Shy Guy

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. Mask-Mimics are directly based on Shy Guys from the Mario franchise, and share their appearance. In Link's Awakening DX, Mask-Mimics wear a red robe, which the default clothing worn by many Shy Guys. Mask-Mimics appear in two dungeons, Bottle Grotto and Face Shrine.

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

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