A Link Between Worlds Walkthrough Chapter 14: Swamp Palace

Table of Contents

The Swamp Palace in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is a water-themed dungeon located in Lorule. To access and navigate this palace, you’ll need the Hookshot, obtainable from Ravio’s shop. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to help you conquer the Swamp Palace.

Accessing the Swamp Palace

In Lorule’s Thieves’ Town, locate the Bomb Flower Store south of the town. Speak with the Bomb-Shop Man inside and pay him 200 Rupees to access the Big Bomb Flower. Carefully guide the Bomb Flower southward from Thieves’ Town, avoiding enemy contact to prevent premature detonation. Your destination is the large boulder blocking the Swamp Palace entrance.

Position the Bomb Flower next to the boulder and detonate it to clear the path. This action will drain the water blocking the palace entrance. Use the Hookshot to latch onto the wooden posts near the entrance and pull yourself across the gap to enter the Swamp Palace.

Dungeon Exploration

Note: The Swamp Palace features puzzles involving water levels. Adjusting these levels is crucial for progression.

Initial Room

Use the Hookshot on the lever across the gap to release water, filling the area and allowing you to swim across.

Central Chamber

This expansive room features multiple levels and water control mechanisms. Note the Boss Door and a large chest (containing the Big Key) on elevated platforms.

Left Wing Exploration

From the central chamber, head left into the adjacent room. Navigate the water-filled area to reach a staircase leading down. Use the Hookshot to traverse gaps and access a chest containing a Small Key. Return to the central chamber.

Right Wing Exploration

From the central chamber, head right into the adjacent room. Defeat enemies and use the Hookshot to access a chest containing the Compass. Return to the central chamber.

Raising the Water Level

In the central chamber, locate the lever mechanism on the upper level. Use the Hookshot to pull the lever, raising the water level and altering the dungeon’s layout.

Accessing the Big Key

With the water level raised, swim to the previously inaccessible platform holding the large chest. Open the chest to obtain the Big Key.

Mini-Boss Encounter

Proceed through the newly accessible door using the Big Key. Defeat the Gigabari mini-boss by attacking it when it’s not electrified. Upon defeat, it will split into smaller Biri; eliminate them to clear the room.

Acquiring the Blue Mail:

After the mini-boss, navigate to the lower levels of the dungeon. Locate a room with a submerged chest. Adjust the water levels using nearby levers to access the chest containing the Blue Mail, which reduces damage taken by half.

Reaching the Boss Chamber:

Return to the central chamber and ensure the water level is appropriately adjusted to access the Boss Door. Use the Big Key to unlock the door and prepare for the boss battle.

Boss Battle: Arrghus

Arrghus presents a two-phase battle that tests your proficiency with the Hookshot and your agility in combat.

Phase One: Disarming Arrghus’s Protective Eyeballs

Upon entering the boss chamber, you’ll find Arrghus enveloped by numerous smaller eyeball creatures. These act as a protective barrier, preventing direct attacks on the main body. Equip the Hookshot and aim at the smaller eyeballs attached to Arrghus. Fire the Hookshot to latch onto an eyeball and pull it towards you. Once an eyeball is pulled off, it becomes vulnerable. Quickly strike it with your sword; typically, two hits with the Master Sword will suffice to destroy it.

Continue using the Hookshot to remove and destroy each eyeball. Be mindful of Arrghus’s movements and any attacks during this phase.

Phase Two: Direct Assault on Arrghus

After all protective eyeballs are eliminated, Arrghus will become more aggressive. Arrghus will leap into the air and attempt to land on your position. Periodically, Arrghus will charge and release a laser beam targeting your location. Keep moving to avoid being landed on. Maintain distance and strafe to the sides to dodge the beam.

After dodging Arrghus’s attacks, close the distance and deliver sword strikes to its main body. The optimal window is immediately after it lands or finishes a laser attack. As Arrghus sustains damage, its attack speed and frequency may increase. Stay vigilant, adapt to the heightened pace, and continue the pattern of dodging and attacking.

Additionally, after delivering a couple of sword strikes, using the Ice Rod can deal significant damage while Arrghus is airborne. This tactic can expedite the battle.

By systematically dismantling Arrghus’s defenses and capitalizing on attack opportunities during its aggressive phase, you can triumph in this encounter. Patience, precise Hookshot usage, and attentive dodging are key to securing victory.