A Link Between Worlds Walkthrough Chapter 12: Ice Ruins

Table of Contents

In “The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds,” the Ice Ruins present a challenging dungeon filled with slippery surfaces and intricate puzzles. To successfully navigate this dungeon, you’ll need the Fire Rod, which is essential for melting ice barriers and defeating certain enemies.

Accessing the Ice Ruins

Start by traveling to the Tower of Hera weather vane in Hyrule. From there, head eastward, passing two Lynels, to locate a cave entrance. Inside the cave, proceed along the path until you encounter a pair of Lynels. To bypass them, merge with the right wall and maneuver around. Continue until you find moving platforms; use them to descend to the cave’s lower level and exit.

Outside the cave, move southward, then west, and ascend the slope where a Lynel patrols. Proceed westward to discover a Rift leading to Lorule; enter it. In Lorule, you’ll emerge in an icy cavern. Utilize the moving platforms to progress. When you reach an area with ice statues, eliminate them using the Fire Rod. At a junction offering paths upward, left, and downward, choose the upper path to exit the cave.

Outside, circle around the cave to the right to find the entrance to the Ice Ruins. Use the Fire Rod to melt the ice statue blocking the doorway and enter the dungeon.

Dungeon Exploration

Note: The Ice Ruins consist of multiple floors, from B5 (lowest) to 1F (ground level). The central moving platform system serves as an elevator connecting these floors. Familiarize yourself with its operation to navigate efficiently.

Acquiring the Big Key

Upon entering, melt the ice block ahead using the Fire Rod. Approach the central statue and pull its tongue to activate the moving platforms, transforming them into an elevator system. Ride the elevator down to the lowest floor, B5. Here, open the large chest to obtain the Big Key.

Obtaining the Compass

Return to B2 using the elevator. Melt the icicle on the left side of the room with the Fire Rod to reveal a Small Key.

Ascend to B1 and use the Small Key to unlock the door at the top of the room.

In the next area, pull the left statue’s tongue to open the door, releasing a Freezor enemy. Defeat it using the Fire Rod. Proceed through the door on the right, defeat the Pengators, and light all four torches to make a Small Key appear on a higher ledge. While you cannot reach it yet, continue through the door to the south to find a chest containing the Compass.

Acquiring the Stamina Scroll

From the room where you obtained the Compass, follow the blue ramp to the right and ascend. Continue along the path until you reach a locked door. Merge with the wall and pull the switch at the top-left to unlock the door. Drop down the hole and proceed right.

Melt the icicle below and step on the switch to unlock a passage. Enter the newly opened path and drop down the hole inside.

Navigate left, cross the platform, head down, and use the ice platform to reach and light the torch in the center of the room.

A new platform will appear; use it to ascend. Take the bottom path and use the moving platforms to go down, right, and then up to another passageway. In the next room, use the Fire Rod to melt the ice blocks on the floor below, revealing a switch. Backtrack to the moving platform you unlocked and go through the right passageway. Activate the switch on the right side of the room to unlock a platform. Take the platform to the next floor and use the switch underneath some skulls to the left of the hole in the floor to unlock the door on the right and enter. Activate the switch to change the floor and drop down to the chest with the Stamina Scroll.

Reaching the Boss’s Lair

Backtrack to the hole you dropped down to reach the Stamina Scroll. Merge with the wall to reach and enter the passageway on the right.

Head through the passageway on the top-left and drop down the hole. Activate the switch and drop down again. Attempt to exit to the left, where you’ll face a group of Pengators. Defeat them to proceed. Pull the switch on the left and continue through the passage to the right of the Pengator room. Use the Fire Rod to light the torch in the center of the room and exit through the south passageway. Activate the switch, then wall-merge to reach the southern platform. Drop down the hole to find a chest with a Small Key. Head left and step on the switch to reach the moving platforms.

Return to B2, go right, and take the locked door at the top of the room. Drop down the hole near the top and melt the ice block to reveal a gust of wind. Use the wind to reach a switch and activate it. Drop down the new hole and take the upper path, following it as it curves south. Light the torch to reveal a path to a switch. Pull the switch and take the new path to the boss’s lair. Use the Big Key to unlock the door and drop down the hole to face the boss.

Boss Battle: Dharkstare

Dharkstare serves as the formidable boss of the Ice Ruins dungeon. This battle tests your agility and mastery of the Fire Rod. The battleground is characterized by slippery ice-covered floors, which can hinder movement and make precise positioning challenging. Exercise caution to avoid unintended slides into hazards or off the platform.

Phase 1: Melting the Ice Armor

Dharkstare begins the encounter encased in a thick ice crystal, rendering it impervious to direct sword attacks. Equip the Fire Rod and aim to melt Dharkstare’s icy armor. It requires multiple uses to completely dissolve the ice shield. While attempting to melt the ice, Dharkstare will launch magic projectiles that can freeze you upon contact. Maintain movement and be prepared to dodge these attacks to prevent immobilization.

Phase 2: Exposed Form

Once the ice armor is melted, Dharkstare becomes vulnerable. Close the distance and unleash sword attacks to inflict damage. Dharkstare will deploy orbs that form triangular patterns on the floor. Standing within these triangles will result in being frozen. Stay vigilant and move out of these zones promptly.

Phase 3: Reinforced Ice Armor

After sustaining damage, Dharkstare will retreat to the center and reform its ice armor, this time thicker and more resilient. With the reinforced armor, Dharkstare’s attacks become more frequent and aggressive. Anticipate quicker projectile launches and more rapid movements. Utilize the Fire Rod to melt the enhanced ice armor, dodge the intensified attacks, and seize opportunities to strike with your sword when Dharkstare is exposed.

By adhering to this strategy and remaining attentive to Dharkstare’s attack patterns, you can emerge victorious in this chilling confrontation.