Among the many skills and techniques found in classic NES games, the Upward Thrust from Zelda II: The Adventure of Link stands out as both practical and iconic. Introduced as part of Link’s evolving arsenal, this ability brought verticality to combat and allowed players to deal with enemies in a more dynamic way. Though it may seem like a simple mechanic, mastering the Upward Thrust becomes crucial in later stages of the game, particularly in dungeons filled with aerial threats and narrow passages. It’s more than just a flashy move it’s a core part of Link’s combat strategy in Zelda 2.
Understanding the Upward Thrust
What is the Upward Thrust?
The Upward Thrust is a special sword technique in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link that allows Link to attack enemies directly above him. It’s a vertical strike that complements the standard forward and downward attacks and offers critical coverage when dealing with overhead dangers. Without this move, players are left vulnerable to flying enemies or hazards positioned above Link, making progression much harder in specific areas.
How to Acquire the Upward Thrust
The Upward Thrust is not available from the start. Players must seek it out, making it part of Zelda II’s classic exploration and upgrade system. To obtain the Upward Thrust, players need to:
- Reach the town of Darunia, located in the mountainous Death Mountain region on the western side of the continent.
- Navigate the town and find the house with a knight who teaches Link the technique.
- Ensure that Link has the Jump spell, as it is required to reach certain areas in Darunia to find the knight’s house.
Once learned, the move is permanently added to Link’s skillset and can be used in any overhead situation.
Using the Upward Thrust Effectively
Combat Applications
The Upward Thrust is most useful against flying enemies such as Bubbles, Moas, and airborne wizards that appear in the later palaces. It also works against ceiling-based hazards like falling blocks or certain traps, giving Link a much-needed advantage in confined vertical areas. Timing is crucial players must jump and press the attack button while holding the up direction on the D-pad to execute the move correctly.
Some key benefits of using Upward Thrust in combat include:
- Hitting enemies on platforms above Link without needing to climb to their level.
- Clearing out aerial threats before they drop down or dive into attack range.
- Making tight, vertical corridors safer to navigate.
Utility in Exploration
Beyond combat, the Upward Thrust can also be used to break certain blocks that are located above Link. This adds another layer of utility to the technique, opening up previously inaccessible areas or shortcuts in dungeons. In combination with the Downward Thrust, it gives players the freedom to manipulate terrain and find secrets more easily.
Strategic Value in Dungeon Design
Late-Game Importance
As players progress to more advanced palaces in Zelda II, enemy patterns become more unpredictable, and vertical movement becomes essential. The Upward Thrust turns Link into a more versatile fighter, helping him handle threats from multiple directions. It also pairs well with the game’s emphasis on timing, defense, and resource management.
Enemies are often placed in a way that encourages or even demands the use of the technique. For example:
- Wizards that fire spells from elevated platforms.
- Enemies that fly in erratic patterns but linger above Link’s reach.
- Moving platforms with hazards above that can’t be ignored.
Without Upward Thrust, players must rely on evasion or awkward jumps to get past these encounters, increasing the risk of damage and wasted resources.
Comparing Upward Thrust to Downward Thrust
Complementary Techniques
While the Downward Thrust often gets more attention due to its flashy pogo-like behavior, the Upward Thrust offers a quieter, but equally important, tactical edge. Together, these techniques provide Link with full vertical control in combat. Knowing when to use each is essential to mastering the game’s nuanced combat system.
Here’s how the two compare:
- Upward Thrust: Great for enemies directly above or flying overhead; useful in confined vertical spaces.
- Downward Thrust: More aggressive and crowd-controlling; best used on grounded or shielded enemies from above.
Skill-Based Execution
Executing the Upward Thrust consistently requires precision. Since Link has to jump and press both up and attack simultaneously, the timing can be tricky at first. However, with practice, the motion becomes second nature. Players who master both thrust techniques gain a noticeable edge in survival and efficiency, especially in dungeons with complex enemy arrangements.
Tips for Mastery
Practice in Safe Zones
If you’re struggling to get used to the timing of the Upward Thrust, try practicing in towns or against slow-moving enemies. Moas in the overworld or bubbles in palaces make for good practice targets. Use the Jump spell to reach higher areas and simulate vertical attacks until you’re comfortable with the input.
Use in Conjunction with Magic
The Jump and Shield spells can help make Upward Thrust safer to execute. Jump allows Link to reach higher altitudes, giving more room to perform the thrust effectively. Shield reduces incoming damage in case your timing is off or you miss the attack. Spells and technique go hand in hand in Zelda II, and proper planning can turn a risky area into a manageable one.
Anticipate Enemy Movement
Don’t just react predict. Many flying enemies have patterns. Watch their movements before engaging, and position yourself to take advantage of those openings. Getting underneath them with just the right amount of spacing will ensure the Upward Thrust lands cleanly, avoiding unnecessary health loss.
Legacy and Influence
A Rare Innovation for Its Time
Zelda II often divides fans due to its departure from the original top-down style, but the game introduced several features that remain beloved today. The Upward Thrust is one of those mechanics that added depth to the platforming and combat not typically seen in NES-era action RPGs. It represented an early step toward giving players greater agency in how they approached fights and terrain navigation.
Appearing in Later Games
While the Upward Thrust is unique to Zelda II, echoes of it can be found in later titles where Link uses vertical sword attacks or gains similar movement-based abilities. It helped lay the groundwork for future Zelda titles that would incorporate deeper combat systems, such as The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess or Skyward Sword, where direction-based swordplay became a core feature.
The Upward Thrust in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link is a deceptively simple move that unlocks a deeper layer of control, strategy, and progression. It represents the game’s commitment to skill-based combat and thoughtful exploration. While it may not be as flashy as other mechanics, its impact on gameplay is undeniable. For players willing to invest time into learning it, the Upward Thrust becomes a key tool for surviving the game’s toughest challenges and fully experiencing the depth of one of the most ambitious Zelda games of its time.