Shadow of the Colossus is known for its vast, mysterious world and minimalist storytelling. One of the hidden treasures within the game is the Queen Sword, a weapon with legendary significance that draws curiosity from players who want to enhance their gameplay or delve deeper into the lore. Unlike the default sword used by Wander, the Queen Sword offers unique advantages and is deeply tied to the larger narrative universe of Team Ico’s games. Understanding how to obtain the Queen Sword and use it effectively can provide a fresh experience for returning players and an exciting challenge for newcomers.
What is the Queen Sword?
Origin and Lore
The Queen Sword is not just a powerful item in Shadow of the Colossus; it is also a crossover weapon from another Team Ico title,Ico. In that game, the Queen is the primary antagonist, and the sword plays a crucial role in the final battle. Its appearance in Shadow of the Colossus serves as an Easter egg, nodding to fans who have followed the spiritual trilogy that includes Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, and The Last Guardian.
While it doesn’t play a role in the main narrative of Shadow of the Colossus, the Queen Sword has symbolic value. Its inclusion hints at the connected universe that Team Ico subtly weaves through environmental storytelling and character design.
Weapon Characteristics
In terms of gameplay, the Queen Sword is one of the most powerful swords available in the game. It drastically increases Wander’s damage output when used to strike a colossus’ weak point. With this sword, you can defeat each colossus more efficiently, which makes it an appealing reward for players seeking to master the game or complete time attacks.
How to Obtain the Queen Sword
Time Attack Mode
The Queen Sword is not accessible through the main story mode or found hidden somewhere in the world. To unlock it, players must engage with the game’s Time Attack Mode. This mode becomes available after you complete the game at least once. In Time Attack, you are required to defeat each colossus under a set time limit, testing your speed, precision, and understanding of each boss’s mechanics.
Requirements
- Finish the main game at least once (either on Normal or Hard difficulty).
- Access Time Attack mode via a save shrine in New Game+ mode.
- Complete a specific number of colossus challenges within the time limit (generally 14 on Hard Time Attack).
Once you meet the required number of victories in Time Attack, you are rewarded with the Queen Sword, which can be equipped in future playthroughs or used in your current game session.
Unlocking on Different Difficulties
It’s important to note that there are different sets of rewards for Normal Time Attack and Hard Time Attack. The Queen Sword is only available through Hard Time Attack, making it a true reward for skilled and dedicated players. Normal Time Attack offers useful items too, such as the Cloak of Force or Mask of Power, but these do not rival the sheer strength of the Queen Sword.
How to Use the Queen Sword Effectively
Combat Strategy
The Queen Sword doesn’t change the core mechanics of gameplay but enhances your damage significantly. You still need to identify a colossus’ weak spot, reach it using the usual climbing mechanics, and then strike. With the Queen Sword, you’ll notice that the health bar of the colossus drops much faster sometimes requiring only a few well-placed hits.
However, due to the high damage output, timing becomes more critical. You may need to be extra careful not to miss opportunities, as colossi may enter new attack phases or reposition quickly. Maximizing damage during the window when they are stunned or vulnerable is the best way to exploit the Queen Sword’s potential.
Best Colossi to Test It On
Once you acquire the Queen Sword, it’s fun to revisit certain colossi to see how much faster the battles go. Some of the best targets to test it on include:
- Valus (Colossus 1): The opening fight becomes almost trivial with the Queen Sword, showcasing its power right away.
- Gaius (Colossus 3): The long climb and small windows for attack make this battle satisfying when you land huge damage quickly.
- Phalanx (Colossus 13): You’ll appreciate the increased efficiency when you’re able to deliver heavy blows during brief moments of vulnerability.
Advantages and Limitations
Strengths
- High damage per strike makes it ideal for Time Attack runs and speedruns.
- Perfect for reducing repetitive combat during exploration or repeated playthroughs.
- Offers variety and replayability for experienced players.
Weaknesses
- Obtained only after significant effort in Hard Time Attack mode.
- Can trivialize combat for those looking for a more balanced or immersive challenge.
- Not usable in the first playthrough only available in New Game+.
While the Queen Sword adds a powerful tool to Wander’s arsenal, it should be considered a reward for mastery rather than a tool to rely on during a first-time playthrough. Its impact on the game can significantly reduce the strategic elements in combat, depending on how it is used.
Tips for Unlocking the Queen Sword
Prepare for Hard Time Attack
Before jumping into Hard Time Attack mode, make sure you are fully comfortable with the controls and have practiced each colossus battle thoroughly. Consider playing a full New Game+ run with a focus on refining your techniques. Here are some helpful tips:
- Practice on Normal: Use the Normal Time Attack to familiarize yourself with the time pressure and optimal attack patterns.
- Use reward items: Cloaks and masks from previous Time Attack wins can improve your performance.
- Memorize routes: Knowing exactly how to reach each weak point can shave off critical seconds.
Save Progress Regularly
Hard Time Attack can be punishing, especially on later colossi. Save after every successful attempt so you don’t have to repeat earlier battles. This will save time and frustration as you inch closer to unlocking the Queen Sword.
The Queen Sword and Lore Connections
Thematic Relevance
The inclusion of the Queen Sword further connects Shadow of the Colossus with Ico, emphasizing Team Ico’s subtle narrative world-building across different titles. While the games don’t explicitly share characters or timelines, the design motifs, ruins, and relics all hint at a larger mythos. The Queen Sword is one such relic a token from another story, reimagined in the context of Shadow’s mysterious land.
Fan Theories
Many players speculate that Shadow of the Colossus may serve as a prequel to Ico, given the appearance of similar architecture, ancient symbols, and now the Queen Sword. The sword could represent an ancestral tool passed down or rediscovered, further enhancing the connection between the two narratives.
The Queen Sword in Shadow of the Colossus is more than just a high-damage weapon. It is a reward for perseverance, a nod to dedicated fans, and a tool that enhances gameplay in meaningful ways. By unlocking it through Hard Time Attack, players gain not only a powerful item but also a deeper connection to the world crafted by Team Ico. Whether you’re interested in lore, improved combat, or the challenge of mastering all colossi, the Queen Sword stands as one of the game’s most rewarding secrets.