The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
Game Boy · 1993
Wash ashore on Koholint Island and unravel the mystery of the Wind Fish. Explore guides, collectibles, dungeon solutions, and more for the original Link’s Awakening and its DX edition.
Explore the guide
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
- The Shore, Forest and Tail Cave (Level 1): Shield, Sword, Mysterious Forest, Magic Powder, Tail Key, Roc’s Feather, Moldorm and the Full Moon Cello.
- Goponga Swamp and Bottle Grotto (Level 2): BowWow’s rescue, Goponga Swamp, every key, the Power Bracelet, the Genie boss and the Conch Horn.
- Ukuku Prairie, Kanalet Castle and Key Cavern (Level 3): The Golden Leaves of Kanalet Castle, the Slime Key, Pegasus Boots, Slime Eye and the Sea Lily’s Bell.
- Yarna Desert and Angler’s Tunnel (Level 4): Wake the walrus, cross Yarna Desert, win the Flippers, beat the Angler Fish and take the Surf Harp.
- Martha’s Bay and Catfish’s Maw (Level 5): Manbo’s Mambo, the ghost, the Mermaid’s Scale, Hookshot, Master Stalfos, Slime Eel and the Wind Marimba.
- Ancient Ruins and Face Shrine (Level 6): Magnifying Lens, Frog’s Song of Soul, Boomerang, Ancient Ruins, Power Bracelet L-2, Facade, Coral Triangle.
- Tal Tal Mountains and Eagle’s Tower (Level 7): Flying Rooster, Bird Key, Mirror Shield, Evil Eagle and the Organ of Evening Calm.
- Western Mountains and Turtle Rock (Level 8): Marin’s bridge, Mad Batter, Frog’s Song of Soul, Magic Rod, Hot Head and the Thunder Drum.
- The Wind Fish’s Egg and the Finale: Finish your 100%, read the maze book, play the Ballad, beat the Shadow Nightmares, see the secret ending.
Side Quests & Collectibles
- Heart Piece Locations: Locations of all 12 Pieces of Heart to maximize Link’s life energy.
- Secret Seashell Locations: Finding all 26 hidden Seashells across Koholint Island for the L-2 Sword and other rewards.
- Trading Sequence: Complete the 14-step trading quest from the Yoshi Doll to the Magnifying Lens.
- Photographs: Finding all 12 photo opportunities for the “Link’s Awakening” Photo Album.
- Color Dungeon: Open it in the graveyard, clear every room, beat the boss and choose the red or blue tunic.
- Ocarina Songs: How to get the Ocarina and where to learn all 3 songs, Ballad of the Wind Fish, Manbo’s Mambo and Frog’s Song of Soul.
- Mini-Games and Shops: Trendy Game, fishing pond and Rapids Ride costs and prizes, Town Tool Shop prices, and how to steal.
- Fairies and Secret Medicine: Secret Medicine from Crazy Tracy, fairies, Recovery Hearts and the Great Fairy fountain.
Resources & Guides
- Items and Equipment: Overview of Link’s inventory, weapons, tools, and enhancements.
- Boss Strategies: How to defeat the final boss of each dungeon.
- Enemies: A bestiary detailing monsters with tips.
- Characters: Profiles of the key figures Link meets on Koholint Island.
- Koholint Island Maps: Map detailing regions, dungeons, and key locations.
- MIDIs: MIDI renditions of the game’s themes.
- 100% Completion Checklist: 12 Heart Pieces, 26 Secret Seashells, 14 trade items, 12 photographs, songs, items and tunic choice.
The original adventure
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening first released on Game Boy · 1993.
