Happy Zelda weekend! Ocarina of Time is 28 years old, and many players have never experienced it or weren’t even born when it released. This entry feels distinct from newer titles.
Here are a few tips to make your Hyrule adventure smoother this weekend. Enjoy the classic ride!
Actually go do the tutorial
When you first control Link in Kokiri Forest, exit your house leftward to the Know-It-Alls. Inside they give advice; outside a character shows basic moves—roll, dodge, and points you toward a sword. Return to learn the jump attack. These are essentially all the combat moves you’ll need.
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Easier jump attack
The jump attack doubles damage but normally needs two button presses. You can also tilt the stick forward while targeting and press A. Use this method and apply it often.
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Don’t do what everyone tells you
NPCs constantly urge you to follow the main story, pushing you toward the Great Deku Tree or Hyrule Castle. However, many secrets, items, and side activities lie off the beaten path. Explore freely and backtrack whenever you like.
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Minigames carnival
In Castle Town you’ll find numerous minigames in shop stalls. They’re optional, but trying them can earn extra storage bags or bottles. Feel free to have fun and experiment.
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Bottles, bottles
Empty bottles are your most valuable resource; collect all five. If offered one, drop everything and take it. They hold quest items, potions, and fairies that revive you automatically.
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You have more than just a sword
It can be tempting to just hack and slash your way to victory, but some enemies aren’t easily taken down. Test other items like the hookshot, boomerang, or Deku Nuts to see what works; they can stun, knock away, or kill from a distance.
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Talk to everyone (including Navi)
Talk to every character, even Navi. The writing is often humorous, and NPCs frequently give hints about upcoming tasks or hidden secrets. Their dialogue changes as the game progresses, so revisit them regularly.
Navi can be annoying, but her combat tips are very helpful.
Look around
When stuck in a dungeon, the answer is usually right there. Look closely at wall symbols, odd floor tiles, fire sources, switches, platforms beneath you, connections, and even underwater areas. Observing often solves the puzzle.
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Look for glowy symbols
The remake adds glowing rune symbols on walls or pillars. Use Navi to examine them; they often reveal secrets or bonuses. Paying attention to your surroundings pays off.
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Gold Skulltulas
There are 100 gold Skulltulas; collecting them unlocks great rewards at milestones. Listen for a scritchy‑scratching sound and roll into leaf‑shedding trees. They appear at night in towns but everywhere in dungeons. Grab as many as possible.
Do not attack the Cuccos
Avoid hitting the Cuccos (chickens). You can pick them up, carry, and throw them, but never attack.
