Shock Switch
Shock Switches,(MM)[1][name references needed] also known as Crystal Switches(ALttP | LA | FSA | ALBW | ZA)[2][3][4][5][6] and Crystals,(BotW)[7] are recurring Objects in The Legend of Zelda series.[note 1] Shock Switches go unnamed in Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch, The Minish Cap, Phantom Hourglass, Spirit Tracks, and Tri Force Heroes.
Location and Uses
Shock Switches are small sphere- or obelisk-shaped Switches that can be activated by being slashed by a Sword or hit by another weapon. They will then change color. Shock Switches are usually a two-position toggle with effects that last until they are hit again, but single-use and timed varieties also exist. Sometimes several Shock Switches will be connected to the same puzzle, each one acting as a toggle. They frequently move barriers and walls into new positions and affect everything in the Dungeon, rather than just the immediate area like other Switches. In some cases, a Bomb must be used to activate a Shock Switch after a time delay so Link can get ready for its effect.
A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, shock switches are used mainly for Barrier block puzzles used throughout dungeons. When link hits one and it changes color, the blocks will either lift or recede into the ground, changing the path link can take.
Link's Awakening
Crystal SwitchesIn some dungeons, cubical barriers may prevent you from advancing. You can make these blocks rise and fall by applying force to the Crystal Switches with your sword or other items. Note that each switch will affect every block in the dungeon.
In Link's Awakening, shock switches retain many of their properties from a link to the past, and are used in barrier block puzzles throughout dungeons.
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, Shock Switches are used in several dungeons and mini dungeons, most notably the Fire Temple, where they are frequently used to solve puzzles and open Goron cells throughout the dungeon.
Majora's Mask
In Majora's Mask, hit switches are used in several dungeons and mini dungeons, notably the Ancient Castle of Ikana where they are used to solve puzzles and preserve progress throughout the dungeon.
Four Swords Adventures
Crystal SwitchesActivate these switches by hitting them with items like the boomerang or the bow.
The Minish Cap
Two varieties of Shock Switches appear in The Minish Cap, often in Dungeons or cave systems in areas such as Mount Crenel and Veil Falls. Both can be activated if Link strikes them with a Sword, a Bomb or Remote Bomb, an Arrow or Light Arrow, the Boomerang or Magical Boomerang, or by firing a Sword Beam or Peril Beam at them. The gray variety, once struck and activated, turn yellow and their effects are permanent. While some appear on their own, they often come in groups and must be struck simultaneously to activate their effect. The colored variety are either blue or red, and act as a toggle that alternates between the two colors as they are struck. Both varieties of Shock Switches often activate bridges or cause various Objects to appear, such as Minish Portals.
Phantom Hourglass
Spirit Tracks
A Link Between Worlds
Tri Force Heroes
In Tri Force Heroes, many Shock Switches contain protective metal flaps which close around the Switch if any of the Links approach them, forcing the heroes to activate them from a distance using their Items.
Breath of the Wild
In Breath of the Wild, striking Shock Switches with a Weapon does not damage the Weapon.
Other Appearances
Zelda's Adventure
Nomenclature
 Names in Other Regions  | ||
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| Language | Names | Meanings |
 Japanese |
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| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | ||
Gallery
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Artwork of a Crystal Switch from A Link to the Past
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A Crystal Switch from A Link to the Past
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A Crystal Switch from Link's Awakening
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An active Crystal Switch from Link's Awakening for Nintendo Switch
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An inactive Shock Switch from Majora's Mask
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A red Shock Switch from The Minish Cap
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A gray Shock Switch from The Minish Cap
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An activated gray Shock Switch from The Minish Cap
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An active Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
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A red Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass
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A blue Shock Switch from Phantom Hourglass
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Link performing a Spin Attack to hit four Shock Switches simultaneously from Phantom Hourglass
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An activated, cyan Crystal Switch from A Link Between Worlds
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An activated Crystal from Breath of the Wild
See Also
Notes
- ↑ Shock Switches were referred to as Crystals in The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures—The Official Nintendo Player's Guide by Nintendo Power.[8] However, as this contradicts the name given in the game's manual, it is not considered Canon
References
- ↑ "Canyon, #3: Shock Switch A" — Sheikah Stone (Majora's Mask 3D)
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past—Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 63
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening—Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 36
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 16
- ↑ Four Swords Adventures manual, pg. 32
- ↑ Zelda's Adventure manual, pg. 9
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild—The Complete Official Guide (Expanded Edition), Piggyback Interactive Limited, pg. 31
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures—The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 102
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Perfect Guide, Kadokawa Game Linkage Co., Ltd., pg. 418
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Shogakukan, pg. 34
- ↑ A Link to the Past manual, [which page?]