The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time Walkthrough
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time follows Link's quest to stop Ganondorf from taking over Hyrule by traveling through time and mastering dungeons filled with puzzles and enemies. This walkthrough covers the main story path, puzzle solutions, and strategies to defeat major bosses without missing essential items or sequence-breaking by accident.
Early game: Kokiri Forest to Hyrule Castle
Start by collecting the Deku Sword and Deku Shield in Kokiri Forest, then head to the Deku Tree. Inside, light torches to open doors and use bombs to destroy enemies and cracked walls. The Deku Tree boss requires you to hit the boss's eye when it opens, then strike the tentacle when it lashes out. After defeating it, you'll receive the Spiritual Stone of the Forest.
Leave Kokiri Forest and travel to Hyrule Castle through Death Mountain. Along the way, stop at Kakariko Village to pick up a blue Fire (or Red Fire from the Lost Woods) to melt red ice blocking your path. In Hyrule Castle, speak to Zelda in the castle courtyard to learn the Song of Zelda's Lullaby, a key track for your ocarina.
Death Mountain and Dodongo's Cavern
Head to Death Mountain and enter Dodongo's Cavern. Use bombs and the blue Fire you collected to solve puzzles and defeat Baby Dodongos. The boss, King Dodongo, charges at you; sidestep and throw bombs into its mouth when it opens. After victory, claim the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
Zora's Fountain and the Water Temple
Travel to Zora's Fountain and play the Song of Zelda's Lullaby at the blue warp point to open a passage. Collect the Spiritual Stone of Water from the Zora King. With all three stones in hand, return to the Temple of Time in Hyrule Castle.
Play the Song of Time before the blue blocks to open the gate and pull the Master Sword. This transforms you into adult Link and sends you seven years into the future.
Adult timeline dungeons
As adult Link, you must clear five main dungeons to reach Ganon's Castle. The Water Temple is first: lower and raise the water level using Zelda's Lullaby to access different floors. Navigate carefully because the temple's layout shifts with water levels. Defeat Dark Link by following his sword attacks and striking when his guard drops.
In the Fire Temple, use bombs and fire-resistant gear to survive lava areas. Defeat the Flare Dancer boss by hitting it with bombs when it splits into smaller enemies. The Shadow Temple requires the Hover Boots and Mirror Shield; solve puzzles involving moving through invisible paths and using your reflection. The Spirit Temple has two child and adult sections: as child Link, use bombs and small passages; as adult, use larger weapons and the Mirror Shield to reflect light beams.
Before tackling Ganon's Castle, clear the Forest Temple with Saria's help. This dungeon teaches you the Hook Shot, essential for reaching Ganon's Lair. Inside the Forest Temple, defeat Phantom Beast Ganon by shooting it with arrows and striking it with your sword when it draws close.
Ganon's Castle and final confrontation
Once inside Ganon's Castle, collect the Light Arrows by defeating enemies in each wing of the castle. Use these arrows on Ganondorf to freeze him temporarily, then attack with your sword. After the first phase, he transforms into Beast Ganon. Dodge his charging attacks and hit him from behind.
Critical puzzle solutions
Throughout the game, certain puzzles block progress. The Blue Fire melts red ice in the Mountain area. Bombs destroy cracked walls and defeat enemies that block passages. The Hook Shot reaches distant platforms and pulls you across gaps. The Mirror Shield reflects light beams in the Spirit Temple. Always keep an eye out for torches that need lighting to open doors and small cracks in walls that hide secret passages.
Playing the Song of Time opens blue block barriers. The Song of Storms floods and drains areas. Epona's Song summons your horse for faster travel across Hyrule Field.
You can play The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time free on Dubdoo without needing a download. If you enjoy time-travel adventures and puzzle dungeons, you might also like exploring Fireboy and Watergirl, which shares the cooperative puzzle-solving spirit, or trying The Legend of Zelda Majora's Mask, the direct sequel where time mechanics drive the entire quest.
FAQ
How do I get the ocarina in Ocarina of Time?
You receive the Fairy Ocarina from Saria in Kokiri Forest early in the game. After meeting the Deku Tree, Saria gives you the ocarina so you can learn magical songs that help you progress through the adventure.
What are the key songs I need to learn?
Essential songs include the Song of Time (unlocks time blocks), Song of Zelda's Lullaby (moves blue blocks), Epona's Song (summons your horse), and the Song of Storms (creates water effects). Each song unlocks different areas and solves specific puzzles.
How do I travel between child and adult Link?
Play the Song of Time near blue blocks in the Temple of Time. This opens doors that let you transition between the child and adult timelines, which is essential for accessing different areas and completing the story.
Where do I find all the dungeons?
The main dungeons are the Deku Tree (Kokiri Forest), Dodongo's Cavern (Death Mountain), Inside the Deku Tree (swamp), Water Temple (Zora's Fountain area), Fire Temple (Death Mountain crater), Shadow Temple (Kakariko Village graveyard), and Ganon's Castle.