Music has always been an important part of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and the Nintendo Switch 2 remake brings back all the iconic melodies that Link uses throughout his adventure. From calling Epona to changing the time of day and teleporting across Hyrule, learning the right songs is essential for progressing through the game.
However, remembering every melody can get confusing, especially when you’re switching between Young Link and Adult Link. The remake also introduces updated button controls and a new microphone feature that lets you hum or play songs using a real instrument.
To make things easier, here’s a complete guide to all 12 songs in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, including their Nintendo Switch 2 button combinations, where to learn them, what they do, and how to use the microphone feature.
In Brief:
- 12 main songs: Ocarina of Time features six regular songs and six warp songs, plus an optional Scarecrow’s Song that you create yourself.
- Nintendo Switch 2 controls: Songs use combinations of the A, X, Y, L, and R buttons, with different sequences for each melody.
- Song locations: You’ll learn songs from characters such as Impa, Malon, Saria, and Sheik as you progress through the story.
- New microphone feature: The Switch 2 remake allows players to hum, whistle, sing, or play real instruments to perform melodies Link has already learned.
All 12 Ocarina of Time Songs and Nintendo Switch 2 Button Inputs
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake features 12 standard songs, each with a specific button combination and purpose.
The following table lists every song, where to unlock it, its Nintendo Switch 2 inputs, and its effects.
| Song | Switch 2 Button Inputs | Unlock Location | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zelda’s Lullaby | Y, X, A, Y, X, A | Hyrule Castle Courtyard | Activates Triforce-marked switches and puzzles |
| Epona’s Song | X, Y, A, X, Y, A | Lon Lon Ranch | Calls Epona and obtains milk from cows |
| Saria’s Song | R, A, Y, R, A, Y | Sacred Forest Meadow | Contacts Saria and helps with certain NPC interactions |
| Sun’s Song | A, R, X, A, R, X | Royal Family’s Tomb | Changes day and night, temporarily stuns ReDeads and Gibdos |
| Song of Time | A, L, R, A, L, R | Hyrule Castle Town story event | Opens the Door of Time and interacts with Time Blocks |
| Song of Storms | L, R, X, L, R, X | Kakariko Village Windmill | Summons rain and unlocks hidden secrets |
| Minuet of Forest | L, X, Y, A, Y, A | Sacred Forest Meadow | Warps to the Forest Temple entrance area |
| Bolero of Fire | R, L, R, L, A, R, A, R | Death Mountain Crater | Warps to the Fire Temple entrance area |
| Serenade of Water | L, R, A, A, Y | Ice Cavern | Warps to Lake Hylia |
| Nocturne of Shadow | Y, A, A, L, Y, A, R | Kakariko Village | Warps to the Shadow Temple entrance area |
| Requiem of Spirit | L, R, L, A, R, L | Desert Colossus | Warps to the Spirit Temple entrance area |
| Prelude of Light | X, A, X, A, Y, X | Temple of Time | Warps to the Temple of Time |
Note: These combinations use the remake’s default ocarina controls. If you’ve enabled the alternative button layout, use the inputs displayed in your in-game songbook.
You also need to unlock each song through normal gameplay before its effects become available.
How to Play Ocarina Songs on Nintendo Switch 2
Before learning the individual melodies, it’s worth understanding how the remake’s ocarina controls work.
Unlike the original Nintendo 64 release, which used the A button and C-buttons, the Nintendo Switch 2 version uses five buttons for playing musical notes.
These are:
- L: Lowest ocarina note
- R: Second-lowest note
- A: Middle note
- Y: Second-highest note
- X: Highest note
Each song requires you to press the correct buttons in sequence.
How to Use the Ocarina
- Progress through the opening story until you receive the Fairy Ocarina from Saria.
- Press Left on the directional controls to take out the ocarina.
- Press the appropriate note buttons in the correct order.
- Link will perform the corresponding melody once you complete a song he has learned.
You can also hold ZL while using the ocarina to view your songbook and check the melodies you’ve unlocked.
This is particularly helpful when you forget the inputs for one of the longer warp songs.
The remake also includes a “Swap Ocarina-Playing Controls” option that changes the button layout.
Where to Learn All Six Regular Ocarina Songs?
The first six songs are primarily used for puzzles, side quests, interacting with characters, and progressing through the story.
Some are required for the main adventure, while others provide helpful optional abilities.
1. Zelda’s Lullaby
Button combination: Y → X → A → Y → X → A
Location: Hyrule Castle Courtyard
Learned from: Impa
Zelda’s Lullaby is one of the earliest songs Link learns.
After completing the Great Deku Tree and traveling to Hyrule Castle, you’ll eventually meet Princess Zelda in the castle courtyard.
Once the conversation ends, Impa will teach you Zelda’s Lullaby.
The song is particularly important because it activates several puzzles associated with the Royal Family of Hyrule.
What Zelda’s Lullaby does:
- Activates switches marked with the Triforce symbol.
- Opens certain passages and hidden locations.
- Helps unlock access to Zora’s Domain.
- Changes the water level inside the Water Temple.
- Solves several puzzles throughout the main adventure.
If you encounter a Triforce symbol and can’t figure out how to proceed, try playing Zelda’s Lullaby nearby.
2. Epona’s Song
Button combination: X → Y → A → X → Y → A
Location: Lon Lon Ranch
Learned from: Malon
Epona’s Song allows Link to summon his horse after obtaining her in the adult timeline.
To learn the melody, visit Lon Lon Ranch as Young Link and locate Malon near the horses.
Speak with her until she mentions the song her mother taught her, then take out your ocarina.
Malon will teach you Epona’s Song.
What Epona’s Song does:
- Helps you tame Epona when returning to Lon Lon Ranch as Adult Link.
- Summons Epona in locations where horseback riding is permitted, once you’ve obtained her.
- Causes nearby cows to provide Lon Lon Milk when you have an Empty Bottle.
Epona makes traveling through Hyrule Field much faster, so learning her song early is a good idea.
Although Epona’s Song is optional for completing the main story, it’s one of the most useful melodies for exploration.
3. Saria’s Song
Button combination: R → A → Y → R → A → Y
Location: Sacred Forest Meadow
Learned from: Saria
Saria’s Song is another important melody you’ll learn during the early stages of the game.
After meeting Princess Zelda, return to Kokiri Forest and enter the Lost Woods.
Navigate through the woods until you reach the Sacred Forest Meadow, where Saria is waiting.
Speak with her to learn the song.
What Saria’s Song does:
- Allows Link to communicate with Saria for advice.
- Cheers up Darunia in Goron City.
- Helps you obtain the Goron’s Bracelet.
- Plays a role in certain Lost Woods character interactions.
- Can help obtain an optional Piece of Heart from a Skull Kid.
You’ll need to play Saria’s Song for Darunia to progress toward Dodongo’s Cavern.
If you’re following the main quest, make sure you learn it before heading too far into Death Mountain.
4. Sun’s Song
Button combination: A → R → X → A → R → X
Location: Royal Family’s Tomb, Kakariko Graveyard
Learned from: Inscription inside the tomb
The Sun’s Song is one of the most convenient optional melodies in Ocarina of Time.
It allows Link to switch between day and night without waiting for time to pass naturally.
To obtain it:
- Travel to Kakariko Village.
- Enter the Graveyard.
- Locate the large Royal Family’s Tomb near the back.
- Stand near the tomb and play Zelda’s Lullaby.
- Enter the newly opened passage.
- Navigate through the tomb and defeat or avoid the enemies inside.
- Read the inscription near the end to learn the Sun’s Song.
What the Sun’s Song does:
- Changes daytime to nighttime and vice versa in eligible outdoor locations.
- Helps reach characters and activities available at particular times.
- Temporarily freezes ReDeads and Gibdos.
This is especially useful when hunting Gold Skulltulas, since several appear only at night.
You can also use it to avoid some dangerous enemy encounters while exploring.
5. Song of Time
Button combination: A → L → R → A → L → R
Location: Hyrule Castle Town story event
Learned from: Princess Zelda
The Song of Time is one of the most important melodies in the entire game.
You’ll learn it after collecting all three Spiritual Stones:
- Kokiri’s Emerald
- Goron’s Ruby
- Zora’s Sapphire
Return to Hyrule Castle Town to trigger a major story event.
During the sequence, Princess Zelda throws the Ocarina of Time into the moat.
Retrieve it, and Link will learn the Song of Time through Zelda’s message.
What the Song of Time does:
- Opens the Door of Time inside the Temple of Time.
- Allows you to reach the Master Sword.
- Activates or moves special blue Time Blocks in certain areas.
- Helps solve puzzles throughout Hyrule.
After obtaining the song, head to the Temple of Time and play it at the altar with the three Spiritual Stones.
This opens the path to the Master Sword and begins the next major chapter of the story.
6. Song of Storms
Button combination: L → R → X → L → R → X
Location: Kakariko Village Windmill
Learned from: Guru-Guru
The Song of Storms is one of the more interesting songs because it plays an important role across both timelines.
To learn it, enter the windmill in Kakariko Village as Adult Link.
Speak with Guru-Guru, the man operating the music box.
He’ll teach you the Song of Storms.
What the Song of Storms does:
- Summons rain in certain areas.
- Reveals hidden grottos and secrets.
- Drains the well in Kakariko Village when played inside the windmill as Young Link.
- Helps unlock access to the Bottom of the Well.
- Can be used for optional activities and rewards.
The most important use is opening the Bottom of the Well, where you can obtain the Lens of Truth.
After learning the song as Adult Link, return to the Temple of Time and switch to Young Link.
Travel back to Kakariko Village, enter the windmill, and play the Song of Storms.
This drains the water from the well, allowing you to explore the hidden dungeon.
All Six Warp Songs in Ocarina of Time and Where to Learn Them
The remaining six songs are warp melodies taught by Sheik.
These become available as you progress through the adult portion of the story.
Each song transports Link to a specific location in Hyrule, making it much easier to travel between temples and important areas.
7. Minuet of Forest
Button combination: L → X → Y → A → Y → A
Location: Sacred Forest Meadow
Learned from: Sheik
The Minuet of Forest is usually the first warp song you’ll learn.
After obtaining the Hookshot as Adult Link, travel through the Lost Woods toward the Sacred Forest Meadow.
When you reach the area near the Forest Temple, Sheik will appear and teach you the Minuet of Forest.
Effect: Teleports Link to the Sacred Forest Meadow, close to the Forest Temple entrance.
It’s particularly useful when returning to the forest after leaving to collect additional equipment or supplies.
8. Bolero of Fire
Button combination: R → L → R → L → A → R → A → R
Location: Death Mountain Crater
Learned from: Sheik
You’ll learn the Bolero of Fire while making your way toward the Fire Temple.
Travel to Goron City as Adult Link and follow the passage leading into Death Mountain Crater.
After crossing the broken bridge, Sheik will appear and teach you the melody.
Effect: Teleports Link to Death Mountain Crater, near the Fire Temple entrance.
This song makes it easier to revisit the volcanic area without traveling through Goron City every time.
9. Serenade of Water
Button combination: L → R → A → A → Y
Location: Ice Cavern
Learned from: Sheik
The Serenade of Water is obtained during your journey toward the Water Temple.
As Adult Link, travel to Zora’s Fountain and enter the Ice Cavern.
Progress through the mini-dungeon until you obtain the Iron Boots.
After collecting them, Sheik will appear and teach you the Serenade of Water.
Effect: Teleports Link to Lake Hylia, near the Water Temple entrance.
Since reaching Lake Hylia can take some time, this warp song becomes particularly useful during the Water Temple section.
10. Nocturne of Shadow
Button combination: Y → A → A → L → Y → A → R
Location: Kakariko Village
Learned from: Sheik
The Nocturne of Shadow becomes available after progressing through the Forest, Fire, and Water Temples.
Return to Kakariko Village as Adult Link to trigger a major story event.
During the sequence, Sheik teaches you the Nocturne of Shadow.
Effect: Teleports Link to the upper section of Kakariko Graveyard, near the Shadow Temple entrance.
You’ll need this song to reach the Shadow Temple area and continue the main story.
11. Requiem of Spirit
Button combination: L → R → L → A → R → L
Location: Desert Colossus
Learned from: Sheik
The Requiem of Spirit is particularly important because the Spirit Temple requires both Young Link and Adult Link.
To unlock it, travel through Gerudo Valley and the Haunted Wasteland as Adult Link.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Desert Colossus.
Enter the Spirit Temple, then return outside to encounter Sheik.
He’ll teach you the Requiem of Spirit.
Effect: Teleports Link to the Desert Colossus, near the Spirit Temple entrance.
You’ll need to use this melody to return to the area as Young Link.
This allows you to complete the child-specific sections of the Spirit Temple and obtain the Silver Gauntlets.
12. Prelude of Light
Button combination: X → A → X → A → Y → X
Location: Temple of Time
Learned from: Sheik
The Prelude of Light is one of the most useful warp songs in Ocarina of Time.
After completing the Forest Temple and obtaining the Forest Medallion, return to the Temple of Time as Adult Link.
Approach the Master Sword pedestal to trigger a conversation with Sheik.
He’ll teach you the Prelude of Light.
Effect: Teleports Link directly to the Temple of Time.
Because you’ll frequently return to the Temple of Time to switch between Young Link and Adult Link, this melody can save a considerable amount of travel time.
How to Create and Unlock the Secret Scarecrow’s Song
Besides the 12 standard songs, Ocarina of Time also features an optional custom melody called the Scarecrow’s Song.
Unlike the other songs, it doesn’t have a fixed button combination.
Instead, you create the melody yourself.
How to Unlock the Scarecrow’s Song
- Travel to Lake Hylia as Young Link.
- Find Bonooru, one of the two scarecrows standing near the lake.
- Take out your ocarina and play an original eight-note melody using at least two different notes.
- Remember the exact sequence you played.
- Return to Lake Hylia as Adult Link.
- Play the same melody for Bonooru to register it.
Once the song is registered, you’ll be able to use it at designated locations throughout Hyrule.
What Does the Scarecrow’s Song Do?
Playing the Scarecrow’s Song at certain locations summons Pierre, another scarecrow.
You can then use the Hookshot or Longshot to target Pierre and reach platforms, hidden areas, and shortcuts.
In the Switch 2 remake, swirling straw and musical notes can indicate locations where the Scarecrow’s Song will work.
The song is completely optional for the main story, but it’s valuable if you want to find hidden collectibles and explore every corner of Hyrule.
Tip: Choose a simple eight-note pattern that you can easily remember. You’ll need to repeat it later as Adult Link.
How to Play Ocarina Songs Using the Nintendo Switch 2 Microphone
One of the biggest additions to the Ocarina of Time remake is the ability to play songs using the Nintendo Switch 2’s built-in microphone.
Instead of entering the melody exclusively through controller buttons, you can hum, whistle, sing, or play the notes using a real musical instrument.
The game recognizes melodies Link has already learned and performs the corresponding song.
How to Enable Ocarina Microphone Input
According to Nintendo’s official instructions, follow these steps:
- Launch The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and load your save.
- Press the + button to open the main menu.
- Navigate to System.
- Select Options.
- Find the Ocarina Mic Input setting.
- Change the setting to Humming or Instruments.
- Press B twice to exit the menu.
- Press Left on the directional controls to take out the ocarina.
- Hum, whistle, sing, or play a melody Link has already learned.
If the game recognizes the melody, Link will perform it on his ocarina.
The microphone feature becomes available after you’ve progressed far enough to learn your first song.
Humming vs. Instruments: Which Option Should You Use?
The microphone settings offer two options depending on how you want to play.
- Humming: Use this when you want to perform melodies with your voice, including humming or singing.
- Instruments: Use this when playing melodies using an actual musical instrument.
Both options are designed to recognize the melody and activate its in-game effect.
If you’re mainly interested in completing puzzles quickly, the traditional button inputs may be more convenient.
How to Fix Ocarina Microphone Input Not Working
If the microphone isn’t recognizing your songs, there are a few things you can try.
1. Check the microphone input settings
Open the Nintendo Switch 2 HOME Menu and navigate to:
System Settings > Audio > Input Microphone
Make sure the correct microphone is selected.
Nintendo recommends using the console’s built-in microphone.
2. Move closer to the console
When playing in TV Mode or Tabletop Mode, Nintendo recommends staying within approximately 8 feet (2.4 meters) of the console.
Make sure nothing is blocking the microphone.
3. Disconnect external microphones if necessary
Connected headsets or other microphone accessories can sometimes change which input device the system uses.
Check the input settings if your voice isn’t being detected.
4. Use Practice Mode
While on the ocarina performance screen, press the − button to enter Practice Mode.
You can then check whether the game recognizes the pitch and duration of your notes correctly while viewing a song’s score.
5. Use controller buttons instead
If the microphone is struggling to recognize a melody, you can always perform the song using the standard button inputs.
Which Ocarina Songs Are Required to Complete the Main Story?
Although the game features 12 standard melodies, you don’t need every optional song to finish the adventure.
Most are learned naturally while progressing through the main quests.
The following 10 songs are used for main-story progression:
- Zelda’s Lullaby
- Saria’s Song
- Song of Time
- Song of Storms
- Minuet of Forest
- Bolero of Fire
- Serenade of Water
- Nocturne of Shadow
- Requiem of Spirit
- Prelude of Light
Meanwhile, Epona’s Song and Sun’s Song are optional.
The Scarecrow’s Song is also optional and primarily helps with exploration and collectibles.
If you’re planning to complete the game without spending too much time on side activities, focus on the story-related songs first.
For more advice on getting started, check out our Ocarina of Time beginner mistakes to avoid guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many songs are there in Ocarina of Time Remake?
There are 12 standard ocarina songs in the Nintendo Switch 2 remake, consisting of six regular melodies and six warp songs.
You can also create the optional Scarecrow’s Song, bringing the total to 13 if you include custom melodies.
Can you play Ocarina of Time songs without learning them first?
You need to unlock the songs through gameplay before their intended effects become available.
Entering a song’s button combination or humming its melody does not bypass the story requirements.
How do you check learned songs in Ocarina of Time Remake?
Take out your ocarina and hold ZL to open the songbook.
This displays the melodies you’ve learned and their corresponding button combinations.
Can you play ocarina songs with a real instrument?
Yes. The Nintendo Switch 2 remake supports microphone-based input, allowing players to perform learned melodies using real instruments.
You’ll need to enable the appropriate microphone option in the game’s settings.
Can Young Link use warp songs?
Yes. Once a warp song has been learned, it can be used in both timelines.
This is particularly important for the Requiem of Spirit, which allows Young Link to reach the Desert Colossus.
What is the most useful song in Ocarina of Time?
The Prelude of Light is one of the most convenient songs because it allows Link to return directly to the Temple of Time.
Zelda’s Lullaby and the Song of Time are also essential for several important story puzzles.
Learning all 12 songs in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is an important part of exploring Hyrule.
If you’re struggling to remember a melody, keep the button-combination table handy. Once you’ve unlocked the most useful songs, traveling around Hyrule and solving its many puzzles becomes much easier.
