How to Defeat Demise in the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Last Updated: July 7, 2021

Demise is the final boss in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. He is Ghirahim's master, the leader of the Demon Tribe, and the true form of The Imprisoned. He can be very challenging. This article will help you end victorious.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
First Phase

1
The first phase tests your defense. Any time you attack Demise, he will parry it with his sword. You can also wait for him to attack you if you don't want to risk losing health. When he prepares to strike, you shield bash or backflip. This give you an opportunity to attack.
2
Every time you attack, make sure it doesn't hit his sword or else it will reset the attacks you landed and you will have to start over! Don't attack like a maniac or use a lot of attacks as Demise will fight back while you are open for them. Demise will fall to the ground after 4 consecutive hits. Simply swing rapidly until he gets back up.
3
Repeat Steps 1 and 2.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Second Phase

1
Eventually, the sky will turn even darker, the arena will start to rain, and lightning will strike. Demise's sword will be absorbed by the electricity. If you try attacking him, you will be shocked. You cannot use the Skyward Strike.
2
Demise will release his Skyward Strike. Sidestep or quickly roll away.
3
Raise your sword to the sky, and eventually the electricity will absorb your sword. Quickly unleash it on Demise before he runs up and strikes you down or blocks your Skyward Strike with one of his.
4
If the previous step is done correctly, Demise will fall to one knee. Keep hitting until he gets back up without attacking too much or you will lose focus and Demise can attack without you defending yourself fast enough to.
5
Repeat.
6
Occasionally, Demise will perform a dash attack that will damage and electrocute you if not careful. Either backflip or shield-bash at the last moment. You can always prevent this by going close but not too close and tempting him to hit you after he gets up you attack him.
7
When Demise is weak enough, he will fall back-first. Quickly deliver an Ending Blow before he gets back up and you have to go through a short form of phase 2. This will always fail the first time, but if you are very fast, the second time you can finish him. If not, you can always try again for the third and fourth time.
8
Congrats! You've beaten The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Enjoy the ending, and wait three years for the next.

Community Q&A

Question

What weakness or weak spot does Demise have?

Community Answer

Wait until he holds up his sword, slash the lightning back at him, then run up and hit him a lot. Keep going until you can use the finishing move (when you thrust both controllers down). After that, he's dead and you beat the game.

Warnings

Screwing up during the shield-bash sequence could really damage your shield. Make sure you've equipped either a Goddess Shield or Hylian Shield before you go up against the final boss.

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Don't use cheating methods or glitches like the Bug Net deflecting glitch unless you are very skilled in beating bosses as it will waste your health.

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Go close to Demise if you don't want him to dash-attack you often. Going too close during the second phase will electrocute you to death slowly.

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