Overview
Link’s Awakening was the first of many Zelda games to appear on a handheld. It is also the first Zelda game that doesn’t involve saving Hyrule from Ganon and allows the player to set two items at their leisure to the A and B buttons.
Link is out sailing on the ocean when out of nowhere a storm appears and sinks his barge. When he finally wakes up he is in a young maiden’s home with her uncle. At first, Link thinks she looks like Zelda, but she corrects him and tells him that her name is Marin. She found him washed ashore amid the debris of a shipwreck here on Koholint Island, and her uncle found Link’s shield, but not his sword. After venturing out and finding his precious sword, Link learns of the plight of Koholint’s sleeping guardian, the Windfish, and sets off to slay the Nightmares of Koholint and wake the Windfish from its dream.
The Awakening on Koholint Island: Main Quest Progression
- Part 1: The Shore, Forest, and Tail Cave (Level 1) – Getting started, obtaining the Sword, Shield, Roc’s Feather, and Full Moon Cello.
- Part 2: Goponga Swamp and Bottle Grotto (Level 2) – Acquiring Magic Powder, Power Bracelet, Ocarina, and the Conch Horn.
- Part 3: Ukuku Prairie and Key Cavern (Level 3) – Kanalet Castle, Golden Leaves, Pegasus Boots, and the Sea Lily’s Bell.
- Part 4: Yarna Desert and Angler’s Tunnel (Level 4) – Animal Village, learning songs, obtaining Flippers, and the Surf Harp.
- Part 5: Martha’s Bay and Catfish’s Maw (Level 5) – Exploring the bay, getting the Hook Shot, and the Wind Marimba.
- Part 6: Ancient Ruins and Face Shrine (Level 6) – Learning the Frog’s Song of Soul, finding the L-2 Power Bracelet, and the Coral Triangle.
- Part 7: Tal Tal Mountains and Eagle’s Tower (Level 7) – Mountain exploration, acquiring the Mirror Shield, and the Organ of Evening Calm.
- Part 8: Western Mountains and Turtle Rock (Level 8) – Reviving the Rooster, obtaining the Magic Rod, and the Thunder Drum.
- Part 9: The Wind Fish’s Egg & Finale – Navigating the final dungeon and facing the Nightmares.
Side Quests & Collectibles
- Heart Pieces: Locations of all 12 Pieces of Heart to maximize Link’s life energy.
- Secret Seashells: Finding all 26 hidden Seashells across Koholint Island for the L-2 Sword and other rewards.
- Item Trading Sequence: Complete the 14-step trading quest from the Yoshi Doll to the Magnifying Lens.
- Color Dungeon (DX Only): Navigating the optional fifth dungeon to obtain either the Red Tunic (Attack Up) or Blue Tunic (Defense Up).
- Photographer Mouse Locations (DX Only): Finding all 12 photo opportunities for the “Link’s Awakening” Photo Album.
- Fairy Bottle: While not present like in other games, includes strategies for using Secret Medicine and finding Great Fairy Fountains for healing.
Resources & Guides
- Boss Strategies: How to defeat the final boss of each dungeon.
- Characters: Profiles of the key figures Link meets on Koholint Island.
- Enemies: A bestiary detailing monsters with tips.
- Ocarina Songs Guide: Details on learning and using the Ballad of the Wind Fish, Manbo’s Mambo, and Frog’s Song of Soul.
- Items & Equipment: Overview of Link’s inventory, weapons, tools, and enhancements.
- Maps: Map detailing regions, dungeons, and key locations.
- MIDIs: Enjoy the charming chiptune melodies from Koholint Island, including the Ballad of the Wind Fish and dungeon themes.
- Gameshark Codes: Codes for the GameShark cheating device for various effects (infinite health, items, etc.).
- 100% Completion Checklist: A trackable list covering all major items, Heart Pieces, Seashells, upgrades, photos (DX), and tunic choice (DX).