Hovering

Hovering is a glitch used to prevent Link falling into a pit or void. With this, players can cross gaps they wouldn't normally be able to.

Hovering requires the Pegasus boots, and it's considered a minor glitch.

Execution

To hover, you must hold A , release it for only one frame, and then repress A on the next frame. You can hold A between represses for up to 29 frames. If A is held for 30 frames, then Link will build a full dash charge, and he'll immediately fall.

Link will move in the direction of the d-pad with each A press. Done repeatedly, you can cross any gap where there's a floor to walk onto on both sides.

Technique

There are several techniques players use to hover, and most players do it slightly differently. But almost every player uses some form of "slide" technique where they rapidly slide multiple fingers over their A . Some common ideas:

• Many players like to place their controller on a flat surface when hovering (a desk for example).
• Many players like to specifically slide their fingernails over A . Fingernails glide over the button with less friction, and their texture is more consistent compared to skin, where the feel is subject to various environmental factors (humidity, your hydration level, variable oiliness, etc.).
• Some players may either unbind X (if on emulator) or physically remove the button to help with accidental maps while hovering.

History

Hovering has been known about since the earliest days of speedrunning, and it's present in the first TASes done of the game. It's named in ⁠Zanapher's glitch guide on GameFAQs under the name Levitation Trick.

During this period, it was thought the only realistic way to perform was to 30hz mash A . This isn't practical for humans in an RTA context.

In August 2013, Krystal did a stream where she tested hovering using select buffers as a method for crossing the Moldorm2 gap. This was an important development in the Any% RMG speedrun, as hovering Moldorm2 lets the player skip hookshot. The first runs done using this were performed in early 2014 by Jadin in Any% RMG.

Hovering unbuffered through A sliding was developed in spring 2014, also mostly by Jadin and Krystal. This technique is much faster than using buffers and grew to be considered easier. Because of its speed, it's been gradually incorporated into other contexts.