The Colorful Truth: Does Link’s Awakening on Switch Have the Color Dungeon?

Yes, absolutely! The Color Dungeon is indeed present and accounted for in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake for the Nintendo Switch. This vibrant and puzzle-filled area, originally introduced in the Game Boy Color version (Link’s Awakening DX), makes a triumphant return, offering players a unique challenge and a valuable reward. Get ready to flex your brain muscles and brighten up your adventure!

Delving into the Depths of the Color Dungeon

The Color Dungeon isn’t just a visually appealing addition; it’s a significant side quest that adds depth and replayability to the game. Unlike the main dungeons, the Color Dungeon is optional, meaning you aren’t required to complete it to finish the story. However, its rewards are well worth the effort, offering a tangible boost to Link’s abilities.

A Colorful Challenge Awaits

The puzzles within the Color Dungeon are, as the name suggests, themed around color. You’ll need to strategically manipulate colored blocks, navigate color-coded pathways, and solve riddles that rely on your understanding of chromatic relationships. It’s a fun departure from the standard dungeon fare and requires a different kind of thinking.

The Ultimate Reward: Red or Blue Mail?

Upon successfully completing the Color Dungeon, you’re presented with a crucial choice: the Red Mail or the Blue Mail.

• Red Mail: Doubles your attack power, allowing you to defeat enemies more quickly.

• Blue Mail: Doubles your defense, reducing the damage you take from enemy attacks.

The best choice depends on your play style. If you prefer an offensive approach and want to dispatch enemies quickly, the Red Mail is your best bet. If you prioritize survivability and want to withstand more punishment, the Blue Mail is the way to go.

When Can You Access the Color Dungeon?

You can access the Color Dungeon relatively early in the game. While technically possible after obtaining the Power Bracelet in the second dungeon (Bottle Grotto), it’s generally recommended to tackle it after completing the third dungeon, the Key Cavern, and obtaining the Pegasus Boots. This is because you need the running shoes to traverse the whole Color Dungeon, or know the sequence. The intended order is after getting the running shoes and after the third dungeon. This timeframe aligns with the game’s intended progression and ensures you’re adequately equipped to handle the challenges within.

Finding the Entrance: The Gravestone Puzzle

To unlock the entrance to the Color Dungeon, you need to solve a gravestone puzzle located in the Graveyard, to the north of Mabe Village. You need to push the gravestones in a specific order to reveal the staircase that leads to the underground dungeon.

The Color Dungeon and the Original Game

It’s worth noting that the Color Dungeon wasn’t present in the original Game Boy version of Link’s Awakening. It was introduced in the Game Boy Color re-release, Link’s Awakening DX, as a way to showcase the console’s enhanced color capabilities. The inclusion of the Color Dungeon in the Switch remake is a welcome nod to the DX version and adds a substantial amount of content for players to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Color Dungeon

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the details surrounding the Color Dungeon in Link’s Awakening on Switch:

1. Do I have to do the Color Dungeon to beat the game? No, the Color Dungeon is entirely optional. You can complete the main story without ever setting foot inside.

2. Is the Color Dungeon harder than the main dungeons? The difficulty is subjective. Some players find the Color Dungeon’s puzzles challenging, while others find them relatively straightforward. It generally requires a different type of problem-solving than the main dungeons.

3. Can I get both the Red Mail and the Blue Mail? No, you can only choose one or the other. Choose wisely! The choice is permanent.

4. Is there anything else to find in the Color Dungeon besides the Red/Blue Mail? The main reward is the Red or Blue Mail. The dungeon primarily focuses on the core puzzle solving and reward.

5. What happens if I die in the Color Dungeon? You’ll be returned to the entrance of the dungeon, just like in any other dungeon.

6. Do I need any specific items besides the Power Bracelet and Pegasus Boots to complete the Color Dungeon? While not strictly required, having a good supply of bombs and arrows can be helpful for solving certain puzzles and defeating enemies.

7. Is there a boss in the Color Dungeon? Yes, the Color Dungeon culminates in a battle against a multi-colored worm.

8. Is the Color Dungeon different in the Switch version compared to the Game Boy Color version? The layout and puzzles are largely the same, but the visuals have been updated to take advantage of the Switch’s enhanced graphics.

9. Are there any Heart Pieces or Secret Seashells hidden in the Color Dungeon? No, the Color Dungeon does not contain any Heart Pieces or Secret Seashells.

10. Does the Color Dungeon contribute to 100% completion of the game? Since the Red or Blue mail is a powerful boost to the gameplay, it may be a must have in some circumstances. However, it is not critical for 100% completion of the game.

11. Can I access the Color Dungeon before completing any main dungeons? You need the power bracelet from Bottle Grotto.

12. Is the Color Dungeon easier or harder with the Red Mail/Blue Mail? Neither will have any effect on the dungeon itself.

13. Where is the Graveyard located? The Graveyard is located north of Mabe Village, easily accessible from the town.

14. Does amiibo functionality impact the color dungeon? No, amiibo functionality primarily affects the Chamber Dungeon building feature.

15. What are the benefits of playing The Legend of Zelda for learning? Playing games like The Legend of Zelda can help people improve their problem-solving skills and spatial reasoning, and can also help people’s creativity. The Games Learning Society explores these concepts in depth. To learn more about the intersection of gaming and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion: Embrace the Colors!

The Color Dungeon is a fantastic addition to the Link’s Awakening remake on Switch. It offers a unique challenge, a compelling reward, and a splash of vibrant color to an already captivating adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned Zelda veteran or a newcomer to Koholint Island, be sure to explore the depths of the Color Dungeon and discover the colorful secrets that await!