The Adventure of Link throws a different kind of challenge at Hyrule’s hero, and you’ll need more than just courage and sword skills to succeed. Scattered across the land and hidden within treacherous palaces are items crucial for survival and progress. Forget familiar bombs and boomerangs for now; this quest demands a unique arsenal! Here’s the rundown on the essential tools, vital quest items, and helpful pickups you’ll need to awaken Zelda.
Essential Tools & Equipment
These are the items you’ll carry and use repeatedly to overcome obstacles and explore Hyrule’s farthest reaches.
Candle
Plunge into darkness no more! Find this in the Parapa Palace (the first one you tackle). It’s absolutely essential for lighting up pitch-black caves, revealing pathways, and preventing nasty surprises lurking just out of sight. Without it, you’re literally fumbling in the dark.
Hammer
Ready to smash through barriers? You’ll need this hefty Hammer, hidden within the perilous caves of Death Mountain. Its primary use is shattering large boulders blocking your path on the overworld map, opening up new regions. Bonus: It’s also surprisingly effective against tough foes like armoured Iron Knuckles and can even break down certain blocks in palaces!
Handy Glove
Don’t let the simple name fool you. Acquired in the Midoro Palace, this glove empowers Link’s sword arm! With the Handy Glove equipped, you can shatter special destructible blocks found within palaces simply by striking them with your sword. Essential for uncovering secrets and reaching palace bosses.
Raft
Time to take to the seas (or rather, specific crossing points). Tucked away in the Island Palace, the Raft lets you sail across designated water bodies from docks found on the overworld map. It’s your ticket to reaching previously inaccessible islands and coastlines.
Boots
Forget swimming; now you can stride across the shallows! Claim these special Boots from the Maze Island Palace. Wearing them allows Link to walk across shallow water areas on the overworld map, opening up routes to hidden caves and the vital Palace on the Sea.
Whistle
Unveil Hyrule’s hidden melodies and mysteries with this magical Whistle. Found in a Hammer-accessible cave south of Mido Town, this instrument has multiple uses: it reveals the lurking River Devil blocking a path, transforms bothersome Spider enemies into easy-to-defeat Bots, and most importantly, reveals the hidden location of the Three-Eye Rock Palace on the overworld.
Magical Key
Tired of hunting for individual keys in every palace? Find the Magical Key in the cleverly hidden Palace south of the Palace on the Sea (you’ll need the Boots!). This reusable wonder opens any locked door in any palace. A massive convenience!
Cross
Some enemies prefer to stay unseen… until you get the Cross! Located within the Three-Eye Rock Palace, this sacred item makes the annoying, invisible Moa enemies visible on screen, allowing you to finally fight or avoid them properly.
Critical Quest Items
These items are generally used once to progress the story or gain essential abilities. You can’t finish the game without them!
Trophy
Proof of your early prowess! You’ll need to brave a cave south of Nabooru town and defeat a tough Goriya to claim this Trophy. Show it to the River Man near Maze Island, and he’ll grant you passage, letting you access the next palace.
Water of Life
A desperate need requires a heroic fetch quest. Find this precious liquid in a guarded cave east of the River Devil. Take it back to the town of Mido to cure an ailing woman. Her gratitude connects you to a wise man who teaches you the invaluable Fairy spell!
Child
A rescue mission with a magical reward! Find the lost child hidden within a monster-infested cave near the mountain town of Darunia. Returning the child safely earns the trust of their mother, who introduces you to another wise man ready to teach you the crucial Reflect spell.
Other Useful Pickups
Keep an eye out for these items dropped by enemies or hidden across Hyrule. They provide temporary boosts, permanent upgrades, or help you level up!
Magic Jar (Small)
Dropped frequently by defeated enemies (especially magic users!), these jars instantly replenish a portion of your magic meter. Blue jars give a smaller boost, while rarer red jars refill more. Grab them whenever you see them!
Treasure Bag (Point Bag)
Need experience points faster? Snag these bags! Dropped by some enemies or found in set locations, they grant instant EXP (ranging from 50 to 500 points depending on the bag). Crucial for leveling up Link’s Attack, Magic, and Life stats.
Key (Regular)
The standard dungeon key. Found within palaces, either lying around or dropped by specific enemies (like Orange Iron Knuckles). Each key opens one locked door and is consumed upon use. Superseded once you find the Magical Key, but vital before then.
Doll (Link Doll)
A rare and precious find! These 1-Up dolls grant Link an extra life if he falls in battle. They are hidden in extremely specific, often out-of-the-way locations across Hyrule. Cherish every one you find!
Heart Container
Boost your staying power! These rare containers permanently increase Link’s maximum health meter by one block. There are only four hidden across Hyrule in secret areas – finding them is crucial for surviving late-game challenges.
Magic Container
Expand your arcane potential! Similar to Heart Containers, these permanently increase Link’s maximum magic meter. Four are hidden throughout Hyrule, allowing you to cast more spells before needing a refill. Seek them out to maximize your magical might!
With this knowledge, you’re better equipped to face the challenges ahead. Go forth, gather these items, empower Link, and save Princess Zelda!