Like Likes are recurring Enemies in The Legend of Zelda series.[1]
Characteristics[]
Like Likes are voracious and gelatinous, tube-like creatures notorious for sucking up their prey into their wide mouths and robbing them of their Shields before spitting them out.[2] Like Likes will suck in and engulf Link, after which they will spit him out without his equipment. In most games, they will relinquish the stolen Shield if they are slain quickly enough.[3] While Like Likes will steal most Shields, unique equipment like the Mirror Shield usually cannot be eaten by these enemies. They often reside in wet and dark places, but can also occasionally be found in dry areas.
Like Likes are often harmless and will not hurt Link, while in other games they will inflict minimal damage as they spit him out. Link can fight Like Likes with his Sword, Bow, Boomerang, or most other items. In later games, a Bomb can be tossed into the Like Like's mouth as it tries to suck Link in.[4] While the Hookshot can be used in some games to stun or damage them, it does not work in all games, and instead may pull Link into the Like Like's mouth and risk losing his equipment.
Other varieties of Like Likes exist with a penchant for eating other items, including Rupee Likes, which eat Rupees; Force Likes, which eat Force Gems; Deku Likes; and Life Likes, which simply drain Link of his Hearts. The Pikit is a similar kind of enemy that also steals Shields.
The Legend of Zelda[]
Like Likes inhabit Dungeons in The Legend of Zelda. On the First Quest, they appear in Level 4, Level 6, and Level 9. On the Second Quest, they appear in Level 5 as well as Level 6 and Level 9. Like Likes frequently appear in small groups, often in small spaces with other enemies, making them more difficult to avoid. While slow, they move in random and erratic patterns. They will only eat Link's Magical Shield, after which they will release him and his Shield reverts back to an ordinary Shield. If Link is caught by a Like Like, he can use his Sword to quickly attack it from inside before it can steal his Shield. Like Likes will not attempt to steal his basic Shield, and will never drop any items when defeated.
A Link to the Past[]
Like Likes appear in the Game Boy Advance version of A Link to the Past. They appear as enemies in the Dark World in their tube-like form. Groups of Like Likes appear near the Dark World Shield Shop to the east of the Pyramid of Power, as well as in the Palace of the Four Sword. These incarnations of Like Likes are similar to those in other 2-D games; they move in slow, random paths, but will usually try to target Link when he is nearby. In this game, Like Likes are capable of stealing any of Link's Shields, including the Mirror Shield. If a Like Like manages to steal Link's Shield, it will quickly scurry away before flying off with it. Link can defeat the Like Like before it flies away to retrieve his Shield. To counteract their ability to steal the Mirror Shield, a new one can be purchased at the Dark World Shield Shop if a Like Like successfully steals it. Most items can be used to attack or stun them; the Boomerang is only able to repel them back, while the Hookshot can be used to stun them.
Pikits share their Japanese name with Like Likes, making them the same enemy despite their vastly different appearance and behavior. Both Pikits and Like Likes co-exist in the Dark World in the Game Boy Advance version of A Link to the Past in spite of this fact.
Link's Awakening[]
Like Likes in Link's Awakening appear similarly to those from The Legend of Zelda. They appear in groups in the prairies near Goponga Swamp. They also appear in the Eagle's Tower. Like Likes are able to steal Link's basic Shield, but only if the Shield is equipped. Defeating the Like Like who stole it will salvage the Shield, otherwise another one can be bought at the Town Tool Shop. Like Likes will not damage Link or spit him out if he comes in contact with one, forcing him to struggle free. They are unable to eat the Mirror Shield. Like Likes can be defeated with most items such as the Sword and Bombs, as well as Magic Powder, the Magic Rod, and the Boomerang. The Hookshot can also be used to defeat them without repercussions.
The Nintendo Switch version of the game has a few differences compared to the original: if a Like Like eats Link, it'll deal 1 heart of damage, it's able to eat Link's regular Shield at any time, and a different message appears after Link is spat out; this message reads "Didn't you have a shield a second ago? Did... did that thing eat it?!" Link is able to get his shield back from a Like Like that stole it.
Ocarina of Time[]
Like Like
An enemy that eats shields and certain clothes. Beat it quickly to get your gear back!
Like Likes in Ocarina of Time have a more gelatinous appearance than previous games, and make a loud gushing sound as they move. They no longer appear in groups and tend to act alone. Like Likes will attempt to steal Deku Shields and Hylian Shields, but are unable to take the Mirror Shield. Unique to Ocarina of Time, Like Likes may also steal the Goron Tunic or the Zora Tunic if Link happens to be wearing one.[5] When a Like Like spots Link, it will slowly move towards him and attempt to capture him in its mouth. When Link is caught in one, it will continuously constrict him before violently spitting him out with his possession stolen. The Like Like will then leave to digest the item. If Link defeats the Like Like before it can digest his equipment, he will be able to reclaim it. It is also possible for Link to swap his equipment before he is spat out to prevent it from being stolen.
Like Likes from Ocarina of Time are vulnerable to fire, and can be defeated in one hit by Din's Fire or by shooting a Fire Arrow. The Biggoron's Sword can also defeat it in one strike. The Hookshot will stun a Like Like, but will also pull Link in without swallowing him. When defeated, they drop three Blue Rupees. They appear Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly (Master Quest only), in the Fire Temple, in the Water Temple, at the Bottom of the Well, in the Shadow Temple, in the Spirit Temple, in Ganon's Castle, and at the Gerudo Training Ground.
Majora's Mask[]
You know about the Like Like, right? It eats whatever you're carrying. You'd better defeat it if you want your stuff back.
Like Likes in Majora's Mask appear identically to those from Ocarina of Time, save for the fact that they're considerably larger in size. They appear only in the Great Bay Coast and Zora Cape. They are found mainly underwater, or on the beach at night; some can also be found in shallow water. They can be attacked when Link is in his Zora Link form, by punching them repeatedly or by using Zora Link's electrical barrier; the Double Cutters are only able to stun them. Like Likes are unable to eat the Mirror Shield. As with Ocarina of Time, Link will take one heart of damage when a Like Like spits him out.
Oracle of Seasons / Oracle of Ages[]
Like Likes in Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages appear in a similar manner to those from Link's Awakening. In Oracle of Seasons, Like Likes can be found in the Woods of Winter, the Natzu region, the Lost Woods of the Tarm Ruins, and the Dancing Dragon Dungeon, while in Oracle of Ages, they appear in the Moonlit Grotto, the Crown Dungeon, Jabu-Jabu's Belly, the Black Tower, and the Hero's Cave.
Unlike previous games, Like Likes can steal and eat all levels of Shields, including the Iron Shield and the Mirror Shield. When Link is engulfed by a Like Like, it will immediately eat his Shield, regardless of whether or not it was equipped, before releasing him.[6] Defeating the Like Like will not return Link's Shield; however, once Link obtains higher level Shields, shops will begin selling them should he ever lose one. As in other games, Like Likes are resilient enemies that take multiple hits from any attack to defeat. Interestingly, while Ember Seeds can burn them, it will not damage them. Like Likes cannot swallow Link if he is riding either Ricky, Dimitri, or Moosh.
The Like Like Ring can be worn to give Link the appearance of a green Like Like. Like Likes will not eat Link in this state, but Link cannot attack or use items as a Like Like.
The Minish Cap[]
| Like Like (Figurine from The Minish Cap) | |
|---|---|
 Like Like | Appears in caves, dungeons, etc. Don't let them grab you: they'll eat your shield if they hold you long enough. Swing your sword to escape. |
Like Likes in The Minish Cap appear similarly to their past incarnations. They can be found in the sealed Caves across Hyrule that are accessed with the Mole Mitts. They are able to conceal themselves in the earth, and appear suddenly when Link is near to ambush him. Like Likes are able to steal any Shield in Link's possession, including the Mirror Shield; however, Like Likes will not digest the Shield, and they can be defeated to reclaim it. When a Like Like takes a shield from Link, a message box will pop up that says "Your shield was stolen!" and then the Like Like will spit Link out. Like Likes deal very minimal damage when Link is spat out in the Minish Cap; a Like Like will have to eat Link twice to deal 1/4 of a heart of damage (thrice if he's down to his last 1/4 heart of health).
The Minish Cap also includes a variant of Like Like called a Rupee Like, which drains Link of Rupees rather than stealing his Shield. Rupee Likes were introduced in Four Swords, and they bait and ambush Link by using the Rupee lures on their stalks, and are commonly found in Dungeons.
Phantom Hourglass[]
Like Likes in Phantom Hourglass appear as uncommon enemies in small groups. They differ from previous incarnations, as they are able to suck in Link through a vacuum-like wind tunnel. Once trapped in their mouths, Link will need to struggle free by rubbing the stylus back and forth on the touch screen. If he does not escape quickly enough, the Like Like will steal his Shield, though they can be defeated to retrieve the stolen Shield. Strangely, no message box will pop up if Link's shield is stolen. Like Likes are highly resilient and take three hits of the Sword or Bow to defeat. The Boomerang can be used to stun them. New to Phantom Hourglass, Link can also throw Bombs into their gaping mouths as they are inhaling to attack them. They appear in the Goron Temple.
Rupee Likes also make a reappearance, and are more common than ordinary Like Likes.
Spirit Tracks[]
Like Likes appear in Spirit Tracks as identical to those from Phantom Hourglass, although Rupee Likes do not return. Like Likes have a new tactic, as some now hide in barrels, Jars, and fake Treasure Chests, attempting to ambush unsuspecting adventurers. These objects will shake just before the Like Like reveals itself. As before, they will attempt to suck in Link through a wind tunnel and steal his Shield, and the stylus must be rubbed on the screen to break free. However, Link cannot get a stolen shield back from a Like Like. Also, when Link loses a shield, a message box will pop up which reads "That monster ate your shield!" to indicate when a shield has been stolen. While they are able to steal the basic Shield, they are unable to take the Shield of Antiquity. All previous strategies, including tossing a Bomb into their mouths, are effective. They appear in the Cave at the Linebeck Trading Company and the Goron Village.
A Link Between Worlds[]
Like Likes appear as enemies in Lorule in A Link Between Worlds. Rupee Likes also appear in this game. In this game, a Like Like will slowly chase after Link when he approaches, and it will try to grab him into its mouth when it's facing him. If it manages to capture Link, it will chew him up for a few seconds. If the player doesn't wriggle free fast enough, it will engulf him inside it, chew him up some more, and then he will be spat out and his shield will be lost. This will deal two hearts of damage to Link, and the Like Like will hop away before Link hits the ground on his back. After the Like Like finishes hopping away from Link, it will stay in its spot for a few seconds, then it will burp, indicating that it ate Link's Shield, forcing the player to eventually purchase a replacement. However, Like Likes cannot eat the Hylian Shield in this game.
Tears of the Kingdom[]
Hyrule Compendium Entry
Like Likes reappear in Tears of the Kingdom, behaving differently than in previous appearances. They are permanently attached to walls and ceilings, and will reach out to eat Link and one piece of his equipment when he gets close. Their outer shell is immune to damage, but when attacking they reveal a weak spot in their mouth. Attacking this weak spot will stun them, allowing for more damage to be done. New variants are introduced in this game, being the Fire Likes, Ice Likes, Rock Likes, Shock Likes, and the Sludge Like, the last of which is a miniboss.
Crossover appearances[]
Super Smash Bros. series[]
Super Smash Bros. Melee[]
A Like Like in Super Smash Bros. Melee
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Like Likes appear as both enemies in the Underground Maze level of Adventure Mode and as a Trophy. Like in games of The Legend of Zelda series, Like Likes attack by swallowing a fighter who comes near them, continually damaging the fighter inside of them. The Like Like eventually spits out the fighter, who takes additional damage. The higher the damage percentage a player has accumulated when being swallowed, the longer they will be trapped inside the Like Like before being spat out. Like Likes can be defeated by hitting it until they take enough damage. For every Like Like the player defeats, 500 points are added for the Like Like KO bonus.
| # | Trophy | First Game / Move | Description | How to unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 198 |  Like Like |
The Legend of Zelda 07/87 |
In The Legend of Zelda, these slow-footed monsters inhaled Link and ate his shield, just beating out Wallmasters for the coveted title of "Most Aggravating Enemies Ever." Supposedly, their name comes from an old, almost indecipherable Hyrulian proverb: "Shield-eaters and world leaders have many likes alike. | Random |
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[]
Like Likes also appear as a Trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.
| # | Trophy | Appears in | Description | How to unlock | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ||||
| 215 | 
|
N/A | Ocarina of Time 3D | These tube-shaped monsters have been in almost every Legend of Zelda game since the very beginning, and they've developed quite a taste for Link in that time. They'll even take his shield and clothes! You can get them back nowadays, but when Like Likes first appeared, if you didn't take Link's Magical Shield back quickly, they'd consume it! | Random |
| Like Like | |||||
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Like Like appears as a Spirit with the ability, Sticky-Floor Immunity, which grants a Fighter the a resistance to sticky floors.
Like Like — Spirit Battle Information
  Support SpiritNo. 182 |
Team Power |  Grab | 4000
|
Rank | ★★ ADVANCED | Fighter(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage | Great Bay (Battlefield) | Theme | "Overworld & Underworld - The Legend of Zelda (for 3DS / Wii U)" |  Yoshi
| |
| Rule(s) | Sudden Damgae Item: Food |
Hazard(s) | Sticky Floor | ||
| Condition(s) | |||||
| · The floor is sticky · You'll occasionally take sudden damage after a little while · The enemy favors grabs and throws | |||||
Like Like — Spirit Information
Like Like No. 182 |
Rank | ★★ ADVANCED | Cost | ⬣⬣ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skill | ||||
| Sticky-Floor Immunity | ||||
| Become immune to sticky floors. | ||||
Cadence of Hyrule[]
Like Likes are enemies in Cadence of Hyrule, where they can be found in dungeons and deserts like the Desert and Gerudo Desert. They have two Hearts. Like other enemies, they move to the beat of the music on every two beats. If they touch either Cadence, Link, Yves, or Zelda, they will swallow them whole, trapping them and rendering them immobile until they are shaken off, along with stealing whatever they are equipped with, including torches, rings, and other forms of consumable equipment.
They also occasionally hide in diggable tiles, forcing the heroes to take caution while digging tiles in certain areas.
Trivia[]
- In the Royal Hyrule Library from The Minish Cap, Link can find a list of the week's top three titles, including a book entitled Learning to Like Your Like Like: A Good Guide to a Bad Pet.[7]
Nomenclature[]
According to the Like Like Trophy in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the name Like Like is derived from an ancient Hyrulean proverb, "Shield-eaters and world leaders have many likes alike." In the Japanese version, it comes from the Japanese proverb 蓼食う虫も好き好き (Tade kū mushi mo sukizuki), which roughly means "each to their own tastes." Since shield (たて) and water-pepper (たで) are very similar in spelling, the Like Like is a reference to the saying, corrupting "water-pepper" to "shield."[8]
 Names in other regions  | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 | Japanese | ライクライク (Raiku Raiku) (TLoZ | ALttP | OoT)[9][10][11] | Same as English. |
 | Dutch | Like-Like (TLoZ)[12] | |
 | FrenchEU | Like Like (TLoZ)[13] | |
| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | |||
Gallery[]
Like Likes outside the Dark World Shield Shop from A Link to the Past
A Like Like eating Link's Shield from The Minish Cap
A Like Like from Cadence of Hyrule
See Also[]
References
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 189 (TLoZ | ALttP | LA | OoT | MM | OoS | OoA | TMC | PH | ST | ALBW)
- ↑ "A tube-like monster that has a soft spot for magic shields - he eats them up" (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 37)
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening — Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 96
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks — PRIMA Official Game Guide (Premiere Edition), Prima Games, pg. 31
- ↑ "Like Like An enemy that eats shields and certain clothes. Beat it quickly to get your gear back!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Your shield was eaten!" — N/A (Oracle of Seasons)
- ↑ "This week's top titles:
#3 Learn to Like Your Like Like: A Good Guide to a Bad Pet
#2 Gorman's Guide to Good Grub
#1 Married to the Moblin" — Sign (The Minish Cap) - ↑ Clyde Mandelin, DO ZELDA’S “LIKE LIKES” COME FROM A JAPANESE PROVERB?, Legends of Localization, published March 29, 2014, retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ↑ Hyrule Encyclopedia, Ambit Ltd., pg. 210
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords, Shogakukan, pg. 21
- ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 146
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 37
- ↑ Hyrule Historia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 141 (TLoZ)
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