Demon Lord Ghirahim boss battle guide (Fire Sanctuary) — Zelda: Skyward Sword HD

The second time you face Demon Lord Ghirahim in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is in the Eldin Volcano’s Fire Sanctuary. While this fight takes place much farther into the story, it’s similar to the first time you squared off.

Polygon’s The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword guide for the Ghirahim boss battle will explain what the boss does in his two phases. This guide will give you tips, tricks, and tactics to defeat your opponent. It will explain his attacks, movement patterns, and what to do to counter his abilities.

Phase 1

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

In the first phase of the boss battle, Demon Lord Ghirahim summons two or four red daggers. He uses these daggers to block your sword strikes. Swing at the small knives to break them before using the same feint techniques you used in the last battle to hit him.

Hold your sword off to one side, then as Ghirahim moves his hand to block from that direction, swing your sword from the opposite direction to land a blow.

Phase 2

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

In the second phase of the boss battle, Demon Lord Ghirahim summons two swords to block your attacks.

Strike from the direction the boss is not blocking to land hits. If you hit him while he’s not actively blocking, he performs a fast counterstrike on you.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Every so often, Ghirahim summons a fan of daggers all around you. You have to dodge right before they come down to avoid getting hit. You can also swing at the daggers to destroy them.

Ghirahim’s other attacks in this phase include a short sword combo and a leaping strike. If he teleports and disappears from view, he will fall from the sky with a downward stab a few seconds later. The moment he teleports, begin running and his strike will miss you. If he doesn’t hit you, his sword gets stuck in the ground. This is the perfect time for a big counterattack.