version of Link's already devastating [[Jump Attack]], giving him a greater advantage against a group of enemies. Instead of tapping the Action Button while locked on to an enemy, holding the button will charge the Jump Attack to the upgraded Jump Strike.<ref>{{Cite|Lock on with [L], then press and hold [A]. Wait for just the right time to release your strength!|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> When the A Button is released, Link will jump into the air, swing his sword left and right to knock any enemies in his path, and then slam his sword into the ground, creating a shock wave that will knock down all enemies in range.<ref>{{Cite|Carefully consider the distance of your enemies, and then focus your power with [A]. Then release it!|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref>
Unfortunately, this attack is harder to pull off than most other Hidden Skills. It forces Link to remain in one place for a moment to charge before striking, allowing enemies to strike him prior to his strike. Even after Link leaps up and swings away in mid-air, many enemies will still be able to attack him mid-jump.
{{Clear}}
===Great Spin===
===Great Spin===
[[File:Great Spin.jpg|thumb|right|190px|The Great Spin]]
{{Main|Great Spin}}
{{quote|You have at your disposal the basic sword technique known as the spin attack. You now have in you the ability to magnify the power of your spin attack. But the only time you can draw out that power is when your life energy is brimming full.|Hero's Shade}}
The {{Term|TPHD|Great Spin|link}} is the seventh and final {{Term|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} that {{Term|TPHD|Link}} learns. To perform the {{Term|TPHD|Great Spin}}, {{Term|TPHD|Link}} must perform a normal {{Term|TPHD|Spin Attack|link}} while at full health, which will upgrade the {{Term|TPHD|Spin Attack}} to the {{Term|TPHD|Great Spin}}.
The '''Great Spin''' is the last Hidden Skill in ''Twilight Princess''. This move is a much stronger version of Link's normal [[Spin Attack]]. At full health,<ref>{{Cite|I will repeat this once more: you can only perform this technique when your life energy is brimming full. Remember this.|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> Link uses a wide-range Spin Attack with a powerful wave for extended radius.<ref>{{Cite|You learned the final hidden skill, the great spin! With full life energy, unleash a spin attack for even more damage.|Hero's Shade|TP}}</ref> The difference between the Great Spin and the Spin Attack can be noticed by how the Great Spin's attack radius is red instead of the Spin Attack's light green.
In the Twilight Realm, if Link is at full health and has recovered the light to the realm, the Spin Attack will reach its maximum reach, as the Light Spin Attack has the same reach as the Great Spin, and combined with the Great Spin's radius makes it much wider (approximately 1.5 the radius of the Great Spin).
==Nomenclature==
{{Nomenclature}}
The Great Spin returns in {{ALBW}} as the reward for returning all 100 [[Lost Maiamai]]s to [[Mother Maiamai]].<ref>{{Cite|Incredible! You've mastered the Great Spin! Build power by holding B, and then let loose!|Dialogue box when obtaining the Great Spin|ALBW}}</ref> It works in pretty much the same fashion as in ''Twilight Princess'', an increase in power and radius over the normal Spin Attack.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:TP Hidden Skill Icon.png|{{Term|TP|Link}}'s list of {{Plural|TP|Hidden Skill}} in {{TP|-}}
File:TPHD Hidden Skill Icon.png|{{Term|TPHD|Link}}'s list of {{Plural|TPHD|Hidden Skill}} in {{TPHD|-}}
File:TP Link Using Shield Attack.jpg|{{Term|TP|Link}} using the {{Term|TP|Shield Attack}} on a {{Term|TP|Lizalfos}}
File:TP Link Using Back Slice.jpg|{{Term|TP|Link}} using the {{Term|TP|Back Slice}} on a {{Term|TP|Lizalfos}}
File:TP Link Using Helm Splitter.jpg|{{Term|TP|Link}} using the {{Term|TP|Helm Splitter}} on a {{Term|TP|Lizalfos}}
File:TP Link Using Mortal Draw.jpg|{{Term|TP|Link}} using the {{Term|TP|Mortal Draw}} on a {{Term|TP|Lizalfos}}
File:TP Link Using Jump Strike.jpg|{{Term|TP|Link}} using the {{Term|TP|Jump Strike}}
File:TP Link Using Great Spin.jpg|{{Term|TP|Link}} using the {{Term|TP|Great Spin}}
To acquire a Hidden Skill, Link must first find specific Howling Stones that will teach him a new song. Once Wolf Link howls the melody with the White Wolf, which is the wolf form of the Hero's Spirit, he will ask Link to transform into his human self and find him, pinpointing the location on Link's Map.[2] When Link has found the White Wolf, Link will be transported to a cloudy area, where he will be taught the Hidden Skill by the Hero's Spirit. However, before the session begins, the Hero's Spirit will always ask Link if he is ready to learn the next skill.[3] Should Link say no, the Hero's Spirit will transport Link back to Hyrule. If Link says yes, the Hero's Spirit will test him to see if he properly learned the previous Hidden Skill.[4] If he passes the test, the Hero's Spirit will proceed to teach Link the next skill.[5]
Although up to seven Hidden Skills can be learned throughout Hyrule, only the first one, the Ending Blow, is required to finish Link's quest. As such, the first meeting with the White Wolf cannot be avoided.
The Ending Blow is the first Hidden Skill that is taught to Link by the Hero's Spirit. As its name implies, the Ending Blow is an attack that will eliminate most Enemies if properly executed.
The Shield Attack is the second Hidden Skill that Link learns. To perform the Shield Attack, Link must push his Hylian Shield out in front of him and use it to bash into Enemies, lowering their defenses.
The Back Slice is the third Hidden Skill that Link learns. To perform the Back Slice, Link must roll around the enemy and then attack while jumping up.
The Helm Splitter is the fourth Hidden Skill that Link learns. To perform the Helm Splitter, Link must use a Shield Attack and then attack by jumping over the enemy and attacking from behind.
The Mortal Draw is the fifth Hidden Skill that Link learns. To perform the Mortal Draw, Link must sheathe his Master Sword and wait for the enemy to approach him. Once the enemy is close enough, Link must attack without Z-Targeting. This instantly kills the enemy.
The Jump Strike is the sixth Hidden Skill that Link learns. To perform the Jump Strike, Link must prepare a Jump Slash while charging power in his Master Sword. Once the power is fully charged, Link must release the energy by jumping forwards and slamming his Master Sword into the ground, creating a shockwave that damages all nearby Enemies.
The Great Spin is the seventh and final Hidden Skill that Link learns. To perform the Great Spin, Link must perform a normal Spin Attack while at full health, which will upgrade the Spin Attack to the Great Spin.
↑"You have a little more of the look of a hero than you did before... Do you feel ready to earn your next skill?" — Hero's Spirit (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"But before we begin, I must test you to ensure you have mastered the last skill I taught you...the ending blow." — Hero's Spirit (Twilight Princess HD)
Names in Other Regions 
