- Get the Shield
- Go to the Library
- Get the Sword
- Get the Toadstool
- Get the Magic Powder
- Complete the Tail Cave
- Rescue BowWow
- Complete the Bottle Grotto
- Buy Bombs and a Shovel
- Talk to Richard
- Complete Kanalet Castle
- Complete the Key Cavern
- Get the Ocarina
- Learn the Ballad of the Wind Fish
- Move the Walrus
- Complete the Angler's Tunnel
- Learn Manbo's Mambo
- Help the Ghost
- Complete the Catfish's Maw
- Purchase the Bow and Arrows
- Complete the Face Shrine
- Learn the Frog Song of Soul
- Awaken the Rooster
- Complete the Eagle's Tower
- Complete Turtle Rock
- Get the Magnifying Glass
- Complete the Wind Fish Egg
- Pieces of Heart Locations
- Sea Shell Information
Map Information
To make it easier to give directions through Koholint Island, sometimes I'm going to use coordinates such as "3-F" or "14-B." These coordinates refer to locations on a 16 by 16 square grid which represents the overworld on Kohholint Island. You can draw one at home for quick reference to find places in Link's Awakening.
To make a grid, take a piece of graph paper and mark off a large square that is sixteen squares left to right, and sixteen squares top to bottom. Number one through sixteen, from left to right, along the bottom of the grid. Mark the grid from top to bottom with letters A to P. When you see a map location listed in my directions to a place or item, put a dot on the grid according to the number and letter given. Check the accuracy of your map by comparing it to the map that the game displays when you press the Select button.
Return to main strategy page
Get the Shield
You'll begin the game in Marin & Tarin's House. Link awakes from a long night of sleep feeling a little woozy and unaware of his location. Marin (Tarin's daughter) will fill you in on what's happened and where she found you. Tarin will also inform you to follow the lane south to get back to the beach where she found you. Talk to Tarin (the man on the right), to obtain your Shield. Tarin will also inform you that you can use the shield to flip enemies.
Next step: Go to the Library
Go to the Library
After obtaining your Shield from Tarin, exit Marin and Tarin's House, then go to the left side of the village to locate the Library at (1-L). Enter the Library and read the books by pressing the A Button. These books will tell you quite a bit of information about Koholint Island.
Next step: Get the Sword
Get the Sword
After Visiting the Library in the Mabe Village, exit the building and work your way south to the Toronbo Shores. Use your Shield to move the stationary enemies out of your way, and you'll eventually find the sword at (3-P). Walk toward the Sword and an Owl will appear, telling you that you cannot leave the island until you wake the Wind Fish. The Owl will also tell you to travel north to the Mysterious Woods.
Next step: Get the Toadstool
Get the Toadstool
After locating the Sword at the Toronbo Shores, work your way back north towards the Mabe Village, then continue up and left to locate the Mysterious Woods (1-J). Speak with the Owl, then work your way north through the woods until you locate the Sleepy Toadstool (1-F).
Next step: Get the Magic Powder
Get the Magic Powder
Work your way east until you reach the Witch's Hut in the Koholint Prairie (6-G). Equip the Mushroom, then enter and give the Witch the Toadstool. She'll reward you with 20 bags of Magic Powder. If you ever run out, just give the Witch another Toadstool.
Next step: Complete the Tail Cave
Tail Cave
- Get the Tail Key
- Enter the Cave
- Small Key Guide
- Get Roc's Feather
- Get Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Moldorm
Next step: Rescue BowWow
Tail Cave - Get the Tail Key
After receiving the Magic Powder, exit the Witch's Hut and return to the Mysterious Woods. Once inside the woods, work your way west to locate a Raccoon standing near some trees at (2-F). Sprinkle a bag of Magic Powder on the Raccoon and he'll turn into Tarin. Go up one screen to (2-E) to locate the Tail Key in a treasure chest.
Next step: Enter Tail Cave
Enter Tail Cave
After locating the Tail Key, work your way south of Mabe Village to the area on your map labeled "South of the Village." Search the area until you locate the entrance to the Tail Cave at (4-N).
Next step: Small Key Guide
Tail Cave - Small Key Guide
As you explore Tail Cave, you'll require three Small Keys. If you come to a locked door as you follow my directions to the Nightmare Key and other items in this Cave, use this guide to determine which Small Keys you may have missed.
Small Key One - From the Cave entrance, go left one screen and defeat the two beetles to make the Key appear.
Small Key Two - From the Cave entrance, go up one screen and step on the floor switch to make the Key appear.
Small Key Three - From the Cave entrance, go up one screen, right one, up one, then left one. Open the chest to get the Key.
Next step: Get Roc's Feather
Tail Cave - Get Roc's Feather
From the Cave entrance, go up one screen, left one, and defeat all of the enemies to open the top door. Go up three screens, right one and work your way around the blocks to return left one screen. Push the far-left block to the right one space to open the far-left door. Go left one screen through the door and use your Shield to flip over the two Spiny Beetles. Destroy them with your Sword to reveal a hidden staircase. Take the stairs and follow the side-scrolling screen to the left, then exit on the other side. When you exit from the stairs, go up two screens and open the chest to locate Roc's Feather.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Tail Cave - Get the Nightmare Key
From the Cave entrance, go up one screen, right one, up one, left one, then return right one screen by taking the upper passage. Continue up one screen, and then left one to locate the Nightmare Key.
Next step: Find the Boss
Tail Cave - Find the Boss
Go right one screen, down one, left one, then return right one screen by taking the lower passage. Defeat the Mini-Boss Rolling Bones to make a warp appear. Step on the warp, then go up two screens to reach the Boss, Moldorm.
Next step: Defeat Moldorm
Tail Cave - Defeat Moldorm
Use your Shield to constantly block Moldorm from hitting you, then use your Sword on its tail whenever possible. Each time you hit the tail Moldrom will speed up, so wait until it slows down, then attack it again. Moldorm will flash if you are damaging it. Once Moldorm is defeated, go up one screen and collect the Full Moon Cello.
Next step: Rescue BowWow
Rescue BowWow
After completing the Tail Cave, exit the level and return to the Mabe Village. When you enter the village, the two boys in front of the Library will tell you that something terrible has happened to BowWow and you should talk to Madam MeowMeow. From the Library, go up one screen, then right to visit Madam MeowMeow at (2-L). She will tell you that the Moblins took her BowWow and that she wants you to go find him.
Exit Madam MeowMeow's house, then head north through the Mysterious Woods to the Tal Tal Heights to locate the Moblin Hideout at (6-D). Once you reach the hideout, enter the cave and go up one screen then right two screens to locate the Moblin Leader. Defeat the leader, then go right one screen to find BowWow.
Next step: Complete the Bottle Grotto
Bottle Grotto
- Enter the Bottle Grotto
- Small Key Guide
- Get the Power Bracelet
- Get the Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Genie
Next step: Buy Bombs and a Shovel
Enter the Bottle Grotto
After rescuing BowWow, return to the Mabe Village and speak to Madam MeowMeow. She will ask you to take BowWow for a walk. Exit the house, then head north through the Mysterious Woods until you reach the Goponga Swamp. Once in the Swamp, work your way to the top-right corner where the entrance to the Bottle Grotto can be found (5-C).
Next step: Small Key Guide
Bottle Grotto - Small Key Guide
As you explore the Bottle Grotto, you'll require five Small Keys. If you come to a locked door as you follow my directions to the Nightmare Key and other items in this Grotto, use this guide to determine which Small Keys you may have missed.
Small Key One - From the Grotto entrance, go up one screen, right one screen, then defeat the two Stalfos Knights to make the Key appear.
Small Key Two - From the Grotto entrance, go up one screen, right two screens, then down one screen. Open the chest to obtain the Key.
Small Key Three - From the Grotto entrance, go up one screen, right two, down one, then right one screen. Open the chest to find a Key.
Small Key Four - This is the most commonly missed Key. From the Grotto entrance, go up one screen, right two, down one, right one, then up one more screen. Defeat the two Mimics to make the Key appear.
Small Key Five - From the Grotto entrance, go up one screen, right two, down one, right one, up one, right one, then up one screen. Take the stairs, then go up one screen, right one, up two then right one. If you have the Power Bracelet, you'll be able to reach a chest which holds a Key.
Next step: Get the Power Bracelet
Bottle Grotto - Get the Power Bracelet
From the Grotto entrance, go up one screen and light the two braziers on the ground with the Magic Powder to open the right door. Go right two screens, then hit the Orb to move the lower blocks down. Go down one screen, then hit the Orb to move the right blocks down. Go right one screen, up one, right one, then unlock the upper right door with a Small Key. Go up one screen and push the two blocks in the center of the room toward each other to make a staircase appear in the top-right corner.
Take the stairs, then follow the side-scrolling screen to the left and exit on the other side. When you exit, go up one screen and defeat the Hinox. Next, go right one screen, up two, then open the door on the left with a Small Key. Go left one screen and defeat the two Ghosts to obtain the Power Bracelet.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Bottle Grotto - Get the Nightmare Key
From the Power Bracelet, go right one screen and lift the pot at the top of the screen to take the upper-right passage. Go right one screen, walk over to the Orb and hit it with your sword which will cause the posts that you are standing on to go up. Jump right over the lowered post, then walk right one screen. Note: You can walk on a raised post only if you are already standing on the post when it goes up!
Go right one screen, down one, and defeat the three enemies in the room in the proper order. First defeat the imprisoned Pols Voice (rabbit) with a pot, then defeat the Keese (bat), then defeat the Stalfos Knight (skeleton) to make the Nightmare Key appear.
Next step: Find the Boss
Bottle Grotto - Find the Boss
From where you get the Nightmare Key, go up one screen, right one and defeat the enemies to make a set of stairs appear. Take the stairs, then go up one screen to meet the Boss, Genie.
Next step: Defeat Genie
Bottle Grotto - Defeat Genie
When the Genie is out of the bottle, avoid the fire from the Genie by jumping back and forth at the bottom of the screen with Roc's Feather, then wait for him to re-enter the bottle. When the Genie is in the bottle, hit the bottle with your sword, then pick it up with the Power Bracelet and toss it into the back wall three times to break the bottle. When the bottle is broken, jump around the room and hit the Genie with the sword until he's defeated. Grab the Conch Horn to exit the Grotto.
Next step: Buy Bombs and a Shovel
Buy Bombs and a Shovel
After exiting the Bottle Grotto, return to Mabe Village and speak to Madam MeowMeow. She will thank you for your help and reward you by refilling your hearts. Go to the right from her house and enter the Tool Shop at (4-J) to purchase the Shovel for 200 Rupees, and some Bombs for 10 Rupees. If you're short on Rupees, explore the Tal Tal Heights for miscellaneous treasure chests.
Next step: Talk to Richard
Talk to Richard
Once you have the Shovel and Bombs, exit Mabe Village to the east and work your way south through Ukuku Prairie until you reach the Pothole Field. You'll find Richard's Villa in the lower-left corner at (7-N). Enter the house to speak to Richard, and he'll tell you that he was run out of the Kanalet Castle. He instructs you to return to the castle to locate five Golden Leaves.
Next step: Complete Kanalet Castle
Kanalet Castle
Enter the Castle
Collect Five Golden Leaves
Next step: Complete the Key Cavern
Enter Kanalet Castle page
After talking to Richard, collect the Yoshi Doll from the Trendy Game and give it to the Quadruplets Mother. She'll give you the Ribbon in exchange, which you should give to Madam MeowMeow's pet dog (not BowWow). Collect the Canned Dog Food from the pet dog and give it to Sale the Alligator. Sale will reward your kindness with a bunch of Bananas.
Return to the Kanalet Castle and give the Bananas to Kiki the Monkey, who will build a bridge. Cross the bridge (collecting the Wooden Stick along the way) to enter Kanalet Castle and collect the Five Golden Leaves.
Next step: Collect Five Golden Leaves
Kanalet Castle - Collect Five Golden Leaves
Golden Leaf One - The first Golden Leaf is actually found outside Kanalet Castle. After giving the Bananas to Kiki the Monkey at (12-H), go up three screens, left one, then cut down the small bush to locate a set of stairs. Enter the stairs and work your way left to the ladder. Climb the ladder to exit the side-underground side-scrolling screen. When you exit, go right one screen then down one screen. Hit the Armos Knight popping up out of the hole with your sword until he is defeated to earn a Golden Leaf.
Golden Leaf Two - From the Armos Knight, go down one screen, left two, and up one screen. Pick up one of the rocks in the lower-right corner of the screen and toss it at the crow. When the bird tries to fly away, destroy it with your sword to earn a Golden Leaf.
Golden Leaf Three - From the crow, go down one screen, then right one screen. Enter the Castle, go left one screen and defeat all of the enemies to earn a Golden Leaf.
Golden Leaf Four - From the third Golden Leaf, go up one screen, right one screen and step on the switch to open the front gate. From the switch, climb up the small ladder and return left one screen to enter the stairs which lead to the second floor. Once on the second floor, walk down into the small room and Bomb the left statue on the wall. Defeat the Armos Knight who attacks you to earn a Golden Leaf.
Golden Leaf Five - From the Armos Knight, go right one screen, down one, left one, then down one to reach the balcony. Walk to the right and re-enter the Castle. Pick up a pot and throw it at the door to open it, then go up one screen and defeat the Armos Knight to earn the last Golden Leaf.
Next step: Complete the Key Cavern
Key Cavern
- Get the Slime Key
- Enter Key Cavern
- Get the Pegasus Boots
- Get the Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Slime Eyes
Next step: Get the Ocarina
Key Cavern - Get the Slime Key
After collecting the Five Golden Leaves, return to Pothole Field and speak to Richard. Richard will move aside and allow you to move the wooden box above the table to the right and locate a set of stairs. Once you're underground, go straight up and take the stairs. From there, go left one screen, then down two. Work your way to the right through Pothole Field by cutting down the bushes. When you reach the Owl Statue at the top of the field, use the shovel to dig in front of it and obtain the Slime Key.
Next step: Enter Key Cavern
Enter the Key Cavern
After finding the Slime Key in Pothole Field, head north to the Ukuku Prairie and unlock the gate which bars Key Cavern. Once the gate is open, return to Richard's Villa and go right one screen, then up three screens. Walk around the trees, then return down one screen. Go left two screens by jumping over the water with Roc's Feather, then enter the Key Cavern.
Next step: Get the Pegasus Boots
Key Cavern - Get the Pegasus Boots
From the Cavern entrance, throw a pot at the door at the top of the room, then go up one screen. Defeat all enemies to obtain a Small Key, then go up three screens and take the stairs to the second floor. Exit the side-scrolling section, go right one screen and take the stairs back to the first floor. Exit the stairs and defeat all enemies to obtain a Small Key. Go up one screen, left one screen, up one screen, and defeat the Dodongo Snakes to make a warp appear. Go right one screen to get the Pegasus Boots.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Key Cavern - Get the Nightmare Key
From the Pegasus Boots, go down one screen, left one, up one and warp back to the entrance. Go right one screen and use the Pegasus Boots to get a Small Key. Go left one screen and use the warp. Go down one screen, then combine the power of the Pegasus Boots and Roc's Feather to jump over the pit. Go up one screen to get the Nightmare Key.
Next step: Find the Boss
Key Cavern - Find the Boss
From the Nightmare Key, drop to the left to get to the bottom level. Go up one screen, defeat the Bombites, then go left one screen. Bomb the left wall, then go left one screen and defeat the Bombites to get a Small Key. Go right two screens, down one, left one, down one and left two screens. Defeat the Pairodds to get a Small Key. Go right one screen, unlock the Key Block, then go up one screen, right one screen, down one screen and take the stairs. Ram the large red block with the Pegasus Boots in the side-scrolling screen, then take the exit. Go left one screen then up one screen to reach the Boss, Slime Eyes.
Next step: Defeat Slime Eyes
Key Cavern - Defeat Slime Eyes
Run into any one of the four walls with the Pegasus Boots to make the Slime Eyes appear. Once the Boss appears, hit the eye with the sword to make it divide. When the eye has almost split, ram it with the Pegasus Boots. If the eyes fuse back together, try again. Once the eye is split, destroy each eye by hitting it with the Sword. When Slime Eyes is defeated, go up one screen to collect the Sea Lily Bell.
Next step: Get the Ocarina
Get the Ocarina
After leaving Key Cavern, go back to Mabe Village and visit the Dream Shrine. Once inside the shrine, walk on top of the bed to make Link fall asleep and enter a dream. The dream will take you to a small cave inhabited by Mimics. Work your way through the shrine using the Pegasus Boots to reach the Ocarina.
Next step: Learn the Ballad of the Wind Fish
Learn the Ballad of the Wind Fish
Exit the Dream Shrine and walk left one screen and down one screen to reach the Wind Vane. Speak to Marin to learn the Ballad of the Wind Fish.
Next step: Move the Walrus
Move the Walrus
Once you've learned the Ballad of the Wind Fish from Marin, go to (11-K) in the Ukuku Prairie and cut down the small bush on the right side of the screen to locate a set of hidden stairs. Enter the stairs and work your way to the right, then exit the other side and continue south to the Animal Village. At the village, talk to everyone to learn about the Walrus blocking the path to the Yarna Desert. Exit the town and return to the Mabe Village.
Once in the Mabe Village, talk to the villagers to learn that Marin has departed to visit the ocean. Exit Mabe Village, head south to the Toronbo Shores, and work your way east until you locate Marin at (6-P). Talk to Marin and she'll agree to follow you back to Animal Village and help you wake the Walrus. After Marin joins you, work your way back to Animal Village. Take the lower-left passage down two screens, then go to the right until you locate the Walrus at (14-P). After Marin talks to the Walrus, answer "Yes" and she'll sing a song to move the Walrus.
Next step: Complete Angler's Tunnel
Angler's Tunnel
- Get the Angler's Key
- Enter Angler's Tunnel
- Get the Flippers
- Get the Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Angler Fish
Next step: Learn Manbo's Mambo
Angler's Tunnel - Get the Angler's Key
After Marin sings to the Walrus, you will be able to proceed right to the Yarna Desert. Once in the Yarna Desert, go up three screens, and defeat the evil Lanmola. When the Lanmola disappears, a key will appear but the sand will cause it to drop down the middle of the screen and vanish. Move to the center of the screen and drop down into the sand. When you reappear, grab the Angler's Key, then walk right one screen to exit the cave.
Next step: Enter the Angler's Tunnel
Enter the Angler's Tunnel
From Marin & Tarin's House in Mabe village, go right one screen, up one, right two, up four, right one, up two, left one and up one screen by lifting the two rocks which block your path. Lift another rock to go right three screens, then go right one more screen by taking the stairs. Go down one screen, right one screen, up one screen, right one screen and touch the keyhole to stop the waterfall and reveal the entrance to the Angler's Tunnel.
From the keyhole, at (12-C), go left one screen, down one, left one, up one, left two, up one screen, and enter the cave. Inside, go right one screen then take the stairs. Go right one screen and take the next set of stairs. Go right two more screens, then exit the cave through the door at the bottom of the screen. Go right three screens and drop down from the cliff to land in front of the Angler's Tunnel.
Next step: Get the Flippers
Angler's Tunnel - Get the Flippers
From the Tunnel, go up two screens, right one, up two, right one, and jump the pit by using the Pegasus Boots and Roc's Feather. Bomb the cracked block and go right one screen to get a Small Key. Go up two screens to get another Small Key, then go down two screens, left two and down three. Defeat all of the enemies to open the right door. Go right one screen, defeat all of the enemies, then go down one screen to get a Small Key.
Go up one screen, right one, up three and unlock the Key Block. Push the blocks aside and go left one screen, down two, left two, up two and right one screen to find a Small Key. Walk left one screen, down two, right two, up two and unlock the top door. Next, go up one screen and defeat the Water Cephalopod to make a warp appear and the top door open. Go up one screen and left one screen to get the Flippers. Note: If you can't go left, pull the handle in the upper-right corner.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Angler's Tunnel - Get the Nightmare Key
From the Flippers, go down two screens, left one, and step on the tiles to make a staircase appear. Step on each tile until one flashes, then hit each flashing tile in the proper order until the staircase appears. Note: If you step on the wrong tile you will have to start over. Take the stairs into the underground cavern, and use the Pegasus Boots to pass under the falling stones. Exit on the other side, then go down one screen to reach the Nightmare Key.
Next step: Find the Boss
Angler's Tunnel - Find the Boss
From the Nightmare Key, go up one screen and jump from the ledge. Go right two screens, up two and defeat the Gels to make a Small Key drop. Go right one screen and take the stairs. Go right through the side-scrolling section until you come to the water. Jump in the water and get the Small Key. Return to the right, go up the stairs, then go left one screen, down two screens, and left one screen.
Step on the switch to open the door, then go up one screen and unlock the Key Block with the Small Key to take the stairs. When you exit from the stairs, go left one screen, up one screen, then take the stairs again. Enter the water and sink to the bottom to find the Boss, Angler Fish.
Next step: Defeat Angler Fish
Angler's Tunnel - Defeat Angler Fish
Stay to the left side of Angler Fish and attack the glowing ball in front of its face with your Sword or a more powerful weapon like Arrows or Bombs. If the Angler Fish rams the left wall, look out for the falling rocks. If you are quick enough, you should be able to defeat him before he rams the wall. When Angler Fish is defeated, return to the stairs and go up one screen to collect the Surf Harp.
Next step: Learn Manbo's Mambo
Learn Manbo's Mambo
From the entrance to Angler's Tunnel, swim left one screen and enter the cave. Swim to the right and you will be greeted by Manbo, the child of the Sun Fish. If you have the Ocarina, he will teach you Manbo's Mambo.
Next step: Help the Ghost
Help the Ghost
After Learning Manbo's Mambo Song, exit the cave and return to Animal Village (you can warp there from the Tal Tal Heights). Once inside the village, go to the lower-left corner and visit the Warp Portal at (13-O). As soon as you enter this screen, a Ghost will appear and begin to follow you around. Head west from the Animal Village toward Toronbo Shores until you reach the House by the Bay at (7-P). When you get to the house, the Ghost will tell you to go inside.
Enter the house and the Ghost will take a moment to look around, then ask you to take him back to his grave. Exit the House, then head north toward the Cemetery and go to the single Grave Site at (5-G).
Next step: Complete the Catfish's Maw
Catfish's Maw
Enter the Catfish's Maw
Small Key Guide
Get the Hookshot
Get the Nightmare Key
Find the Boss
Defeat Slime Eel
Next step: Purchase the Bow and Arrows
Enter the Catfish's Maw
Go to Martha's Bay, jump into the water and swim to the center of the bay to locate a large statue of a catfish sticking up out of the water. Go to the lower-left corner of the screen and dive down into the water to find the entrance to the Catfish's Maw.
Next step: Small Key Guide
Catfish's Maw - Small Key Guide
As you explore the Catfish's Maw, you'll require three Small Keys. If you come to a locked door as you follow my directions to the Nightmare Key and other items in the dungeon, use this guide to determine which Small Keys you may have missed.
Small Key One - From the dungeon entrance, go left three screens, then push the two top blocks together to find a Small Key.
Small Key Two - From the dungeon entrance, go left two screens, up one, left one, up one and left two screens to find the Key. Note: You'll need the Hookshot to get this Key.
Small Key Three - From the dungeon entrance, go left two screens, up three, right one, up two and right one screen to find the Key. Note: You'll need the Hookshot to get this Key.
Next step: Get the Hookshot
Catfish's Maw - Get the Hookshot
From the dungeon entrance, go left two screens then up three screens. Defeat the Stalfos Knight to open the right door. Go right one screen, up one, left one, then return to the right one screen and push the button on the floor to open the right door. Go down one screen, up one screen, right one screen, and defeat the Stalfos Knight.
Next, head left one screen, up two, left one, up one screen and defeat the third Stalfos Knight. Save and Quit your game, then restart the level and go left three screens, take the stairs, then go left one screen and defeat the Master Stalfos to obtain the Hookshot.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Catfish's Maw - Get the Nightmare Key
From the dungeon entrance, go left two screens, up three, right one, up one, left one, then up one screen into a small room filled with water. Jump into the water, then dive down near the center of the pool to find a secret passage. Follow the passage to the left, then exit. Use the Hookshot to pull the bridge to you, then cross the bridge and open the chest to get the Nightmare Key.
Next step: Find the Boss
Catfish's Maw - Find the Boss
From the dungeon entrance, go left two screens, up one, left one, up one screen and use the Hookshot to pull the bridge down. Go up one screen, left one screen and defeat the Ghomas (crabs). This will make a warp appear and also open the top-right door. Go right one screen through this door, then take the stairs. Make your way through the side-scrolling section by using the Hookshot to pull yourself up the ladders. When you exit, go left one screen and up screen to reach the Boss, Slime Eel.
Next step: Defeat Slime Eel
Catfish's Maw - Defeat Slime Eel
Stay in one of the corners of the room to remain safe. Every time the Eel pops up his head from one of the holes, try to grab it with the Hookshot and pull it out into the open. When this happens, either Slime Eel or an imposter will appear. To defeat the fake eels, just hit them with the Sword twice in the tail. To defeat Slime Eyes, you must hit his flashing heart with your Sword. When Slime Eel is defeated, go up one screen to find the Wind Marimba.
Next step: Purchase the Bow and Arrows
Purchase the Bow and Arrows
When you exit the Catfish's Maw, you should have at least 980 Rupees. If you need more Rupees, revisit all of the completed dungeons to see if you missed any chests, then explore the overworld for more Rupees. Go to the Mabe Village and visit the Town Tool Shop to purchase the Bow & Arrows.
Next step: Complete the Face Shrine
Face Shrine
- Get the Face Key
- Enter the Shrine
- Small Key Guide
- Get the Power Bracelet #2
- Get the Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Facade
Next step: Learn the Frog Song of Soul
Get the Face Key
Exit the Mabe Village and return to Animal Village. Exit the town to the left, then work you way northeast to the Face Shrine. Go right, then go down and back to the left. Push the statues, then defeat them with your Bow. Once you get to the far-left side of the island, enter the cave at (13-K), then go up two screens and defeat the large Armos Knight to obtain the Face Key.
Next step: Enter the Face Shrine
Enter the Face Shrine
After obtaining the Face Key, exit the South Face Shrine, then swim through the water to the small island with two statues. Touch the left statue to locate a set of stairs, then follow the stairs to the North Shrine. Touch the keyhole at the top-right corner of the screen to open the entrance to the Face Shrine.
Next step: Small Key Guide
Face Shrine - Small Key Guide
As you explore the Face Shrine, you'll require three Small Keys. If you come to a locked door as you follow my directions to the Nightmare Key and other items in the Shrine, use this guide to determine which Small Keys you may have missed.
Small Key One - From the Shrine entrance, go left one screen, up two, left one, up one, left one, up two, right one screen and hit the Orb. Go down one screen, right two, then up one screen to get a Small Key. If the posts are blocking your path, return to the left and strike the Orb.
Small Key Two - From the Shrine entrance, go right two screens, up one screen, then break down the door with a statue to go right one screen. Proceed up three screens to get a Small Key. Note: You'll need Power Bracelet #2 to get this Key.
Small Key Three - From the second Small Key, go down three screens, left one, up one, then up two screens by Bombing the wall. Lift the left Elephant Statue to locate a set of hidden stairs. Take the stairs, exit to the left, then defeat all of the flying blocks to obtain a Small Key.
Next step: Get Power Bracelet #2
Face Shrine - Get Power Bracelet #2
From the Shrine entrance, go left one screen, up two, then left one screen. Place a Bomb next to the Orb in the middle of the room, then go to the top-right corner of the room and stand above the small square. When the bomb explodes, the post should pop up out of the ground. Go up one screen and Bomb the right wall. Go right one screen and defeat all the enemies to make a set of stairs appear. Take the stairs, then follow the path to the left and exit. When you exit, go up one screen and open the chest to find Power Bracelet #2.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Face Shrine - Get the Nightmare Key
From the Shrine entrance, go right two screens then up four screens by using the Bombs. Lift the left Elephant Statue to locate a set of hidden stairs, then take the stairs and exit to the left. When you exit, go up one screen, left two by breaking down the door, then take the stairs and follow the path to the right to exit the side-scrolling screen. When you exit, go down one screen and defeat the Snakes to open the left door. Go left one screen, up two, then lift a bottle and toss it at the treasure chest to get the Nightmare Key.
Next step: Find the Boss
Face Shrine - Find the Boss
From the Shrine entrance, go right two screens, up two, then Bomb the top wall to go up one more screen. Defeat Smasher to make the top door open and a warp appear. Go up one screen, then lift the left Elephant Statue to locate a set of hidden stairs. Take the stairs, then exit to the left. When you exit, defeat all of the flying blocks to obtain a Small Key. Go down one screen, defeat the enemies to open the doors, then go right one screen and up two screens to reach the Boss, Facade.
Next step: Defeat Facade
Face Shrine - Defeat Facade
Before you confront Facade, light the two braziers in the room before to find two Fairies. When you first enter the room, avoid the flying objects by jumping over them or stabbing them with your Sword. When the objects are gone, drop bombs on Facade's face until it is defeated. Go up one screen to collect the Coral Triangle.
Next step: Learn the Frog Song of Soul
Learn the Frog Song of Soul
Exit the Face Shrine and head west to the Signpost Maze. Once in the maze, read the signs, then follow the directions on them. If you follow the directions correctly, a set of stairs will appear in the lower left corner at (5-N). Take the stairs, and you'll meet Mamu the Frog. Talk to Mamu and he'll offer to sing you a song for 300 Rupees. When his song is done, you will obtain the Frog Song of Soul.
Next step: Awaken the Rooster
Awaken the Rooster
To awaken the Rooster, return to Mabe Village and visit the weather vane at map location 3-J. Push the weather vane up to reveal a hidden stairway. Take the stairs, then walk up to the pile of bones on a raised platform in the water. Stand next to the bones and play the Frog Song of Soul.
Next step: Complete Eagle's Tower
Eagle's Tower
- Get the Bird Key
- Enter the Tower
- Crush Pillars One and Two
- Crush Pillar Three
- Crush Pillar Four, Get the Mirror Shield
- Get the Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Evil Eagle
Next step: Complete Turtle Rock
Eagle's Tower - Get the Bird Key
After Awakening the Rooster in Mabe Village, head northeast to the Tal Tal Mountain Range. In the mountains, work your way up to the waterfall where you dropped down to locate the Angler's Tunnel. When you reach the waterfall, go to the right, climb up the long ladder, then go left to locate the Hen House. Enter the right cave below the Hen House and follow the path with the Rooster to a chasm. Use the Rooster to cross the chasm and open the chest to receive the Bird Key.
Next step: Enter Eagle's Tower
Enter the Eagle's Tower
From the entrance to the Face Shrine, go down one screen then drop down into the water and swim left one screen and up six screens. Exit the water, then walk left two screens, up one, left two, up one screen and enter the cave. Go right one screen, take the stairs, then go right one screen and take the next set of stairs. Go right two screens and exit the cave through the door at the bottom of the screen. Next, go right five screens and enter the cave.
Follow the path to the right, then exit. When you exit, keep working your way to the right. You'll enter several one-way caves, but there is no way to get lost. Enter the cave on the upper-right and follow the path to the cave. After exiting, go left one screen to reach the Eagle's Tower.
Next step: Crush Pillars One and Two
Eagle's Tower - Crush Pillars One and Two
Pillar One - The main objective in the Eagle's Tower is to destroy the four pillars which support the fourth floor. When all of the pillars are destroyed, the fourth floor will fall into the third floor making and make it possible to reach the Boss.
From the Tower entrance, go right two screens and defeat all of the enemies to get a Small Key. Go up one screen then take the stairs to reach the second floor. Go up one screen to pick up the Black Ball. Carry the ball to the left and drop it in front of the door. Walk to the right side of the room and pull the lever to open the left door, then run to the left and pick up the ball. Holding the Ball, go left one screen and throw it into Pillar One to destroy it.
Pillar Two - From where you crushed the first Pillar, pick up the ball and take it down one screen. Throw the Black Ball into Pillar Two to destroy it.
Next step: Crush Pillar Three
Eagle's Tower - Crush Pillar Three
From where you crushed Pillar Two, pick up the Black Ball, carry it down one screen and throw it over the barricade. Hit the Orb so the posts to the right are up, then go up two screens, left one screen, up one screen and take the stairs to the first floor. Take the upper path left one screen, then go down two screens and take the stairs to the second floor. Go down one screen, defeat the Hinox, then go right one screen and defeat the Three of a Kind to make a chest appear on the other side of the barricade. Note: The chest will disappear if you leave the second floor.
Go right one screen, grab the Black Ball, then carry it left one screen. Toss the ball across the opening in the floor to the other side. Go Left one screen, up two, right one then walk down two screens by bombing the bottom walls. Use the Hookshot to reach the chest on the right, grab the Black Ball, then carry it up one screen and crush Pillar Three.
Next step: Crush Pillar Four, Get the Mirror Shield
Eagle's Tower - Crush Pillar Four, Get the Mirror Shield
From where you crushed Pillar Three, pick up the Black Ball and go down one screen. Throw the ball over the barricade so that it lands near the bottom of the screen. Drop down through the pit next to the chest so you land on the first floor. Go right two screens, up one, then take the stairs to return to the second floor. Walk to the left and open the chest to get the Mirror Shield.
Next, stand two steps to the left of the Orb and swing your sword so the posts go back up. Go down one screen, left two screens and pick up your trusty Black Ball. Go left one screen, up two screens and right one screen. Use the Black Ball to crush Pillar Four, which will cause the fourth floor to drop down onto the third floor.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Eagle's Tower - Get the Nightmare Key
Go right one screen, then go down one screen and drop down through the far-right pit to return to the first floor. Go right one screen, down one, then back up one screen by walking around the wall. Take the stairs to return to the second floor, then stand two steps left of the Orb and swing your sword so the posts go up. Go down one screen, left one screen, and take the stairs to the third floor. Head up one screen, right one screen, then defeat the Grim Creeper to open the top-right door and make a warp appear. Go up one screen and push the two blocks together to find the Nightmare Key.
Next step: Find the Boss
Eagle's Tower - Find the Boss
From the Nightmare Key, go down one screen, left two, up one screen, then walk to the top-left corner of the room and Hookshot to the right. Go down one screen, right one screen, and take the stairs to the top of the tower where you'll find the Boss, Evil Eagle.
Next step: Defeat Evil Eagle
Eagle's Tower - Defeat Evil Eagle
When Evil Eagle flies past you or dive-bombs you, hit it with the Hookshot if possible. When it blows wind at you, stand in the center of the platform and use the Mirror Shield to prevent yourself from being knocked off the tower. When Evil Eagle is defeated, go down and enter the door on the right to locate the Organ of Evening Calm.
Next step: Complete Turtle Rock
Turtle Rock
- Enter Turtle Rock
- Small Key Guide
- Get the Magic Rod
- Get the Nightmare Key
- Find the Boss
- Defeat Hot Head
Next step: Get the Magnifying Glass
Enter Turtle Rock
Start at the Hen House, then go left one screen and Hookshot to the left. Go left one screen, and you'll discover that Marin needs your help. Hookshot to the left and Link will automatically grab Marin and carry her to safety. Marin will thank you and tell you that the Wind Fish Ballad will waken the Wind Fish. Go left one screen and cut down the bush to reveal a hidden staircase. Take the stairs then go left and take the next set of stairs. Go left one screen, Hookshot across the gab, then go left one more screen and exit the cave.
Go left one screen, climb the ladder, go right one screen, and climb another ladder. Go left across the bridge and drop down the gap on the cliff edge to the ledge below. Bomb the top wall and enter the cave with the flame thrower. To get by the flames, equip your Mirror Shield, walk up, then run to the left and take the stairs. Once again, follow the path to the left until you reach a large rock with a turtle head and two arms sticking out. Play the Frog Song of Soul to waken the turtle, then destroy it with your sword. You will then be able to enter Turtle Rock.
Next step: Small Key Guide
Turtle Rock - Small Key Guide
As you explore Turtle Rock, you'll require seven Small Keys. If you come to a locked door as you follow my directions to the Nightmare Key and other items in Turtle Rock, use this guide to determine which Small Keys you may have missed.
Small Key One - From the dungeon entrance, go up two screens, right three, down one and fill the screen with the Flashing Block to get a Key.
Small Key Two - From the dungeon entrance, go up one screen, left one, up one, left one, then use the Flashing Block to go down one screen, left one, then up one screen. Defeat all of the enemies in this room to get a Key.
Small Key Three - From the dungeon entrance, go up two screens, right one, up one, right two and up two more screens. Defeat the two mummies to get a Key.
Small Key Four - From the third Small Key, go left four screens then take the stairs to appear outside. Walk to the right and re-enter the dungeon, then drop bombs down on the Snakes. When they're defeated, you'll be rewarded with a Key.
Small Key Five - From the fourth Small Key, go left three screens then down one screen. Shoot the statue in the middle of the room with an Arrow to get a Key.
Small Key Six - From the fifth Small Key, go left one screen and open the chest to get a Key.
Small Key Seven - From the dungeon entrance, go up one screen, left one, up one, left one, then up one screen. Light the two braziers with the Magic Rod to get a small key.
Next step: Get the Magic Rod
Turtle Rock - Get the Magic Rod
From the dungeon entrance, go up two screens then right one screen. Push the Flashing Block right to the wall, then push it straight up. Go up one screen, right two, up one, then left three screens. Unlock the top block, then return to the right one screen. Hookshot down to the locked block, unlock it with a Small Key, then take the stairs. When you exit, go down one screen and Defeat Blaino. After defeating Blaino, go up one screen to collect the Magic Rod.
Note: There may be some posts blocking the path to the chest. If this happens, Save and Quit, then restart the game and follow these directions to the Orb. From the dungeon entrance, go up two screens, then right one. Use the Flashing Block to create a path to the right, then go right one screen and bomb the right wall. Hit the orb with your sword, then go back to get the Magic Rod.
Next step: Get the Nightmare Key
Turtle Rock - Get the Nightmare Key
From the dungeon entrance, go up two screens then right one. Use the Flashing Block to create a path to the right. Climb the ladder below the block to the upper level of the room (next to the one-eyed statues), and take the stairs to enter a side-scrolling screen. When you exit from the stairs, unlock the left door with a Small Key. Go left one screen and defeat the Fire Cephalopod.
Go up one screen, then push the Flashing Block around the room so it's completely filled with ground. By doing so, the Nightmare Key will appear! If you're having problems filling the room, follow these directions: Move the Flashing Block up all the way, right all the way, down 2 spaces, left 2, up 1, left 1, down 1, left 1, down 2, right 1, up 1, right 1, down 1, right 1, up 1, right 1, down 1, then right 1.
Next step: Find the Boss
Turtle Rock - Find the Boss
From the dungeon entrance, go up two screens, right one, then move the Flashing Block to the right so you can go right one screen and take the stairs. Take the stairs and work your way through the side-scrolling section until you can exit. When you reach the exit, go up one screen to meet the Boss, Hot Head.
Next step: Defeat Hot Head
Turtle Rock - Defeat Hot Head
Stay on the right side of the screen and shoot the Magic Rod at Hot Head whenever it pops out of the lava. If necessary, use the Mirror Shield to protect yourself. When Hot Head is defeated, you will receive the Thunder Drum.
Next step: Get the Magnifying Glass
Get the Magnifying Glass
Give the Wooden Stick you received from Kiki the Monkey to Tarin, and you'll get the Honeycomb. Give the Honeycomb to the Cook at the Animal Village to receive the Pineapple. Give the Pineapple to Papahl, the quadruplets' father, to receive the Hibiscus. If you give the Hibiscus to the Goat in Animal Village, you'll get the Letter. Deliver the Letter to Mr. Write to receive the Broom.
Give the Broom to Grandma Ulriria in either Mabe Village or Animal Village to receive the Fishing Hook. You'll get the Necklace from the Fisherman if you give him the Hook, and Martha the Mermaid will be happy to give you the Mermaid Scale if you hand over the Necklace. Give the Mermaid Scale to the Mermaid Statue to receive the Magnifying Glass.
Next step: Complete the Wind Fish Egg
Wind Fish Egg
Learn the Maze Solution
To navigate the Wind Fish Egg, you must successfully explore the repeating maze of passages inside the Egg. To find the solution, return to the Library in Mabe Village (map location 1-L). Using the Magnifying Glass, read the book in the lower-right corner of the Library called "Dark Secrets and Mysteries of Koholint Island." The information in the book will reveal the solution to the maze.
Next step: Enter the Wind Fish Egg
Enter the Wind Fish Egg
Walk to the foothills of Mount Tamaranch, and climb up the tall ladder to locate the Wind Fish Egg at (7-A). Once you're in front of the Egg, play the Ballad of the Wind Fish song, and the egg will crack, revealing an entrance into it.
Next step: Find the Bosses
Wind Fish Egg - Find the Bosses
Enter the Wind Fish Egg and follow the directions given to you from the book "Dark Secrets and Mysteries of Koholint," located in the Library. If you follow the directions correctly, you will locate the Final Boss, which is a compilation of many Bosses.
Next step: Defeat the Bosses
Wind Fish Egg - Defeat the Bosses
To defeat Giant Gel, avoid its attacks as it bounces around the room. Whenever it is touching the ground, attack it using your Magic Powder. Three hits from your Magic Powder will defeat it. To defeat Agahnim's Shadow, avoid his attacks as you try to reflect his fireballs back at him using your Sword. Five reflected shots will dissolve Agahnim.
To defeat Moldorm's Shadow, avoid it as it bounces around the room. Use your Mirror Shield to fend off its assault and hit it in the tail with your Sword. It will require more than a dozen hits to defeat Moldorm. To defeat the Shadow of Ganon, equip your Sword and Pegasus Boots. Avoid his attacks as you repeatedly charge him with the Boots. Even though he attacks relentlessly, about twelve hits will defeat him.
To defeat Lanmola's Shadow, avoid its attacks as it chases you around the room. Whenever you get the chance, hit it with the Magic Rod. It will only take one hit from the Magic Rod to defeat it. To defeat Dethl, equip the Bow and Roc's Feather. Jump over the arms as they rotate around the room. When the eye in the center of the body opens, shoot it with your Arrows. Be very careful, as it takes more than 20 hits to vanquish Dethl and ultimately reveal the secret of Koholint Island.
Pieces of Heart Locations
To increase your strength, you'll have to collect many Pieces of Heart throughout your adventure. This is a list of the locations of all 12 Pieces of Heart given according to the Map-Grid System:
1. (1-K)
2. (2-I)
3. (5-E)
4. (3-G)
5. (15-M)
6. (9-H)
7. (15-C)
8. (14-M)
9. (7-H)
10. (8-A)
11. (2-A)
12. (7-I)
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Sea Shell Information
This is a list of all 26 Secret Shell locations, according to the map-grid system:
1. (4-K)
2. (2-H)
3. (4-N)
4. (7-N)
5. (6-K)
6. (11-I)
7. (9-K)
8. (5-H)
9. (10-L)
10. (12-I)
11. (11-I)
12. (10-O)
13. (3-N)
14. (5-K)
15. (16-P)
16. (11-N)
17. (15-K)
18. (7-P)
19. (9-P)
20. (7-K)
21. (13-A)
22. (14-B)
23. (13-G)
24. (9-H)
25. (15-A)
26. (2-K)
You may notice that the sixth and eleventh Secret Shells are both located at (11-I). The reason for this is that the Seashell Mansion is at (11-I). If you go there with five Secret Shells, you will get the sixth. If you go there with ten, you will get the eleventh.
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