Welcome, adventurers, to your complete guide to the items and equipment Link discovers on his bewildering journey across Koholint Island in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening for the Nintendo Switch! From essential weapons and tools to mysterious collectibles and powerful upgrades, knowing your inventory is key to unraveling the island’s dreamlike secrets and finding a way home. Let’s dive into everything Link can find and use!
Equipment
Gear up for adventure! This section covers the essential tools and weapons Link actively uses to battle foes, solve puzzles, and navigate the mysterious Koholint Island. You’ll be mapping these to your X and Y buttons constantly!
Sword
Your primary weapon, found washed ashore at the start. Used to defeat enemies and cut grass. Essential for any adventurer!
Koholint Sword
An upgraded sword dealing double damage, obtained from the Seashell Mansion for 40 Secret Seashells (Switch version). Fires beams at full health!
Shield
Your basic defensive tool, given by Tarin early on. Blocks simple projectiles and attacks. More crucial for parrying in the Switch remake.
Mirror Shield
A late-game shield upgrade found in Eagle’s Tower. Reflects beams and more powerful projectiles that the basic shield cannot. Essential for certain puzzles and enemies.
Bomb
An explosive used to destroy cracked walls, damage enemies, and uncover secrets. Can be bought or found. Capacity upgradeable via Mad Batter.
Boomerang
Powerful ranged tool acquired after the Trading Sequence. Stuns/defeats most enemies and retrieves items. (Note: Damage significantly reduced in Switch remake compared to the original).
Bow
Ranged weapon requiring Arrows. Purchased or found. Used for hitting distant targets, switches, and specific enemies/bosses. Arrow capacity upgradeable.
Fairy Bottle
Containers used to capture Fairies for later healing or auto-revival. Three can be found in the Switch remake (Fishing, hidden cave, Dampé’s reward).
Hookshot
Found in Catfish’s Maw. Grapples onto wood, chests, and specific blocks to cross gaps, stun enemies, or retrieve items. Grapple points expanded in Switch overworld.
Magic Powder
Mystical powder obtained from the Witch. Used to light torches, alter certain enemies (like Buzz Blobs), and interact with specific objects. Capacity upgradeable.
Magic Rod
Powerful weapon found in Turtle Rock. Shoots fireballs to light torches and defeat enemies, especially those weak to fire. Consumes a magic meter in the Switch version.
Ocarina
Musical instrument found in the Dream Shrine. Learn songs (Ballad of the Wind Fish, Manbo’s Mambo, Frog’s Song of Soul) to warp, progress the story, and affect the environment.
Pegasus Boots
Found in Key Cavern. Allows Link to dash at high speed, breaking certain blocks, ramming objects, and performing a long jump combined with Roc’s Feather.
Power Bracelet (L-1)
Found in Bottle Grotto. Allows Link to lift and throw heavier objects like pots and skull rocks. Essential for exploration and puzzles.
Powerful Bracelet (L-2)
An upgrade found in Face Shrine. Allows Link to lift the heaviest objects, like large elephant statues, required for late-game areas.
Roc’s Feather
Found in Tail Cave. Grants the fundamental ability to jump, necessary for crossing small gaps, dodging attacks, and platforming.
Deluxe Shovel
Purchased from the Mabe Village shop. Used to dig in specific spots for Rupees, Hearts, Secret Seashells, and quest items like the Golden Leaves.
Inventory
Beyond the active gear, Link carries many important items passively. Here you’ll find key collectibles, quest items that drive the story forward, permanent upgrades, and helpful consumables tucked away in your inventory screens.
Chamber Stone
Building blocks used to create custom dungeons in Dampé’s Shack (Switch exclusive). Found throughout Koholint, won in mini-games, or given as rewards.
Flippers
Found in Angler’s Tunnel. Allows Link to swim in deep water and dive (press B) to explore underwater areas and find secrets.
Golden Leaf
Five special leaves hidden in and around Kanalet Castle. Collecting all five is required to gain Richard’s favor and access Key Cavern.
Piece of Heart
Collectible fragments hidden all over Koholint. Every four pieces increases Link’s maximum health by one Heart Container (32 pieces total in Switch version).
Secret Medicine
Purchased from Crazy Tracy. Automatically revives Link with full health one time if his hearts deplete.
Secret Seashell
Collectibles hidden throughout Koholint (50 total in Switch version). Trade them at the Seashell Mansion for rewards like Heart Pieces, the Seashell Sensor, and the Koholint Sword.
Sleepy Toadstool
A unique mushroom found in the Mysterious Forest. Give it to the Witch near Ukuku Prairie to receive Magic Powder.
Green Tunic
Link’s standard starting outfit. Offers basic attack and defense.
Red Mail
Optional tunic found in the Color Dungeon. Doubles Link’s attack power. Can be swapped with Blue/Green tunics.
Blue Mail
Optional tunic found in the Color Dungeon. Halves the damage Link receives. Can be swapped with Red/Green tunics.
Seashell Sensor
Reward from the Seashell Mansion (15 shells). Passively chimes and vibrates when a hidden Secret Seashell is nearby.
Eight Instruments of the Sirens
These eight mystical instruments are the heart of Link’s main quest on Koholint. Each is guarded by a powerful Nightmare within a dungeon, and collecting them all is the only way to wake the legendary Wind Fish.
Full Moon Cello
Instrument found in Tail Cave (Dungeon 1).
Conch Horn
Instrument found in Bottle Grotto (Dungeon 2).
Sea Lily’s Bell
Instrument found in Key Cavern (Dungeon 3).
Surf Harp
Instrument found in Angler’s Tunnel (Dungeon 4).
Wind Marimba
Instrument found in Catfish’s Maw (Dungeon 5).
Coral Triangle
Instrument found in Face Shrine (Dungeon 6).
Organ of Evening Calm
Instrument found in Eagle’s Tower (Dungeon 7).
Thunder Drum
Instrument found in Turtle Rock (Dungeon 8).
Dungeon Items
Every dungeon holds its own set of navigational aids and keys. These items are essential for finding your way through the labyrinths, unlocking doors, getting hints, and ultimately reaching the Nightmare’s lair.
Compass
Found in dungeons. Reveals the location of chests, keys, and the Nightmare on the map. Chimes near hidden keys.
Dungeon Map
Found in dungeons. Reveals the layout of the dungeon as you explore rooms.
Small Key
Found in dungeons. Used to open standard locked doors within that specific dungeon. Usually consumed on use.
Nightmare Key
Found in dungeons. A large, ornate key used to open the door leading to the dungeon’s Nightmare (boss).
Stone Slab Fragment
Found in dungeons. Used in conjunction with a Stone Beak at an Owl Statue to receive hints.
Stone Beak
Found in dungeons. Inserted into Owl Statues to enable receiving hints with the Stone Slab Fragment.
Heart Container
Dropped by dungeon Nightmares (bosses). Immediately increases Link’s maximum health by one full heart. (Can be skipped and collected later in Switch version).
Keys (Overworld)
Before Link can brave the island’s dungeons, he often needs to find a specific key to unlock the entrance. These keys are usually rewards for completing tasks or exploring specific areas in the overworld.
Tail Key
Found in the Mysterious Forest. Opens Tail Cave.
Slime Key
Received from Richard after collecting 5 Golden Leaves. Opens the way to Key Cavern.
Angler Key
Found in a cave in Yarna Desert. Opens Angler’s Tunnel.
Face Key
Found in the Ancient Ruins. Opens Face Shrine.
Bird Key
Found high in the Tal Tal Mountain Range. Opens Eagle’s Tower.
Pick-Up Items
As you explore and battle, you’ll find these helpful items dropped by enemies or hidden in the environment. Grab them quickly for temporary boosts, health recovery, or vital ammunition!
Arrow
Ammunition for the Bow. Dropped by enemies, found, or purchased.
Big Heart
A rare drop/find that fully restores all of Link’s health.
Guardian Acorn
Temporary item drop that increases defense for a short time.
Piece of Power
Temporary item drop that increases attack power and speed for a short time.
Recovery Heart
Common drop that restores one heart of health.
Rupee
Koholint Island’s currency. Used for shops and mini-games. Comes in various colors/values.
Trading Sequence
Get ready to barter! This famous multi-step trading quest involves swapping items with various quirky characters across Koholint, ultimately leading to a very valuable reward. It’s a journey in itself, taking you all over the island!
Yoshi Doll
It all starts here! Win this plushie of the iconic Nintendo dinosaur from the Trendy Game crane machine in Mabe Village. A familiar face on a strange island, hinting at the dreamlike nature of Koholint. Trade it to Mamasha in the northern house of Mabe Village, who needs something to entertain her quadruplets.
Ribbon
Mamasha gives you this cute Ribbon in exchange for the doll. Who needs a fancy accessory? Apparently, CiaoCiao, the small, yappy Chain Chomp living next door to BowWow’s house in Mabe Village, does! Give her the Ribbon to continue the sequence.
Dog Food
CiaoCiao happily trades a can of Dog Food for the stylish Ribbon. Take this canned meal to Sale, a large, talking crocodile who lives in a house by himself on Toronbo Shores (east of where you found your sword). Sale loves bananas, but he’s ecstatic to get something different and will trade you for the Dog Food.
Bananas
Sale gives you a bunch of Bananas from his massive stash in exchange for the Dog Food. Now, head towards Kanalet Castle. You’ll find Kiki the monkey near the broken bridge. Kiki and friends really want those Bananas and will build a bridge for you to cross in exchange, leaving behind a Stick.
Stick
After the monkeys finish their construction work, they leave this sturdy Stick behind. Carry it to Ukuku Prairie where you’ll find Tarin (Marin’s dad) foolishly poking at a beehive. Lend him the Stick, watch him inevitably anger the bees and flee, leaving the Honeycomb behind for you!
Honeycomb
Pick up the sweet Honeycomb dropped near the tree in Ukuku Prairie. Your next stop is Animal Village, where you’ll find Chef Bear inside one of the houses, trying to cook but missing a key ingredient. He’ll gladly take the Honeycomb off your hands.
Pineapple
Chef Bear trades you a juicy Pineapple for the Honeycomb. Now you need to carry this tropical fruit high into the Tal Tal Mountain Range. Eventually, you’ll find Papahl (the father of the quadruplets from Mabe Village) lost and hungry. Give him the Pineapple to give him the energy to head home.
Hibiscus
Papahl thanks you with a beautiful Hibiscus flower. Take this flower back down to Animal Village and find the house belonging to Christine, a sophisticated goat. She considers it rude to speak without receiving a gift first, so present her with the Hibiscus.
Goat’s Letter
Impressed by the Hibiscus, Christine entrusts you with a secret Letter she wants delivered. Your destination is Mr. Write, who lives in a secluded house north of the Mysterious Forest, near the border with Goponga Swamp. Give him the love letter (and check out the photo he shows you!).
Broom
Mr. Write is overjoyed to receive the letter (even if it might not be exactly what he expected) and gives you a Broom in return. Find Grandma Yahoo, an elderly woman who is obsessed with sweeping. She can initially be found in Mabe Village, but later moves near Animal Village. Trade her the Broom for something she found while sweeping.
Fishing Hook
Grandma Yahoo gives you a Fishing Hook she swept up. Now you need the Flippers! Swim under the bridge near the bay in Martha’s Bay, where you’ll find a Fisherman relaxing in his boat. He’s lost his hook – give this one to him!
Necklace
The grateful Fisherman fishes up a Necklace as thanks (or perhaps as his next catch). Take this piece of jewelry to the Mermaid who swims gracefully in Martha’s Bay (usually west of Catfish’s Maw entrance). She’s lost her necklace and will be overjoyed to get it back.
Mermaid’s Scale
In return for her Necklace, the Mermaid gives you one of her precious Scales. Find the Mermaid Statue south of Martha’s Bay (near where the river lets out into the bay). Place the Scale onto the statue to reveal a hidden entrance!
Magnifying Lens
Enter the hidden passage revealed by the Mermaid Statue to finally obtain the Magnifying Lens! This crucial item allows you to see things that were previously invisible, including a secret Goriya in a cave near Toronbo Shores who will trade you the Boomerang,
Chamber Dungeons
Exclusive to the Nintendo Switch remake, the Chamber Dungeons let you design your own mini-labyrinths! These items are the building blocks and modifiers for Dampé’s unique side activity.
Chamber
Placeable dungeon rooms used in Dampé’s Shack custom dungeon creator (Switch exclusive).
+Bombs Effect
Special reward chamber tile. Grants bonus Bombs upon dungeon completion.
+Hearts Effect
Special reward chamber tile. Grants Recovery Hearts upon dungeon completion.
+Monsters Effect
Special challenge chamber tile. Adds tougher monsters to the custom dungeon.
+Wallmasters Effect
Special challenge chamber tile. Adds Wallmasters to the custom dungeon.
+Rupees Effect
Special reward chamber tile. Grants bonus Rupees upon dungeon completion.
+Shadow Link Effect
Special challenge chamber tile. Spawns Shadow Link in the custom dungeon.
Fishing
Take a break at the Mabe Village fishing pond! These lures are used in the relaxing (and rewarding) fishing mini-game to catch various fish and earn prizes.
Lightweight Lure
Starting lure for the fishing mini-game. Catches smaller fish.
Middleweight Lure
Upgraded lure. Catches medium-sized fish. Earned as a reward.
Heavyweight Lure
Best lure. Sinks deep to catch the largest fish and special types (Blooper, Cheep Cheep). Earned as a reward.
Figures
Purely for fun and bragging rights! These collectible figures are won from the Trendy Game after obtaining the Yoshi Doll and can be displayed around Mabe Village.
CiaoCiao Figure
A figure depicting CiaoCiao, Madam MeowMeow’s small, bow-wearing Chain Chomp. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Goomba Figure
A figure representing the classic mushroom-like Goomba enemy from the Super Mario series, found stomping around Koholint. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Spiny Figure
A figure of the familiar shelled, spiky-topped Spiny enemy, also originally from the Super Mario series. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Boo Figure
A figure capturing the likeness of the shy Boo ghost, another famous Super Mario series enemy that haunts Koholint’s dungeons. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Cheep Cheep Figure
A figure of the goggle-eyed Cheep Cheep fish from the Super Mario series, which can sometimes be caught in the Fishing Pond. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Blooper Figure
A figure resembling the squid-like Blooper enemy from the Super Mario series, another potential catch in the Fishing Pond. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Shy Guy Figure
A figure depicting the masked Shy Guy enemy, most known from Yoshi’s Island and Mario games. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Piranha Plant Figure
A figure of the iconic Piranha Plant, the pipe-dwelling chomper from the Super Mario series, also found on Koholint. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
Pokey Figure
A figure representing the tall, segmented cactus enemy, Pokey, originating from the Super Mario series. Won from the Trendy Game for display.
BowWow Figure
A figure of Madam MeowMeow’s larger, beloved Chain Chomp, BowWow, who even joins Link for part of his adventure. Won from the Trendy Game for display.