Zelda: Skyward Sword - Skyloft: Where to find Link’s Crimson Loftwing location explained
The adventure begins.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword begins with Link, in keeping with Zelda tradition, being asleep. Once he's awoken from a rather ominous dream, you'll find yourself in the cheery world of Skyloft.
Though, even on this sunny day, events are starting to go awry - Link's loftwing has gone missing and, if he wants to partake in the Wing Ceremony, then he needs to discover his Crimson Loftwing's location.
Thankfully you have Zelda, and our Skyward Sword walkthrough, to help you uncover this big bird's location.
On this page:
Where to meet Zelda in Zelda: Skyward Sword explained
Your first task in Skyward Sword is to meet up with Zelda, so head out of your bedroom and into the main hallway of the Knight Academy.
Once there, go left to find the main door leading out of the academy. On the way, you can assist Fledge in carrying a barrel into the kitchen in exchange for 20 Rupees.
Upon leaving the academy, you'll quickly fall into conversation with Professor Horwell who will give you a short tutorial into how stamina and climbing works in Skyward Sword. When you join him on the upper level, he'll ask to retrieve Mia, Headmaster Gaepora's Remlit, from the roof.
To reach Mia, you need to do a short dash up the wall next to the doors, so Link will grab ahold of the ledge. Using the ledge, round the side of the building, until Link is hanging above a low roof and then autojump across to the next section, so you can climb the vines.
Atop the academy's roof, you'll need to push the nearby crate against the wall, so you can climb atop the highest point of the roof and grab Mia. All you need to do now is jump down through one of the gaps next to the bell and return Mia to Horwell.
With this task completed, follow the path and climb the wooden stairs, so you can meet Zelda in front of the Goddess Statue.
Searching for Link's Crimson Loftwing in Zelda: Skyward Sword explained
After watching Zelda nearly commit manslaughter, it's time to search for Link's Crimson Loftwing in Skyward Sword.
To do this you need to head out of the, now open, lower gates of the academy and follow the path until you reach the plaza where you'll be introduced to Groose and his cronies.
You can, however, stop to chat with Professor Horwell and other members of the academy to see if they know anything about the missing loftwing. Fledge is certainly acting suspicious...
On your journey to the plaza, you'll also be stopped by Gully, who will teach you how to perform a roll in Skyward Sword.
Our Skyward Sword walkthrough will help you find every Heart Piece and Empty Bottle. We can also help you defeat Ghirahim, Scaldera, Moldarach, The Imprisoned, Koloktos, Tentalus, Bilocyte and Demise. You can also discover where to find Kukiel to unlock the Gratitude Crystals and a number of side quests, including the toilet paper quest, missing sister location and party wheel location.
Waterfall Cave and Crimson Loftwing's Location in Zelda: Skyward Sword explained
While it's pretty clear Groose is behind the disappearance of Link's Loftwing, we still don't know the exact location of the Crimson Loftwing in Skyward Sword.
Before continuing on with your search, however, it's time to head back to the Knight's Academy, but don't enter the building. Instead, take the right-hand path around the side of the building where you'll find Pipit talking to Fledge.
After talking to the pair, head into the Sparring Hall and talk to Eagus, who will tell you to retrieve the Practice Sword from the storeroom. Before he'll let you leave with the sword, however, you'll need to go over the basics of sword fighting in Skyward Sword.
Once you're free of the Sparring Hall, you'll experience another short cutscene where you'll be introduced to the Sheikah Stone, which will offer you advice throughout the game. (Or you could just use our guides...)
Sword in hand, go to Skyloft's lake and jump across the rocky outcrops to reach the other side. Make sure you don't fall off these rocks, because you might be swept out into the sky by the water currents.
On the other side of the lake, head to your right until you come to a series of wooden poles blocking the entrance to the Waterfall Cave. Thankfully, these poles can be easily destroyed with a couple of swipes from your sword.
The Waterfall Cave is an easy location to traverse - simply follow the path, using your stamina when needed, until you reach the exit.
Along the way you will encounter a number of Keese and Green Chuchu, which can both be easily killed with your sword. From these victories, you'll receive your first couple of materials, which you'll use later for upgrading your various items in Skyward Sword. The Keese will drop a Monster Claw, while the Chuchus may give you a Jelly Blob.
You can also find 60 Rupees in total while exploring the Waterfall Cave.
The first 20 Rupees are located in a chest on the small ledge located after the dirt slope you need to dash up. You can reach the chest by climbing the series of vines growing on the left-hand wall.
For the additional Rupees, climb atop the small ledge to the right of the cave's exit. Here you'll find some grass growing in front of a small crawlspace, which, when entered, will allow you to collect two 20 Rupees. If you're having trouble finding the crawlspace, cut away the grass with your sword.
Upon exiting the cave, you'll be reunited with Zelda who will seem a little distracted. With her in tow, head to your right and you'll soon find the Crimson Loftwing trapped behind a series of boards.
To free the Crimson Loftwing, all you need to do is hit each set of ropes with your sword twice.
After going over the basics of flying with Zelda, it's time to win the Wing Ceremony.