Stalfos

Variations

The Legend of Zelda

These skeleton guys are in several Zelda games. They have a sword to attack Link. Just run up and strike with sword a couple of times to defeat them.

Ocarina of Time

These skeletal warriors make their return from previous Zelda titles. Watch out for their jump attack, which can do a great deal more damage to you than their regular sword attacks. Use Z targeting to get close while using your shield, then take a quick stab as soon as you see them let their shield down. Try to circle around them when they jump at you. Also, if you get right in their face, you can easily "force them" to attack and get a quick stab in. If done right, you can take them out very quickly this way.

The Wind Waker

The Stalfos are large, skeletal enemies and they are probably larger in The Wind Waker than they are in any other Zelda title. To defeat a Stalfos you can hit them with your sword to break their bodies into bones, then slash away at the bouncing skull. An easier way to kill a Stalfos in The Wind Waker is to use a bomb to quickly demolish their bodies, then stun the bouncing skull with the Boomerang and then finally finish it with the Skull Hammer.

The Minish Cap

A classic Zelda enemy here. These skeleton guys will charge at Link and are relatively easy to defeat. Simply strike them with your sword a few times to kill them. They will hop around the room and the red ones will throw bones out at you.

Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, Stalfos are skeletons whom have a sword, shield, and minor armor, much like they did in Ocarina of Time. They can be found in the Arbiter Grounds. In order to take them out, you'll have to first defeat them in a sword fight, then bomb their remains that they crumble into once you've hit them enough times. One good strategy for taking out multiple Stalfos simultaneously is to simply bomb arrow them from afar, as it will instantly kill them. Alternatively, you can strike these enemies with the Ball and Chain to instantly kill them.

Phantom Hourglass

Stalfos appear as a collection of bones on the ground. Once Link draws near, the bones will form a skeleton enemy and begin to throw bones toward Link. Stalfos are quite agile and will jump away if Link tries to strike them with his sword. Use the jump attack with your blade. Alternatively, the grappling hook, bombs and the boomerang work wonders against these bony foes.

Skyward Sword

Stalfos are skeleton-like enemies that wield two large swords which they use both to block and to attack. Link must attack from specific directions that are unprotected, requiring good timing and accurate sword slashes.

Stalfos have three main attacks. It will quickly swing one sword horizontally, perform a cross-chop with both swords, or raise both swords above its head in preparation for a powerful two-part attack. The Stalfos is defenseless while its swords are above its head, so this is your chance to run around behind it and slash away.