The Wind Waker: Walkthrough

Ahoy there, adventurer! Welcome to your comprehensive The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker walkthrough. This strategy guide covers not only storyline and dungeon strategies; we’ll take you down the most efficient path for 100% game completion – collecting all Items & Equipment (along with their upgrades), Treasure Charts, Special Charts, Heart Pieces, Big Octo, and Blue ChuChus . Whether you’re setting sail on the original GameCube, revisiting the enhanced Wind Waker HD on Wii U, or experiencing the classic adventure anew on the Nintendo Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, this guide is designed to be your trusted companion.

We’ll navigate treacherous dungeons, uncover hidden secrets, chart the vast ocean, and ultimately help Link fulfill his destiny. Prepare your sea legs, ready your sword, and let the wind guide you!

The Wind Waker Walkthrough – 100% Completion Navigation

• 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.

The Legend Unfolds (Story Synopsis – Early Game Focus)

On the quaint shores of Outset Island, it’s a special day for a young boy named Link – tradition dictates he wears the green garb of the legendary Hero of Time. But celebration turns to crisis when a monstrous bird kidnaps his beloved sister, Aryll. Aided by the feisty pirate captain Tetra and her crew, Link embarks on a desperate rescue mission. His journey soon intertwines with destiny as he meets the King of Red Lions, a mysterious talking boat, and learns of the ancient evil Ganon’s return. Together, they must brave the perils of the Great Sea, seek the power of the gods, and awaken the legendary Hero of Winds.

Essential Heroics (Basic Controls & Gameplay)

Mastering Link’s abilities is key, regardless of the platform. Here’s a quick guide to the core gameplay found in the original GameCube release, the Wii U’s The Wind Waker HD, and the GameCube version available on Nintendo Switch 2 (via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack).

Health & Magic: Your life energy is represented by Hearts. Find Heart Containers and Pieces of Heart to increase your maximum health. The green Magic Meter fuels special abilities and item uses.

Movement: Use the Left Stick to move Link. The camera can often be adjusted with the Right Stick (or C-Stick on GameCube).

Swordplay: Press the Attack Button to swing your sword. Holding it can charge a Spin Attack.

Defense: Use the Defend Button to raise your shield. Timing it correctly can trigger a parry (requires the Hero’s Shield).

Targeting: Hold the Target Button to lock onto enemies or points of interest. This focuses your attacks and camera.

Context Actions: The Action Button is your all-purpose button – used for talking, opening chests, climbing, rolling, picking up objects, and more. Pay attention to the on-screen prompts!

Item Usage: Assign items like the Boomerang, Bombs, or Grappling Hook to the assigned Item Buttons via the inventory screen for quick use.

Sailing: Aboard the King of Red Lions, you’ll need to use the Wind Waker baton to change the wind’s direction, then raise your sail using the Action Button to move. Keep an eye on the wind indicator!

Tips Before You Set Sail (General Advice)

Talk is Cheap, Information is Priceless: Speak to everyone you meet. NPCs often provide valuable hints, trigger side quests, or offer useful items.

Destruction Pays: Cut grass, smash pots, and break barrels! They often hide Rupees, hearts, magic jars, or ammunition.

Listen to the Fishmen: When you see a fish jumping near an island, sail over and toss out some All-Purpose Bait. The Fishman there will chart the island on your Sea Chart and often give crucial gameplay hints! Charting every island is highly recommended.

Save Your Progress: Utilize save points (or the game’s auto-save features, depending on the version) frequently, especially before entering dungeons or attempting tricky sections.

Explore, Explore, Explore! The Great Sea is vast and filled with secrets. Don’t be afraid to deviate from the main path to investigate small islands, sunken treasures (marked by seagulls or light rings), or suspicious landmarks. Side quests yield great rewards!

Rupees Rule the Waves: You’ll need Rupees for shops, mini-games, and Tingle’s exorbitant chart-deciphering fees. Keep your wallet full, and seek out wallet upgrades to hold more!

Prologue: Outset Island

The journey begins on tranquil Outset Island, where a young Link lives with his Grandma and sister Aryll. It’s Link’s birthday, a day of tradition on which boys receive the green hero’s garb. After receiving his telescope from Aryll, Link spots a giant bird (the Helmaroc King) carrying a struggling girl (the pirate captain Tetra) over the island. The bird drops Tetra into the island’s forest, prompting Link to rush to the rescue. Before venturing forth, Link trains with Orca, the local swordsman, to learn basic swordplay and earn the Hero’s Sword. Armed with a sword, Link climbs Outset’s hills to enter the forest where Tetra fell. He defeats a couple of Bokoblins and safely escorts Tetra out of danger.

Emerging from the woods, they witness the Helmaroc King swoop down again – this time it mistakes Aryll for Tetra and kidnaps Link’s sister along with other local girls. Determined to save Aryll, Link joins Tetra’s pirate crew. Grandma tearfully sends him off with the family heirloom, the Hero’s Shield, marking Link’s first steps toward heroism. With sword and shield in hand and the pirates’ ship setting sail, Link leaves Outset Island behind to pursue the Helmaroc King and find Aryll at the Forsaken Fortress.

Items: Bait Bag, All-Purpose Bait, Hyoi Pear, Telescope, Hero’s Sword, Hero’s Shield (obtained as part of the introductory quests).

Forsaken Fortress (First Visit)

Tetra’s ship delivers Link to the Forsaken Fortress, a dark stronghold where Aryll and other girls are held captive. In a daring (if unorthodox) entry, the pirates launch Link from a catapult into the fortress. He loses his sword upon landing, so this section emphasizes stealth. Link sneaks past patrols of Moblin guards by hiding in barrels and avoids the sweeping searchlight beams.

To proceed, he must disable the fortress’s searchlights by using dropped weapons (like Boko sticks) to defeat the Bokoblin operators. This stealthy exploration has Link creeping through corridors, crawling through vents, and sidling along ledges as he ascends the tower where the prisoners are kept. The level design teaches caution: getting spotted by guards results in Link being thrown into a jail cell from which he must escape and try again.

Eventually, Link recovers his Hero’s Sword in a chamber midway up the fortress and uses it to dispatch a guard. At the top, he finds Aryll locked in a cell along with the other kidnapped girls. Just as it seems he’ll free his sister, the Helmaroc King ambushes Link. The menacing bird carries Link to a grand chamber, where a mysterious figure (Ganondorf) silently watches. With a mere nod from this foe, the Helmaroc flings Link out into the ocean, thwarting the rescue. Though this first assault on the fortress ends in defeat, Link is soon rescued at sea by a talking boat – the King of Red Lions – who becomes his guide. The King of Red Lions explains the threat of the Shadow that dwells in that fortress and sets Link on a new path, beginning with a visit to Windfall Island.

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #1 – Found in a hidden area of the fortress.

Windfall Island

Link arrives on Windfall Island, a bustling town and hub of culture in the Great Sea. Here, daylight brings a cheerful atmosphere full of townsfolk and side activities. The King of Red Lions informs Link that he will need a sail for their boat, so the primary task is to explore the town and obtain one. As Link wanders Windfall’s picturesque streets, he encounters many colorful characters: he frees Tingle from a jail cell beneath the town’s courtyard (earning the Tingle Tuner/Chart and a Peek into the Picto Box hideout), meets Zunari the traveling merchant, the Joyous Volunteer Association (kids known as the Killer Bees and their teacher, Mrs. Marie), and Lenzo the photographer. These introductions lay groundwork for numerous side quests.

The main objective is soon fulfilled by acquiring the Sail. Link either purchases it from Zunari or obtains it through helping him (depending on the version). With the sail in hand, Link can now harness the wind and continue his voyage. Before departing, the walkthrough hints at Windfall’s many optional quests (such as a treasure auction at the rich mansion, a hide-and-seek game with the local kids, and the mysterious lighthouse). For now, however, Link’s focus is on the urgent mission. He sets sail from Windfall on the King of Red Lions, aiming for Dragon Roost Island, where the next clue to rescuing Aryll and defeating the shadowy evil awaits.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #7 (1/41) – Second prize from Salvatore’s battleship mini-game.
• Treasure Chart #23 (2/41) – Reward for setting a record in the battleship game (win with <20 cannonballs).

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #2 – First prize from Salvatore’s “Sinking Ships” game (sink all squids).
• Heart Piece #3 – Reward from the Killer Bees side quest (hide-and-seek with the children).

Items

• Boat’s Sail – purchased from Zunari to enable sea travel;
• Picto Box – recovered from Tingle’s jail cell tunnel (allows taking photographs);
• Tingle Tuner (GameCube only) / Tingle Bottle (Wii U) – given by Tingle upon freeing him. (The Tuner/Bottle is a quirky optional item for connectivity/Miiverse.)

Dragon Roost Island & Cavern

Link reaches Dragon Roost Island, home to the Rito tribe and the guardian dragon Valoo. The island’s summit is in turmoil as Valoo thrashes in rage, causing trouble for the Rito. Link meets Medli, a young Rito attendant, and Prince Komali, who holds Din’s Pearl but refuses to help. To restore order, Link aids Medli in reaching the mountain and then climbs into the Dragon Roost Cavern.

Inside the dungeon, Link overcomes lava-filled rooms, solves environmental puzzles, and obtains the Grappling Hook. He uses it to swing across gaps and gather enemy spoils. At the peak, Link battles Gohma, a giant lava scorpion tormenting Valoo. By targeting the dragon’s tail to collapse rocks on Gohma and attacking its eye, Link wins the fight and earns Din’s Pearl.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #34 (3/41) – Given by the Salvage Corp on the Great Sea near Dragon Roost (free treasure chart from friendly treasure hunters).
• Treasure Chart #39 (4/41) – Found in Dragon Roost Cavern by lighting torches after defeating Bokoblins.
• Treasure Chart #11 (5/41) – Hidden in Dragon Roost Cavern (accessible after obtaining the Grappling Hook).

Heart Pieces:

• Heart Piece #4 – In a secret cave on Pawprint Isle during the journey to Dragon Roost (clear all Red ChuChus to reveal a chest).

Items

• Wind Waker – The baton used to conduct magical songs, given by the King of Red Lions when arriving at Dragon Roost.
• Delivery Bag – a quest item satchel given by Rito postman Quill, used to hold letters and delivery items.
• Empty Bottle #1 – Received from Medli after helping her reach Dragon Roost’s high ledge (used to carry water and other contents).
• Red Chu Jelly – spoils from Red ChuChu enemies (5 can be traded for a Red Potion).
• Grappling Hook – the dungeon item in Dragon Roost Cavern, obtained mid-dungeon and allowing Link to latch onto pegs and steal enemy spoils.

Forest Haven & Forbidden Woods

Next, Link arrives at the lush Forest Haven, where he meets the Great Deku Tree and the Koroks. After defeating ChuChus and earning the Deku Leaf, Link glides to the Forbidden Woods to rescue Makar, a missing Korok needed for a ritual. The Deku Leaf allows Link to catch wind currents and activate switches from a distance.

In the Forbidden Woods, Link obtains the Boomerang and uses it to cut vines and defeat plant enemies. The dungeon culminates in a battle with Kalle Demos, a giant carnivorous plant. Using the Boomerang to drop the creature from the ceiling and expose its core, Link defeats it and rescues Makar. As thanks, the Great Deku Tree gives him Farore’s Pearl.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #1 (6/41) – Found in the Forbidden Woods dungeon (accessible after acquiring the Boomerang; leads to a 200-rupee treasure).
• Treasure Chart #15 (7/41) – Found in the Forbidden Woods (hidden in a side room; leads to a sunken Piece of Heart near Angular Isles).

Items

• Deku Leaf – Received from the Great Deku Tree, used to glide on the wind and stun enemies.
• Empty Bottle #2 – Found in a submarine near Bomb Island on the way to Forest Haven (defeat Bokoblins in the sub)
• Boko Baba Seed – spoil from Boko Baba plants (can be traded to Hollo in Forest Haven for Blue Potions)
• Green Chu Jelly – spoil from Green ChuChus in Forest Haven (15 traded to Doc Bandam unlocks Green Potions)
• Forest Firefly – a rare firefly caught in Forest Haven (used to upgrade the Picto Box to color in the GameCube version)
• Boomerang – the Forbidden Woods dungeon item, capable of targeting up to five objects (vital for cutting vines and stunning enemies)
• Knight’s Crest – collected by defeating Darknuts (10 can be given to Orca on Outset to learn the Hurricane Spin)
• Golden Feather – spoil from Peahats or Kargarocs (20 can be given to Hoskit on Dragon Roost for an Orange Rupee reward)
• Farore’s Pearl – the sacred green pearl bestowed by the Great Deku Tree after rescuing Makar, one of the three Goddess Pearls needed for the Tower of the Gods.

Post-Forbidden Woods Exploration

With two pearls collected, Link gains more freedom to explore the Great Sea. This is an ideal time to visit optional islands, complete mini-games, and gather Pieces of Heart, Treasure Charts, and other upgrades. New areas open up now that Link has the Grappling Hook and Boomerang.

Notable stops include the Boating Course, Beedle’s special shop ships, and islands like Star Island or Eastern Fairy Island. Players are encouraged to build their strength and inventory before pursuing Nayru’s Pearl, making this a rewarding break in the main quest.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #3 (8/41) – On a small reef island near Forest Haven (glide to a blue-isle ledge with Deku Leaf).
• Treasure Chart #25 (9/41) – On Cliff Plateau Isles, obtained by navigating the cave and opening the chest on the plateau.
• Treasure Chart #14 (10/41) – In a secret submarine near Five-Eye Reef (defeat all enemies in the Bomb-lit submarine).
• Treasure Chart #8 (11/41) – Won on Horseshoe Island by completing the “golf” Deku Leaf puzzle (guides to a secret cave challenge).
• Treasure Chart #28 (12/41) – Also on Horseshoe Island, earned by a tricky glide to a high pillar after completing the golf challenge. (These charts are collected while freely sailing the Great Sea after Forbidden Woods.)

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #5 – mailbox reward
• Heart Piece #6 – from defeating all enemies in a lookout platform submarine (near Five-Eye Reef) during the voyage.
• Heart Piece #7 – from solving the block puzzle on Angular Isles.
• Heart Piece #8 – salvaged from the sea using Treasure Chart #15 (near Angular Isles).
• Heart Piece #9 – won on Headstone Island by using Treasure Chart #14 (leads to a submerged heart piece by Headstone).
• Heart Piece #10 – salvaged from Treasure Chart #23 (near Diamond Steppe Isle)
• Heart Piece #11 – from the Hyoi Pear puzzle on Needle Rock Isle.

Items

• Blue Chu Jelly – rare spoil from Blue ChuChu creatures found on certain islands (used for Blue Potions, which restore health and magic).
• Submarine Chart – special chart obtained by clearing a platform near Diamond Steppe Island, marking all submarine locations in the Great Sea. (This segment focuses on gathering upgrades and collectibles before the next dungeon.)

Greatfish Isle & Nayru’s Pearl

Link sails to Greatfish Isle to retrieve Nayru’s Pearl from the water spirit Jabun but finds the island destroyed by Ganondorf. The Rito postman Quill explains that Jabun fled to Outset Island. Before Link can reach him, he must acquire bombs from the pirates, who have just raided the Bomb Shop on Windfall Island.

With the Bombs in hand, Link returns to Outset and blasts through the stone wall hiding Jabun’s cave. Inside, the great fish grants Nayru’s Pearl and speaks in an ancient tongue. The King of Red Lions translates, explaining that the three pearls must be placed on triangle-shaped islands to reveal the next trial.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #29 (13/41) – found in one of the chests in Lenzo’s studio.

Heart Pieces:

• Heart Piece #12 – On Greatfish Isle: glide to a distant rock spire (using the Deku Leaf) to find a chest with a Piece of Heart.
• Heart Piece #13 – Inside a secret submarine near Six-Eye Reef (defeat the Moblins inside to earn a Piece of Heart).
• Heart Piece #14 – Earned from Orca’s training.

Items:

• Bombs – Obtained from Niko’s challenge aboard the pirate ship at Windfall (this grants the Bomb Cannon for the King of Red Lions).
• Nayru’s Pearl – The third Goddess Pearl, given by Jabun at Outset Island (the blue pearl representing the Goddess of Wisdom).

Great Sea Side Quest Adventure

Before continuing the main story, Link can now explore the sea more freely. This segment encourages visiting new islands, uncovering hidden treasures, and collecting additional Pieces of Heart. Link may find Fairy Fountains, play mini-games, or unlock new Treasure Charts with his upgraded gear.

The trading quest for the Cabana Deed and Magic Armor can also begin now, and Joy Pendants collected from Bokoblins can be gifted to Mrs. Marie for rewards. This exploration phase boosts Link’s power and wallet size, helping prepare for the Tower of the Gods.

Treasure Charts

A multitude of charts are collected during this extensive side quest:

• Treasure Chart #27 (14/41) – found on Private Oasis (use the Deku Leaf to reach a high cliff behind the Cabana)
• Treasure Chart #17 (15/41) – second prize from the Windfall Island auction (earned by winning the auction a second time)
• Treasure Chart #22 (16/41) – obtained by clearing all miniblin enemies in a submarine near Rock Spire Isle
• Treasure Chart #33 (17/41) – given by Mila’s father (rich man) on Windfall after giving his daughter Joy Pendants (he mistakes them for necklaces)
• Treasure Chart #31 (18/41) – given by the melancholic man (Garrickson) on Windfall after helping him see the full moon (as part of the Love Letter quest)
• Treasure Chart #24 (19/41) – reward for helping the gossiping women on Windfall by showing them a photo of a handsome sailor (they reward Link with a chart)
• Treasure Chart #10 (20/41) – found on Bird’s Peak Rock after defeating all Kargarocs and Golden Warships in the area (guides to a treasure near Star Belt Archipelago)
• Treasure Chart #9 (21/41) – obtained from a hidden submarine near Crescent Moon Island (defeat all enemies)
• Treasure Chart #40 (22/41) – won by clearing all cannons and enemies on all platforms in the Three-Eye Reef sector. (These charts lead to various sunken treasures across the map.)
• Treasure Chart #18 (23/41) – won at Windfall Island’s nightly Auction House
• Treasure Chart #38 (24/41) – won at Windfall Island’s nightly Auction House
• Treasure Chart #4 (25/41) – buy for 900 rupees from Beedle’s Special Shop at Rock Spire
• Treasure Chart #37 (26/41) – reward for lighting both torches in the hidden cave at Rock Spire

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #15 – won by clearing all cannon turrets on Stone Watcher Island’s lookout platform (a chest appears once the turrets are destroyed)
• Heart Piece #16 – won by defeating a Big Octo.
• Heart Piece #17 – first prize from the Flight Control Platform “Bird-Man Contest” (fly over a set distance with the Deku Leaf)
• Heart Piece #18 – obtained by reuniting the lovesick Linda and Anton on Windfall (acting as a matchmaker for the two NPCs)
• Heart Piece #19 – salvaged from the sea using Treasure Chart #11 (which was found in Dragon Roost Cavern) near Crescent Moon Island
• Heart Piece #21 – received in the mail from Hoskit’s girlfriend after giving Hoskit 20 Golden Feathers (she sends her thanks with a heart piece)
• Heart Piece #22 – received in the mail from Baito’s mother after helping Baito (the new mail sorter) in the mail minigame
• Heart Piece #23 – first prize in the Flight Control Platform’s farther-distance challenge (if the first contest wasn’t won earlier)
• Heart Piece #24 – reward for clearing Outset Island’s Savage Labyrinth to the 30th floor (the first half of the labyrinth yields a heart piece)
• Heart Piece #27 – reward for clearing the second half of the Savage Labyrinth (floors 31–50, which also yields a Triforce shard).
• Heart Piece #28 – participating in the nightly auction held at Windfall Island
• Heart Piece #29 – completing the Town Flower side quest on Windfall Island
• Heart Piece #30 – purchased from Beedle’s Special Shop Ship at Rock Spire Isle
• Heart Piece #31 – won by sinking both war shops near Rock Spire

Items

• Cabana Deed – the title deed to the Private Oasis, obtained by giving 20 Joy Pendants to Mrs. Marie on Windfall (grants Link access to the Cabana)
• Hero’s Charm – a mystical mask received from Mrs. Marie after giving her 40 Joy Pendants (allows Link to see enemy health bars)
• Wallet Upgrades – Two upgrades from Great Fairies (Northern and Eastern Fairy Islands) expand Link’s wallet capacity to 1,000 and then 5,000 rupees
• Bomb Bag Upgrades – Two upgrades from Great Fairies (Southern and Western Fairy Islands) increase bomb capacity, first to 60 and then 99 bombs
• Magic Meter Upgrade – Great Fairy on Two-Eye Reef doubles Link’s magic meter (granting a longer magic bar for using the Deku Leaf, arrows, etc.)
• Sea Flower & Exotic Flower – trading sequence items from distant merchants (used to eventually unlock the Magic Armor; these rare sale items are traded between the travelling merchants)
• Shop Guru Statue – the final item in the merchant trading quest, received after trading the Postman Statue and fees (this golden statue is later given to the merchant on Greatfish Isle)
• Magic Armor – a magic relic obtained from Zunari on Windfall after completing the entire trading sequence (renders Link invincible at the cost of magic or rupees)
• Platform Chart – special chart obtained from the Boating Course lookout platform (shows all enemy watchtower platforms at sea).

Tower of the Gods

With all three pearls placed on the Triangle Islands, the Tower of the Gods rises from the sea. Link sails inside and enters a divine trial. The dungeon is filled with puzzles involving rising water levels, statue escort mechanics using the Command Melody, and combat challenges testing Link’s skills.

Along the way, Link obtains the Hero’s Bow, which is used to solve puzzles and defeat enemies like Beamos and Wizzrobes. After restoring the three sacred statues, Link ascends to the top and battles Gohdan, a floating mechanical head and hand boss. With the trial complete, the gods open the path to the underwater kingdom of Hyrule, and Link descends below the waves for the first time.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #30 (27/41) – Located on the second floor (2F) of the Tower of the Gods, in the room with moving platforms and Beamos (Room 5 on the map).
• Treasure Chart #6 (28/41) – Located on Rock Spire Isle. Blow up the boulders blocking the merchant’s path using Bombs. Enter the cave and defeat all enemies inside to unlock the chest.

Items

• Hero’s Bow – Acquired within the Tower of the Gods, allowing Link to shoot arrows.
• Command Melody – Learned in this dungeon, enabling Link to control statues and allies for puzzle-solving.

Hyrule Castle

After completing the Tower of the Gods, Link is transported beneath the waves to the sunken kingdom of Hyrule. Inside the grand castle, time appears frozen and enemies are locked in place. To progress, Link solves a block puzzle that forms the Triforce symbol, unlocking the lower chamber where the legendary Master Sword rests.

Upon drawing the sword, time resumes and the castle is swarmed by Moblins and Darknuts. Link defeats them all, but the sword’s full power is still sealed. The King of Red Lions reveals the truth of Hyrule’s fate and the need to awaken two sages to restore the Master Sword’s power. With new purpose, Link returns to the surface world.

Items

• Master Sword – Discovered in the basement of Hyrule Castle after solving the Triforce block puzzle. This legendary blade is essential for progressing in the game.

Post-Hyrule Castle Exploration

Before diving into the next temples, the game opens up for exploration and item collection. Link can now begin a long trading sequence involving exotic goods with traveling merchants, which eventually rewards him with the Magic Armor. Treasure Charts, Heart Pieces, and upgrades are also more accessible thanks to his growing arsenal.

This is also the time to deliver more Joy Pendants, enter Windfall’s auction house, and start quests that were previously locked behind story progress. Completing these side quests improves Link’s survivability and ensures he’s well-prepared for the Earth and Wind Temples ahead.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #38 (29/41): Acquired during this phase; salvaging the corresponding treasure yields Piece of Heart #34.

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #32 – obtained by salvaging the treasure indicated by Treasure Chart #32.
• Heart Piece #33 – obtained by salvaging the treasure indicated by Treasure Chart #4.
• Heart Piece #34 – obtained by salvaging the treasure indicated by Treasure Chart #38.
• Heart Piece #35 – from completing the merchant trading sequence.

Items

• Magic Armor: Acquired through a trading quest involving the Shop Guru Statue.

Forest Water Challenge (Withered Trees Quest)

This optional side quest opens after completing the Forbidden Woods and obtaining the Wind Waker. Ten Koroks have planted saplings across the Great Sea, but their trees are withering. To help them flourish, Link must collect Forest Water from the Forest Haven and reach all ten saplings within 20 real-time minutes before it turns ordinary.

Strategically warping with the Ballad of Gales and plotting a smart route, Link travels across islands like Shark Island, Greatfish Isle, and Mother & Child Isles to revive each tree. Successfully watering all ten trees before the timer runs out rewards Link with a full Heart Piece. This quest is a satisfying test of time management, sea chart knowledge, and sailing skill.

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #36 – Reward for reviving all eight withered Korok trees across the Great Sea within 30 minutes using Forest Water (the final tree restores and yields the piece).

Forsaken Fortress (Second Visit)

Now armed with the Master Sword, Link returns to the Forsaken Fortress to finally rescue Aryll. This time, the mission is a direct assault. He uses the ship’s cannon to blast open the entrance and begins fighting his way up the tower. Enemies like Moblins and Darknuts replace the weaker foes from before, and Link uses new tools like the Skull Hammer to smash switches and clear the way.

At the summit, Link battles the Helmaroc King in a dramatic rooftop fight, using the Skull Hammer to break its mask and finish it off. Aryll and the other girls are freed, and Tetra’s pirates arrive to help. However, Ganondorf confronts them, revealing Tetra is actually Princess Zelda. Before he can act further, Valoo the dragon and the Rito attack the fortress, forcing Ganondorf to retreat. Link and Tetra escape, setting the stage for the final leg of the quest.

Items

• Skull Hammer – Obtained after defeating Phantom Ganon at the fortress entrance; the Skull Hammer is used to smash through barriers and stun Miniblins. (Link also rescues Aryll during this visit, but no inventory item is earned aside from the hammer.)

Reef Special Charts & Windfall Side Quests

This section encourages exploration of the reef islands and additional Windfall side quests. Link sails to each Eye Reef, destroying all turrets to reveal treasure chests, many of which contain special charts or heart pieces. This naval cleanup segment uses Link’s expanded arsenal and ship cannon to conquer increasingly complex reef layouts.

On Windfall Island, Link completes several character-driven quests: catching Mila during a nighttime theft, resolving Maggie’s Moblin love letter plotline, and delivering more Joy Pendants. These side stories offer rupees, treasure charts, and optional rewards like the Hero’s Charm or Magic Armor. This section serves as a final chance to clean up island secrets before tackling the final dungeons.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #26 (30/41) – Five-Eye Reef: appear after destroying all cannon turrets inside the reef (chest on a high ledge)
• Treasure Chart #21 (31/41) – Three-Eye Reef: appear after destroying all turrets (opens on a pillar)
• Treasure Chart #13 (32/41) – Four-Eye Reef: reachable by Deku Leaf, once turrets are cleared
• Treasure Chart #32 (33/41) – Six-Eye Reef: use Deku Leaf to glide to the chest after clearing turrets
• Treasure Chart #19 (34/41) – Cyclops (One-Eye) Reef: appears after clearing turrets (chest on a wall ledge)
• Treasure Chart #41 (35/41) – Overlook (Seven-Star) Reef: appears after sinking all warships and turrets (chest atop a pillar).
• Treasure Chart #2 (36/41) – Trade 20 Skull Necklaces to Maggie’s father in Windfall

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #37 – “Mila the Thief” side quest on Windfall: catch Mila (the impoverished girl) sneaking around at night and answer her questions kindly to receive a heart piece.
• Heart Piece #38 – Windfall Lighthouse: after obtaining Fire Arrows, light the lighthouse lamp; a chest appears on the small isle behind the bomb shop containing a heart piece. (These side quests occur after the second Forsaken Fortress visit.)
• Heart Piece #39 – from completing the side quest on Windfall island involving Maggie.
• Heart Piece #40 – obtained by salvaging the treasure indicated by Treasure Chart #2.

Items

• Light Ring Chart – special chart from the Six-Eye Reef Great Fairy that shows rings of light (treasure spots) at sea, appearing only at night
• Sea Hearts Chart – special chart from Great Fairy (outlines all Pieces of Heart located in sunken chests at sea)
• Octo Chart – special chart from Great Fairy (reveals all Big Octo locations and how many eyes each has)
• Island Hearts Chart – special chart from Great Fairy (lists remaining Pieces of Heart on each island)
• Secret Cave Chart – special chart from Great Fairy (marks every secret cave on the Great Sea)
• IN-credible Chart – obtained from Tingle by mail (after rescuing him, purchase for 201 rupees): it marks all Triforce Chart locations (and later Triforce Shards) on your sea chart.

Fire Mountain & Ice RIng Isle

To restore the Master Sword’s power, Link must awaken two ancient sages. The first destination is the Earth Temple, but its entrance on Headstone Island is sealed by a great stone. This triggers a mini-quest to Fire Mountain and Ice Ring Isle. Link uses Fire and Ice Arrows to freeze lava or thaw ice storms, entering each island’s elemental trials. At Fire Mountain, he grabs the Power Bracelets. At Ice Ring Isle, he secures the Iron Boots. With both items obtained, Link can now enter Headstone Island and seek out Medli. By playing the Earth God’s Lyric, Medli awakens as the Earth Sage.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #36 (37/41) – Ice Ring Isle: melt the ice-encrusted chest on the island with a Fire Arrow to obtain this chart.

Heart PIeces

• Heart Piece #41 – from having the Giant Pig on Outset Island roll in mud.

Items

• Power Bracelets – Found on Fire Mountain (allow Link to lift heavy stone heads, needed to access the Earth Temple).
• Iron Boots – Found on Ice Ring Isle (allow Link to withstand strong winds, needed for the Wind Temple).

Earth Temple

The Earth Temple is filled with undead enemies, light-based puzzles, and requires cooperation between Link and Medli using the Command Melody. Link acquires the Mirror Shield to reflect light and solve puzzles involving sun symbols and ReDeads. The boss, Jalhalla, is a giant Poe defeated using light and strength. After victory, Medli remains behind to pray, restoring part of the Master Sword’s power. One sage remains.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #20 (38/41) – Earth Temple (first basement floor maze): defeat all Floormasters in the dark maze to spawn a chest with this chart.
• Treasure Chart #12 (39/41) – Earth Temple (secret crypt room): stomp with the Iron Boots to break a cracked floor, defeat the enemies, and open the hidden chest for this chart.

Items

• Mirror Shield – The Earth Temple’s dungeon item, obtained in a mid-dungeon chamber; it enables Link (and Medli) to reflect light to solve puzzles and defeat certain undead enemies. (Medli herself becomes a key “item”/ally, using her harp to reflect light.)

The Wind Temple

To awaken the Wind Sage, Link travels to Gale Isle where a powerful wind blocks the cave entrance. Using the Iron Boots and Skull Hammer, he disables the gust and opens the way. Inside, Link plays the Wind God’s Aria to summon the spirit of Fado, who guides him to Makar. After conducting the song again in Forest Haven, Makar accepts his role as the new sage and joins Link at Gale Isle to open the Wind Temple.

The Wind Temple focuses on wind puzzles, vertical traversal, and cooperation with Makar. Link acquires the Hookshot and uses it with Makar’s tree-planting ability to navigate the dungeon. After freeing Makar from capture and solving multi-floor puzzles, Link defeats the boss Molgera by pulling its tongue with the Hookshot and striking it. With Makar’s prayer, the Master Sword is fully restored.

Heart PIeces

• Heart Piece #42 – obtained by salvaging the treasure indicated by Treasure Chart #20.

Treasure Charts

• Treasure Chart #35 (40/41) – Wind Temple (first basement level): use the Iron Boots to smash through fragile floors in a side room; a chest under a cracked tile holds this chart.
• Treasure Chart #5 (41/41) – Wind Temple (second half, upper levels): found in a hidden chest after navigating an optional puzzle room (this is notably the final numbered chart in the game, and it leads to a Piece of Heart).

Items

• Hookshot – The Wind Temple’s dungeon item, obtained after defeating the Mighty Darknut mini-boss Molgera’s servant; it allows Link to grapple onto targets and pull enemies or Link himself to distant points (essential for reaching high places).
• Magic Warping Songs – (Not inventory items, but Link learns the Earth God’s Lyric and Wind God’s Aria to awaken Medli and Makar as sages.)

Triforce Shard Quest

Before the final battle, Link must reassemble the Triforce of Courage. The shards are scattered throughout the Great Sea, often requiring specific Treasure Charts and the grappling hook to recover them from the ocean floor. Tingle deciphers these charts—for a steep rupee fee—once Link retrieves them from puzzles or mini-dungeons on islands like Private Oasis, Needle Rock Isle, and the Ghost Ship.

Some shards are obtained directly, such as from the Savage Labyrinth’s final floor or inside the Ghost Ship. Link gathers all eight shards, completing the Triforce of Courage. This signals that he’s ready to return to Hyrule and face Ganondorf, setting the stage for the climactic showdown.

Heart Pieces

• Heart Piece #43 – Salvaged from the sea near Thorned Fairy Island using Treasure Chart #5 (the chart obtained in the Wind Temple).
• Heart Piece #44 – Reward for clearing the entire Savage Labyrinth on Outset Island (obtained on floor 30; Link likely collected this final piece during the Triforce hunt). (These are the last two Pieces of Heart, bringing the total to 44/44.)

Items

• Ghost Ship Chart – Discovered in a cave on Diamond Steppe Island, this eerie chart shows the phase of the moon and the corresponding island where the elusive Ghost Ship will appear. Using the Ghost Ship Chart, Link can find and board the Ghost Ship. (Inside, he defeats enemies to obtain one of the Triforce Charts.)

Additionally, Link uses the Triforce Charts (decoded by Tingle) to salvage the eight Triforce Shards needed to reassemble the Triforce of Courage (these quest items are unique to this late-game hunt).

Ganon’s Tower and The Final Battle

Link returns to Hyrule Castle and enters Ganon’s Tower after assembling the Triforce. The tower presents rematches against phantom versions of previous bosses and a maze of Phantom Ganon encounters. Solving the maze eventually rewards Link with the Light Arrows, crucial for the upcoming fight.

After defeating Puppet Ganon in three challenging forms, Link ascends to the final rooftop duel. With Zelda’s help, he stuns Ganondorf using Light Arrows and finishes the battle with a final strike of the Master Sword. Ganondorf is defeated, and Hyrule is flooded. Link and Zelda return to the surface, setting sail on new adventures across the Great Sea.