The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is finally back with a complete remake for Nintendo Switch 2, bringing Link’s legendary adventure to a new generation. While the remake introduces updated visuals, modern controls, and several gameplay improvements, exploring Hyrule and completing its dungeons remains the heart of the experience.
However, progressing through the game isn’t always straightforward. Some dungeons require specific items, certain puzzles involve switching between Young Link and Adult Link, and the remake has also changed several familiar locations and encounters.
If you’re unsure where to go next, this complete The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake walkthrough covers the main story, recommended dungeon order, essential equipment, boss strategies, and everything you need to reach the ending.
In Brief:
- Recommended dungeon order: Great Deku Tree, Dodongo’s Cavern, Jabu-Jabu’s Belly, Forest Temple, Fire Temple, Ice Cavern, Water Temple, Bottom of the Well, Shadow Temple, Spirit Temple, and Ganondorf’s Castle.
- Two playable eras: You’ll begin as Young Link, collect three Spiritual Stones, and eventually travel seven years into the future using the Master Sword.
- Essential dungeon items: The Fairy Slingshot, Bomb Bag, Boomerang, Hookshot, Fairy Bow, Megaton Hammer, Iron Boots, Longshot, Lenses of Truth, and Mirror Shield are important for progression.
- Remake changes: Some puzzles and dungeon layouts have been adjusted, with improved navigation, easier equipment switching, and several changes to boss encounters.
All Dungeons in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake in Order
The remake follows the original game’s overall dungeon progression. There are eight major dungeons before the final castle, alongside smaller locations containing important equipment.
Here is the recommended order for completing the main story.
| Order | Dungeon | Main Item | Boss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Great Deku Tree | Fairy Slingshot | Queen Gohma |
| 2 | Dodongo’s Cavern | Bomb Bag | King Dodongo |
| 3 | Lord Jabu-Jabu’s Belly | Boomerang | Barinade |
| 4 | Forest Temple | Fairy Bow | Phantom Ganon |
| 5 | Fire Temple | Megaton Hammer | Volvagia |
| 6 | Ice Cavern | Iron Boots | White Wolfos |
| 7 | Water Temple | Longshot | Morpha |
| 8 | Bottom of the Well | Lenses of Truth | Dead Hand |
| 9 | Shadow Temple | Hover Boots | Bongo Bongo |
| 10 | Spirit Temple | Silver Gauntlets, Mirror Shield | Twinrova |
| 11 | Ganondorf’s Castle | Golden Gauntlets | Ganondorf and Ganon |
The Ice Cavern and Bottom of the Well are mini-dungeons rather than full temples. The optional Gerudo Training Ground also contains puzzles and rewards, but you can finish the story without completing it.
Although some adult-era dungeons can be approached in a different order, the following route is recommended for a first playthrough.
1. Kokiri Forest and Great Deku Tree Walkthrough
Location: Kokiri Forest
Playable character: Young Link
Key item: Fairy Slingshot
Boss: Queen Gohma
Reward: Kokiri’s Emerald
Your adventure begins in Kokiri Forest, where Link wakes up and meets Navi, his fairy companion.
Before visiting the Great Deku Tree, you’ll need to obtain the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield.
How to Get the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield
- Head toward the training area in Kokiri Forest.
- Crawl through the small opening leading to the maze.
- Avoid the moving boulder and reach the treasure chest containing the Kokiri Sword.
- Return to the village and collect Rupees by exploring, opening chests, and cutting grass.
- Purchase the Deku Shield from the Kokiri Shop.
- Equip both items and speak with Mido to access the Great Deku Tree.
Once inside the dungeon, you’ll encounter enemies, climbing puzzles, switches, and destructible spiderwebs.
How to Complete the Great Deku Tree
Start by climbing the interior walkways and vines to reach the upper floors.
You’ll eventually find the Fairy Slingshot, which allows Link to attack enemies and activate switches from a distance.
After obtaining it:
- Shoot the Skulltulas blocking the upper vines.
- Climb to the top section of the dungeon.
- Jump down through the spiderweb covering the central hole in the floor.
- In the basement, use Deku Sticks and torches to burn the web-covered passages.
- Activate the underwater switch to lower the water and cross beneath the rotating spike obstacle.
- Continue through the basement until you reach three Deku Scrubs.
The final Deku Scrub puzzle requires you to deflect their projectiles in a particular order.
Correct order: Middle, Right, Left (2-3-1).
After completing the puzzle, enter the boss chamber.
How to Defeat Queen Gohma
Queen Gohma is the first major boss.
Her weakness is her eye, which becomes vulnerable during specific attack animations.
- Keep Gohma targeted while moving around the arena.
- Wait for her eye to become vulnerable.
- Shoot the eye with the Fairy Slingshot to stun her.
- Move closer and attack with your sword.
- Repeat until she is defeated.
In the remake, Gohma uses the arms above her head to cover her weak point when she cannot be damaged, making her vulnerable phases easier to recognize.
Defeating Gohma rewards you with a Heart Container. After leaving the dungeon, you’ll receive Kokiri’s Emerald, your first Spiritual Stone.
2. Hyrule Castle and Meeting Princess Zelda
After completing the Great Deku Tree, leave Kokiri Forest and enter Hyrule Field.
Your next objective is to reach Hyrule Castle and meet Princess Zelda.
Head north through Hyrule Field until you reach Castle Town. From there, proceed toward Hyrule Castle.
How to Reach Princess Zelda
You’ll need to sneak through the castle grounds without being caught by the guards.
- Meet Malon near the castle entrance and obtain the Weird Egg.
- Wait for the egg to hatch into a Cucco.
- Use the Cucco to wake Talon, who is blocking the drainage passage.
- Move the crates to reach the opening leading into the castle.
- Sneak past the guards by watching their patrol patterns.
- Reach the courtyard and speak with Princess Zelda.
After speaking with Zelda, you’ll receive Zelda’s Letter and learn Zelda’s Lullaby.
These are important for reaching several areas later in the story.
Before heading to Death Mountain, visit the Lost Woods and learn Saria’s Song from Saria in the Sacred Forest Meadow.
You’ll need it to progress through the next main quest.
3. Dodongo’s Cavern Walkthrough
Location: Death Mountain
Playable character: Young Link
Key item: Bomb Bag
Boss: King Dodongo
Reward: Goron’s Ruby
Your next destination is Goron City, located along the Death Mountain Trail.
Travel to Kakariko Village and show Zelda’s Letter to the guard blocking the northern passage.
This opens the path to Death Mountain.
How to Unlock Dodongo’s Cavern
Once you reach Goron City, head to the lowest floor and find the closed door leading to Darunia’s room.
Play Zelda’s Lullaby to open it.
Speak with Darunia, then play Saria’s Song to cheer him up. He’ll reward you with the Goron’s Bracelet, allowing Link to pick up Bomb Flowers.
Return to the Death Mountain Trail and use a Bomb Flower to destroy the boulder blocking Dodongo’s Cavern.
How to Complete Dodongo’s Cavern
Dodongo’s Cavern introduces explosive puzzles, dangerous enemies, and several rooms that require careful navigation.
Your main objectives are:
- Use Bomb Flowers to destroy cracked walls.
- Explore the surrounding chambers and activate switches to unlock new paths.
- Defeat Lizalfos and other enemies blocking your progress.
- Use a chain reaction of Bomb Flowers to lower the large staircase.
- Climb to the upper floor and work through the moving-spike and flame puzzles.
- Obtain the Bomb Bag from the large treasure chest.
- Return to the upper bridge and drop bombs into the giant Dodongo skull’s eye sockets.
- Enter the skull’s mouth and solve the block puzzle leading to the boss.
The Bomb Bag is one of the most useful early-game items because it allows you to carry explosives without relying on nearby Bomb Flowers.
How to Defeat King Dodongo
King Dodongo is a massive creature that attacks by rolling across the arena and breathing fire.
Fortunately, defeating him is fairly simple once you understand the mechanic.
- Wait until King Dodongo begins inhaling.
- Throw a bomb into his mouth.
- When the explosion stuns him, attack with your sword.
- Move away before he recovers.
- Avoid his rolling attacks by staying near the edges.
Repeat this process until he goes down.
After the fight, collect your Heart Container and leave the dungeon to receive Goron’s Ruby.
Before moving on, consider climbing to the top of Death Mountain and visiting the Great Fairy Fountain.
In the remake, this Great Fairy grants Din’s Fire and unlocks Link’s magic meter. You’ll need Din’s Fire later to enter the Shadow Temple.
4. Zora’s Domain and Lord Jabu-Jabu’s Belly Walkthrough
Location: Zora’s Fountain
Playable character: Young Link
Key item: Boomerang
Boss: Barinade
Reward: Zora’s Sapphire
Your third major dungeon is located inside Lord Jabu-Jabu, the enormous guardian of the Zora.
However, reaching the dungeon requires completing several objectives in Zora’s Domain.
How to Enter Lord Jabu-Jabu’s Belly
Start by traveling through Zora’s River and entering Zora’s Domain.
Once there:
- Speak with the Zora and head toward the diving challenge above the waterfall.
- Complete the diving minigame to obtain the Silver Scale.
- Use the underwater passage connecting Zora’s Domain to Lake Hylia.
- Find the Empty Bottle containing Princess Ruto’s Letter.
- Return to King Zora and show him the letter.
- Wait for King Zora to move aside and enter Zora’s Fountain.
- Catch a fish inside an Empty Bottle.
- Release the fish in front of Lord Jabu-Jabu to enter his mouth.
Inside, you’ll need to locate Princess Ruto and help her recover the Spiritual Stone.
How to Complete Jabu-Jabu’s Belly
The dungeon is filled with electrical enemies, strange moving platforms, and living barriers.
After finding Princess Ruto, you’ll need to carry her through several sections.
Your main goals are:
- Carry Ruto to the rooms containing floor switches.
- Use her weight to hold down switches that open doors.
- Find the Boomerang in one of the branching chambers.
- Use the Boomerang to defeat electrical enemies and destroy the colored tentacles blocking different passages.
- Complete the remaining platform puzzles and open the route to Barinade.
The Boomerang is particularly important because it can stun certain enemies and activate switches from a distance.
How to Defeat Barinade
Barinade has multiple phases, and the Boomerang is essential throughout the encounter.
First, target the tentacles connecting the creature to the ceiling and destroy them with your Boomerang.
Next, deal with the electrical jellyfish surrounding its body.
Once Barinade becomes vulnerable:
- Target its exposed body.
- Throw the Boomerang to stun it.
- Move closer and attack with your sword.
- Retreat when it begins attacking again.
- Repeat until the boss is defeated.
After winning, collect the Heart Container and receive Zora’s Sapphire from Princess Ruto.
You now have all three Spiritual Stones.
5. Temple of Time: How to Get the Master Sword
After collecting Kokiri’s Emerald, Goron’s Ruby, and Zora’s Sapphire, return to Hyrule Castle.
A major story event occurs near the drawbridge, after which Link obtains the Ocarina of Time.
You’ll also learn the Song of Time.
Head to the Temple of Time in Castle Town and approach the altar.
Place the three Spiritual Stones and play the Song of Time to open the Door of Time.
Inside, you’ll find the legendary Master Sword.
Pulling the sword from its pedestal triggers one of the game’s biggest story developments.
Link travels seven years into the future and becomes Adult Link.
After meeting Rauru and learning about the Sages, you’ll return to Hyrule as an adult.
From this point onward, your main objective is to awaken the Sages by completing the remaining temples.
Important: After progressing through the Forest Temple story, you’ll gain the ability to return the Master Sword to its pedestal and travel between Young Link and Adult Link.
6. Forest Temple Walkthrough
Location: Sacred Forest Meadow
Playable character: Adult Link
Key item: Fairy Bow
Boss: Phantom Ganon
Reward: Forest Medallion
The Forest Temple is the first major dungeon in Adult Link’s adventure.
However, you’ll need the Hookshot before entering.
How to Get the Hookshot
Travel to the Kakariko Village Graveyard and locate Dampé’s grave.
Move the gravestone to reveal a hidden passage.
Inside, you’ll encounter Dampé and participate in a race through the underground tunnels.
Follow him to the end to receive the Hookshot.
Once you have it, head through the Lost Woods toward the Sacred Forest Meadow.
You’ll meet Sheik and learn the Minuet of Forest, which allows you to return to the area later.
Use the Hookshot to reach the Forest Temple entrance.
How to Complete the Forest Temple
The Forest Temple revolves around four Poe Sisters who steal the flames from the central chamber.
Your objective is to recover those flames and restore the elevator leading to the boss.
Follow these steps:
- Explore the entrance and nearby chambers to collect Small Keys.
- Use the Hookshot to reach platforms and activate switches.
- Push the large blocks through the maze-like corridors.
- Navigate the twisted hallways and defeat the Stalfos guarding important rooms.
- Obtain the Fairy Bow from the treasure chest.
- Use arrows to solve eye-switch puzzles and attack the Poe Sisters.
- Recover all four flames to activate the central elevator.
- Descend into the basement and rotate the circular room to unlock the boss passage.
The Fairy Bow becomes one of Adult Link’s most important weapons.
How to Defeat Phantom Ganon
The Phantom Ganon battle has two main phases.
During the first phase, the boss moves between paintings around the arena.
Watch the paintings carefully and shoot the real Phantom Ganon with arrows before he emerges.
During the second phase, Phantom Ganon attacks with magical energy projectiles.
- Keep your distance.
- Wait for him to launch an energy ball.
- Strike the projectile with your sword to send it back.
- Continue reflecting it until Phantom Ganon is stunned.
- Attack him while he’s vulnerable.
After defeating Phantom Ganon, you’ll obtain the Forest Medallion.
7. Fire Temple Walkthrough
Location: Death Mountain Crater
Playable character: Adult Link
Key item: Megaton Hammer
Boss: Volvagia
Reward: Fire Medallion
The next major dungeon is the Fire Temple, located deep inside Death Mountain.
Start by returning to Goron City as Adult Link.
How to Get the Goron Tunic
You’ll notice that most of the Gorons have disappeared.
Find the young Goron rolling around the city and stop him using a bomb.
Speak with him to learn what happened.
He’ll reward you with the Goron Tunic, which protects Link from extreme temperatures.
Head to Darunia’s room and move the statue blocking the secret passage.
Follow the path into Death Mountain Crater and continue toward the Fire Temple.
How to Complete the Fire Temple
The dungeon involves rescuing imprisoned Gorons, collecting keys, navigating lava, and manipulating large structures.
The main progression is as follows:
- Explore the initial rooms and free the first imprisoned Goron.
- Collect Small Keys from the prison cells.
- Navigate the lava chambers using the available platforms.
- Use bombs, switches, and blocks to access higher floors.
- Work through the maze containing moving flame barriers.
- Defeat the Flare Dancer and continue climbing.
- Reach the upper chamber and obtain the Megaton Hammer.
- Use the hammer to activate heavy switches and remove obstacles.
- Strike the central pillar to create access to the boss chamber.
- Collect the Boss Key and return to face Volvagia.
The Megaton Hammer is essential for completing the Fire Temple and several puzzles elsewhere in Hyrule.
How to Defeat Volvagia
Volvagia is a giant dragon that emerges from holes in the arena.
Keep your Megaton Hammer ready.
- Watch the holes to identify where Volvagia will emerge.
- Strike its head with the Megaton Hammer.
- Follow up with sword attacks while it’s stunned.
- Avoid its fire breath and flying attacks.
- Keep moving when rocks begin falling into the arena.
Repeat until Volvagia is defeated.
Afterward, you’ll receive the Fire Medallion.
Before leaving Death Mountain Crater, consider using your new hammer to open the nearby Great Fairy Fountain and upgrade your magic capacity.
8. Ice Cavern Walkthrough: How to Get the Iron Boots
Location: Zora’s Fountain
Playable character: Adult Link
Key item: Iron Boots
Mini-boss: White Wolfos
Additional reward: Serenade of Water
Before entering the Water Temple, you’ll need to visit the Ice Cavern.
Travel to Zora’s Domain, which has become frozen in the adult timeline.
Continue toward Zora’s Fountain and find the cave entrance among the icy platforms.
How to Complete the Ice Cavern
The Ice Cavern is smaller than the main temples, but it introduces an important environmental mechanic involving Blue Fire.
To progress:
- Defeat the Freezards blocking the early passages.
- Collect Silver Rupees to unlock the sealed doors.
- Find the Blue Fire and capture it inside an Empty Bottle.
- Use Blue Fire to melt the red ice blocking important routes.
- Solve the sliding-block puzzle to reach the final chamber.
- Defeat the Wolfos encounter guarding the treasure chest.
- Open the chest to obtain the Iron Boots.
Afterward, Sheik teaches you the Serenade of Water.
Before leaving, make sure you collect another bottle of Blue Fire.
Return to Zora’s Domain and use it to thaw King Zora.
He’ll reward you with the Zora Tunic, which allows Link to remain underwater without running out of air.
With the Iron Boots and Zora Tunic equipped, you’re ready for the Water Temple.
9. Water Temple Walkthrough
Location: Lake Hylia
Playable character: Adult Link
Key item: Longshot
Boss: Morpha
Reward: Water Medallion
The Water Temple is one of the most recognizable dungeons in Ocarina of Time.
It was also among the most confusing areas in the original game.
Fortunately, Nintendo has introduced several improvements in the remake.
How to Enter the Water Temple
Play the Serenade of Water to travel to Lake Hylia.
From there, dive into the lake and equip the Iron Boots to sink to the bottom.
Locate the underwater entrance and activate the switch above the gate using your Hookshot.
Enter the temple.
How to Complete the Water Temple
The central mechanic involves raising and lowering the water level using Zelda’s Lullaby at different Triforce symbols.
You’ll need to manage the dungeon’s three water levels to access previously unreachable rooms.
Follow this general route:
- Explore the lower chambers and meet Princess Ruto.
- Follow her upward to locate the first water-level control.
- Play Zelda’s Lullaby to lower the water level.
- Explore the newly accessible lower passages and collect Small Keys.
- Raise the water to the middle level using the next Triforce symbol.
- Return to the central chamber and investigate the passages around the central tower, including the underwater route revealed when the platform rises.
- Continue exploring until you can raise the water to the upper level.
- Navigate the moving platforms and water-based puzzles.
- Reach the room containing Dark Link.
- Defeat Dark Link and obtain the Longshot.
- Use the Longshot to access previously unreachable switches and passages.
- Collect the remaining keys and open the route to Morpha.
The Longshot increases the Hookshot’s range and becomes important for traveling through Gerudo Valley later.
How to Defeat Dark Link
Dark Link mirrors many of Link’s attacks, making him a dangerous opponent.
Instead of constantly attacking, try changing your approach.
Din’s Fire can be useful for dealing damage without relying on conventional sword strikes.
Otherwise, defend against his attacks, watch his movements, and attack when you find an opening.
Defeating Dark Link unlocks the Longshot.
How to Defeat Morpha
Morpha is a water-based boss that attacks using large tentacles.
The creature’s vulnerable core moves through the water and its tentacles.
- Keep the core targeted.
- Wait for it to become exposed.
- Use the Longshot to pull the core toward Link.
- Attack it with your sword.
- Stay away from the tentacles to avoid being grabbed.
Repeat until the boss is defeated.
You’ll receive the Water Medallion and restore Lake Hylia’s water level.
What Changed in the Water Temple Remake?
Nintendo has made several changes to improve navigation.
Most notably:
- The Iron Boots can be equipped and removed much more conveniently.
- Some walls have been replaced with lattice-style structures so players can see into adjacent rooms.
- Environmental objects and navigation cues have been adjusted to make progression easier to understand.
- Modern camera controls make it easier to inspect rooms and locate switches.
The familiar water-level puzzles remain, but getting around the temple should be considerably easier.
10. Bottom of the Well Walkthrough: How to Get the Lenses of Truth
Location: Kakariko Village
Playable character: Young Link
Key item: Lenses of Truth
Mini-boss: Dead Hand
After completing the Water Temple, return to Kakariko Village as Adult Link to continue the main story.
Following the story event there, Sheik teaches you the Nocturne of Shadow.
However, before exploring the Shadow Temple, you’ll want to obtain the Lenses of Truth.
How to Enter the Bottom of the Well
First, enter the windmill in Kakariko Village as Adult Link.
Speak with Guru-Guru to learn the Song of Storms.
Return to the Temple of Time and travel back to the child timeline.
Visit the windmill again and play the Song of Storms.
This causes the windmill to spin rapidly and drains the water from the village well.
You can now climb down into the Bottom of the Well.
How to Get the Lenses of Truth
The Bottom of the Well contains hidden passages, invisible floors, and deceptive walls.
Some of these can be crossed without special equipment, although you’ll need to pay attention to environmental clues.
To obtain the Lenses of Truth:
- Enter the dungeon and move through the hidden passage near the beginning.
- Reach the back of the central area.
- Play Zelda’s Lullaby at the Triforce symbol to stop the water flow.
- Explore the newly accessible passages.
- Find the route leading to the Dead Hand encounter.
- Defeat Dead Hand and collect the Lenses of Truth.
Dead Hand attacks using hands that emerge from the ground and attempt to grab Link.
Destroy or escape the hands, then attack the creature’s head when it lowers itself.
Once defeated, you’ll obtain the Lenses of Truth, which reveal hidden paths and objects.
This equipment is especially useful inside the Shadow Temple and the desert.
11. Shadow Temple Walkthrough
Location: Kakariko Graveyard
Playable character: Adult Link
Key item: Hover Boots
Boss: Bongo Bongo
Reward: Shadow Medallion
With the Lenses of Truth acquired, return to the adult timeline and travel to the Shadow Temple.
Play the Nocturne of Shadow to reach the entrance above Kakariko Graveyard.
You’ll also need Din’s Fire to open the main doorway.
How to Enter and Complete the Shadow Temple
At the entrance, stand in the central area surrounded by torches.
Use Din’s Fire to light them simultaneously and open the path.
Once inside:
- Use the Lenses of Truth to reveal hidden passages and invisible walls.
- Defeat the Dead Hand encounter to obtain the Hover Boots.
- Equip the Hover Boots to cross gaps that cannot be reached normally.
- Navigate the rooms containing spinning blades and other traps.
- Use the Lenses of Truth to identify safe platforms and hidden routes.
- Collect Small Keys and activate switches to open new passages.
- Navigate the ghost ship sequence and reach the final section.
- Collect the Boss Key and head toward Bongo Bongo.
The Hover Boots allow Link to move briefly beyond the edge of a platform before falling, making them useful for crossing short gaps.
How to Defeat Bongo Bongo
Bongo Bongo is a giant creature that attacks using two enormous hands.
The encounter takes place on a large drum.
To defeat the boss:
- Target its hands.
- Shoot each hand with an arrow to stun it.
- Activate the Lenses of Truth to reveal the boss’s vulnerable eye.
- Shoot the exposed eye to stun the creature.
- Approach and attack with your sword.
- Repeat until the boss is defeated.
After defeating Bongo Bongo, you’ll receive the Shadow Medallion.
12. Gerudo Valley and Spirit Temple Walkthrough
Location: Desert Colossus
Playable characters: Young Link and Adult Link
Key items: Silver Gauntlets, Mirror Shield
Boss: Twinrova
Reward: Spirit Medallion
The Spirit Temple is unique because you’ll need to explore it in both timelines.
Before reaching the temple, however, you must travel through Gerudo Valley and complete the Gerudo Fortress section.
How to Reach the Spirit Temple
Start by traveling west across Hyrule Field toward Gerudo Valley.
You can cross the broken bridge using Epona or the Longshot.
Continue into Gerudo Fortress, where you’ll need to rescue four imprisoned carpenters.
You’ll encounter Gerudo guards throughout this section, so pay attention to their patrol routes and defeat the enemies guarding the prison cells.
Once you’ve rescued the carpenters, you’ll receive permission to explore the fortress.
Next, travel through the Haunted Wasteland.
Use the Longshot to cross the initial obstacle, then follow the desert markers.
The Lenses of Truth will help you identify the hidden guide leading toward the Desert Colossus.
When you reach the Spirit Temple, Sheik will teach you the Requiem of Spirit.
Spirit Temple: Young Link Section
The first part of the Spirit Temple must be completed as Young Link.
Return to the Temple of Time, switch timelines, and play the Requiem of Spirit to reach the desert.
Enter the temple and speak with Nabooru.
You’ll need to navigate the child-sized passages and solve several puzzles to progress.
Your objectives include:
- Enter the smaller passage available to Young Link.
- Defeat enemies and activate the crystal switches.
- Use the Slingshot, Boomerang, and bombs to open new routes.
- Collect Small Keys to reach the upper chambers.
- Defeat the Iron Knuckle guarding the final section.
- Exit the temple and open the chest containing the Silver Gauntlets.
Young Link cannot use the Silver Gauntlets, but they’ll become useful once you return as Adult Link.
Spirit Temple: Adult Link Section
Return to the adult timeline and travel back to the Spirit Temple.
The Silver Gauntlets now allow Link to move large blocks that were previously inaccessible.
Continue through the adult portion of the dungeon.
You’ll need to:
- Move large blocks with the Silver Gauntlets.
- Use the Fairy Bow to activate distant switches.
- Solve puzzles involving sunlight and reflective surfaces.
- Obtain the Mirror Shield.
- Redirect light using the Mirror Shield to open new passages.
- Collect the Boss Key and reach the final chamber.
The Mirror Shield is the most important item for the upcoming boss encounter.
How to Defeat Twinrova
Twinrova consists of two witches, Koume and Kotake, who attack using fire and ice.
During the first phase, use the Mirror Shield to redirect their elemental attacks toward each other.
For example, reflect fire toward the ice witch and ice toward the fire witch.
Eventually, the witches combine into a single form.
During the final phase:
- Keep your Mirror Shield ready.
- Absorb consecutive attacks of the same element.
- Once the shield has stored enough energy, release it toward Twinrova.
- Attack with your sword while the boss is stunned.
- Repeat until Twinrova is defeated.
You’ll receive the Spirit Medallion, completing the final major temple.
For the separate child and adult routes, see the Spirit Temple walkthrough.
13. Ganondorf’s Castle Walkthrough: Final Dungeon and Bosses
Location: Hyrule Castle
Playable character: Adult Link
Key items: Light Arrows, Golden Gauntlets
Final bosses: Ganondorf and Ganon
After obtaining the required Medallions, return to the Temple of Time.
A story sequence will reward you with the Light Arrows and reveal your final destination.
Head toward Ganondorf’s Castle.
The Sages will create a bridge allowing Link to enter.
How to Complete Ganondorf’s Castle
Ganondorf’s Castle contains six elemental barriers that must be destroyed before you can reach the final boss.
The barriers are associated with:
- Forest
- Fire
- Water
- Shadow
- Spirit
- Light
You can complete most of these sections in different orders.
However, starting with the Shadow Barrier is recommended because you can obtain the Golden Gauntlets there.
The Golden Gauntlets allow Link to move extremely heavy objects, which are needed for further progression.
For each barrier, complete the associated puzzles and use a Light Arrow to destroy the magical source at the end.
Once all six barriers have been removed, you’ll gain access to the central tower.
Climb the tower while defeating the enemies guarding the route.
Eventually, you’ll reach Ganondorf.
How to Defeat Ganondorf
Ganondorf attacks using powerful magic projectiles.
The battle requires careful timing.
- Keep Ganondorf targeted.
- Wait for him to launch an energy projectile.
- Strike the projectile with your sword to reflect it.
- Continue returning it until Ganondorf is hit.
- Use a Light Arrow to stun him when he becomes vulnerable.
- Attack with your sword to deal damage.
Repeat until Ganondorf is defeated.
However, the adventure isn’t finished yet.
Escape from Ganondorf’s Castle
Following the battle, you’ll need to escape the collapsing castle alongside Princess Zelda.
Follow Zelda through the passages, clear any enemies blocking the route, and avoid environmental hazards.
Once you reach the ground, another major encounter begins.
How to Defeat Ganon
Ganon is the final boss of Ocarina of Time.
During the encounter, you’ll need to avoid his powerful attacks and look for opportunities to damage his vulnerable tail.
Use your available weapons to create openings and move behind him whenever possible.
As the battle progresses, you’ll eventually recover access to the Master Sword.
Use it to finish the encounter when Ganon becomes vulnerable.
Defeating Ganon completes the main story of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
All Major Changes to Dungeons and Puzzles in the Ocarina of Time Remake
Although the remake preserves the main story and dungeon progression, Nintendo has introduced several gameplay adjustments.
Improved Dungeon Navigation
Some rooms have been rearranged slightly, with environmental objects positioned to provide clearer hints about where players should go next.
The improved camera also makes it easier to inspect surroundings and spot switches, climbable surfaces, and potential routes.
Updated Water Temple Puzzles
The Water Temple has received some of the most noticeable quality-of-life improvements.
Equipment swapping is faster, and certain walls have been redesigned to help players understand how nearby rooms connect.
The main water-level mechanics remain part of the experience.
New Jumping and Movement Controls
The remake introduces manual jumping, replacing the original game’s reliance on automatic jumps.
This gives players more control during exploration, but Nintendo has also adjusted some environments to accommodate the new movement system.
Updated Boss Encounters
Several boss encounters have received adjustments to improve readability.
For example, Queen Gohma now visibly protects her weak point when she cannot be damaged, helping players identify the correct attack window.
Returning players should pay attention to the updated animations and attack patterns rather than relying entirely on their memories of the original game.
Threads of Time
The remake also introduces Threads of Time, a new feature that tracks Link’s journey through an illustrated tapestry.
It provides a useful overview of the adventure and can help players remember important story developments.
If you’re returning after a break and can’t remember what you were doing, checking Threads of Time is a good place to start.
Important Items to Collect Before the Final Boss
Although most essential equipment is obtained through the main story, a few optional upgrades can make the final encounters easier.
Consider collecting the following before entering Ganondorf’s Castle:
- Additional Heart Containers and Heart Pieces: Increase Link’s maximum health.
- Empty Bottles: Carry fairies or potions for additional healing.
- Biggoron’s Sword: A powerful optional weapon useful against regular enemies and several bosses.
- Magic Meter Upgrades: Allow you to use magic-based abilities more frequently.
- Great Fairy Upgrades: The final Great Fairy can reduce incoming damage, making difficult battles easier.
- Extra ammunition: Stock up on arrows and bombs before the final dungeon.
You can also work toward collecting all Gold Skulltulas and completing the game’s various optional activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many dungeons are in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake?
There are eight major story dungeons before the final castle. The main progression also takes you through the Ice Cavern and Bottom of the Well, which are smaller dungeons containing important items. The Gerudo Training Ground is optional.
What is the best dungeon order in Ocarina of Time?
For a first playthrough, follow Great Deku Tree, Dodongo’s Cavern, Jabu-Jabu’s Belly, Forest Temple, Fire Temple, Ice Cavern, Water Temple, Bottom of the Well, Shadow Temple, Spirit Temple, and Ganondorf’s Castle.
This order provides a natural progression through the story and its equipment requirements.
Can you complete the Spirit Temple before the Shadow Temple?
Yes. Certain adult-era dungeons offer some flexibility, provided you have the necessary equipment and story unlocks.
However, completing the Shadow Temple first is recommended for beginners.
Is the Water Temple easier in the remake?
The Water Temple has received navigation improvements, including easier equipment switching and changes to some walls and environmental cues.
Its central puzzles remain recognizable, but the remake makes it easier to understand and navigate the dungeon.
Can you switch between Young Link and Adult Link?
Yes. After progressing through the adult-era story, you’ll gain the ability to switch timelines by returning the Master Sword to its pedestal in the Temple of Time.
This is required for several quests and puzzles.
Do you need to complete every side quest to finish Ocarina of Time?
No. You can finish the main story without collecting every Heart Piece, Gold Skulltula, or optional upgrade.
However, exploring Hyrule and completing side activities can give you useful equipment and additional health for difficult encounters.
Completing the Ocarina of Time Remake Main Story
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake keeps the original game’s progression largely intact, with the adventure divided between Young Link’s search for the Spiritual Stones and Adult Link’s quest to awaken the Sages.
The easiest way to progress is to follow the recommended dungeon order, collect the key equipment in each area, and pay attention to the abilities unlocked along the way.
Some of the remake’s updated puzzles and layouts may surprise returning players, but the core approach remains the same. Explore thoroughly, experiment with your equipment, and revisit earlier locations whenever a new ability opens additional paths.
Once you’ve completed the major temples, collected the Medallions, and overcome Ganondorf’s Castle, you’ll have finished the main story of one of Zelda’s most memorable adventures.
