A Link to the Past 100% Completion Walkthrough
- Princess Zelda Rescue : Infiltrate Hyrule Castle to rescue Zelda and kickstart Link’s epic quest.
- Eastern Palace : Solve Armos Knights’ traps in your first dungeon to claim the Pendant of Courage.
- Desert Palace: Navigate shifting sands and defeat Lanmolas to earn the Pendant of Power.
- Tower of Hera: Climb Death Mountain’s Tower to obtain the Moon Pearl and final pendant.
- The Master Sword & Hyrule Castle: Claim the Master Sword, confront Agahnim, and set your destiny in motion.
- Dark Palace: Explore the Dark World’s Palace and free the first Maiden from darkness.
- Light World Exploration: Unlock warps, collect hearts, and prepare for deeper Dark World dungeons.
- Swamp Palace: Use Cane of Somaria blocks to navigate the toxic swamp and rescue another Maiden.
- Skull Woods: Uncover hidden tunnels and puzzles among the skull trees to free a trapped Maiden.
- Gargoyle’s Domain: Enter via pitchfork statue, secure the Titan’s Mitt, and beat Blind the Thief.
- Ice Palace: Traverse icy floors, gain Blue Mail, and defeat a freezing foe.
- Misery Mire: Master Cane of Byrna and Ether Medallion to rescue another Maiden in the mire.
- Turtle Rock: Face volcano hazards and rescue the last Maiden within this volcanic fortress.
- Ganon’s Tower : Climb the tower’s gauntlet of traps and minibosses to battle Agahnim.
- Pyramid of Power: The Ultimate Showdown with Ganon.
With the Pendants of Courage, Power, and Wisdom united, the time has come to claim the legendary Master Sword. The old stories say the blade rests in a hidden grove deep within the Lost Woods. You make your way down Death Mountain, eager to reach the forest. From the tower’s entrance, drop off the ledge to the ledge just below and head west across the mountain’s rocky top. Climb down the long ladder at the far west side, and re-enter the cave system you traversed earlier – this tunnel leads back down the mountain.
The cave is dark and infested with Keese bats, but you remember the route: carefully feel your way through, avoiding the pits, until you emerge back into daylight on the mountain’s base. Once outside, leap off the small cliff and find yourself near the path to the Sanctuary. From here, turn northwest and continue until the terrain gives way to an eerie forest. You have arrived at the Lost Woods.
Entering the Lost Woods, a heavy fog hangs in the air and the sound of scampering creatures echoes around you. The forest is a maze of trees and hollow logs. Navigate through the hollow log tunnels as you explore – certain logs lead deeper into the woods. From the entrance, head west through one log, then immediately south through another.
Weave through the forest, using the logs like doorways: one to the west, one to the north… The thieves and trickster critters around pay you little mind as you press onward. Eventually, in the northwest reaches of the woods, you push through a final log tunnel and step into a sacred grove.
Rays of sunlight break through the canopy here, illuminating an ancient stone pedestal. This is the Forest Altar, and atop it rests a mighty sword, rusted by time and embedded in stone, surrounded by slumbering woodland creatures.
Approach the pedestal and read the inscription in the ancient tongue. It recognizes the three pendants you carry. Holding the pendants aloft, you place your hands on the hilt of the blade. With a sudden surge of courage, you pull the Master Sword free from its resting place! A blinding light shines as the legendary sword accepts you as its wielder. The creatures of the forest scatter at the burst of power. The Master Sword, the blade of evil’s bane, is now yours – its gleaming edge feels light and true in your grasp. (Your sword is now upgraded from the humble Fighter’s Sword to the Master Sword, doubling your attack power.)
In that triumphant moment, the voice of Sahasrahla the elder reaches you telepathically, congratulating you on this heroic feat. But the celebration is cut short: as you leave the sacred grove, a desperate message echoes in your mind from Princess Zelda herself. “Help! The soldiers are coming to Sanctuary… AIEEEEEEE!” Her plea ends abruptly with a scream.
Realizing Zelda is in imminent danger, you dash out of the grove. You must return to the Sanctuary at once!
Ether Tablet Location
This section is optional but recommended, as the Ether Medallion will be required later in the game. If you want to head straight to Hyrule Castle to rescue Zelda, skip ahead. Otherwise, now that you wield the Master Sword, you can claim a powerful magic spell hidden back on Death Mountain.
Despite the urgency, you decide to make a quick detour to acquire a legendary spell. The Ether Medallion lies on Death Mountain, not far from the Tower of Hera. From the Lost Woods, travel east back to the mountain passage (the cave near Sanctuary) and ascend Death Mountain the same way you did before. With the Master Sword in hand, the journey is quicker as you can cut down foes more efficiently.
Step on the warp portal to the east once you reach the top of the mountain, then walk over to area where the cave was beforehand (to the west) and stand where it is marked on the ground, and use your mirror to return to the Light World in an elevated position. Jump off the back of the elevation.
Now, venture west of the Tower of Hera. A narrow bridge spans a gap to a neighboring peak. Cross the bridge carefully; on the other side, you find a large green monolith etched with ancient Hylian script. This is one of the magical Master Sword tablets scattered across Hyrule. Stand before the stone and take out the Book of Mudora (the translation tome you used to enter the Desert Palace). Read the inscription aloud. The sky darkens as thunder rumbles; at the tablet’s command, you hold the Master Sword aloft. In a flash of lightning, the heavens grant you the power of Ether. The monolith shatters and you catch the Ether Medallion.
Item: Ether Medallion
A circular talisman brimming with magic. This medallion grants you the Ether spell, which can freeze enemies and control the winds with a blast of icy air. (Ether will also later prove essential for entering the Misery Mire dungeon in the Dark World.)
Satisfied with this newfound power, you leave Death Mountain and make haste for the Sanctuary.
Hyrule Castle Tower Infiltration
Rushing into the Sanctuary, you find it too quiet. The door is ajar, and inside lies the Loyal Sage, gravely wounded. He manages to tell you that you’re too late – soldiers have abducted Princess Zelda and taken her to Hyrule Castle. The last thing he saw was the princess being dragged into the castle tower by Agahnim, the evil wizard who has been orchestrating these dark events. Determination fills your heart. With the Master Sword in hand, you are the only one who can save Zelda now. You depart the Sanctuary and race toward Hyrule Castle.
Outside Hyrule Castle, night is falling and rain begins to pour (as if the very world knows of the danger). Cut through the courtyard, dispatching any soldiers in your path, and approach the main castle doors. The doors to the Castle Tower – previously sealed by Agahnim’s magic – are now accessible. Climb to the second floor of the castle’s interior and step outside onto the ramparts.
There you confront a crackling barrier of evil energy blocking the tower entrance. Drawing the Master Sword, you strike the glowing barrier. The legendary blade’s power shatters the magic seal instantly, dispelling the barrier with a flash. The way into Hyrule Castle Tower is now open. Steeling yourself, you enter the tower to rescue Zelda and confront Agahnim.
Inside the tower’s first chamber, two heavily-armored Gold Ball-and-Chain Troopers stand guard. These brutes swing massive spiked balls and have even more stamina than the one you faced during Zelda’s escape. Engage them one at a time: use your Boomerang to stun a guard briefly, then move in and strike with your Master Sword. It still takes multiple hits to bring each down. With both guards defeated, proceed north through the door and then to the right into the next room.
Here, a pair of blue Sword Knights charge at you aggressively from the shadows. These knights are faster and more relentless than the green soldiers you’ve fought before. Keep your shield up and sidestep their lunges, countering with sword slashes to their unguarded flanks. Once you fell both knights, a small chest in the center of the room catches your eye. Pop it open to find Key #1 for Hyrule Castle Tower. Use this small key to unlock the door at the top of the room, and ascend the staircase to the next floor.
On the third floor, you enter a dark hall patrolled by another Sword Knight and strange fluttering shadows known as Chasupas (flying orbs of evil energy). It’s hard to see, so you may want to quickly light a torch with your Lamp. Either defeat the knight or slip past – your goal is through the western door.
Entering the next area, you find yourself in a maze-like chamber shrouded in darkness. Blue sword-wielding soldiers lurk in the maze, and more Chasupas swoop about, making navigation perilous. Carefully move up and west. You should soon spot a lone lit torch or a conspicuous unlit one. Use your Lamp to ignite a torch, illuminating the maze’s layout around you. Now you can see a chest against the west wall. Fight through or evade the soldiers and open that chest to claim Key #2. With the second key secured, feel your way to the southeast corner of the maze and exit right.
The next room is also dark, and two more blue Sword Knights lie in wait. The exit is a staircase upward, but you may need to deal with (or dash past) the knights to reach it safely. Climb the stairs to reach 4F.
This floor greets you with an ambush: a Blue Sword Soldier rushes head-on while a Blue Archer fires arrows from afar. In the gloom, it’s tricky to fight both at once. Prioritize the sword soldier – sidestep his charge and strike him down. Then take out the archer lurking in the corner. Light the wall torches if you need better visibility. With the enemies gone, head through the door to the left.
You’ll walk into a room with three Blue Sword Soldiers. There are two torches west of the door you entered, deal with the enemies accordingly and proceed through the northeast door.
In the next chamber, twin Blue Archers and another sword-wielding soldier stand between you and the door. If you haven’t lit the room, do so – two unlit torches are here as well. Move swiftly to avoid being caught in a pincer attack. Reflect or dodge the archers’ arrows and slash at the soldier. Once you thin their numbers, finish off any remaining foes. One of the Blue Archers holds a small key – as you defeat him, you’ll hear the jingle of a key hitting the floor. Snag Key #3 and use it to unlock the door above. Ascend the staircase to the fifth floor.
On 5F, you sense you’re nearing the top of the tower. The corridors here are patrolled by more fearsome soldiers: red Spear Knights. Immediately, two ghostly Chasupas and two spear-wielding knights confront you. These Spear Knights have a longer reach, so be cautious. Engage them one at a time; the Master Sword can still dispatch them in a couple of hits. Upon defeating both, the door to the left unseals. (There’s also a telepathic tile on the wall here – if you listen, Sahasrahla’s voice offers a hint: the wizard is invulnerable to the sword’s blade; you must reflect his own magic back at him to prevail.) Prepare yourself with that knowledge, then head through the left door.
In the next room, two red Spear Soldiers (more elite castle guards) stand in formation. They lunge as you enter, but you can use the doorway as a chokepoint. After you defeat these two, continue down the stairs to the floor 5F basement (a small interstitial floor). You arrive in a narrow chamber where another pair of Red Spear Soldiers await, accompanied by two Chasupas flitting about. It’s a tight space, so quickly raise your sword to dispatch the floating Chasupas or simply keep moving to avoid them. One of the red soldiers (the one in the center of the room) is carrying a key. Duel the spear-wielders carefully (a spin attack can help hit both if they group up) and retrieve Key #4 when it drops. Use it to unlock the door on the east side.
Moving through, you encounter a final gauntlet: a trio of tough enemies stand between you and the last staircase (often a mix of armored knights or ball-and-chain foes). If you are low on health, consider using any potions or fairies you have now. You can choose to fight or simply dash past this trio – your goal is the staircase at the north end of the room. Make a break for it and climb to the sixth floor.
The sixth floor is a short landing with a conspicuous statue blocking the door. Push the statue leftward to clear your path. Beyond the door lies a precarious narrow catwalk bridging to the tower’s central keep. Carefully walk across the ledge (don’t worry about the abyss; just don’t get knocked off by any remaining foe). Ascend the last staircase to reach the seventh floor – Agahnim’s inner sanctum.
You emerge into a grand hall. Before you stands a tall robed figure – Agahnim, the sorcerer – and behind him, Princess Zelda suspended in a magical crystal! You arrive just in time to witness Agahnim’s foul magic at work. With a sinister grin, the wizard completes his incantation and Princess Zelda vanishes before your eyes, teleported away to safety in the Dark World. “Ho ho ho… the seal of the seven wise men is at last broken,” Agahnim sneers.
The only way to free Zelda now is to defeat him. As Agahnim retreats through a doorway hidden behind a curtain, you chase after him. Slash the center of the large curtain on the northern wall to reveal a secret passage. Stepping through, you find yourself on the rooftop chamber of Hyrule Castle Tower – the arena for your battle with the dark wizard.
Boss: Agahnim (Hyrule Castle Roof)
The storm rages around the open-air chamber as you confront Agahnim. This is a battle of magic and reflexes. Remember Sahasrahla’s advice: your sword itself cannot harm this sorcerer – but it can turn his own spells against him. Agahnim begins to float around the room, teleporting to different positions. Keep your eyes on him and get ready.
Agahnim attacks in cycles, using three different spells:
- Energy Orbs: The most common attack is a crackling blue orb of magical energy that Agahnim hurls directly at you. This is your opportunity – swing your Master Sword to strike the orb just as it reaches you. If timed correctly, you will reflect the projectile back at Agahnim, and it will hit him, counting as a damaging blow. Position yourself so that when you bat the orb, it will sail toward the wizard. Each successful hit will stagger Agahnim.
- Spinning Orb (Splitter Attack): Occasionally, Agahnim conjures a large spinning orb that crackles distinctly. This one is dangerous to reflect – if you try to hit it with your sword, it will burst into a circle of smaller bolts, which can be nearly impossible to dodge. The wise move is to avoid this spinning attack altogether. Recognize it by the way it spirals as he releases it, and simply move out of its trajectory (or if you have the Bug-Catching Net, know that some heroes have cheekily used it to reflect this attack safely, though it’s not necessary).
- Lightning Strike: After several volleys, Agahnim may teleport to one of the room’s upper corners (often the top-center) and begin a silent incantation. If you notice he stays at the top of the room facing straight down without turning side to side, it means he’s summoning a powerful lightning attack. Quickly move yourself to the extreme left or right side of the room, avoiding the direct line below him. A bolt of lightning will blast down the center of the chamber, striking the floor where you might have been. Stay out of the middle during this attack to remain safe.
Maintain constant movement to dodge unpredictable projectiles, and position yourself to capitalize on the regular energy orbs. Each time you successfully reflect an orb into Agahnim, he will flinch and teleport to a new location. The Master Sword’s power ensures the reflected magic hurts him. It will take a handful of direct hits (typically four successful reflected strikes on Agahnim) to subdue the wicked wizard on this rooftop. Keep cool and watch his patterns. When he appears at a spot, face him and be ready to swing at the next orb (you can also use diagonal positioning to more easily redirect shots).
After a series of well-timed deflections, Agahnim will be overwhelmed by his own dark magic. With a final hit, the sorcerer lets out a cry as his physical form starts to fade. Victory is yours… or so it seems. Agahnim’s shadowy spirit rises from his fallen body – and before you can react, it shoots upward, merging into the darkness overhead. A swirling portal of blue and black opens above the battlefield. The dark vortex expands and suddenly envelops you, wrenching you from the rooftop. You feel yourself pulled into a dimensional rift. The world around you swirls and vanishes. Agahnim may be defeated here, but he has dragged you into the Dark World as a final act of revenge!
As the spinning void consumes you, you realize your quest is far from over – it has only just entered a new phase. You have saved the Light World from Agahnim’s coup, but Princess Zelda and the other six maidens remain imprisoned somewhere in the Dark World. Take a breath. Thanks to the Moon Pearl, you retain your human form upon arrival. Ahead lies the challenge of rescuing the seven maidens and ultimately confronting the evil behind all this – the King of Darkness himself. Your adventure continues in a realm of twilight… but for now, you have triumphed in the battle of Hyrule Castle. Prepare yourself to explore the Dark World and fulfill the destiny of the Master Sword in the next chapter of your journey.
Congratulations on completing the Tower of Hera and defeating Agahnim – Hyrule’s fate now hinges on your courage in the Dark World!