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\__/  |         |   |  |      | |___
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: OCARINA OF TIME
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 FAQs), 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
Fruitcake Palace, just type in "Fruitcake Palace" in the search bar to get
where you want to go.
===============================================================================
Introduction                                                         [INTRO]
===============================================================================
I'm submitting my FAQ/Walkthrough for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on
what is, by chance, the 10th anniversary of its U.S. release. Does the world
really NEED another guide for this game? Not all that much. But after producing
a walkthrough for the Master Quest version, I knew it wouldn't take too long to
make a guide for the original.
Ocarina of Time is one really great game. It has great graphics, superb music,
a good level of challenge, high replay value, innovative and effective play
control, interesting characters, exciting bosses, and a riveting storyline. And
most of all, it's a lot of fun to play.
This walkthrough is designed to help you through every section of The Legend of
Zelda: Ocarina of Time. 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 please take
your time and enjoy it.
This guide is written for the original version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina
of Time, which was released in November 1998 for the Nintendo 64 (back when
those graphics were supposed to be revolutionary). In 2003, people who
preordered The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker received a GameCube version of
Ocarina of Time called The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Master Quest).
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. If you're playing
Master Quest, please refer to my Master Quest walkthrough, which is the same as
this guide except for the dungeons.
One note for the sake of avoiding needless offense: Certain 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 up 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. If you played Majora's Mask, there's little
use in reading this section.
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, Grab, Climb,
Drop, and Enter [small space]. If you're moving forward, press A to roll.
B: Operates the sword (more on that later)
Z: Z-Target (or center camera behind Link, if no enemy is nearby)
R: Operate shield
C-Up: Look around, change view when inside houses, or (if applicable) talk to
Navi (a provider of vague hints, and when Z-Targeting, tips on beating enemies)
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.
L: Toggle map on or off
If you're not Z-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 Z
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 Z-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 Z-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 Z 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.
Two other notes: Press Up on the Control Stick when falling from a great height
to avoid sustaining damage. Also, pay attention whenever Navi turns green;
usually you must pass an obstacle by unusual means when that happens.
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. 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. Next, 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. Go back to Mido (on the east end of the map) 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. 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 and jump across the platforms (you jump
automatically, so don't bother pressing A). You'll eventually come to a chest.
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.
From here, keep following the path until you come to a door. Press A while
standing in front of it to go inside. The door slams shut, and you're faced
with an enemy - a Mad Scrub. Z-Target it and hold out your shield (hold R) to
deflect the seeds it spits back at it. It'll then start running around the
room. Simply touch it and it'll unlock the door and give you a hint. It's best
to stand on its flower when you want to catch it while it's running. If it goes
back in its flower, just deflect another seed at it. Anyway, enter the door you
just opened.
Jump on the platform, which promptly falls and shatters (like a Donut Lift in
Mario games). Climb one of the vine walls to the treasure chest. Open the chest
to get the Fairy Slingshot! This item is a lot of fun to use and helps you
complete this dungeon. Climb the vine to the left if you need a Recovery Heart
(found in the high chest). Anyway, to leave this room, Z-Target the ladder on
the wall and shoot it with your Slingshot to make it drop down. Now you can
exit this room. Return to the main room.
Make your way back to where you got the Map. Use your Slingshot to beat the
three Skullwalltulas (Z-Targeting helps) on the wall. 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. Watch out for any Big Skulltulas, and
follow the path to the door. Enter.
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, by the way. Jump across the platforms and open the
chest for the Compass, which shows where this dungeon's boss and chests are.
It also helps you find your way on the on-screen map. I try to get this item,
along with the Map, as soon as possible in my guides. You're not quite finished
with this room, though. Return to the entrance of the room (climbing the vine
to get back up there). Take out a Deku Stick and stand near the flaming torch
to light the stick on fire. Walk over to the unlit torch and stand near it.
You'll use the stick to light the torch, unlocking the door out of here. By the
way, you'll lose a burning Deku Stick unless you press B before it
disintegrates. Step on the switch and jump across the platforms one more time
to get to the small chest, which contains a Recovery Heart. The alcove is
guarded by an irritating Skulltula. There's also a Gold Skulltula by the chest.
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. Exit the room.
Defeat one of the Big Skulltulas with your Slingshot or a Deku Stick 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 switch. Step on it to light a torch and reveal a chest, which has a
Recovery Heart. Two Gold Skulltulas are nearby. Both can be defeated with your
Slingshot, but you can't take the token quite yet for one of them. You can
collect the token from the one on the vine, though. Use the newly-lit torch to
light a Deku Stick. Take it across the shallow water, jump to the island, and
burn the web, revealing a door. Go inside.
The door shuts. Z-Target the Mad Scrub with your shield out to deflect a Deku
Nut back at it. Then stand on its flower and wait for it to come near, then
attack it. Once you've beaten it, take note of the numbers it tells you. Then
pull out your Slingshot and shoot the silver eye switch over the door. Enter
the door you opened.
This next room is vaguely suggestive of Enhanced Interrogation Methods (perhaps
more aptly known as torture). Jump in the water and look for a switch below the
spinning spiked thing. Hold A to dive down and activate the switch and
temporarily lower the water level in the room. Swim back to the main ledge.
Jump aboard the moving platform when it comes near. As long as you're fast, you
won't get hurt by the spinning spiked roller! Then jump onto the opposite side
and beat the Skulltula. Stand near the block (marked with the Islamic crescent
and star in some versions of the game) and push it forward (hold A and use the
Control Stick). Then press A to climb up the block and then enter the door.
Herein are three Deku Babas. Beat them with your sword. Then light a Deku Stick
with the lit torch and use it to light the unlit ones. The door to the next
room unlocks.
This next room is filled with Deku Babas and Gohma Larvae. You can use your
Slingshot to beat the Gohma Eggs on the ceiling to beat them before they hatch.
If they do hatch, they're easy to beat with your sword. Light a Deku Stick and
burn the web that blocks the crawlspace to the east (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. Now you can get
that Gold Skulltula we saw earlier - just jump from the block to get the token.
Now light a Deku Stick on that very useful torch we used earlier. Jump to the
block (press A if you need to climb the block), and press R to crouch on the
spider web. You'll burn the web and 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). This is the order the Mad Scrub told you earlier
(I hope you paid attention). 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!). Again, stand on the flower instead of chasing the Scrub all
over the room. Slash the bushes if you need any refills, and then enter the
door.
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. Z-Target it and shoot its eye with the slingshot. When
you get in a good shot, Gohma will fall to the ground dazed. Stop Z-Targeting,
run to it, and whack B over and over again. Repeat this process a couple of
times 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.
If it gets on the ceiling, try to shoot its eye with the Slingshot. 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 Batistuta (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 Z Buttons or Up or Down on the Control Stick 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
hear 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, Z-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. This even beats the lullaby found in Shakespeare's "Julius
Caesar!" 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 Piece of
Heart), 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 Z until you Z-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
left 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 day to
midnight and night to noon. In the overworld, it often 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 Z-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 can also follow the music; go in the direction
it's loudest. How high-tech! 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, Z-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 her at any time. She
will usually tell you a vague hint, sort of like Sahasrahla or Grandpa Ulrira
in earlier games. If you play her song and choose not to talk to her, you can
speak to Navi instead (she'll give you the standard hint you receive when you
press C-Up). I still don't know how she ever got two (or more) Ocarinas, which
weren't invented until the 19th century (I still think 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 climb the ladder and 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 64. You might also want to get the Piece of Heart by
playing an Ocarina mini-game with the Skull Kids below.
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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). Z-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 (press A to pick one up,
then press A to throw one once you've picked it up).
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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 Beamos. This enemy rotates slowly, and
if its eye sees you, it'll shoot a laser beam in your direction. Avoid it and
wait for the left-hand rising platform to rise. Use it to jump across to the
other side. Pick up the Bomb Flower and throw it at the cracked wall. This
reveals an alcove with a treasure chest. Open it for the Dungeon Map. The other
nook (with another Beamos) is occupied by a Deku Scrub that will sell you a
Deku Stick, but you probably don't need one. Return to the island in the
center. Use the rising platform to access the right (east) side of the room.
Pick up the Bomb Flower and throw it at the cracked wall to reveal a Gossip
Stone (not too useful). Once the flower regenerates, pick it up and throw it at
the laser-shooting Beamos to dispose of it (if you don't aim quite right, two
hits will be necessary; Z-Targeting helps). Then use the Bomb Flower once more
to open the southeastern door, leading to the next room.
We meet a new enemy here - Baby Dodongos. One slash of the sword will beat
them, but stand back; they explode soon after collapsing! Head forward past the
numerous infantile dinosaurs. Lure one to the cracked wall and let it blow it
open.
In this optional room, use your Fairy Slingshot to defeat the Keese.
Afterwards, bop out the Gold Skulltula in the manner of your choice. If you
can't reach the token, try a backflip or Jump Attack.
Back in the previous room, take out the Baby Dodongos and clamber up the step.
Head forward and push one of the statues onto the switch to hold it down and
keep the door open. Go through this door and you'll find a few Keese. Beat them
with your Slingshot and head into the next room.
You'll be in an arena with a pair of weak mini-bosses: Lizalfos. One way to
beat them is by starting with a Jump Attack, and then employing a steady diet
of Crouch Stabs. I prefer to use the Deku Shield here. Be careful not to fall
into the lava. 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.
Use the Bomb Flower near the door to break the cracked wall. If you enter the
door, you'll find a Deku Scrub selling a Deku Stick for 15 Rupees. What a
ripoff! Instead, just keep on going. You'll meet several Dodongos - malevolent
fire-breathing dinosaurs. Hit their tails with your sword, then turn away
before they whack you. Three hits will do them in. But be careful - exploding
Dodongos can hurt you, too! Anyway, all you have to do here is light a Deku
Stick with the torch and use it to light the unlit torches. This will open a
door.
Enter and you'll be back in the main room. Step on the switch to unlock the
door across from you. Jump across the platforms and enter.
Go through the corridor and pick up a Bomb Flower. Drop it by the cracked door
to reveal a door.
Inside, push the middle Armos Statue to activate it (the others are dummies).
Throw a Bomb Flower at it while it's moving to destroy it and unlock the door.
Before you leave, however, open the big chest for the Compass.
Back in the previous room, pick up another Bomb Flower (don't worry if you
miss; they regenerate quickly) and throw it 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. Now climb the stairs and head up the spiral
ramp. Use your Slingshot to beat the Skullwalltula and Gold Skulltula. Then
climb onto the mesh and take the token. Go through the door once you're ready.
You definitely want to be using the Hylian Shield here; two Fire Keese are
around. Shoot them and walk around the room. On the south side is a ladder
blocked by an Armos Statue. Push it out of the way and climb to the switch.
Step on it to open the door. The other Armos Statues can be activated, but
there's no need to. Simply jump down and head through the east door.
Head forward and cross the bridge, shooting the Fire Keese if they're bothering
you. In this next chamber, jump down the ladder, but beware of the Razor Traps.
Head southeast and pull out the block to reveal a Recovery Heart. Then ascend
the ladder and jump onto the ledge with the chest and Bomb Flower. The chest
contains a Red Rupee, worth 20. Pick up the Bomb Flower and wait a few seconds.
Then, just as it's about to detonate, throw it at the cracked wall by the
ladder to open a passage. Try a few times and you'll get it right. Enter the
passage you just opened.
In here, a fire is blocking your way. Shoot the eye switch to make the fire
disappear temporarily. Jump across to a corridor with several Baby Dodongos. At
the end is a door.
This is another Lizalfos mini-boss. Use the same strategies as before. You may
like using the Crouch Stab. Use the Deku Shield and don't Z-Target if you opt
for that strategy. Open the door that unlocks.
This room looks a lot like the one just before the mini-boss. Hit the eye
switch to extinguish the first flame. Jump onto the ledge and look left into
the alcove, where you'll find another eye switch. Shoot this to eliminate the
other flame blocking safe passage. But be quick; the flames will return
eventually. Head forward and you'll find yourself in a new part of the Razor
Trap room.
Jump across and open the big chest for 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 want, you can jump down and blow open the cracked
wall, where you'll find a room where Deku Scrubs will sell you Deku Nuts and
Deku Seeds for ridiculous prices. First, however, go through the passage and
step on the switch. One of the platforms in the main room will now move higher,
allowing you to get to the second level much more quickly.
Use this platform if you need to come back here. Go around to the north end of
the room and cross the bridge. Use a bomb to implode the cracked door,
revealing a chest containing a Blue Rupee, worth five. See those gaps in the
bridge? Try dropping a bomb into them and see what happens! If they explode on
both of the eyes of the Dodongo skull, its mouth will open, allowing you to
move on to the next part of the dungeon.
Return to the lower level. Open the door in the Dodongo skull's mouth and
proceed forward. Avoid or defeat the Fire Keese and climb into the eastern
corridor.
You'll soon reach a room with many Fire Keese. Shoot them if possible. Then
head through spiraling passage. Throw a bomb at the north door to open a room
with an Armos Statue and a Gold Skulltula. The Armos won't bother you if you
don't touch it.
Back in the previous room, climb the large steps to the west, defeating the
Fire Keese if they're bothering you (and they probably are). Before entering
the northwest door, push down the block to make a little shortcut.
Additionally, be sure to break the pot if you need a fairy. Head through the
corridor and you'll be back in the room after the Dodongo skull. Push down the
block and dispose of the Fire Keese. Slash the bushes if you need a heart
refill. Then pull the block onto the switch in the middle of the room 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. If you run out of
bombs, you can use the Bomb Flowers found in the corners of the room. Four
hits and he's done - three if you use jump attacks. Take the Heart Container
and leave via the portal.
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The Death Mountain Fairy Fountain
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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
crate at its start). Instead, blow up the cracked wall on the left. Go inside
and you'll be at a Fairy Fountain. The Zelda Fairy Theme music (or Super Mario
Bros. 3's Water Land) will play. Use your Ocarina to play Zelda's Lullaby on
the Triforce symbol. A semi-nude fairy appears. The Great Fairy of Power will
give you a Magic Meter and upgrade your Spin Attack - both of which are very
good things. She'll also restore your energy. Talk to Kaepora Gebora and he'll
take you back to Kakariko Village. Drop off the south end of the building (near
Anju) you land on and enter the crack for a Heart Piece.
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Din's Fire
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Go to Hyrule Castle and climb the vine you used to get past the watchtower. Go
forward to the sign marked, "Dead End." Blow up the rock to reveal a
crawlspace. Go through to reach the Fairy Fountain the last one was talking
about. Play Zelda's Lullaby on the Triforce symbol to make the Great Fairy of
Magic appear. She'll refill your energy and give you Din's Fire, which is very
useful at times.
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The Bombchu Bowling Alley