Zelda II beginner guide: levels, swordplay and recovery
Plan experience upgrades, use towns and learn the two sword techniques.
Edition covered
International NES cartridge rules. The earlier Japanese Famicom Disk System version has different experience and presentation rules.
Choose useful level gains
Attack, Magic and Life each rise to level 8 in the international NES game. Attack improves sword damage, Magic lowers spell costs and Life reduces damage taken. A cancelled upgrade lets experience accumulate toward another category.
| Category | Effect | Useful priority |
|---|---|---|
| Attack | Stronger sword hits | Shorter enemy fights |
| Magic | Cheaper spells | More Life and traversal casts |
| Life | Less damage received | Greater room for combat mistakes |
| Unspent experience | Progress toward the next level | Spend before a risky final life |
Practice defense before trading hits
Link’s shield blocks suitable projectiles at his standing or crouching height. Ironknuckles change their guard, so vary attack height and strike while landing instead of repeatedly attacking a raised shield.
| Situation | Action | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Low projectile | Crouch with shield facing it | Match shield height |
| Ironknuckle guard | Vary jump and attack timing | Expose its unguarded side |
| Enemy below Link | Use downward thrust | Attack during descent |
| Town reached | Restore health and magic | Prepare for the next route |
Use towns as recovery stops
Women in towns offer health or magic recovery inside their houses. Refill both before a palace; the Life spell consumes the same magic reserve needed for required traversal spells.
Learn the two thrusts
Mido teaches the downward thrust after Link reaches the swordsman’s house with Jump. Darunia teaches the upward thrust. Both extend sword coverage without spending magic every time they are used.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Nintendo instruction booklet | www.nintendo.co.jp |
| Palaces and progression reference | www.zeldadungeon.net |