The salty spray of the Great Sea calls once more! Picking up after the events of The Wind Waker, Link quest to rescue Tetra plunges him into the mysterious World of the Ocean King, a realm shrouded in fog and guarded by the terrifying Ghost Ship. Surviving these haunted waters and challenging the depths of the treacherous Temple of the Ocean King requires more than just courage – it demands cleverness, sharp reflexes, and, crucially, the right tools for the job!
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass brilliantly utilizes the Nintendo DS, and Link inventory is central to this unique experience. Get ready to draw boomerang paths, plot bombchu routes, and aim your arrows with the intuitive touch of your stylus. You will even use the microphone for certain mystical items! Beyond classic dungeon-crawling gear, you will command the S.S. Linebeck, salvaging treasure from the seabed, navigating with custom-drawn routes on your sea charts, and discovering secrets on dozens of unique islands.
This guide is your ultimate companion to every single item, piece of equipment, collectible treasure, and vital quest artifact Link encounters. From the life-saving Phantom Hourglass itself to the mightiest swords, essential navigation tools, quirky collectibles, and valuable treasures you will trade for ship upgrades – it is all detailed here. Master this inventory, learn the secrets of each tool, and prepare to conquer the challenges that await on this grand ocean adventure! Let us dive in!
Table of Contents
Equipment: Tools of the Hero
Get ready to solve puzzles, battle monsters, and interact with the world using these essential items! Many leverage the DS touch screen for intuitive control.
Bombs
Found: Initial supply found in a chest within the Temple of Wind. Bomb Bag upgrades required to carry more are obtained separately (see Bags section).
Description: Your classic explosive solution! Perfect for blasting open cracked walls, detonating crumbly rocks, uncovering hidden passages, and giving tough enemies a rude awakening. Drag one with your stylus to place it precisely, or tap Link to have him drop one at his feet. Essential for many puzzles and defeating armored foes.
Bombchu
Found: Initial supply found in a chest within the Goron Temple. Bombchu Bag upgrades required to carry more are obtained separately (see Bags section).
Description: These are bombs that walk where you tell them! Draw a path on the touch screen, and these mechanical mice diligently scurry along it before exploding. They are ingenious tools for hitting remote switches behind barriers, navigating tight corners, or delivering a surprise bang to enemies from unexpected angles. Requires the Bombchu Bag to carry.
Boomerang
Found: Obtained in the Temple of Fire.
Description: A truly versatile Zelda favorite, brilliantly adapted for the DS! Use your stylus to draw its precise flight path – loop it around obstacles, hit multiple switches in sequence, stun groups of enemies, douse flaming obstacles (like Fire Keese or Bubbles), or retrieve distant items like Rupees or Recovery Hearts. Mastering its trajectory opens up countless puzzle-solving possibilities.
Bow
Found: Obtained in the Temple of Courage.
Description: Take aim and let fly! The Bow is your go-to for striking distant targets with precision. Essential for hitting eye switches across gaps, exploiting enemy weak points from a safe distance (like Hinox eyes), and solving numerous puzzles. Requires Arrows and a Quiver to hold them.
Grappling Hook
Found: Obtained in the Temple of Ice.
Description: Need to bridge a gap or snag something far away? Target sturdy posts, special grapple targets, or even overhead torches with your stylus. Link will fire the hook, creating a tightrope you can shimmy across. It can also be used to pull certain objects, remove enemy armor (like Geozard shields), or stun specific airborne or armored foes.
Hammer
Found: Obtained in Mutoh Temple.
Description: Time for some percussive problem-solving! This massive mallet lets you pound down large rusty switches, flatten obstructing posts or pegs, and send powerful shockwaves across the ground to flip heavily armored enemies like Terrorpins onto their vulnerable backs. Feels great to smash things with this!
Oshus Sword
Found: Given to Link by Oshus on Mercay Island early in the game.
Description: Your first trusty blade. It’s sharp enough to deal with early foes and cut down grass as you begin your adventure across the Great Sea. A necessary starting weapon, but you will eventually replace it with the legendary Phantom Sword.
Phantom Sword
Found: Forged by the blacksmith Zauz after Link collects the three Pure Metals (Crimsonine, Azurine, Aquanine) from the later dungeons.
Description: The ultimate weapon and key to your quest! Imbued with the power of the Spirits of Power, Wisdom, and Courage, this legendary blade is the only weapon capable of harming and defeating the otherwise invincible Phantoms stalking the Temple of the Ocean King. Its acquisition marks a major turning point in your journey.
Shovel
Found: Molida Island, Wayfarer Hideaway.
Description: X marks the spot! Equip the Shovel to dig in soft soil patches or specific locations hinted at on maps or by NPCs. You never know what treasures you might unearth – Rupees, Recovery Hearts, hidden switches, shortcuts, or even valuable Treasure Maps! Listen for the tell-tale “clink” when digging!
Wooden Shield
Found: Mercay Island Shop.
Description: Your essential first line of defense. This simple shield automatically blocks many enemy projectiles (like Octorok rocks) and weak physical attacks coming from the front. It won’t stop powerful blows or attacks from behind, and beware – Like Likes find them absolutely delicious!
Bags, Containers & Key Gear
Carry more ammo, navigate the world efficiently, and uncover secrets with these vital pieces of functional equipment.
Bomb Bag
Found: Allows carrying Bombs (starts at 10). Upgrade 1 (20 Bombs) from Bannan Island Cannon Game. Upgrade 2 (30 Bombs) bought from Beedle Masked Ship (1000 Rupees).
Description: Increases the maximum number of Bombs Link can carry. Essential for tackling bomb-heavy puzzles and combat situations.
Bombchu Bag
Found: Allows carrying Bombchus (starts at 10). Upgrade 1 (20 Bombchus) bought from Goron Island shop. Upgrade 2 (30 Bombchus) won from Dee Ess Island Goron Game.
Description: Increases the maximum number of Bombchus Link can carry, allowing for more attempts at tricky remote detonations.
Quiver
Found: Allows carrying Arrows (starts at 20). Upgrade 1 (30 Arrows) received from Romano on Molida Island. Upgrade 2 (50 Arrows) bought from Mercay Island shop.
Description: Increases the maximum number of Arrows Link can hold for his Bow, crucial for dungeons requiring many ranged shots.
Cyclone Slate
Found: Uncharted Island, from Golden Chief Cylos. Learn symbols by shooting 6 Golden Frogs across the Great Sea.
Description: A mystical slate touched by the wind gods! Draw a learned symbol corresponding to a Golden Frog location to instantly summon a cyclone and warp there. Invaluable for fast travel across the four sea quadrants.
Fishing Rod
Found: Bannan Island, from the Old Wayfarer after reuniting him with Joanne.
Description: Lets Link fish at designated spots (fish shadows on the sea map). Engage in a stylus-based mini-game to reel in various types of fish for fun and rewards.
Salvage Arm
Found: Cannon Island, bought from Eddo (shout into DS mic for potential discount from 1000 down to 200 Rupees).
Description: Equips the S.S. Linebeck with a crane for retrieving sunken treasure marked on Treasure Maps. Involves a mini-game guiding the arm down, avoiding obstacles (Octomines, rocks). Takes damage, repairable at Mercay Shipyard (50 Rupees normally, 100 if fully broken).
Dungeon Items: Keys to Progress
You won’t delve deep into the ancient temples without these essential keys and artifacts.
Small Key
Found: Within various dungeons and caves, often in chests or dropped by enemies.
Description: Your standard dungeon key, a staple of the Zelda series. Use these to unlock simple locked doors blocking your path. They are typically used within the same dungeon they are found in.
Boss Key
Found: Late within most dungeons, often after defeating a mini-boss or solving a major puzzle.
Description: This large, ornate key unlocks the imposing door leading to the dungeon main boss chamber. Its discovery means the final challenge is near!
Round Crystal / Square Crystal / Triangle Crystal
Found: Within the Temple of Courage.
Description: These uniquely shaped crystals are specific MacGuffins for the Temple of Courage. Find them and carry them (one at a time) to their corresponding pedestals to solve intricate puzzles and open new pathways within the temple. Match the shape to the slot!
Quest Items: Driving the Adventure
These items are absolutely crucial for advancing the main storyline, unlocking new areas, and completing important side quests.
Phantom Hourglass
Found: Temple of the Ocean King (early exploration).
Description: The mystical artifact that gives the game its name! Filled with the magical Sands of Hours, it protects Link from the temple life-draining curse – but only for a limited time! Collect more Sands of Hours to extend your safe exploration time. Its power is intrinsically linked to the Spirits and is vital to reaching the temple lowest depths.
Sea Charts
Found: Throughout the main quest progression, revealing the four sea quadrants.
Description: Essential maps for navigation. Remember to meticulously copy details, markings, and clues from found charts onto your main map using the stylus – it is crucial!
Sun Key
Found: Likely during Molida Island story progression.
Description: A special key emblazoned with a sun motif. Required to open specific sun-marked locks, often gating progress to new island sections or dungeons like the Temple of Courage.
Ghost Key
Found: Obtained during the questline leading to the Ghost Ship.
Description: An ethereal key with a spooky aura. Its purpose is singular: to grant Link entry into the elusive and terrifying Ghost Ship.
King Key
Found: During the Goron Island / Temple questline.
Description: The key once held by the royalty of the ancient Cobble Kingdom, now inhabited by the Gorons. It is essential for accessing the depths of Mutoh Temple.
Regal Necklace
Found: Likely during Goron quests on Goron Island.
Description: A valuable necklace steeped in the history of the Cobble Kingdom. Part of the Goron questline, possibly used to prove lineage or gain trust.
Crimsonine
Found: Hidden within the Temple of Ice.
Description: The Pure Metal of Wisdom (Blue). One of the three legendary metals required by Zauz to forge the Phantom Sword.
Azurine
Found: Hidden within the Temple of Ice.
Description: The Pure Metal of Wisdom (Blue). One of the three legendary metals required by Zauz to forge the Phantom Sword.
Aquanine
Found: Hidden within Mutoh Temple.
Description: The Pure Metal of Courage (Green). One of the three legendary metals required by Zauz to forge the Phantom Sword.
Sword Blade
Found: Not an item held, but represents the state after gathering the Hilt and 3 Pure Metals, before Zauz forges the final sword.
Description: The physical manifestation of your progress towards the ultimate weapon – Oshus Hilt combined with the three Pure Metals, ready for Zauz magic.
Hero’s New Clothes
Found: Man of Smiles, NE Traveler Ship (starts the Trading Sequence).
Description: Link iconic green tunic and hat! You start in sailor garb, but receive these as the first item in the game Trading Sequence. Much more heroic!
Kaleidoscope (mistakenly called Telescope)
Found: Trade Hero New Clothes to Nyeve, NW Traveler Ship.
Description: A fun, visually interesting item received mid-trading sequence. Does not have much practical use beyond being a trade item.
Guard Notebook
Found: Trade Kaleidoscope to Hoiger Howgendoogen, SE Ho Ho Ship.
Description: A worn notebook filled with observations, passed along during the trading sequence.
Wood Heart
Found: Trade Guard Notebook to Nyave, SW Guard Ship.
Description: A simple heart carved from wood. This is the final item you receive *before* the sequence reward.
Swordsman Scroll
Found: Bannan Island, Wayfarer Hut (in a chest after giving Wood Heart to Old Wayfarer on his ship and clearing the island threat).
Description: The ultimate prize for completing the Trading Sequence! Teaches Link the powerful Great Spin Attack – perform three consecutive spin attacks to unleash a larger, more damaging spinning strike!
Collectibles: Gather ‘Em All!
Track down these optional but often very useful items for helpful effects, valuable upgrades, or just the pure satisfaction of 100% completion!
Red Potion
Found: Buy from shops (Beedle, island shops), find in chests.
Description: A life-saving concoction that restores about 6 hearts. Good for recovering from moderate damage during tough fights.
Yellow Potion
Found: Buy from shops (rarer and more expensive than Red), find in chests.
Description: Fully restores all of Link heart containers! Keep one handy for emergencies or challenging boss battles.
Purple Potion
Found: Extremely rare. May be found in certain late-game chests or possibly bought from the Masked Beedle ship.
Description: The best of the best! Restores all hearts AND temporarily doubles Link attack power! Incredibly valuable for difficult encounters.
Power Gem
Found: 20 total. Scattered across the world (chests, quest rewards, bought from shops/Beedle, mini-game prizes). Associated with Neri (usually pink/red fairy).
Description: Represents the Spirit of Wisdom. Collect 10 or 20 and take them to the Wisdom Spring on Spirit Island to upgrade Neri power, enhancing Link defense (Lv1 reduces damage, Lv2 greatly reduces damage).
Wisdom Gem
Found: 20 total. Scattered across the world (chests, quest rewards, bought from shops/Beedle, mini-game prizes). Associated with Neri (usually pink/red fairy).
Description: Represents the Spirit of Wisdom. Collect 10 or 20 and take them to the Wisdom Spring on Spirit Island to upgrade Neri power, enhancing Link defense (Lv1 reduces damage, Lv2 greatly reduces damage).
Courage Gem
Found: 20 total. Scattered across the world (chests, quest rewards, bought from shops/Beedle, mini-game prizes). Associated with Leaf (usually green fairy).
Description: Represents the Spirit of Courage. Collect 10 or 20 and take them to the Courage Spring on Spirit Island to upgrade Leaf power, enhancing Link sword utility/range (likely increases sword beam width/effectiveness).
Freebie Card
Found: Earned through Beedle Shop loyalty program by accumulating points (spending Rupees). Likely the first tier reward.
Description: Part of the Beedle Shop Ship loyalty program. Represents reaching a basic membership level, possibly offering a small discount or acknowledging points earned.
Compliment Card
Found: Earned through Beedle Shop loyalty program by accumulating more points. Likely the Silver tier reward.
Description: Part of the Beedle Shop Ship loyalty program. Represents reaching the Silver membership level, likely offering better discounts than the Freebie Card.
Complimentary Card
Found: Earned through Beedle Shop loyalty program by accumulating the most points. Likely the Gold tier reward.
Description: Part of the Beedle Shop Ship loyalty program. Represents reaching the highest Gold membership level, offering the best discounts and possibly granting access to the rare Masked Beedle ship.
Jolene Letter
Found: Received after a duel with the pirate Jolene.
Description: A letter penned by your recurring pirate rival. Give this letter to Joanne, the mermaid on Bannan Island (the Wayfarer companion), who turns out to be Jolene sister! She will reward you with a Wisdom Gem.
Prize Postcard
Found: Won from mini-games (Archery, Goron Game, etc.) or received for re-saving the Man of Smiles after the trading sequence.
Description: Take these to the Postbox on Mercay Island and mail them in. You will later receive a letter containing a random (usually common) Ship Part or Treasure. It is like a lottery ticket!
Maps & Ship Items
Navigate the vast ocean and turn the S.S. Linebeck into a formidable vessel!
Treasure Maps
Found: All over the world – in chests, as quest/mini-game rewards, dug up using the Shovel.
Description: These maps show an ‘X’ marking a spot on the Great Sea where sunken treasure lies. Carefully copy the ‘X’ onto your main Sea Chart using the stylus, sail to the location, and use the Salvage Arm to haul up the goods! A primary source of valuable Treasures and Ship Parts.
Sands of Hours
Found: Primarily within chests in the Temple of the Ocean King, but also sometimes as rewards or salvaged.
Description: Precious magical sand that replenishes the time limit of your Phantom Hourglass, usually adding 1 or 2 minutes per vial. Absolutely crucial for exploring the deeper, more dangerous levels of the temple. Collect every grain you can!
Ship Parts
Found: Via Salvage Arm, bought from Beedle/island shops, won in mini-games, traded for Treasures.
Description: HUGE collectible aspect. Find parts for the Hull, Handrails, Cannon, Prow, Bridge, Chimney, and Wheel. Primarily customize the S.S. Linebeck appearance BUT also increase its Stamina (health hearts for the ship). Collecting a full matching set (e.g., all Stone Parts, all Tropical Parts) provides the maximum stamina boost for that set tier. Like Treasures, their Rupee value is randomized per save file (except Golden Parts, which are always highest value).
Treasures: Riches of the Deep & Land
These valuable artifacts are primarily found using the Salvage Arm with Treasure Maps, but also appear in chests or as rewards. Their main purpose is to be traded for Rupees or specific Ship Parts. Talk to the Treasure Teller in his hut on Mercay Island or the Ho Ho Tribe aboard their wandering ship (SE Sea) to exchange them. Note: The Rupee value of each treasure (except the Regal Ring) is randomly set per save file (50, 150, 800, or 1500 Rupees), making some common in one game and rare in another!
Pink Coral
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm using Treasure Maps. Can also be found in some chests or won in mini-games.
Description: A beautiful, branching piece of vibrant pink coral plucked from the seabed. Trade to the Treasure Teller or Ho Ho Tribe. Value is randomized.
Pearl Necklace
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games.
Description: A lovely strand of white pearls, perhaps lost by nobility or a wealthy merchant. Sometimes called White Pearl Loop. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is randomized.
Dark Pearl Loop
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games.
Description: A loop made of mysterious, shimmering black pearls. More exotic than the white variant. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is randomized.
Zora Scale
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games.
Description: A large, iridescent scale likely shed by one of the aquatic Zora race, rarely seen in these waters. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is randomized.
Goron Amber
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games.
Description: A chunk of fossilized amber with Goron markings or inclusions, originating from volcanic regions. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is randomized.
Ruto Crown
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games.
Description: A delicate, beautiful crown reminiscent of the Zora royalty from ages past. Highly sought after. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is randomized.
Helamroc Plume
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games.
Description: A large, impressive feather from a Helmaroc bird, creatures known from other legendary eras. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is randomized.
Regal Ring
Found: Primarily obtained via the Salvage Arm. Can also be found in chests/mini-games. Extremely rare.
Description: An ornate ring, possibly linked to the ancient Cobble Kingdom or other seafaring royalty. Exceptionally valuable. Trade for Rupees/Ship Parts. Value is always 1500 Rupees.
Fish: The Angler Prize
Catch these denizens of the deep using your Fishing Rod at the fish shadows you spot while sailing! Fishing involves a stylus mini-game: pull back to hook, then swipe opposite the fish pull direction to reel it in, releasing the stylus when it jumps to avoid snapping the line. Bigger fish fight harder! Show your prize catches to the Old Wayfarer on Bannan Island for potential rewards.
Skippyjack
Found: Caught frequently using the Fishing Rod in common fishing spots.
Description: A small, very common grey/blue fish. Easy to catch, but not worth much intrinsically. Needed to start the fishing questline.
Toona
Found: Caught frequently using the Fishing Rod in common fishing spots.
Description: Slightly larger and also very common. A bit more fight than a Skippyjack.
Loovar
Found: Caught less commonly using the Fishing Rod in common fishing spots.
Description: A larger, reddish-pink and white fish. Puts up a decent fight. Show your first Loovar catch to the Old Wayfarer to receive the Big Catch Lure.
Rusty Swordfish
Found: Caught occasionally using the Fishing Rod (requires Big Catch Lure) in common fishing spots.
Description: A large, maroon-colored swordfish. Aggressive and takes time to reel in. Show one to the Old Wayfarer for a Ship Part reward!
Neptoona
Found: Caught rarely using the Fishing Rod (requires Big Catch Lure). Appears as a large, fast-moving swordfish shadow on the sea map (only after showing the Wayfarer a Rusty Swordfish).
Description: The ultimate prize! A massive, dark blue legendary fish. Extremely rare and incredibly challenging to reel in. Catching Neptoona and showing it to the Old Wayfarer earns you a precious Heart Container!
Stowfish
Found: Caught by chance; sometimes attached to a Loovar or Rusty Swordfish when you reel it in. Cannot be targeted directly.
Description: A small, eel-like fish. Catching one is pure luck! If you manage to reel in a fish with a Stowfish attached, show the Stowfish to the Old Wayfarer for another Ship Part!
With pockets full of Bombs, maps unfurled, upgrades equipped, and the Phantom Hourglass ticking, you are truly ready for anything this adventure throws at you! Seek out every item, master every tool, upgrade your gear and ship, and use your collection wisely to navigate the challenges ahead. The secrets and treasures of the Great Sea await! Good luck, hero!