Title: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Original Release Dates (GameCube)
- Japan: December 13, 2002
- North America: March 24, 2003
- Europe: May 2, 2003
- Australia: May 7, 2003
The Wind Waker HD (Wii U) Release Dates
- North America: September 20, 2013
- Japan: September 26, 2013
- Europe: October 4, 2013
- Australia: October 5, 2013
Also Available On: Nintendo Switch 2 (via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack GameCube library, 2025)
Not a new exclusive version — it is the original GameCube release running through NSO.
Game Overview
Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, released for the GameCube in 2002, introduced players to a distinctive cel-shaded art style, giving the game a vibrant, cartoon-like appearance that set it apart from its predecessors. This visual choice, while initially divisive, has contributed to the game’s enduring charm and timeless aesthetic.
Set in a vast ocean dotted with numerous islands, the game follows a young boy named Link who embarks on a quest to rescue his kidnapped sister, Aryll. His journey leads him across the expansive Great Sea, where he encounters diverse cultures, challenges formidable foes, and uncovers the submerged kingdom of Hyrule. Aiding him in his voyage is the King of Red Lions, a talking boat that guides Link through treacherous waters and helps him harness the power of the Wind Waker, a magical baton that controls the wind’s direction.
The Wind Waker’s narrative delves deep into themes of courage, legacy, and the enduring battle between good and evil. The game seamlessly blends traditional dungeon exploration with expansive maritime navigation, offering players a rich and immersive experience. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, combined with a compelling storyline and memorable characters, have solidified The Wind Waker’s place as a beloved classic in the Legend of Zelda series.
100% Completion Game Walkthrough
- Prologue: Outset Island: Introduction to Link’s home, initial quests, and obtaining the Hero’s Sword and Shield.
- Forsaken Fortress (First Visit): Stealth mechanics and rescuing Aryll.
- Windfall Island: Acquiring the Sail, meeting key characters, and side quests.
- Dragon Roost Island & Cavern: Assisting the Rito tribe, dungeon exploration, and obtaining Din’s Pearl.
- Forest Haven & Forbidden Woods: Meeting the Great Deku Tree, aiding the Koroks, and securing Farore’s Pearl.
- Post-Forbidden Woods Exploration: Collect charts, heart pieces, and upgrades across the southern sea.
- Greatfish Isle & Nayru’s Pearl: Story progression and obtaining the final pearl.
- Great Sea Side Quest Adventure: Explore islands and complete Windfall quests for key upgrades and collectibles.
- Tower of the Gods: Dungeon challenges and gaining access to Hyrule.
- Hyrule Castle: Discovering the Master Sword and storyline developments.
- Post-Hyrule Castle Exploration: Complete trading quests for heart pieces, treasure charts, and the Magic Armor.
- The Forest Water Challenge: Locating and saving each withered tree for a heart piece.
- Forsaken Fortress (Second Visit): Confronting the Helmaroc King and rescuing Aryll.
- Reef Special Charts & Windfall Side Quests: Six-Eye Reefs, Treasure Charts, and Windfall Island side quests.
- Fire Mountain & Ice Ring Isle: Obtain the Power Bracelets and Iron Boots from these elemental islands to access the next temples.
- Earth Temple: Venture with Medli into the Earth Temple to cleanse evil and claim the Mirror Shield.
- Wind Temple: Enter Gale Isle, team up with Makar, and conquer the Wind Temple.
- Triforce Shard Quest: Locating Triforce Charts, deciphering them, and retrieving Triforce shards.
- Ganon’s Tower: Final challenges, boss rematches, and the ultimate confrontation with Ganondorf.
Side Quests and Collectibles
- Boating Course Challenge: Strategies, tips, rewards, and unlockables.
- Treasure Maps: Locations, solutions, and detailed Treasure Chart information.
- Giant Squids: Locations and strategies for defeating Big Octos.
- Submarines: Locations and rewards for clearing enemy submarines.
- Tingle Statues: Statue locations and activation guide.
- Nintendo Gallery Figurine Collection: Deluxe Picto Box guide and figurine locations.
- Heart Pieces: Complete list and locations.
- Mini-Games:
- Boating Course Challenge: Strategies, tips, rewards, and unlockables.
- Battleship Game: Rules, strategies, and rewards.
Resources
- Boss Strategies: Detailed tactics for defeating each dungeon boss.
- Characters: Profiles of main and supporting characters.
- Enemies: List of common foes, their behaviors, and strategies to defeat them.
- Items & Equipment: Descriptions and uses of all items.
- MIDIs: Sail through the Great Sea with MIDI renditions of “Dragon Roost Island,” “Windfall Island,” and other nautical themes.
- Official Game Manual: Original instruction manual scans.
- Video Archive: Watch videos related to the game, including announcement trailers and televised commercials.
- Wind Waker Songs: Master the six mystical melodies: learn their locations, how to conduct them, and their magical effects across the Great Sea.
- World Map: Island locations and notable points of interest.
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