Important Context: This side quest is exclusive to the original GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and requires the use of the Tingle Tuner. This involves connecting a Game Boy Advance (GBA) to the GameCube via a Link Cable while playing the game.
Overview: Deep within each of the five main dungeons visited after obtaining the Tingle Tuner, there is a hidden pedestal containing a Tingle Statue. These locations are invisible to Link in the main game world.
- Finding the Spots: Using the Tingle Tuner, Tingle will mark potential hidden spots with a red ‘?’ icon on the map displayed on the GBA screen when Link is nearby.
- Revealing the Statues: To uncover the statue, Link must stand precisely on the spot indicated by the ‘?’ icon and use a Tingle Bomb. Tingle Bombs are purchased directly from Tingle via the Tuner interface for 100 Rupees each. They are different from Link’s regular Bombs.
- The Reward: After finding each statue, you must visit Tingle himself on Tingle Island (C3). Talk to him, and he will reward you with Rupees for each statue delivered. Finding all five statues yields a substantial bonus. The collected statues will also appear decoratively around Tingle’s Tower on the island.
1. Dragon Tingle Statue
Dungeon: Dragon Roost Cavern (F2)
Location Details: Head to the large, outdoor-like room on the second floor (2F) where you find the dungeon’s Big Key chest (Room 14 on the dungeon map). The hidden spot is located on the wooden suspension bridge just before you reach the platform with the Big Key chest.
How to Reveal: With the Tingle Tuner active, stand on the bridge and look for the ‘?’ icon on the GBA screen. Use one Tingle Bomb (100 Rupees) on that spot.
2. Forbidden Tingle Statue
Dungeon: Forbidden Woods (F6)
Location Details: Navigate to the large basement room (B1) that contains multiple moving flower platforms over water and leads to the dungeon mini-boss (Room 7 on the dungeon map). The hidden spot is on the isolated northern platform in this room, the one you typically glide to after cutting down a hanging flower platform.
How to Reveal: Activate the Tingle Tuner while standing on this northern platform. Locate the ‘?’ icon on the GBA screen and use one Tingle Bomb (100 Rupees).
3. Goddess Tingle Statue
Dungeon: Tower of the Gods (E4)
Location Details: On the first floor (1F), ride the moving platforms that rise along the western wall (Room 3 on the dungeon map). As you ascend, look for a stationary platform slightly detached from the wall, roughly halfway up the ascent path. The hidden spot is on this stationary platform.
How to Reveal: Carefully land on the stationary platform. Activate the Tingle Tuner, find the ‘?’ icon on the GBA screen, and use one Tingle Bomb (100 Rupees).
4. Earth Tingle Statue
Dungeon: Earth Temple (D7)
Location Details: Proceed to the large, multi-level room in the basement (B1) that features stairs, large light-reflecting blocks, Floormasters, and numerous coffins (Room 8 on the dungeon map). The hidden spot is located on the highest stone platform in the southeast corner of this room, reachable by gliding from the stairs or upper ledges.
How to Reveal: Reach the southeast platform. Activate the Tingle Tuner, locate the ‘?’ icon on the GBA screen, and use one Tingle Bomb (100 Rupees).
5. Wind Tingle Statue
Dungeon: Wind Temple (C1)
Location Details: Go to the very large central room containing the giant fan mechanism (Room B1). After defeating the Wizzrobe mini-boss to free Makar, drop all the way down to the absolute lowest floor level of this room. The hidden spot is located near the center of this bottom floor.
How to Reveal: Activate the Tingle Tuner on the bottom floor and find the ‘?’ icon. This statue uniquely requires two Tingle Bombs used consecutively on the exact same spot. Use the first Tingle Bomb (100 Rupees), then immediately use a second Tingle Bomb (another 100 Rupees) on the same spot to make the statue appear.
Claiming Your Rewards:
After uncovering each statue, sail to Tingle Island (C3) and speak with Tingle. He will reward you as follows:
- 1st Statue: 50 Rupees
- 2nd Statue: 100 Rupees
- 3rd Statue: 150 Rupees
- 4th Statue: 200 Rupees
- 5th Statue: ??? Rupees (Spoiler: It’s a 500 Rupee bonus!)
The total reward for finding all five Tingle Statues is 1000 Rupees, minus the 600 Rupees spent on Tingle Bombs, netting you a profit of 400 Rupees and bragging rights! The statues will also permanently decorate Tingle Island.
