Bombs are one of Link’s most crucial tools in The Legend of Zelda. They blast open secret passages, damage tough enemies, and reveal hidden caves full of rupees or Heart Containers. You start with a capacity of 8, which feels like nothing when you’re exploring Hyrule’s vast secrets. Luckily, you can increase your maximum bomb count!
Hidden within Hyrule’s dungeons are generous Old Men willing to expand your bomb bag… for a price. Here’s how to find them and boost your explosive potential.
The Bomb Upgrade Deal:
How Many?: There are two bomb capacity upgrades available in Link’s first quest.
The Boost: Each upgrade increases your maximum bomb carrying capacity by +4.
- Finding the first upgrade: 8 -> 12 bombs
- Finding the second upgrade: 12 -> 16 bombs
The Cost: Each upgrade requires a non-negotiable payment of 100 Rupees on the spot. Make sure you have the cash before you enter their chambers!
Where to Find the Upgrades: Unlike the potion quest that happens on the Overworld, these upgrades are found inside specific dungeons.
Important Note: You must have 100 Rupees with you when you enter the Old Man’s room to receive the upgrade. If you don’t have enough, you’ll have to leave, farm more Rupees, and come back!
Upgrade #1: Inside Level 5 – The Lizard
Location: Heart Piece after collecting 5
Navigate through Level 5 until you find a room with six Keese (bats). Defeat them to get a key. From this room, use a Bomb on the right-hand wall to blast open a secret passage.
The Offer: In the room beyond the locked door, another Old Man awaits. He’ll offer the second bomb capacity upgrade, taking you from 12 up to a maximum of 16 bombs, again for the price of 100 Rupees.
Finding The Room
Upgrade #2: Inside Level 7 – Demon
Location: Deep within the fifth dungeon, shaped like a Lizard.
Progress through Level 7. You’ll eventually reach a room containing three Dodongos (the rhino-like creatures vulnerable to bombs). From the Dodongo room, head up through the locked door (requires a Key).
The Offer: The Old Man inside will grant the final bomb capacity upgrade, taking you from 12 up to the maximum of 16 bombs, again for the price of 100 Rupees.
Finding The Room
Save up those Rupees and hunt down these essential upgrades – bombing every suspicious wall in Hyrule is much easier when you’re fully stocked!