For those stepping into Hyrule for the first time, or those returning after a long absence, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time offers a classic adventure with a unique set of challenges. This guide provides crucial advice to help new players navigate the intricacies of this 28-year-old classic.
Master the Tutorial and Combat
Upon gaining control of Link in Kokiri Forest, it is highly recommended to engage with the tutorial area. Interacting with the Know-It-Alls will provide valuable insights, and the individual outside will demonstrate fundamental combat maneuvers, including rolling and dodging. After acquiring a sword, you can return to learn the mighty jump attack. These techniques form the core of Link's combat repertoire and are best mastered early.
The jump attack, which deals double the damage of a standard strike, can be executed with a forward tilt on the control stick while targeting, followed by pressing the A button. This method is often simpler than the standard two-button input and proves highly effective throughout the game.
Explore Beyond the Main Path
While NPCs will frequently direct players towards the main story objectives, such as the Great Deku Tree or Hyrule Castle, deviating from this path can be rewarding. Ocarina of Time is filled with secrets and optional content. Wandering through areas like Kokiri Forest can uncover hidden items early on. Players are encouraged to backtrack to previously visited locations at any time to discover more.
Engage with Minigames and Collect Bottles
Castle Town introduces a variety of minigames. While not strictly necessary for progression, participating in these can yield significant rewards, including larger item storage bags and the crucial empty bottles. These bottles are invaluable for holding quest items, potions, and fairies, which can automatically revive Link upon defeat. The game features a total of five empty bottles, and players are encouraged to collect them all.
Utilize Your Full Arsenal
Combat in Ocarina of Time is not solely reliant on the sword. Many enemies can be overcome by strategically using other items. Experimenting with the hookshot, boomerang, or Deku Nuts can stun, repel, or defeat foes from a distance, offering alternatives to close-quarters combat.
Interact with Everyone and Observe Your Surroundings
Talking to all characters, including Navi, can provide essential hints for progression and reveal hidden secrets. Dialogue often changes based on in-game events, so revisiting characters is beneficial. Furthermore, careful observation of the environment is key to solving puzzles. Look for unusual symbols, suspicious floor tiles, or interactive elements that might be easily overlooked.
Seek Out Glowing Symbols and Gold Skulltulas
The remake of Ocarina of Time includes fairy symbols, glowing runes that offer clues when examined with Navi. These often point to secrets or bonuses. Additionally, collecting the 100 Gold Skulltulas scattered throughout Hyrule yields significant rewards. Listen for their distinctive scratching sounds, especially at night in towns and at any time in dungeons. Rolling into trees that appear to be shedding leaves can also reveal their presence.
Avoid Attacking Cuccos
Finally, a word of caution: do not attack the Cuccos, the game's chickens. While they can be picked up and thrown, engaging them in combat will provoke a swarm of their aggressive brethren, leading to an unpleasant and difficult situation.