Shy Guy

Shy Guys, formerly referred to as Mask-Mimics, are mask-wearing enemies in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening and its Game Boy Color port, The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX. They are from the Mario franchise. In Link's Awakening DX, they wear a red robe, which the default clothing worn by many Shy Guys. They appear in Bottle Grotto and Face Shrine.

Shy Guys have an entirely unique behavior in the game. They behave similar to another enemy, Arm-Mimics, and unlike them, Shy Guys wear a mask that protects them from Link's frontal attacks. Shy Guys do not directly attack Link, and instead mimic his movements in reverse. If Link hits a Shy Guy, he loses half of a heart in health.

Link can defeat a Shy Guy from behind, though to do so using his Sword, he must use a Spin Attack. Alternatively, Link can instantly defeat a Shy Guy with either the Boomerang, the Magic Rod, or by throwing a Bomb at it. He can also defeat a Shy Guy by firing two arrows at it. Link can temporarily freeze a Shy Guy with the Hook Shot.

In the Nintendo Switch remake, a Shy Guy figure is a prize in the Trendy Game, and can be placed on a stand in the northern household of Mabe Village.