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Some of the most unique characters Link encounters during his adventures is the Darknut. These armored enemies are known for their large size and strength, as well as their difficult to penetrate armor.
While they may seem daunting at first, with the right strategy they can be defeated relatively easily. This Darknut guide will teach you everything you need to know about Darknuts, from their strengths and weaknesses to the best ways to take them down.
Key Details Up Front
Whether you’re playing the first version of Legend of Zelda or one of the most recent, there’s a good chance you’ll come across Darknuts. These dangerous foes are known for their heavy armor and hard-hitting attacks. Do your best to get behind them before they take you out!
What are Darknuts?
One of the most distinguishing features of Darknuts is their armor. This heavy metal armor protects them from almost all frontal attacks, making them difficult to damage with traditional weapons. The only way to break through this armor is to attack from behind, which can be tricky given their large size and slow movements.
One of the best ways to take down a Darknut is to wait for them to swing their weapon, then dodge out of the way and strike them from behind. Another method is to use bombs, which will damage them regardless of where they hit.
Despite their large size and strong armor, Darknuts are surprisingly nimble. They can dodge most attacks with ease, and will often counterattack after parrying one of Link’s blows.
This makes them dangerous foes to engage in direct combat, but there are still ways to defeat them. One method is to use long-range weapons such as the bow or boomerang, which can hit them from a distance without putting Link in danger. Another option is to use Magic Powder, which will temporarily paralyze a Darknut and leave them vulnerable to attack.
Legend of Zelda Appearances
Darknuts recur in many games in the Legend of Zelda series. Let’s take a look at where you can expect to encounter these challenging foes!
The Legend of Zelda
The first iteration of Legend of Zelda has Darknuts that come in either red or blue. Be aware that red ones are easier to defeat than the blue ones. You’ll usually see at least three Darknuts together, which can make them tough to beat, especially if you’re in a confined area.
You’ll typically find these enemies in dungeons, so be ready for them if you’re making your way through a temple. Using bombs might seem a bit like taking the easy way out, but if you have them, put them to good use.
Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
You’ll only encounter Darknuts in Kanalet Castle as you play through Link’s Awakening. If you’ve played A Link to the Past, you’ll discover that the Darknuts are much the same as the Soldiers in that game. They defend themselves with their large shields and charge at Link. Step to one side and hit them from behind to defeat them.
Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons
Like the original Legend of Zelda, you’ll fight either blue or red Darknuts in both Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages. Blue Darknuts are more difficult to defeat than the red ones, however, you may also come across a golden Darknut in Oracle of Seasons.
These are Darknuts that can throw spears. They’re more difficult to defeat, but they can’t defend themselves. Take your time, get behind them, and hit them as many times as possible to defeat them.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
While there are no Darknuts in Ocarina of Time, there are enemies that are very similar to them. Iron Knuckles are located in the Spirit Temple and in Ganon’s Castle. These foes are just as difficult as Darknuts to beat, so be prepared before you encounter one.
Legend of Zelda: Four Swords
The Darknuts in Four Swords all sport yellow armor. They’ll also have shields and use large balls with spikes as their primary weapon. Darknuts will swing these balls around as they move in on Link. Eventually, they’ll launch the ball at Link, then draw it back in. Avoid this attack, then watch for the Darknut to stop moving. It’s time to attack!
It will take quite a few hits to defeat a Darknut and they like to surround Link and attack him when he’s in an area that doesn’t have many exits. They’re among the many enemies Link will have to defeat to find a way to escape. It’s almost like a mini-boss battle.
Unfortunately, these Darknuts rarely fight alone, so you’ll have to be ready to take on multiple foes at the same time. This makes them one of the more difficult enemies in Four Swords to defeat.
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
You’ll come across a variety of Darknuts as you make your way through Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. The strength of these enemies will vary based on their color. Plus, some of the more powerful Darknuts Link encounters will have capes.
The first one Link has to defeat is a Darknut in the Tower of the Gods. This is a mini-boss battle that you have to beat to move on. Just like other Legend of Zelda games, Darknuts are difficult to defeat due to the solidity of their armor. However, if you continue to hit it, it will eventually drop.
With their armor removed, you can start doing serious damage to a Darknut. While they will be much faster and able to evade your attacks, when you do land a hit, it will significantly more damage. In Wind Waker, Link can disarm Darknuts and take their swords, which are big and powerful enough to destroy pillars.
Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
There are plenty of enemies you’ll fight in The Minish Cap, but some of the toughest are Darknuts. These foes come in different colors, just like they do in Wind Waker. Keep an eye out for the black Darknuts, as they are the most difficult to defeat.
These enemies will attack Link with an attack called a tornado thrust. They lunge forward, stabbing toward Link as they do so, and release a powerful blast of energy from their sword that rotates like a tornado.
However, unlike Wind Waker, the Darknut armor cannot be destroyed or removed in The Minish Cap. This makes these challenging foes a little more difficult to defeat.
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Link will first encounter a Darknut in the Temple of Time. This is a mini-boss battle, but it sure doesn’t feel like one since it’s so early in the game. From there on out, you’ll have to keep a watchful eye as you could encounter a Darknut any time during gameplay.
When you do fight a Darknut, take your time and look for opportunities to attack. It’s not easy to see openings while you attempt to dodge its huge sword, but it can be done. If all else fails, simply block it with your shield. Back slices will work against a Darknut, but don’t be surprised if they’re blocked or parried.
The best offense against these Darknuts is to keep your shield up and jump to the side when they attack. When they do, you can quickly strike your enemy and do some damage. If the options pop up, use the helm splitter or the shield attack. Every time you hit the Darknut, a piece of its armor will fall off.
After enough hits, your enemy will simply do away with its armor and sword and pull out a smaller sword. This is an indication that the second phase of the battle has begun. In this phase, wait for the Darknut to attack, then dodge when it does.
Successfully avoid the strike, then quickly start hitting him with your sword. If you’re confident in your skills, bust out your back slice. Doing so will make the Darknut block your attack, which will present an opportunity for Link to do some damage.
Aside from the Temple of Time, Link will also have to defeat Darknuts in the Cave of Ordeals and in Hyrule Castle. No matter where you encounter them, they’re sure to put up a heck of a fight.
FAQs
There are plenty of questions about Darknuts, where you’ll find them, and how to defeat them. Here are some of the more commonly asked ones:
Question: Where can I Find a Darknut?
Answer: You’ll find Darknuts in different temples and dungeons throughout the Legend of Zelda series. In Wind Waker, you’ll have to fight one in the Tower of the Gods. In Twilight Princess, you’ll encounter them in the Temple of Time and Hyrule Castle.
Question: How do I Defeat a Darknut?
Answer: The easiest way to defeat a Darknut is to wait for it to attack, then dodge out of the way. When it does, you’ll have a chance to hit it with your sword. If you can, use a back slice or the helm splitter move. You can also try using bombs, but they’re not as effective.
Question: What is the Difference Between a Darknut and a Lizalfos?
Answer: Lizalfos are lizard-like enemies that wield swords and shields. They’re similar to Darknuts, but they’re not as tough to defeat. You’ll find Lizalfos in different temples and dungeons throughout the Legend of Zelda series.
Question: How can I Tell if a Darknut is Going to Attack?
Answer: Darknuts will usually give away their attacks by telegraphing them. If you see it raise its sword, that’s usually an indication that it’s about to attack. If you see it spin its sword around, that means it’s about to use its tornado thrust move. If you see it jump in the air, that means it’s about to perform a downward stab.
Question: Do Darknuts Have any Weaknesses?
Answer: There are a few things that can help you take down a Darknut. First, you can try using bombs. They’re not as effective as your sword, but they can still do some damage. Second, you can use the spin attack.
This will usually break off its armor, leaving it vulnerable to your attacks. Finally, you can use the back slice. This will usually make the Darknut block your attack, which will present an opportunity for Link to do some damage.
Question: What is the Difference Between a Darknut and a Stalfos?
Answer: Stalfos are skeleton-like enemies that wield swords and shields. They’re similar to Darknuts, but they’re not as tough to defeat. You’ll find Stalfos in different temples and dungeons throughout the Legend of Zelda series.
Question: Do Darknuts have any Strengths?
Answer: Aside from their armor, which can deflect most attacks, Darknuts don’t have any real strengths. Their biggest advantage is their size, which makes them difficult to hit. They also have a lot of health, so it takes quite a few hits to take one down.
Question: What is the Difference Between a Darknut and an Armos?
Answer: Armos are statue-like enemies that come to life when you get close to them. They don’t wield any weapons, but they can still be tough to defeat. You’ll find Armos in different temples and dungeons throughout the Legend of Zelda series.
Question: Do Darknuts have any Armor?
Answer: Yes, Darknuts have armor that protects them from most attacks. Continuing to slash away at them will eventually break off their armor, leaving them vulnerable to your attacks.
Question: What is the Difference Between a Darknut and a Redead?
Answer: Redeads are zombie-like enemies that can be found in different temples and dungeons throughout the Legend of Zelda series. They don’t wield any weapons, but they can still be tough to defeat.
Strong yet Beatable
Darknuts are powerful enemies, but with the right strategy they can be defeated. Use bombs or long-range weapons to break through their armor, and use Magic Powder to paralyze them and strike while they’re vulnerable. With these techniques, you’ll be able to take down even the toughest Darknuts.
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