Level 3: The Manji introduces the Raft, a key item that allows Link to travel on overworld water, highlighting the increasing interconnectedness of the game world. The dungeon itself presents more complex layouts and enemy encounters.
Getting to the Dungeon
To reach Level 3: The Manji, start from the game’s initial screen and head up one screen, then left four screens, down one screen, and finally right one screen.
Room-by-Room Guide
Initial Exploration
Upon entering the dungeon, head through the door on the left. Defeat the Zols, small, amoeba-like enemies, to obtain a key, and then proceed up one screen. In the next room, defeat the five Zols to receive another key, and then head up one more screen. Here, you will encounter Darknuts, heavily armored knights. To defeat them, you must strike them from the side or the back, or use bombs. As a reward for defeating the Darknuts, you will receive some bombs. The right wall of this room can be bombed open for a shortcut directly to the boss. However, to obtain a key item, go through the left door instead.
Compass and the Raft
In this room, you will find Keese. You can either defeat them or simply avoid them. In the center of the room lies the Compass. Collect it and then use a key on the locked door to the left. The next room contains five more Darknuts. Defeating them will cause the bottom door to open. While you can go up for an additional key in this room, it is not strictly necessary for completing the level. Head down through the newly opened door. This room is filled with numerous Darknuts. You can engage them in combat to potentially receive more bombs in the center of the room, but it is not a requirement for progression. Your goal is to find the staircase in this room and descend. In the underground passage, defeat the Keese and climb over the obstacles to obtain the Raft. This item is crucial for traveling on water bodies in the overworld, unlocking access to new areas. After acquiring the Raft, return up the stairs, then head up one screen, right two screens, and up one more screen.
Dungeon Map and the Boss
Defeat the three Zols in this room to get a key. You have the option to go north to find an Old Man who will offer advice about the upgraded sword or provide another key, but this is not mandatory for completing the level. Use a key to unlock the door on the right and proceed. This room contains the Dungeon Map. The boss of Level 3 is located to the right. You can either bomb the wall on the right for a shortcut to the boss room or go down one screen and then right. In the room before the boss, you will encounter three Darknuts. Defeat them and proceed to the right.
Boss: Manhandla
The final room before the boss contains Bubbles, magical entities that will temporarily prevent Link from using his sword if they touch him. Avoid these Bubbles while defeating the Keese and Zols in the room to collect rupees. Head up one screen to face the boss of Level 3, Manhandla. Manhandla is a large, plant-like creature with four heads that shoot fireballs. To defeat it, you must avoid the fireballs and attack each of the heads individually. As each head is destroyed, Manhandla will move at a faster pace. While the sword can be used, bombs are the most effective way to defeat Manhandla. A well-placed bomb can potentially destroy it in a single hit. Continue using bombs until all four heads are gone and Manhandla is defeated. Upon its defeat, collect the Heart Container to increase your life. Finally, walk to the center of the room and take the third shard of the Triforce of Wisdom.
Level 3: The Manji introduces the Raft, a vital tool for overworld exploration, and presents a multi-headed boss that is most effectively defeated with bombs, further emphasizing the strategic use of items in combat.