Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: A Rude Awakening
- Chapter 2: A Link to the Past
- Chapter 3: Eastern Palace
- Chapter 4: Trouble in Hyrule
- Chapter 5: House of Gales
- Chapter 6: Death Mountain
- Chapter 7: Tower of Hera
- Chapter 8: The Master Sword
- Chapter 9: Lorule
- Chapter 10: The Dark Palace
- Chapter 11: Skull Woods
- Chapter 12: Ice Ruins
- Chapter 13: Thieves’ Hideout
- Chapter 14: Swamp Palace
- Chapter 15: Turtle Rock
- Chapter 16: Desert Palace
- Chapter 17: Lorule Castle
- Chapter 18: The Final Battle
Embarking on the quest to conquer the Thieves’ Hideout in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds requires cunning, strategy, and a keen eye for detail. This comprehensive guide will lead you through each step, ensuring you navigate the dungeon successfully and rescue the imprisoned sage.
Accessing the Thieves’ Hideout:
In Lorule’s Thieves’ Town, head to the northern section where two large gargoyle statues stand. Approach the left statue and interact with the door concealed beneath it.
A voice will challenge you with three lyrical prompts. The correct responses are:
- “a narrow path”
- “really despair
- “to thievin’!
These answers grant you entry into the hideout.
Dungeon Exploration:
Note: The Thieves’ Hideout is structured across multiple basement levels (B1, B2, B3). Your primary objective is to locate and escort the Thief Girl to the dungeon’s exit.
Initial Room (B1):
Upon entering, the guard mistakes you for his replacement and departs, leaving the area unguarded. Proceed north across the bridge and enter the west door. Open the chest inside to obtain a purple rupee.
Puzzle Room with Statues (B1):
Return to the main hall and head left. In the next room, hit the central crystal switch to manipulate the prison bars. Pull the gargoyle statues from the bottom-left cell. Place one statue on the switch aligned with the arrow trap to block incoming arrows. Position the second statue on the switch near the locked door in the center. Merge into the wall to bypass the bars and step on the switch in the top-right cell, unlocking the adjacent door.
Conveyor Belt Room (B2):
Descend to B2 and traverse the conveyor belts. At the end of the belt, merge into the wall to avoid falling into pits.
Strike the green Bombite enemy to transform it into a bomb. Throw the Bombite onto the conveyor belt, allowing it to detonate near the crystal switch, unlocking the southern door.
Compass Acquisition (B2):
In the subsequent room, navigate to the top-right cell by merging through the bars. Open the chest inside to obtain the Compass.
Rescuing the Thief Girl (B2):
Enter the bottom-right cell by merging through the bars. Step on the floor switch to unlock the door. Speak to the Thief Girl inside, who will request your assistance in escaping.
Exit her cell and proceed to the room on the left. Use a Bombite to destroy the cracked wall at the top. Navigate through the newly opened passage to find a key. Return to the Thief Girl’s cell and use the key to free her.
Escorting the Thief Girl:
Note: Enemies, particularly Zazaks, will attempt to recapture the Thief Girl. If they succeed, she’ll be returned to her cell, and you’ll need to rescue her again.
Lead the Thief Girl to rooms with dual switches. Have her stand on one switch while you stand on the other to unlock doors.
In certain rooms, enemies will target the Thief Girl. Position her safely and eliminate the threats before proceeding.
In flooded rooms, lower water levels by pulling levers. Create pathways by knocking down walkways using your merge ability. Guide the Thief Girl onto colored platforms (blue or red). Activate corresponding switches to elevate or lower these platforms, adjusting the dungeon’s layout to your advantage.
Acquiring the Big Key
After navigating various rooms and solving puzzles with the Thief Girl, you’ll reach a chamber with a large shield mechanism. Stand on dual switches to move the shield, revealing a path. Merge into the moving shield to reach the left side of the room. Open the big chest to obtain the Big Key.
Confronting the Boss – Stalblind
Stalblind serves as the formidable boss of the Thieves’ Hideout dungeon. This skeletal warrior wields a massive sword and shield, requiring strategic maneuvers to defeat him.
Phase 1: Utilizing the Wall Merge Technique
Upon entering the boss chamber, Stalblind will materialize, brandishing his sword and shield. He will actively pursue Link, maintaining a defensive stance with his shield raised. Approach Stalblind and attempt to strike him. This will prompt him to position his shield defensively.
When Stalblind raises his shield, use the wall merge ability to merge into the surface of his shield. This unexpected move will confuse Stalblind, causing him to lower his guard as he tries to locate Link. While merged, wait for Stalblind to expose his back. Emerge from the shield and deliver sword strikes to his unprotected rear.
Continue this tactic—baiting, merging, and attacking—until Stalblind discards his shield after sustaining sufficient damage.
Phase 2: Direct Confrontation
Without his shield, Stalblind becomes more aggressive, employing a broader range of sword attacks, including:
- Spin Attack: A 360-degree spinning slash that covers a wide area.
- Vertical Slash: A powerful overhead strike that can momentarily embed his sword into the ground if it misses.
After a vertical slash that lodges his sword into the floor, seize the moment to deliver multiple hits while he’s vulnerable. Dodge his spin attacks by maintaining distance or merging into the wall, then close in for counterattacks during his recovery. Continue to evade his offensive moves and capitalize on openings to inflict damage.
Phase 3: Dual Assault
At critical health, Stalblind’s head will detach from his body, introducing a dual-threat dynamic. Stalblind’s head floats around the arena, emitting dark energy blasts in a spinning motion, but its’ body remains grounded, executing rapid sword slashes and charges. The head is impervious to attacks; therefore, concentrate your efforts on the body. Maintain mobility to dodge the head’s energy attacks while closing in to strike the body. Sustain your assault on the body, avoiding simultaneous threats from both components, until Stalblind is ultimately defeated.
Post-Battle Rewards
Upon Stalblind’s defeat, a Heart Container will appear, increasing Link’s maximum health. Proceeding through the newly opened passage leads to the rescue of Osfala, one of the seven sages trapped in a painting. The Thief Girl, whom you escorted earlier, will guide you out of the dungeon, leading to a house on the outskirts of Thieves’ Town where Osfala’s painting is located.
By adhering to this detailed strategy, you can effectively navigate the challenges posed by Stalblind and progress further in your quest to restore peace to Lorule.