Basic Controls & Movement — The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Guide

Get a grip on Link's basic moves and controls in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Learn to walk, run, climb, and more to start your Hyrule adventure!

Hey there! So you've just woken up in Hyrule, huh? Don't worry, this world is huge and can feel a little overwhelming at first, but getting a handle on the basic controls is the first step to becoming a true hero. Let's break down how to move Link around and interact with this amazing world. Think of this as your friendly primer before you even touch that Sheikah Slate!

You'll be doing a lot of walking, running, and exploring, so let's start with the absolute essentials. The left analog stick is your best friend for movement – push it in any direction to make Link walk or run. Hold down the 'B' button (or 'A' on Xbox) while moving to make him sprint. Sprinting is super useful for covering ground quickly, but keep an eye on your stamina wheel – if it empties, Link will get tired and stop for a bit.

Climbing is also a huge part of exploring Hyrule. You can climb almost any surface, from cliffs to trees to ruins. Just hold the 'A' button (or 'X' on Xbox) while near a climbable surface, and Link will grab on. Keep holding 'A' to climb up, and use the left analog stick to steer him. Just like sprinting, climbing drains your stamina, so you'll need to find ledges or rest spots to catch your breath. If you run out of stamina while climbing, Link will fall, so always be mindful of that little green wheel!

Interacting with the world is just as important. When you see an object you can pick up, like a weapon or an item, you'll usually see a prompt to press 'A' (or 'X'). For things you can grab and hold, like crates or barrels, you'll use the 'R' button (or 'RB' on Xbox). This is also how you'll open chests and talk to people. Remember to press the 'X' button (or 'A' on Xbox) to jump – useful for hopping over small obstacles or getting a bit of extra height.

You've also got your trusty shield and weapon. Hold down the 'ZL' button (or 'LT' on Xbox) to bring up your shield and block attacks. If you time a shield bash just right as an enemy hits you, you might even get a perfect guard! To swing your weapon, just press the 'Y' button (or 'Y' on Xbox). Different weapons have different attack speeds and ranges, so experiment to see what you like best.

Finally, don't forget about your Sheikah Slate abilities, which you'll get pretty early on. These are activated using the directional buttons. For example, the 'Up' button on the D-pad often brings up context-sensitive actions or your Slate abilities. You'll learn to use things like bombs, magnesis, and stasis as you progress, and they're all mapped to your D-pad or other buttons. Take your time to get comfortable with these basics, and you'll be ready to face whatever Hyrule throws at you!