Zelda: Ocarina of Time — Main Quest Walkthrough, Switch 2 Remake Differences, and Side Content
This guide provides a clear, actionable progression through The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,
focusing on the main quest with dungeon solutions, item locations, and the order of actions.
It also covers Switch 2 remake changes, useful side quests, collectibles, and practical tips for
avoiding common stalls.
Understanding the Golden Path and Switch 2 Remake Notes
The Switch 2 remake follows the same core sequence as the original game, with some puzzles altered or updated.
It is noted that approximately 10% of puzzles or locations have been changed or updated, enough to alter familiar
routes for players who know the 1998 version. When you’re following this guide in the Switch 2 version, expect
occasional inline adjustments in the relevant sections (such as alternative routes that use jumping or altered
puzzle mechanics). Where these changes exist, this guide calls them out and shows the practical implications
for progression.
In addition to the main quest, you’ll find guidance here on side quests and collectibles. The goal is to provide
a cohesive flow that helps you progress efficiently through dungeons, acquire essential items, and understand
where remastered routes differ so you can adapt on the fly.
For convenience, the guide also flags potential trouble spots and practical tips to prevent getting stuck. A final
note: while this page includes an overview and inline remake notes, it links to deeper, dedicated sections for
more complex side quests and item sequences as needed.
Main Quest Walkthrough: Step-by-step Progression
Kokiri Forest and Great Deku Tree
Begin by obtaining the Kokiri Sword and the Deku Shield in Kokiri Forest. You should also accumulate
at least 40 Rupees to purchase the Deku Shield. Then enter the Great Deku Tree dungeon to start the journey.
Inside, acquire the Slingshot, light the torches, burn the webs, and defeat Gohma to advance.
In the Switch 2 remake, note that some routes may be altered; if an alternate path is available, follow the inline
remake note to take advantage of jumping or changed puzzle sequencing.
Hyrule Field and Hyrule Castle
After leaving the Great Deku Tree, head north through Hyrule Field toward Hyrule Castle. Visit the Castle area and
prepare to proceed through the sequence that leads to important early items and progression.
Before stepping further, you should visit the Lost Woods to learn Saria’s Song, then return to the path toward
Death Mountain and Kakariko Village. Speaking with the guard and starting nearby side quests can prove helpful,
but the essential progression follows the route toward Goron City and the Dodongo Cavern.
Lost Woods and Saria’s Song
In this phase you learn Saria’s Song from the Lost Woods. This song is a key tool later for progressing in multiple
areas and for specific puzzle solutions.
The Switch 2 remake notes: some routes may be changed in the remake, with certain gaps or doors requiring different
approaches. The inline notes will indicate any relevant changes when you encounter them.
Kakariko Village, Death Mountain, and Goron City
Return to Kakariko to pick up Zelda’s Letter from the guard, then head toward Death Mountain. Climb to Goron City and
speak with Darunia. Use Zelda’s Lullaby on the door at the lower level and then play Saria’s Song to Darunia to gain
access to Dodongo’s Cavern. After completing the Dodongo Cavern, obtain Bombs and the Goron’s Ruby (the Fire Spiritual Stone),
and consider visiting the Great Fairy Fountain on Death Mountain for a later-requisite spell (Din’s Fire) before continuing.
Zora’s Domain, Zora River, and Lake Hylia
Travel to Zora’s River and then Zora’s Domain by following the Waterfall entrance unlocked via Zelda’s Lullaby. In
Zora’s Domain, complete the mini-game at the top of the waterfall to obtain the Silver Scale, and use the underwater
shortcut to Lake Hylia to acquire a Bottle. Show the bottle’s contents to King Zora and then use it to reach Lord Jabu-Jabu’s
Belly, where you escort Princess Ruto and obtain the Boomerang before confronting Barinade.
This sequence marks a critical progression point: after finishing Jabu-Jabu’s Belly, you return to the path toward the Temple
of Time and Master Sword.
Temple of Time and Master Sword
After obtaining the necessary items, head to Hyrule Castle, dive into the moat to retrieve the Ocarina of Time, and learn the Song
of Time. Then travel to the Temple of Time, stand before the inscription, play the Song of Time, and retrieve the Master Sword.
Awakening the Five Sages
With the Master Sword secured, you awaken as Adult Link and return to Kakariko Village and the Graveyard.
Push the hidden tombstone to descend into Dampe’s maze, where you’ll obtain the Hookshot. Use the Song of Time on the
temple blocks to reappear in the Windmill, grab the Heart Piece opposite, and learn the Song of Storms.
The next stage is Forest Temple, where you use the Hookshot to access new areas, learn the Minuet of Forest, and obtain
the Bow as a reward.
Forest Temple
In the Forest Temple, use the Hookshot to reach new areas, then complete the dungeon to obtain the Forest Medallion and
unlock the Bow. Returning to the Temple of Time grants access to a convenient teleport shortcut taught by Sheik, which
proves useful for later exploration.
Note the Switch 2 remake notes: some puzzle routes in the Forest Temple may differ; follow the inline guidance if you’re
playing the remake.
Fire Temple
With the Bow, you’re guided toward the Fire Temple via Darunia’s room, where the Megaton Hammer appears along the way.
Defeat Volvagia, and gain the Fire Medallion. The Fire Temple also provides access to the Megaton Hammer and the Fire
Tunic, which helps you survive the extreme heat inside the temple.
If you visit the Death Mountain area again, you can use the Megaton Hammer on the cave entrance near Goron City to
receive an upgrade from the Great Fairy Fountain.
In the Switch 2 remake, some routes can be altered, and this guide notes such changes where known to help you adjust on the fly.
Water Temple
Prepare for the Water Temple with the Iron Boots and Zora Tunic. Enter the temple and work with Princess Ruto to navigate the
lowest floors, manipulate water levels using Zelda’s Lullaby, and obtain the Longshot as an upgrade. Defeat Morpha and complete
the Water Temple sequence. A related puzzle involves aiming an arrow at a sun halo to transform it and unlock a Fire Arrow
reward at Lake Hylia.
If you’ve completed the preceding adult-link temples, you’ll be well positioned to tackle the optional Biggoron Sword trading
sequence later in the adventure.
Bottom of the Well and Shadow Temple
Return to Kakariko Village as Adult Link, then head to the windmill to learn the Song of Storms. Return to the windmill as a child and
play the Song of Storms to drain the well water. Enter the Well to obtain the Lens of Truth, and then pursue Din’s Fire to access
the Shadow Temple. Inside, you’ll gain the Hover Boots and continue toward the Shadow Temple’s challenges, including the encounter
with Bongo Bongo.
Spirit Temple
Journey to Gerudo Valley and reach the Spirit Temple. Complete the surrounding trials to obtain the Silver Gauntlets and later the
Mirror Shield, unlocking light-based puzzles and the Spirit Medallion. Defeat Twinrova, then return to the Temple of Time to claim
the Light Arrows.
The journey to the Spirit Temple also reveals two optional enhancements—an upgrade path via additional fairy fountains and the
potential for the Ice Arrow through related fortresses and trials.
Ganon’s Castle and Final Confrontation
With all sages awakened and each Medallion claimed, approach Ganon’s Castle. Break through the barriers with the help of the Sages,
and tackle the castle’s internal routes. Seek the Golden Gauntlets first to complete many of the castle’s puzzles, then proceed to
the top where you confront Ganondorf. After defeating Ganondorf, escape Ganon’s Tower before the clock runs out and witness the ending.
Final Stretch and Ending
After the final battles, enjoy the ending and credits. The experience closes with Link’s victory over Ganondorf and a return to
peace in Hyrule.
Side Quests, Collectibles, and Upgrades
Side Quests
Key side quests to consider alongside the main quest include the Happy Mask Shop quest, how to obtain Epona, Cucco locations,
the Biggoron Sword trading sequence, the Hall of Fallen Foes, and more. Each quest offers valuable rewards that can aid your main path.
Collectibles
Heart Pieces, Gold Skulltulas, Bottles, and Great Fairy Fountain locations are covered as you pursue optional rewards throughout Hyrule.
Items & Upgrades
Progress hinges on obtaining the Bow, Fire Arrows, Ice Arrows, Light Arrows, wallet upgrades, the Sun’s Song, the Scarecrow Song, and the Song of Storms. The guide also notes amiibo unlocks in the Switch 2 remake context.
Note: This guide includes a focused discussion of Switch 2 remake differences where they affect progression. If you want deeper, dedicated step-by-step sequences for each side quest or all collectible locations, consult the detailed sections that follow or reference the official Nintendo resources for remake-specific details.
Switch 2 Remake: Inline Notes and Practical Adaptations
In the Switch 2 remake, some puzzles and routes differ from the original. This guide provides inline notes where known
changes affect how you progress in a given area. For example, certain gaps may be crossed by jumping rather than using the Hookshot,
and a few routes may be altered to reflect the remake’s updated puzzle design. Where such changes exist, follow the inline guidance
to maintain smooth progression without backtracking to earlier, unchanged sections.
The remake also introduces new visual cues and minor QoL improvements, including how some items become accessible earlier or later
in the sequence. If you’re using amiibo or other remake-specific features, those unlocks are mentioned in the Upgrade section
and inline notes as applicable.
FAQ and Clarifications
This guide aims to provide concrete progression information. If you encounter ambiguities, refer to in-text notes that explain why
a route or item matters for advancing the main quest, and how it affects your subsequent path.
If you see a topic described as “Golden Path” or similar terminology, this guide defines the term in the relevant context or
suggests removing ambiguity when a term isn’t standard in the game’s walkthrough culture.
Related Resources
For readers seeking official guidance and verification, Nintendo’s official resources remain a trusted reference. This guide aims to
present a self-contained walkthrough while acknowledging where official references corroborate progression patterns.