The Ultimate Ocarina of Time 100% Completion Guide
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Achieving 100% completion in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a monumental task that requires dedication, patience, and a deep understanding of Hyrule. To truly say you’ve conquered this classic, you must collect every item, upgrade, and secret the game has to offer. This guide details everything needed to reach that coveted 100% mark.
What Defines 100% Completion in Ocarina of Time?
To achieve 100% completion in Ocarina of Time, you must:
- Collect all 100 Skulltulas: Each golden skulltula token must be collected and deposited at the Skulltula House in Kakariko Village.
- Acquire all Heart Containers and Pieces of Heart: This totals 20 hearts.
- Obtain all equipment upgrades: This includes the Kokiri Sword, Master Sword, and Biggoron’s Sword (or the Giant’s Knife, acknowledging its breakage); the Mirror Shield; all tunics (Kokiri, Goron, Zora); all boots (Kokiri, Iron, Hover); all wallets (Adult and Giant); and all inventory upgrades like Bomb Bags, Quivers, and Deku Stick/Nut capacity.
- Learn all 12 Ocarina Songs: Each song opens new areas or provides crucial benefits.
- Obtain all Dungeon Items and Keys: Find and collect all dungeon-specific items like compasses and maps from every dungeon.
- Complete all Trading Sequence Items: Starting with the Pocket Egg and ending with the Biggoron’s Sword (or the Giant’s Knife).
- Defeat all Bosses: Naturally, all bosses in dungeons and mini-bosses throughout the game world must be vanquished.
- Collect all Masks from the Happy Mask Shop: Complete the Happy Mask Shop quest.
Mastering the Skulltula Hunt
Collecting all 100 Golden Skulltulas is arguably the most time-consuming aspect of 100% completion. These creepy-crawlies are hidden throughout Hyrule, appearing both during the day and night. Using the Mask of Truth can often reveal the location of hidden Skulltulas.
Strategies for Skulltula Hunting
- Day and Night Cycles: Some Skulltulas only appear during specific times of day. Make sure to cycle through the day and night using the Sun’s Song.
- Listen Carefully: Skulltulas make a distinct rattling sound. Pay attention to audio cues, especially in areas where they are well-hidden.
- Use Bombs and the Hookshot: Many Skulltulas are located in hard-to-reach places. Use bombs to reveal hidden entrances and the Hookshot to reach Skulltulas high up on walls.
- Check Every Corner: Explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule. Skulltulas can be found in trees, behind rocks, and inside houses.
- Consult a Guide: Don’t be afraid to use a guide to track down the more elusive Skulltulas. Several excellent online resources provide detailed maps and descriptions.
Heart Containers and Pieces: Extending Your Life
Link begins his adventure with only three hearts, but by collecting Heart Containers from defeated bosses and Pieces of Heart scattered across Hyrule, he can increase his maximum health to 20 hearts.
How to Find Pieces of Heart
- Explore Every Location: Thoroughly search every area, including hidden caves, rooftops, and underwater locations.
- Complete Mini-Games: Many mini-games, such as the archery range in Kakariko Village and the Treasure Chest Game in Hyrule Castle Town, award Pieces of Heart.
- Solve Puzzles: Some Pieces of Heart are hidden behind environmental puzzles that require clever use of Link’s items and abilities.
- Check Obvious Spots: Sometimes, a Piece of Heart is simply sitting in plain sight. Don’t overlook the obvious locations.
- Use Guides Sparingly: Try to find as many Pieces of Heart as possible on your own. Consulting a guide should be a last resort.
The Importance of Equipment Upgrades
Upgrading Link’s equipment is essential for overcoming the challenges that Hyrule throws at him. These upgrades include not only weapons and armor, but also essential items like wallets and quivers.
Obtaining Key Equipment
- Kokiri Sword: Available at the start of the game.
- Master Sword: Obtained from the Temple of Time.
- Biggoron’s Sword/Giant’s Knife: Both obtained via the trading quest, but the Giant’s Knife breaks after a few uses.
- Mirror Shield: Found in the Ice Cavern (N64 version) or Bottom of the Well (Master Quest).
- Tunics: Goron Tunic (needed for Death Mountain), Zora Tunic (needed for underwater exploration).
- Boots: Iron Boots (for underwater traversal and resisting strong winds), Hover Boots (allows short periods of floating).
- Wallets: Adult Wallet (holds up to 200 Rupees), Giant’s Wallet (holds up to 500 Rupees).
- Bomb Bags & Quivers: Upgrading these allows you to carry more bombs and arrows, crucial for combat and puzzle-solving.
Mastering the Ocarina Songs
The Ocarina is not just a musical instrument; it’s a key to unlocking secrets and progressing through the game. Learning all 12 songs is vital for 100% completion.
The 12 Essential Songs
- Zelda’s Lullaby: Opens secret areas and proves Link’s identity.
- Epona’s Song: Summons Epona, Link’s horse.
- Saria’s Song: Allows Link to communicate with Saria.
- Sun’s Song: Changes the time of day and defeats ReDeads.
- Song of Time: Opens Time Dungeons and blocks and moves time blocks.
- Song of Storms: Creates rain and reveals secrets.
- Minuet of Forest: Warps to the Forest Temple entrance.
- Bolero of Fire: Warps to the Fire Temple entrance.
- Serenade of Water: Warps to the Ice Cavern entrance.
- Requiem of Spirit: Warps to the Spirit Temple entrance.
- Nocturne of Shadow: Warps to the Graveyard.
- Prelude of Light: Warps to the Temple of Time.
Conquering the Trading Sequence
The trading sequence is a lengthy side quest that ultimately rewards Link with a powerful weapon. Completing it is essential for 100% completion.
The Steps of the Trading Sequence
- Pocket Egg
- Pocket Cucco
- Cojiro
- Odd Mushroom
- Odd Potion
- Poacher’s Saw
- Broken Goron’s Sword
- Prescription
- Eyeball Frog
- World’s Finest Eye Drops
- Claim Check
- Biggoron’s Sword (or broken Giant’s Knife)
Defeating Every Boss and Mini-Boss
A 100% run requires the defeat of not just the main dungeon bosses but also the numerous mini-bosses scattered throughout Hyrule. Some of these mini-bosses guard valuable items or access to new areas.
Key Boss Battles
- Queen Gohma (Deku Tree): The first boss.
- King Dodongo (Dodongo’s Cavern): A fiery behemoth.
- Barinade (Inside Jabu-Jabu’s Belly): An electric jellyfish.
- Phantom Ganon (Forest Temple): A powerful illusion.
- Volvagia (Fire Temple): A dragon residing in the Fire Temple.
- Morpha (Water Temple): A water-based creature.
- Bongo Bongo (Shadow Temple): An invisible monster.
- Twinrova (Spirit Temple): Two witches who combine their powers.
- Ganondorf (Ganon’s Castle): The final confrontation.
- Ganon (Ganon’s Castle): The transformed version of Ganondorf.
Collecting Masks From the Happy Mask Shop
The Happy Mask Shop quest is a fun and rewarding side quest that involves trading masks to the residents of Hyrule. It’s a requirement for 100% completion.
The Mask Trading Process
- Obtain the Keaton Mask.
- Rent and sell the Skull Mask.
- Rent and sell the Spooky Mask.
- Rent and sell the Bunny Mask.
- Rent and sell the Goron Mask.
- Rent and sell the Zora Mask.
- Obtain the Gerudo Mask, Mask of Truth, and the Couple’s Mask (after completing Anju and Kafei’s questline in Majora’s Mask).
Ocarina of Time FAQs
1. Is 100% completion in Ocarina of Time worth it?
Absolutely! Achieving 100% completion offers a deep sense of accomplishment and allows you to experience every facet of the game. It also unlocks unique in-game rewards and secrets.
2. How long does it take to 100% Ocarina of Time?
The time required varies depending on your experience level and familiarity with the game. For a first-timer, it can take anywhere from 60 to 80 hours. Experienced players can complete it in 40 to 50 hours.
3. Can I 100% Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo Switch Online version?
Yes, you can absolutely 100% Ocarina of Time on the Nintendo Switch Online version. The core gameplay and content remain the same.
4. What is the hardest part of 100% Ocarina of Time?
Many players find collecting all 100 Golden Skulltulas to be the most challenging aspect due to their obscure locations and the time investment required.
5. Do I need to beat the Master Quest to achieve 100% completion?
No, the Master Quest is a separate game and not required for completing the original Ocarina of Time.
6. Is it possible to miss any items and become unable to 100% the game?
No, all items are obtainable throughout the game, even if you miss them initially. You won’t be locked out of 100% completion.
7. What is the reward for collecting all 100 Skulltulas?
After collecting all 100 Skulltulas, the cursed family in the Skulltula House is freed from their spider curse. You will receive an unlimited supply of Rupees as a reward, which can be useful for purchasing items.
8. Do I need to collect all the fairies in the Fairy Fountains?
While fairies are helpful, collecting all fairies for Great Fairy upgrades is not strictly required for 100% completion but highly recommended to make the gameplay experience easier, especially for newer players.
9. Can I use glitches to help with 100% completion?
Using glitches is a personal choice. While some speedrunners utilize glitches to expedite the process, it’s not necessary for a standard 100% playthrough.
10. What’s the best order to complete the dungeons?
The suggested order is: Deku Tree, Dodongo’s Cavern, Jabu-Jabu’s Belly (as Child Link); Forest Temple, Fire Temple, Water Temple, Shadow Temple, Spirit Temple (as Adult Link). However, some dungeons can be completed in a different order.
11. How do I get Epona?
You must first learn Epona’s Song from Malon at Lon Lon Ranch as a child. Then, as an adult, play Epona’s Song near the fence to summon her and win the race against Ingo to obtain her.
12. What are the best places to find Rupees?
Cutting grass, defeating enemies, and playing mini-games are reliable sources of Rupees. Once you acquire the Giant’s Wallet, you can carry more Rupees, making it easier to accumulate wealth.
13. Is there a way to avoid the Water Temple being so difficult?
Using a guide can help you navigate the Water Temple’s complex layout. Also, marking the water level switches on your map can prevent confusion. The Longshot also greatly aids in traversal.
14. How do I stop the Giant’s Knife from breaking so easily?
Unfortunately, the Giant’s Knife is designed to break after only a few uses. The alternative is to complete the trading quest to get the Biggoron’s Sword, which doesn’t break.
15. Where can I find the Mask of Truth?
After completing the Dodongo’s Cavern, return to the Lost Woods as a child. Show the Skull Kid the Skull Mask, then enter the Deku Theater as a child with the Mask of Truth. This will allow you to get the Mask of Truth.