Ocarina of Time Basics
Switch Controls
If you're playing Ocarina of Time for the first time, take a moment to learn the controls. The Nintendo Switch controller has a very different layout from the original Nintendo 64 controller, so even returning players should familiarize themselves with the button mappings before starting.
You Can Remap the Controls
You can remap the controller buttons at any time by pressing the - Button and selecting View/Change Controls. If the default button layout doesn't feel comfortable, customize the controls to suit your play style.
Press ZL to Recenter the Camera
In Ocarina of Time, you can't freely move the camera with the right stick during normal gameplay. Press the ZL Button to reposition the camera behind Link, as you'll be using this feature frequently.
Consider the Nintendo 64 Controller
If you find the Joy-Con or Nintendo Switch Pro Controller uncomfortable to use, consider purchasing the official Nintendo 64 Controller. It closely replicates the original controls, making it easier for returning players to jump back in. Keep in mind that it can only be purchased while you have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership. Since a membership is required to play Ocarina of Time on Switch anyway, this restriction shouldn't be an issue.
You Can Have Up to Seven Save Files
In the Switch version of Ocarina of Time, you can use the game's three save slots along with four suspend save slots, allowing you to store up to seven save files. Suspend saves are especially useful because they let you save instantly and resume exactly where you left off, unlike the game's regular save system. Creating a suspend save before a dungeon or boss fight makes it easy to retry if needed.
Switch 2 Exclusive Rewind Feature
When playing through Nintendo Switch Online, you can press and hold the - Button to use the Rewind feature, allowing you to rewind and return to an earlier point. For example, if you fail a platforming section or get defeated, you can rewind to before the mistake and try again as many times as you like.
Ocarina of Time Walkthrough
In the early game of Ocarina of Time, collect items and Hearts by cutting grass and breaking rocks, and make good use of Z-Targeting during combat. It's also recommended to buy the Hylian Shield before entering Dodongo's Cavern and become friends with Epona before becoming an adult, as both will make your adventure much smoother.
Get Items and Hearts
Cut grass and break rocks throughout the overworld and dungeons to find Hearts, Rupees, Bombs, and other useful items. If you're running low on health or supplies, check the surrounding grass and rocks for extra resources.
Use Z-Targeting
| Controls | ZL Button |
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Press the ZL Button to use Z-Targeting, which locks the camera onto enemies, NPCs, or objects. While targeting, Link will automatically face the selected target, making it easier to attack, dodge, and aim ranged weapons. Get into the habit of using Z-Targeting whenever you're in combat.
Fight with Your Shield Up
| Controls | R Button |
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While using Z-Targeting, stand still without moving the left stick to automatically raise your shield and block enemy attacks. Some enemies are vulnerable immediately after their attacks are blocked, so don't rush in. Focus on defending first, then counterattack when the opportunity arises.
Always Defeat Gold Skulltulas
Defeating Gold Skulltulas that appear at night in the overworld and dungeons rewards you with a Gold Skulltula Token. Collecting more tokens unlocks rewards from the House of Skulltula in Kakariko Village, so be sure to defeat every Gold Skulltula you find.
Buy the Hylian Shield Ahead of Time
Young Link starts the game with the Deku Shield, but it burns if hit by fire attacks, such as those used by Fire Keese in Dodongo's Cavern. Before entering the dungeon, buy the Hylian Shield from the Bazaar in Hyrule Castle Town. It normally costs 80 Rupees, but you can buy it for 55 Rupees after showing Zelda's Letter to the Kakariko Village gate guard.
Become Friends with Epona
As Young Link, learn Epona's Song from Malon at Lon Lon Ranch, then play it in front of Epona. This allows you to obtain Epona after becoming an adult, making travel across Hyrule Field much faster and more convenient. You can't obtain Epona unless you've learned Epona's Song, so don't forget to get it first.
Increase Your Carrying Capacity
Early in the game, your carrying capacity for items such as Bombs and Deku Seeds is limited. Completing minigames throughout Hyrule lets you increase these limits, so it's worth taking on these challenges when you have the chance.
Change Day and Night with Sun's Song
Playing the Sun's Song lets you switch between day and night. Use it to find characters and Gold Skulltulas that only appear at night, or to avoid dangerous nighttime enemies. You can obtain the song at the end of the Royal Family's Tomb in the Kakariko Village Graveyard.
Ask Navi for Help When You're Stuck
| Controls | ↑ |
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When "Navi" appears at the top of the screen, press Up on the Right Stick to talk to her for hints. If you get stuck while solving a dungeon puzzle, Navi can point you in the right direction. You can also talk to her while Z-Targeting an enemy to receive hints about its weaknesses and behavior.
Also Talk to Saria with Saria's Song
- Saria's Song
ObtainedLearned from Saria in the Sacred Forest Meadow as Young LinkEffectLets you talk to Saria
Playing Saria's Song lets you speak with Saria or Navi. They will tell you your current objective, making it useful whenever you're unsure where to go or what to do next.
Ocarina of Time Beginner Tips
Some useful tips for beginners in Ocarina of Time include collecting four Pieces of Heart to gain an extra Heart Container and using Jump Attacks to deal double damage. It's also helpful to remember that rolling is a faster way to travel, and carrying a Fairy lets you automatically revive if you're defeated.
Get Heart Pieces for a Heart Container
Collecting four Pieces of Heart hidden throughout the overworld and dungeons grants you one additional Heart Container, increasing your maximum health. Many Pieces of Heart are found in treasure chests or earned as rewards from minigames, so be sure to explore off the beaten path and collect as many as you can.
All Mini-Game GuidesStash Deku Sticks Before They Burn
Lighting a Deku Stick on fire is useful for lighting torches and solving fire-based puzzles, but if you leave it burning, it will burn up and be consumed. Put away a lit Deku Stick by swinging your sword to extinguish it without using it up, so make a habit of storing it once you're done using it.
Jump Attacks Deal Double Damage
| Controls | + |
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While Z-Targeting, press A without moving the Left Stick, or while moving forward, to perform a Jump Attack. Jump Attacks deal double the damage of a regular attack, making them especially effective against bosses and heavily armored enemies. However, you're vulnerable while the attack animation plays, so be sure to use them at the right moment.
Roll and Backwalk to Move Faster
Press the A Button while moving to perform a forward roll, which is faster than normal movement. You can also travel even faster by side hopping or backwalking while Z-Targeting. However, since you won't be facing the direction you're moving, be careful not to run into obstacles.
Red Map Arrows Mark the Entrance
On the dungeon map, the red arrow shows the direction of the entrance Link used to enter the room. Use it as a reference if you get lost. Keep in mind that the red arrow is only displayed after you've obtained both the Dungeon Map and the Compass.
Unlock Abilities at Great Fairy Fountain
Find the hidden Great Fairy Fountains throughout Hyrule and play Zelda's Lullaby on the Triforce symbol to summon a Great Fairy. She will grant powerful upgrades, such as the Spin Attack and various magic abilities. For instance, the fountain near Hyrule Castle grants the Spin Attack, while another on Death Mountain summit unlocks your magic meter. Great Fairy Fountain entrances are often hidden behind large boulders, so look for suspicious rocks and blow them up with Bombs to find them.
Bring a Fairy for Revival
If you keep a Fairy in an Empty Bottle, it will automatically revive you on the spot when your Hearts reach zero. It's a good idea to catch a Fairy before taking on a boss. You can find them in Fairy Fountains, such as the one in Zora's Domain, or inside jars in dungeons. Equip an Empty Bottle and swing it near a Fairy to catch it.
Cuccos Attack When Repeatedly Hit
If you repeatedly attack a Cucco in places like Kakariko Village, a flock of Cuccos will swarm and attack you. The assault won't stop until you leave the area. Since there's no benefit to attacking them, it's best to leave them alone.
Ocarina of Time Related Articles
Recommended Guides
| Story Walkthrough | Boss Guide | Side Quests | Minigames |
| Equipment | Items | Ocarina Songs | Piece of Heart |
| Gold Skulltulas | Magic Beans | Scarecrow's Song | Post-Game Content |
Switch 2 Remake Version
 Switch 2 Remake News |  How to Play on Switch |
