Finding the challenges of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link a bit too daunting, or perhaps just looking for hidden tricks and new ways to explore? This page offers resources to aid your quest.
Below, you’ll find:
- Game Genie Codes: Alter gameplay mechanics using classic cheat codes for the NES version (may work with compatible emulators).
- Secrets & Gameplay Tips: Discover hidden techniques, valuable strategies, and insights learned by seasoned adventurers to help you conquer Hyrule.
Game Genie Codes
Use these codes with a Game Genie accessory for the NES system or an emulator that supports them to modify the game. Note: Using multiple codes simultaneously may cause unexpected behavior.
| Code(s) | Effect |
|---|---|
SVKGKXVK |
Infinite Lives (Link dolls never decrease) |
PASKPLLA |
Start New Game with 1 Life |
TASKPLLA |
Start New Game with 6 Lives |
PASKPLLE |
Start New Game with 9 Lives |
AZUOLIAL |
Jump Higher / Enhanced Jump Ability |
OYKEEVSA +NPLEOVVA |
Shield Spell replaced with Fire Spell |
LYKEEVSA +VAKEOVVE |
Shield Spell replaced with Spell Spell (Reflect) |
LZKEEVSA +OPKEOVVA |
Shield Spell replaced with Fairy Spell |
IIKEEVSE +VAKEOVVE |
Shield Spell replaced with Life Spell |
VTKEEVSA +OPKEOVVA |
Shield Spell replaced with Thunder Spell |
Secrets & Gameplay Tips
Helpful tricks, strategies, and hidden techniques for your adventure through Hyrule.
- Maximize Red Magic Jars: Before picking up a Red Magic Jar (which refills your magic meter), cast costly spells like Life repeatedly until your magic is nearly depleted. Then, collect the jar to get the most value from the refill.
- Learn the Downthrust Technique: Go to the Town of Mido. Use the Jump spell to reach the upper entrance of the large church-like building. Inside, a knight will teach you the valuable Downward Thrust sword technique.
- Learn the Upthrust Technique: Go to the Town of Darunia. Find the house with an accessible chimney (you may need to use the Jump spell and hop across other rooftops to reach it). Stand on the chimney tile and press down to enter. An inhabitant will teach you the Upward Thrust sword technique.
- Sword Throw Limitation: While throwing your sword when at full health is useful early on, be aware that many later-game enemies (especially in palaces) are immune or highly resistant to it. Master close-quarters combat for consistent damage.
- Combat Recoil & Stunning: Remember that Link recoils slightly when making contact with an enemy, which can be dangerous near pits or other hazards (like bouncing Skull Balls). Conversely, successfully hitting most enemies briefly stuns them, preventing them from damaging you during the stun animation. Use this to your advantage.
- New Game+ Advantage: After successfully beating the game, choosing to continue will start a new quest. While you’ll need to re-collect palace items, Heart Containers, and Magic Jars, Link retains all learned spells (like Upthrust and Downthrust) and his final character levels (Attack, Magic, Life). This makes the early parts of the second quest significantly easier. Additionally, the large experience gained from defeating a palace boss often triggers a level-up, effectively acting as a buffer similar to an extra life.
- Experience Power Early (Item Hoarding Strategy): If you want to feel overpowered without fully completing the game first, try this: Play through the game normally, acquiring spells, Heart Containers, Magic Jars, and leveling up, but *do not defeat the final boss inside each palace*. Collect the palace’s special item and leave. Once you have all items, spells, and high levels (e.g., 8-8-8), you can then go back through the palaces and defeat the bosses much more easily.