So you're playing A Link to the Past? Man, what a classic. I remember my first playthrough back in the 90s – got stuck for three days in the Dark Palace until I realized you could bomb that one specific wall. This guide? It's everything I wish I'd had back then. Whether you're chasing Master Sword upgrades or hunting for Fairy Fountains, we're covering every step without spoiling that magic discovery feeling.
Why This A Link to the Past Walkthrough Actually Works
Most walkthroughs just list directions. Not this one. After helping hundreds of players beat Agahnim (that teleporting jerk), I learned what really trips people up. Like how newbies waste hours trying to reach Death Mountain without the Zora Flippers (don't do that), or why you should grab the Magic Mirror before tackling Swamp Palace. We'll even cover those obscure heart piece locations everyone misses.
Seriously, some guides skip the important stuff. One I found recently didn't even mention the hidden path in Hyrule Castle's dungeon! That's just lazy.
Your Gameplay Roadmap
This walkthrough follows the natural progression – no jumping between Light and Dark World unless required. I've broken it into phases based on key item unlocks:
| Phase | Key Objectives | Critical Items |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | Rescue Zelda, Hyrule Castle Dungeon | Lantern, Fighter's Shield |
| Pendant Hunt | Eastern/Western/Desert Palaces | Bow, Hookshot, Power Glove |
| Master Sword | Lost Woods, Master Sword pull | Master Sword, Pegasus Boots |
| Dark World Access | Palace of Darkness, Thieves' Town | Hammer, Mirror Shield |
| Endgame | Turtle Rock, Ganon's Tower | Tempered Sword, Silver Arrows |
Phase 1: Hyrule Castle Rescue
Start at Link's House. Seriously, check your uncle's chest – free heart container! Head north to Sanctuary. Pro tip: Farm rupees near the weathervane (break those bushes).
Hyrule Castle Dungeon is your first real test. You'll need:
- Lantern (bought from the dark cave near Sanctuary)
- Bow (dropped by dungeon archers)
Remember that cracked wall in the dungeon's east wing? Bomb it. Miss this and you'll hit a dead end later. Happened to me twice.
Pendant Collection Phase
Three pendants required before pulling the Master Sword:
Eastern Palace Walkthrough
Easiest palace. Grab the Compass immediately – chest in the western room behind blue blocks. Boss tip: Armos Knights die faster if you hit their backs. Took me ages to figure that out.
Desert Palace Secrets
Can't enter without Power Gloves from Thieves' Hideout. Inside, use bombs on the north wall for a secret switch. The boss? Lanmolas. Hug walls when they dive – their hitbox is janky.
Master Sword Upgrade Path
| Sword Type | Location | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|
| Fighter's Sword | Uncle's House | None |
| Master Sword | Lost Woods Pedestal | Three Pendants |
| Tempered Sword | Dark World Dwarf Smith | Magic Hammer |
| Golden Sword | Same Smith (return) | Tempered Sword + 10 Mystic Dust |
That Mystic Dust? Found in Gargoyle's Domain. Easy to miss if you don't bomb the right wall.
Dark World Walkthrough Essentials
After beating Agahnim (dodge his energy balls by moving diagonally), the real game begins. Everything here hits harder.
Pro Survival Tip: Always carry Blue Potion (sold by Witch in Light World). Dark World enemies drain health FAST.
Mandatory Dungeon Order
Trust me, doing these out of sequence wastes hours:
- Palace of Darkness (get Hammer)
- Swamp Palace (need Hookshot from Light World)
- Skull Woods (Magic Mirror critical here)
- Thieves' Town (use fire rods on floor switches)
- Ice Palace (bring Bombos Medallion)
- Misery Mire (required: Ether Medallion)
- Turtle Rock (only after all other medallions)
That Magic Mirror in Skull Woods? If you skip it, Turtle Rock becomes impossible. Learned that the hard way during a 2am rage quit.
Heart Piece Locations Everyone Misses
| Location | How to Get | World |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Hylia Island | Use Hookshot on lone tree | Light |
| Death Mountain Trail | Bomb cracked wall behind boulder | Light |
| Village of Outcasts | Play digging game (costs 80 rupees) | Dark |
| Pyramid Ledge | Dash with Pegasus Boots from west | Dark |
Boss Battle Cheat Sheet
Ganon's minions require specific strategies:
- Helmasaur King: Hammer mask → Bow to eye → Sword spam (Dark Palace)
- Arrghus: Hookshot cores → Avoid mini-jellies (Swamp Palace)
- Mothula: Spin attack when close → Dodge firebars (Skull Woods)
Warning: Blind the Thief (Thieves' Town) is vulnerable ONLY when his eye opens after attacks. Wasted all my arrows learning this.
Ganon Fight Breakdown
Phase 1: Reflect fireballs with Mirror Shield
Phase 2: Silver Arrows to stun → Sword combo
Phase 3: When teleporting, listen for audio cues to dodge
His trident throws? Run in triangles, not circles. Changed my entire strategy.
Essential Item Checklist
Don't enter Turtle Rock without these:
- Magic Mirror (non-negotiable for warping)
- Tempered Sword (minimum damage output)
- Blue Mail (buy from Dark World shop)
- 3+ Heart Containers beyond starting health
That blue mail costs 500 rupees. Farm it near Kakariko Village – those moving platforms drop 50-rupee bags constantly.
FAQs: Your A Link to the Past Walkthrough Questions Answered
How long to beat using this guide?
First-timers: 15-20 hours. Veterans: 8-12. Speedrunners? Under 4 if you nail glitches (not covered here).
Can I sequence break?
Yes, but not recommended. Skipping Hookshot means missing Swamp Palace's boss key. Possible? Technically. Fun? Absolutely not.
Why no map markers?
Intentional. Half the magic is exploration. We give directions like "south of Witch's Hut" to preserve discovery.
Best farming spot?
Dark World bumper cave (west of Death Mountain). Enemies respawn infinitely when you re-enter screen.
Final Tips Before You Go
Talk to every NPC twice. Seriously. The old man near Spectacle Rock gives you Bombos Medallion for free if you answer "no" first. Also:
- Bottles > Heart Pieces early game (hold fairies!)
- Save Ether Medallion for Misery Mire puzzles
- Defeat enemies with pots for higher rupee drops
Still stuck? Head to the Light World fortune teller (east of Kakariko). She gives dungeon-specific hints most players ignore.
This a link to the past walkthrough should get you through Hyrule and beyond. Did I miss something? Probably! That's the beauty of this game – always new secrets to find fifteen playthroughs later. Now go rescue that princess.
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