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/ |    |    |  \  /   \ .   /  \   /    /   \ |   \ | |\  | /   \
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/___ |___ |___ |__/  |   |     \__/   \__  |   | |   \ | |   | |   |
==   ====    ===== =  =      = ====
/  \  |         |   |  |\    /| |      .
|    | |---      |   |  | \  / | |---
|    | |         |   |  |  \/  | |      .
\__/  |         |   |  |      | |___
__ ___  __  __      __          __  __ ___
/\ /\   /\  (_   |  |   |_ )    /_ \  |   | |   (_   |
|  |  | |--|   \  |  |-- | \    |(_)|  |   | |--   \  |
|  |  | |  | __/  |  |__ |  \    \__\\  \_/  |__ __/  |
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME (Master Quest)
THE OFFICIAL VinnyVideo STRATEGY GUIDE
===============================================================================
Table of Contents
===============================================================================
[INTRO] Introduction
[CONTR] Getting Started
[WALKT] Walkthrough
[HEART] Pieces of Heart
[GOLDS] Golden Skulltulas
[QUEST] Frequently Asked Questions
[VERSN] Version History
[COPYR] Copyright
[CONTC] Contact Information
Navigation tip: Press Ctrl and F to bring down a search bar. Then type in the
name of the section you're looking for - like [GOLDS] for Golden Skulltulas.
Before I begin, I should remind you that my walkthrough is free of spoilers
whenever possible. For example, I don't annotate the details of a cinema scene
or even mention the names of items that appear later in the game. If a section
contains spoilers (like the FAQ's), I clearly mark it so you can skip over it
without being spoiled. I don't even mention the names of dungeons in the table
of contents. Therefore, if you want to jump to the hypothetical dungeon Eggnog
Grotto, just type in "Eggnog Grotto" in the search bar to get where you want.
===============================================================================
Introduction                                                         [INTRO]
===============================================================================
I hereby and thusly begin my FAQ/walkthrough for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina
of Time (Master Quest). This is perhaps the greatest achievement yet of my
walkthrough-writing career, as it's not easy to write a guide for the 12
intricate dungeons and 100 Gold Skulltulas. What's more, I believe that this is
the only guide exclusively written for the Master Quest version of Ocarina of
Time.
For those of you who are wondering, the original version of The Legend of
Zelda: Ocarina of Time was released in late 1998 for the Nintendo 64 (back when
those graphics were supposed to be revolutionary). In 2003, people who pre-
ordered The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker (for the Nintendo GameCube) received a
GameCube version of Ocarina of Time called The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
(Master Quest) - which I'm writing about. Master Quest is the same as the
original Ocarina of Time except that the dungeons are tougher and more
complicated now (and that it's for the GameCube). The overworld regions are
almost identical to the original, with a couple of small changes.
This walkthrough is designed to help you through every section of The Legend of
Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Master Quest). Even though this guide is designed to be
free of spoilers whenever possible, it's best if you can figure out the puzzles
and problems yourself. My guide is here for the tricky sections - the stumpers
and brain-benders. Ocarina of Time is one of the three best games I've ever
played (Super Mario Bros. 3 and A Link to the Past are the other two), so take
your time and enjoy it.
One note for the sake of avoiding needless offense: References to the masculine
gender are simply intended for clarity; there is no way of clearly identifying
the gender of most enemies and even a few friends.
Environmental Tip: This guide is 82 pages long, so it's going to take a LONG
time to print and will use a lot of paper and ink. I highly advise that you
print out just the sections you need, such as the strategy for a specific
dungeon or the list of Gold Skulltulas. If you're going to print a section of
this guide and give it to a friend, it would be highly appreciated if you give
proper credit to VinnyVideo.
===============================================================================
Getting Started                                                      [CONTR]
===============================================================================
When you turn on the game, you might want to watch the opening sequence (just
remember that the second part of it might be a spoiler in itself!). Anyway,
press START to go to the file select screen. At this point, all three files
should be blank. Select a file, enter your name (it doesn't have to be Link),
and start playing! You can also check the game settings from the file select
screen (I recommend that you not change any of them).
Here's a quick word on controls. I'm assuming you're playing on a GameCube
instead of the emulated Nintendo 64 version.
Start: Pause game, taking you to the Subscreen
Control Stick: Move Link
A: Does a lot of things, depending on what the button on top says; options
include Talk, Check, Open, Dive, Pick Up, Put [Weapon] Away, and Enter [small
space]. If you're moving forward, press A to roll.
B: Operates the sword (more on that later)
L: L-Target (or center camera behind Link, if no enemy is nearby)
R: Operate shield
C-up: Look around, or (if applicable) talk to Navi (a provider of vague hints)
C-left, c-down, c-right: Use items equipped to the respective buttons. At this
point, you don't have any items, so these buttons are worthless.
Directional pad: Toggle map on or off
You can also use X, Y, and Z instead of the C-Stick.
If you're not L-Targeting anything, pressing B once will swing the sword
horizontally. Press it thrice to unleash a "combo" - sort of like in Super
Mario 64. Press B while moving forward to swing your sword vertically. Press L
and B while moving forward for a powerful jump attack. Press B while using your
shield (holding R) to get in a quick jab, as seen in Link's second game. This
Crouch Stab is good against some enemies because it delivers the same amount of
damage as Link's last attack.
If you're L-Targeting, pressing B once will swing the sword vertically. Press B
while moving forward to make a quick jab - useful against a few enemies. Press
B and Left or Right on the Control Stick to swing your sword horizontally (Left
will swing it to the left, and Right to the right). Keep pressing B to perform
a combo. Press A and B simultaneously while moving forward to perform a
powerful jumping attack. Press A while moving sideways for a side jump. Lastly,
press A while going backwards to backflip, which can actually be useful.
Whether you're L-Targeting something or not, you can hold down B and release
for a spin attack - good when surrounded by enemies. Later in the game, you can
rotate the Control Stick and press B to release an energy attack.
When you press Start, you will visit the Subscreen. Press L and R and the
Control Stick to cycle through the different sections of the Subscreen. Here
you can change Link's equipment, set items to different C-buttons, check game
progress, and view the map. The map screen only shows places you've visited. By
the way, if there's a spider icon next to the name of a location, you know
you've found all the Gold Skulltula Tokens in that area. The most important
thing you can do with the Subscreen in save; press B and then A. Save your game
frequently, especially immediately before and after fighting a boss or
collecting an important item. Frequent saving also prevents calamities that can
occur if power goes out or when you're trying to play through the game without
losing a life.
If you need further help on controls, check the manual or talk to some of the
Kokiris, notably the Know-It-All Brothers.
In my guide, I always adhere to one of the eternal, unbreakable statutes of
humanity: In reference to maps, north is always "up," south is down, west is
left, and east is right.
===============================================================================
Walkthrough                                                          [WALKT]
===============================================================================
Now we begin the interesting part. You start off in your house (if you named
your character Link, it's called Link's House; however it could just as easily
be Vinny's House or Bubba's House). A fairy has summoned you to see the Great
Deku Tree. However, the bully Mido is blocking the path to the Deku Tree. He
won't let you pass until you obtain a sword and shield. You may wish to talk to
everyone in the village first. Investigate the Kokiri Forest area until you
collect 40 Rupees (look in bushes and under the rocks). Look behind Mido's
house and behind the counter at the Kokiri Item Shop for more Rupees. Also try
opening the chests in Mido's house if you can turn off your conscience for a
few seconds. Once you have 40 Rupees, go to the shop and buy the Deku Shield.
Next, go near the garden and look for a narrow passage. When the word "Enter"
appears on the green button, press A to crawl through the passage. Then dodge
the rolling boulders and find the treasure chest. Inside is the Kokiri Sword.
Go back to Mido and he'll let you pass through, assuming you have both the
Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield equipped (use the Equipment Subscreen to equip
them). Watch out for the Deku Babas up ahead; these weak enemies take two hits
with your sword. They often give up Deku Nuts or Deku Sticks when defeated. The
latter can be quite useful. After a few Deku Babas, you'll get to the Great Deku
Tree. After a brief cutscene, you'll be able to go inside him.
Note number one: A not-too-useful upgrade for your Deku Stick capacity is
available in the Lost Woods (the entrance is on top of the northern hill,
accessed by climbing a few vines). Read the section after the Deku Tree dungeon
if you want to find out how to get it.
Note number two: Note the location of Saria's house; it's full of Recovery
Hearts. If you ever run low on energy, this is a good place to go. Remember
this for later in the game, too.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inside the Great Deku Tree
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It's the first dungeon in the game. Aren't you excited? You should be. It's
tougher than it was in the original version, but it still shouldn't be too
tough for an experienced player. The bushes in this room, like other rooms in
this dungeon, yield Recovery Hearts, Rupees, and item refills when slashed.
First climb the ladder near the entrance. Walk up the path, avoiding an
occasional Keese. Jump across the platforms (you jump automatically, so don't
bother pressing A). You'll eventually come to a chest guarded by a couple of
Gohma Larvae. Defeat these weak enemies and press A while standing in front of
the chest to open it. Inside is the Dungeon Map! Open the Subscreen to view the
map of the current dungeon. Getting this is generally the first priority in my
dungeon strategies. Next to the chest is a crate. Press A while moving forward
to roll into the crate and destroy it. Underneath is a Gold Skulltula. Whack it
with your sword twice and you'll get your first Gold Skulltula Token! Good
things might happen if you collect enough of these. Now climb up the right side
of the vine wall. When you reach the top, head right a bit and drop down by
pressing A. You'll land on a platform. Defeat or avoid the Deku Babas and
Keese, and step on the switch. This lights a switch, burning the web that
blocks the nearby door. Enter that door.
When you do, the door slams shut. Step on the switch near the door to make some
platforms rise up (temporarily). You'll have to step on the switch several
times during this room. Defeat all the Gohma Larvae and the Deku Baba to make a
chest appear. Open the chest to get the Fairy Slingshot! This item is a lot of
fun to use and helps you complete this dungeon. You're not quite finished with
this room, though. Take out a Deku Stick and stand near the flaming torch to
light the stick on fire. Hurry to the unlit torch in the middle of the room and
stand near it. You'll use the stick to light the torch and make a chest appear
on the far end of the room. By the way, you'll lose a burning Deku Stick unless
you press B before it disintegrates. Jump across the platforms one more time to
get to the chest and receive a blue Rupee (worth 5 regular Rupees). Exit the
room.
Climb back down to where you got the Map. Use the torch to light a Deku Stick.
Run up the path and use the lit Deku Stick to burn the web that blocks a door.
Enter this door.
Beat the Giant Deku Baba and the Gohma Larvae. Then take out your slingshot and
shoot the eye switch to make the door open. Enter. Beat the Gohma Larva, and
use your slingshot on the Skullwalltulas while L-Targeting them. Climb the vine,
slash the Gohma Larva, and shoot the Giant Skulltula behind you. Then open the
chest for the Compass, which shows where this dungeon's boss and chests are. I
try to get this as soon as possible in my guides. Another vine left of the
chest takes you even higher, but you can't get there until you get a later
item. Anyway, to leave this room, L-Target the ladder on the wall and shoot it
to make it drop down. Now you can exit this room. Return to the main room.
Climb back up to the level with the room you got the Slingshot from. Defeat one
of the Deku Babas and jump down to the center of the main room. You'll break
through the web at the bottom and land in some water. Find some shallow water
and climb onto the nearby ledge with the Deku Babas and the switch. Beat the
meanies and step on the switch to light a torch on the other side of the room.
Use a Deku Stick to burn the adjacent web, revealing another switch. Step on it
to make a chest drop near where the other switch was. Open it for 5 Rupees. Go
back to the torch and shoot the eye switch above the door to open it. Enter the
door.
The door shuts. There are a few easy-to-beat Gohma Larvae in here, as well as a
Mad Scrub. L-Target the Mad Scrub with your shield out to deflect a Deku Nut
back at it. Then slash it once with your sword to beat it. Make sure to slash
the bushes in this room for hearts and ammunition. Light a Deku Stick in the
previous room and hurry back to this room. Light the two torches next to the
door to open it. Enter.
This next room is vaguely suggestive of Enhanced Interrogation Methods (perhaps
more aptly known as torture). Open the chest if you need a Recovery Heart.
Stand on the switch to light the torch. When the moving platform comes near,
use the torch to light the Deku Stick. Then quickly jump onto the moving
platform. Yikes! You're about to get crushed by a spinning spiked roller! But
don't worry. Simply hold R to crouch safely under it. Then jump to the opposite
ledge and light the torches to open the door. Beat the enemies nearby. You'll
have to hit the Giant Skulltula with your Fairy Slingshot while L-Targeting it
from its side. Climb the block to the next door.
Herein are four Gohma Larvae and a Mad Scrub on the floor. Throw a Deku Nut at
the Scrub to quickly beat the larvae. While the Mad Scrub is running about, use
your Fairy Slingshot to take out the four Gohma Larvae and one Keese on the
ceiling. Then beat the Scrub. The door to the next room unlocks.
This next room is filled with Keese, Deku Babas, and tombstones (graves for the
Deku Scrubs or Gohmas?). Use your Slingshot to beat the four Keese on the
torches from a distance. L-Targeting helps. Step on the switch, light a Deku
Stick, and burn the web that blocks the crawlspace (the other web blocks a room
that's useless until later in the game). Crawl through to the other side of the
crawlspace and you'll be back at another part of a room we've visited earlier.
Push the block until it falls into the watery area. Slash any bushes to refill
life and ammo, and then light a Deku Stick on that very useful torch we used
earlier. Run through the shallow water, press A to climb the block, and press R
to crouch on the spider web. This is tricky and may take several tries. You'll
fall to a wet spot at the bottom of the dungeon.
There are three Mad Scrubs here, and they must be defeated in a special order
(often 2-3-1, but not always). There are only six possibilities (1-2-3, 1-3-2,
2-1-3, 2-3-1, 3-1-2, and 3-2-1), so keep trying until you get it right. When
you deflect nuts back at them in the proper order, talk to the one that runs
around to open the boss door (no Boss Key/Big Key or anything!)
You'll be in an eerie, foggy room. Step forward and the door will slam shut.
Look up using your Fairy Slingshot at the glowing eye on the ceiling. It's...
Parasitic Armored Arachnid GOHMA!
The first boss. And what great music! Toss a Deku Nut at it and slash its eye
like mad. When Gohma recovers, it will climb one of the pillars and start
crawling on the ceiling. L-Target it and shoot its eye with the slingshot. When
you get in a good shot, Gohma will fall to the ground dazed. Stop L-Targeting,
run to it, and whack B over and over again. Repeat again and you should have
this fight over with! If you're fast enough, it won't even produce any Gohma
Larvae, but if it does, just slash them with your sword. Once you win this easy
bout, pick up the Heart Container it leaves and enter the ring of light to
leave this dungeon.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fairy Ocarina
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
After watching a very lengthy (and really cool for 1998) cutscene, you'll
receive the Kokiri Emerald. The Kokiris will have new things to say, so you
might want to speak to them. And those girls don't realize that their headbands
make them look like Tom Petty, Bill Belichick, or Gabriel Bautista (or other
Argentinian soccer players). Anyway, you'll finally be able to leave Kokiri
Forest; the guy on the side opposite Mido is no longer in the way. In defiance
of the sign (Forest folk shall not leave these woods), go through the tunnel.
After a sentimental cutscene, Saria gives you the Fairy Ocarina (her heavy
breathing was cool for the start of the Windows 98 era). Useless note: You can
hold down the R or L button while playing the Ocarina to change its pitch. This
is just for fun, though, because you won't be able to play normal songs that
way.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hyrule Field
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finally! We're out of the woods. An owl named Kaepora Gebora will be ahead, and
there's no way to avoid his rambling lecture (be careful not to select No to
here it again). Go straight north to reach Hyrule Castle Town. It's hard to get
there before nightfall, and the drawbridge in closes at night. If you're caught
outside the gates, you may be harassed by Stalchildren (small Stalfoses), who
are pretty weak. Just hold them off for a short time until morning, when the
bridge re-opens. Once you're in Hyrule Castle Town, head forward to the Market.
You might want to talk to the people here, although it's not mandatory. If you
have 20 Rupees, make sure to play the Shooting Gallery game described below.
When you're ready to go, head up one of the alleys to Hyrule Castle.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bullet Bag Upgrade
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the Hyrule Castle Town Market, look for the building marked with the archery
target. Go inside to play the game at the Town Shooting Gallery for 20 Rupees.
If you get a perfect score, you'll win a Deku Seeds Bullet Bag upgrade, which
will make your journey a little easier.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hyrule Castle
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At Hyrule Castle, Kaepora Gebora is just ahead, giving you boring and
incomplete information (time stands still in several other places, such as
Kokiri Forest). Choose "no" to shut him up. Roll into the first tree to find a
Gold Skulltula. There are some guards around who will kick out unauthorized
personnel. Climb the vine onto the ledge and jump down onto the path from the
lookout tower. Then head up the hill, aiming northwest while staying far from
security's line of vision. Climb the wall and jump into the moat. Swim until
you find a spot you can climb onto. Walk to the crates and you'll find a
sleeping man named Talon near some crates. Try to talk to him and you won't get
much of a response. Then get caught by a guard on purpose (the quickest way to
leave the castle grounds). Head back in the direction of Hyrule Castle Town and
you'll find a redheaded girl named Malon (Talon's daughter). She'll give you a
Weird Egg. This egg takes a full day to hatch and become useful, so you might
want to do some of the other side quests now, although I usually just wait a
couple of minutes for the egg to hatch. Once the egg hatches, go back to Talon
(repeating the same process as before, avoiding the guards). Equip the chicken
to one of your C-buttons, L-Target Talon, and press the button the chicken is
assigned to. This wakes the lazy Talon up. Now you can push the two crates into
the moat, forming a bridge allowing you to jump to a crawlspace which you
should enter.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Castle Courtyard
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I like the music here. Here you're trying to make it through without getting
caught by the castle guards. Just stay out of their sight, and use walls and
hedges to prevent them from seeing you. Be patient; watch the guards carefully
before making your move. I wouldn't bother trying to collect the Rupees on the
ground. Once you get through the maze, you'll get to the courtyard and the
music will change. But first, try shooting a seed through the two windows. One
will make a soldier throw a bomb at you, but if you shoot the one with the
pictures of Mario, Peach, Yoshi, and Bowser, you'll get a red Rupee (worth 20).
Go up to Princess Zelda and talk with her. After a cutscene, you'll receive
Zelda's Letter, and Impa will teach you Zelda's Lullaby - the first song for
your Ocarina. Afterwards you'll automatically be taken to Hyrule Field.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your First Bottle
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There are a lot of sidequests worth doing now, and the first one is at Lon Lon
Ranch (in the middle of Hyrule Field). In Lon Lon Ranch, go forward and into
the left door. Talk to Talon to take part in a mini-game. It costs 10 Rupees.
Your goal is to pick out three special Super Cuccoos from a bunch of normal
Cuccoos, but you can't tell them apart. You should be able to tell where at
least one of the Super Cuccoos is by watching where they land at the start, but
the rest of the game is mostly luck. Just keep picking up different chickens
until you find one of the Super Cuccoos. Overall, this game is pretty easy.
When you win, Talon will give you a Bottle, which comes with milk (a good
power-up), but when it's empty you can use it for storing potions, water,
fairies, bugs, and other things. By the way, your response to Talon's question
doesn't affect your reward or future love life.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Epona's Song
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Still at Lon Lon Ranch, head to the field and you'll find Malon. Talk to her
thrice (three times) and pull out the Ocarina. She'll teach you Epona's Song.
This song isn't too useful yet, but someday you'll be glad you learned it.
There's also a Piece of Heart at the ranch in the silo (check the Pieces of
Heart section for more in-depth information).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sun's Song
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I don't think this song is mandatory (except for getting a particular Gold
Skulltula), but it's very helpful. Go to Kakariko Village. You might want to
talk to everyone here, but you don't have to. Head east to the Graveyard. Go
north to the big tombstone. Stand on the Triforce symbol and play Zelda's
Lullaby on it. The tombstone explodes, revealing a hole. Go in - if you dare.
There are several Keese ahead. Keep pressing L until you L-Target one, and then
shoot it with the Slingshot. Repeat until you defeat all of them, opening the
door. Climb up the steps to the next room. There are several ReDeads -
bloodthirsty, nude, groaning zombies. They take a lot of hits, and if they see
you, they'll shriek and freeze you, and they might jump on to you and bite! If
one bites or freezes you, press the A and B buttons rapidly to get it off. Stay
along the wall to avoid them and the toxic green goop. Afterwards you'll reach
a monument. Check it and you'll learn the Sun's Song, which turns day to night
or night to day and also freezes ReDeads and Gibdos. Specifically, it turns
noon to midnight and midnight to noon. In the overworld, it also sends you back
to the place you entered the screen from. Note that the inscription doesn't
quite match the music that appears on screen (I think Zelda games are more
Western than medieval, as today's form of musical notation came into existence
approximately 400 years ago). Then get out of here. We've been in this tomb
long enough. By the way, if you check the graves next to the Royal Family's
Tomb, you can fight Flat and Sharp, and if you defeat them, they'll tell you
about themselves.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hylian Shield
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Near the front of the cemetery is a grave with three flowers. At night, push it
to reveal a hole. Inside is a chest containing the Hylian Shield. Use this
instead of the Deku Shield in most cases. If you ever lose the Hylian Shield,
you can buy one from the shop in Hyrule Castle Town. By the way, another grave
contains a ReDead and a Piece of Heart.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anju's Bottle
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A redheaded girl named Anju (sometimes called the Cuccoo Lady) is on the south-
central part of Kakariko Village. She has lost her seven Cuccoos (chickens) and
she wants you to bring them back. Here's where each one is:
* Near the entrance of Kakariko Village. Grab it and toss it into the pen.
* Next to the pen. Grab it, climb up to the house under construction, jump off,
hover to the Cuccoo on the ledge with the metal fence, and throw the Cuccoo
you're holding onto the ground. Take this new chicken and put it in the pen.
* There's a crate a little south of the entrance to Death Mountain. Smash into
the crate to reveal another chicken. Take it to the pen.
* Another Cuccoo is on the loose very close to the Death Mountain gate. It's
hard to miss. You know what to do with it.
* Find the Cuccoo we grabbed but didn't put in the pen earlier. Carry it to the
ledge near the windmill. Fly off the ledge and throw the Cuccoo while in the
air and right before you reach the fence. Climb over the fence, jump down, and
grab the new Cuccoo. Climb the steps, throw it over the fence, climb the fence,
pick up the Cuccoo again, and take it to its home.
* Enter a door to reset the position of the chicken we keep using but not
putting in the pen. Use it to again float over the fence, but this time climb
the ladder next to it. You'll find this Cuccoo near the windmill. Walk around
the windmill, jump down, and toss it into the pen.
* Enter a door to reset the position of that overworked Cuccoo. This time, pick
it up and throw it in the pen. Now talk to Anju. If all seven of her Cuccoos
are in the pen, she'll give you an empty Bottle - what should be your second.
I should note that you can't bring her any of the Cuccoos that appear elsewhere
in the game, like the one in Hyrule Castle Town.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Death Mountain
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Head to the north part of Kakariko Village. A soldier stands guard at the gate
and doesn't allow anyone to go through. Talk to him and he'll just laugh at
you. However, equip Zelda's Letter and use it while L-Targeting him. Then he'll
open the gate and let you pass. Walk forward to reach a new area: Death
Mountain. Ascend the mountain while avoiding the Tektites and the rolling
Goron. Eventually you'll come to a cave - Goron City, the home of the Gorons.
Go inside and make your way down to the bottom, although you might want to talk
to some of the Gorons first. Play Zelda's Lullaby on the mat at the bottom to
open the door. Then talk to Darunia, the temperamental leader of the Gorons.
Light a Deku Stick using the torch in Darunia's room, and light all four of the
torches at the bottom level. A vase starts spinning, but you can also now use
the torches to light a Deku Stick and knock down the nearby Bomb Flowers, which
blow up rocks and open passageways. Two doors are worth opening. One is the
Goron Shop at the bottom level (note that you can't buy the Red Tunic yet).
Then take a lit stick up the stairs on the bottom, turn right, and light the
two torches. Then light another Deku Stick with those torches, run through the
passage, and light one of the Bomb Flowers next to the rocks. This reveals a
passageway to the Lost Woods.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saria's Song
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You could've gotten here by climbing the vines on the hill in Kokiri Forest,
but this is the most efficient way to get what we need. We're looking for Saria
(the Kokiri girl with the greenish-blonde hair who greets you at the beginning
of the game), and you can tell where she is by listening to the sound of the
music; it gets louder as you get closer. First you'll get harassed by Kaepora
Gebora, who's beginning to get pretty annoying now! From here, go left, left,
straight, left, and right. You should now be in the Sacred Forest Meadow. Walk
forward and you'll face a Wolfos. These wolf enemies aren't too tough. When
they swing their claws at you, attack with your sword, because that's the only
time they're vulnerable. The gate opens when the Wolfos bites the dust. The
next section is a maze full of Mad Scrubs. Saria must have been a lot more
afraid of that Wolfos then these crazy Dekus! Make sure to have the Deku Shield
equipped. When you see a Mad Scrub, L-Target it and hold out your shield to
protect yourself from the Deku Nuts. Use the map to find the best path through
the maze. Eventually you'll pass through some columns and find Saria, who will
teach you Saria's Song. You can play this song to talk to Saria at any time.
She will usually tell you a vague hint, sort of like Sahasrahla or Grandpa
Ulrira in earlier games. I still don't know how she ever got two (or more)
Ocarinas, which weren't invented until the 19th century (this is more proof
that Zelda games are more Western than medieval). What's more, I need to tell
you that Saria's Song is written in C Major and uses the Lydian mode (which
Plato thought would weaken warriors and was thus suitable only for girls).
Anyway, it's time to leave the Sacred Forest Meadow. On the way back, you can
walk on the grassy ledges, bypassing the Scrubs. There's a Fairy Fountain in
the hole in the middle of the maze if you need to refill your energy. Once you
leave the meadow, talk to that owl and turn right, returning you to Kokiri
Forest.
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Item Upgrades
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Before we return to Goron City, let's do a few more things in the Lost Woods.
Re-enter the Lost Woods from the Kokiri Forest entrance. Turn left. You'll get
a Piece of Heart from the Skull Kid if you play Saria's Song on the stump. Turn
left again and go forward as far as possible, where you'll find a Deku Scrub.
Deflect a Deku Nut at him and talk to him. If you pay him 40 Rupees, you'll be
able to carry 20 Deku Sticks instead of 10.
Return to Kokiri Forest and re-enter the Lost Woods. Turn right. There are two
things to do on this screen. First, see that wooden target hanging from a tree?
If you hit the very center of the target with your Slingshot, the number 100
will appear. Do this thrice and a Deku Scrub will reward you with another
upgrade for your slingshot's Bullet Bag. Now you'll be able to hold 50 seeds -
a very useful upgrade. By the way, precise aiming can be difficult for emulator
players or people who've worn out their joysticks doing hundreds of "Mini
Turbos" playing Mario Kart. You might also want to get the Piece of Heart by
playing a mini-game with the Skull Kids.
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The Mask Trade
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Yes, there are a lot of side quests at this point in the game, but they all
make your adventure a little easier in the future. Leave Kokiri Forest and go
to the Market at Hyrule Castle Town. The shop with the two shield-like masks
(near the entrance to Hyrule Castle) is the Happy Mask Shop. Borrow the 10-
Rupee Keaton Mask. This also a good time to get the Piece of Heart by finding
Richard (see Pieces of Heart).
Go to Kakariko Village and find the guard who wanted a Keaton Mask. Wear the
mask while talking to him to give him the Keaton Mask. Return to Hyrule Castle
Town (play the Sun's Song if the drawbridge is down). Go back to the Happy Mask
Shop and borrow the 20-Rupee Skull Mask.
Go to Kokiri Forest and climb up to the Lost Woods. Go right, left, right,
left, and left. There should be some Deku Scrubs. Go forward and drop in the
hole covered by grass (near the butterflies). Put on the Skull Mask and walk
forward. You'll be mobbed by Dekus. That's good! Walk up to the big Deku for
the second Deku Stick upgrade.
Return to the start of the Lost Woods and go left. Stand on the stump while
wearing the Skull Mask and talk to the Skull Kid. He'll give you 10 Rupees for
it. Don't worry; it's not your fault that he went on to cause such trouble in
later games. You can only give him this mask after you've gotten his Piece of
Heart. Head back to the Happy Mask Shop, pay back the 20 Rupees, and select the
Spooky Mask (the kind ReDeads wear).
Your next stop is Kakariko Graveyard. Make sure it's daytime, and talk to the
little kid while wearing it. He'll give you 30 Rupees for the mask. Go back to
the Happy Mask Shop, repay the 30 Rupees, and take the Bunny Hood. Note that
wearing it doesn't make you faster. The next part of the mask trade can't be
completed until a bit later in the game.
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Goron's Bracelet
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That's all the sidequests for now. Go back to Goron City (use either the Death
Mountain Trail route or the Lost Woods shortcut). L-Target Darunia and play
Saria's Song. After a fun sequence, Darunia will give you the Goron's Bracelet,
which enables you to pick up and throw Bomb Flowers.
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Opening Dodongo's Cavern
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Make your way up the stairs to the highest level of Goron City, and go outside
to Death Mountain. Head forward and take the right fork. You'll see a sign and
a Goron. Ignore what the sign says. Pick up the Bomb Flower and throw it over
the rail. Keep trying until it blows up the rocks below that block a cave. Walk
(or jump) down to the newly open tunnel and enter. You'll find a cracked stone
wall flanked by Bomb Flowers. Place one of the Bomb Flowers next to the wall to
blow it up. BOOM!
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Dodongo's Cavern
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This is our second dungeon - and it's harder and longer than the last one. Run
forward and you'll find a platform that rises and sinks. When it's high, jump
across to the center island, which has a Bomb Flower. Wait for the right-hand
rising platform to rise, pick up the Bomb Flower, jump across to the other
side, and throw the Bomb Flower at the cracked wall. This reveals an alcove
with a treasure chest. Open it for the Dungeon Map. Return to the Bomb Flower
island. Pick one up and jump to the right side of the giant Dodongo skull. Drop
it next to the boulder to reveal a switch, which you should step on. This makes
one of the platforms rise higher than before. There's another boulder on the
other side of the skull, but it doesn't do anything. Climb the ladder back to
higher ground. Jump onto the platform that rises higher now and jump onto the
ledge when it reaches its apex. Go around to the rickety bridge. Cross it to
find a switch. Step on it, making a locked door open below. Jump down to the
newly-unlocked door. You can also blow up the wall next to this door to reveal
a Gossip Stone, but it's not necessary. Enter the door we just unlocked.
Go forward through the corridor. Pick up one of the Bomb Flowers and throw it
at the laser-shooting Beamos to dispose of it (if you don't aim quite right,
two hits will be necessary; L-Targeting helps). Defeat the other Beamos on the
opposite side, picking up the Silver Rupee it leaves. Silver Rupees have
special properties: if you collect all of the Silver Rupees in a room, a locked
door will open. Pick up another Bomb Flower (don't worry; they regenerate
quickly) and drop it by the cracked wall. Go through this newly opened passage,
defeat the Deku Baba, ignoring the door at the end of the tunnel (it leads to a
room that's currently useless for us). Light a Deku Stick with the torch nearby
and knock down the Bomb Flower on the wall. Then throw the Bomb Flower toward
the staircase. If it lands in the gap between the Bomb Flowers, you'll start a
chain reaction of explosions and lower the staircase. Roll into the crates near
the corners of the room; one has a Silver Rupee. Now climb the stairs, ignoring
the platform the rises to a Business Scrub (who sells overpriced, useless
wares). Turn left on the walkway and smash into the crate for the third Silver
Rupee. Head forward, beating the Big Skulltulas. Roll into the crate for
another Silver Rupee. Climb the mesh for the fifth and final Silver Rupee of
this room. Proceed through the door that opens.
This room is full of Dodongos - malevolent fire-breathing dinosaurs. Quickly
climb the ladder on the back of the platform to avoid them. L-Target a Dodongo
and throw the Bomb Flower at it. If a Dodongo eats it, it'll explode. But be
careful - exploding Dodongos can hurt you, too! Once you've beaten all three of
the Dodongos, a chest appears and the door unlocks. Open the chest for the
Compass, and slash the bushes if you want some goodies. Go through the door.
Head forward and cross the bridge. Please don't fall down. The next room is a
small pain in the buttocks. Climb down the ladder and push three blocks down
the alleys toward the ladder. Then push the blocks together under two of the
torches. Climb back up the ladder, light a Deku Stick, and jump down onto the
blocks. Then use the blocks to light two of the torches, and jump to light the
third. This opens a door elsewhere in the room. Go forward and pull out the
block so you can climb the ladder. Jump onto the ledge with the torch, and
light a Deku Stick. Jump back to the ledge and run down the corridor. Light the
torch and burn the web. Quickly beat the Giant Skulltula (preferably using your
Deku Stick). Use the torch to light another stick, and light the torch that
comes after the Giant Skulltula.
In this room, jump down to the lower level and defeat the duo of Baby Dodongos
with your sword. Push the block to the opposite end of the room, and climb it
to the platform. There's another Giant Skulltula; use a Deku Stick or your
slingshot to defeat it. In this narrow corridor, L-Target and shoot the Keese,
and use a Deku Stick to bop the Giant Skulltula. Use the nearby torch to light
a Deku Stick, and go back up the passage and knock down the Bomb Flower. Then
use the Bomb Flower to blow up the cracked door.
Open the next door and you'll be in an arena with a pair of weak mini-bosses:
Lizalfos. The easiest way to beat them is by starting with a Jump Attack, and
then employing a steady diet of Crouch Stabs. I prefer the Deku Shield here. Be
careful not to fall into the poisonous acid. Use your shield to defend against
their sword attacks, and be prepared to chase them across the various islands
of the arena. Sometimes they'll jump behind you and try to stab you from
behind. Go through the door that opens once you beat them.
Here's a tricky room. First, use your Slingshot to dispatch the two Keese
flying around to make things much easier. Drop down to the floor level and head
to the opposite end of the room. Smash the crate to reveal a crystal switch.
Hit it with your sword to temporarily extinguish one of the fires. Quickly
climb up to that platform and jump to the alcove on the left (the south end of
the room). Take the Bomb Flower and use it to destroy the rocks opposite the
crystal switch. This reveals a floor switch. Hit the crystal switch again, step
on the floor switch, climb up to the high platforms, and quickly jump across
the platforms before the fires return.
You'll be in a new section of the room where you pushed the blocks to reach the
torches earlier. Simply go forward, unless you want to open the 5-Rupee
treasure chest. Pick up the Bomb Flower and drop it to open up a very useful
shortcut. Pick up another Bomb Flower and jump all the way down to the main
room. Make sure to the aim to the left (toward the entrance of the dungeon).
You'll land, probably take some damage, near a cracked wall. Throw the bomb at
the wall to open a new passage. No matter how hard you tried, you couldn't have
opened that tunnel with the Bomb Flower from the center island.
Enter this newly-opened room. Make sure to have the Hylian Shield equipped, as
there are Fire Keese nearby. Head forward and step on the two gray blocks. One
rises, leading to a Bomb Flower. Use this Bomb Flower to blow up a nearby rock,
revealing another Bomb Flower. Use this Bomb Flower to implode the cracked
wall. However, a Business Scrub is the only inhabitant of this room. He sells a
potentially useful Red Potion, although fairies are better and don't cost 40
Rupees. Return to the previous room. Head forward and beat the Fire Keese and
Giant Skulltula. See that vertical line of Bomb Flowers? Pick up the one you
used to open the door and throw it near that line. You'll start an explosive
chain reaction and reveal an eye switch. Shoot the eye switch to open a door.
Avoid or defeat the Baby Dodongos in this corridor and open the next door. This
is another Lizalfos mini-boss. Use the same strategies as before. I like using
the Crouch Stab. Use the Deku Shield and don't L-Target if you opt for that
strategy. Open the door that unlocks.
In this eerie room, use the Bomb Flower to start a chain reaction, opening a
door. If you open the door, you'll find this room isn't useful until you have a
later item, but if you do enter, beat the Fire Keese, and then take care of the
Mad Scrubs after equipping the Deku Shield. Head forward through the eerie
room. Defeat some of the Poes (ghosts), and use the Bomb Flower near the back
of the room to start a chain reaction with a different line of Bomb Flowers,
opening another door.
Enter the door and open the chest. Inside is the prize of this dungeon - the
Bomb Bag! Now you can use bombs whenever you want. You won't have to worry
about Bomb Flowers any more! If you wish, you can go back to the first Lizalfos
room, where you can open a path to the north by throwing a Bomb and letting it
explode at just the right time, leading to a Gold Skulltula.
Here's an optional room before we fight the boss. Take the main room's high
platform to the top. Jump to the ledge and go forward through the passage. Then
jump down and enter the north room, which we haven't entered yet. Use your
Slingshot to take out all the Gohma Larvae on the ceiling. If you stand under
one, it'll drop and hatch (as you know from the Great Deku Tree dungeon), so it
might be easier to fight them one at a time after they hatch. Once you beat
them all, a 5-Rupee chest appears. Then roll into the crates until you find one
with a Gold Skulltula.
Make your way back to the main room and use the high platform to reach the
second floor. Then walk over to the bridge area. See those holes? Try dropping
a bomb into them and see what happens! If they explode on the eyes of the
Dodongo skull, its mouth will open, allowing you to move on to the next part of
the dungeon.
Open the door in the Dodongo skull's mouth and proceed forward. Avoid the Baby
Dodongos and climb through the east passage. Head through the tunnel and into
the room. Avoid the Baby Dodongos and jump down to some graves (for Gorons?).
Fight the single Lizalfos, then throw a bomb across the fire. It will explode
and activate a crystal switch, allowing you to pass over safely. Optionally,
enter the north door, defeat the Poe, push the grave, and open the chest for
five Rupees. Return to the previous room and drop a bomb by the line of Bomb
Flowers. This will open the door, but it will also activate a couple of Armos
Statues. Avoid them and wait for them to explode, and proceed over the steps.
But first, climb onto the narrow ledge and defeat the Gold Skulltula. Enter the
west door.
Head through the tunnel and push back the grave, revealing a switch. Step on it
to open the door (the west one) that leads to the big boss. Enter, open the
chest to refill your bomb supply, and bomb the middle of the room. Drop through
the hole that opens and face...
Infernal Dinosaur KING DODONGO!
An extremely easy boss. When he opens his mouth, throw a bomb in. This will
stun him, allowing you to slash him once with your sword. He'll then begin
rolling around the room. Stay along the wall to avoid his roll attacks, and
then follow him. When he stops rolling, repeat this process. Four hits and he's
done. Take the Heart Container and leave.
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The Death Mountain Fairy Fountain
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Afterwards, Darunia gives you the Goron's Ruby - your second Spiritual Stone.
Climb up to the highest part of Death Mountain. See all those rocks? Try
blowing them up using a Bomb. One of the rocks is harder to destroy; you'll
have to throw a bomb behind it (or have the bomb explode while in the air).
Jump over the gap and climb a bit, and you'll see another rock. Blow it up to
reveal a hole. Inside are some Rupees, hearts, and a cow. If you play Epona's
Song for this (or any other) cow, she'll produce some milk for your bottle.
Back outside, equip the Hylian Shield and run north. What's that sound? It's an
avalanche! Crouch under your Hylian Shield and you'll be safe. When it stops,
keep going north. Duck under your shield again when the next avalanche occurs.
Soon you'll come to a wall that you can climb. First shoot the Skullwalltula
with your Slingshot. Then climb and drop onto the first ledge you see. Shoot
the other Skullwalltula. Resume climbing and land on the higher ledge on the
right. Dispose of the last Skullwalltula and climb until you can't climb any
farther. The cave on the right leads to Death Mountain Crater, a place you
shouldn't go yet (although you might want to get the Gold Skulltula in the