Ocarina of Time
Table of Contents
Deep in the forest of Hyrule, a young boy is troubled by nightmares. He is awoken by a fairy, Navi, who is a messenger from the Great Deku Tree. After traveling to meet the Great Deku Tree, the young boy, Link, is sent to Hyrule Castle to meet Princess Zelda. Thus begins a seven-year journey through time to save Hyrule from the clutches of Ganondorf, the Gerudo King of the desert.
Not only was Ocarina of Time the first 3D Zelda title, but it also revolutionized the way 3D games were designed and developed. With a new engine created from scratch and innovative gameplay controls and techniques, Ocarina of Time set the stage for 3D game development and its influence is still felt today, more than 20 years later.
First Release: 1998
Platforms: Nintendo 64, GameCube, iQue, Wii, Nintendo 3DS, WiiU, Switch
How to buy Ocarina of Time today
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is currently available to play on three different platforms.
The remake, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, is available as a digital download on Nintendo 3DS from the Nintendo eShop for $19.99 USD.
View the Nintendo eShop listing for Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS
The original Nintendo 64 version is available as a digital download on WiiU from the Nintendo 3Shop for $9.99 USD.
View the Nintendo 3Shop listing for Ocarina of Time for WiiU
The original Nintendo 64 version is available as on the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online application for Nintendo Switch as a part of the Nintendo Switch Online Plus + Expansion Pack subscription service for $49.99 USD per year.
Which version should you play?
Ocarina of Time 3D for Nintendo 3DS is generally considered the best way to play Ocarina of Time. However, the Nintendo 3DS hardware has been discontinued, so it will become increasingly more difficult to play this version of the game.
The Nintendo Switch version is the better of the two re-releases of the original Nintendo 64 version. Unfortunately, the Switch version has some graphical errors that long-time fans may notice. However, the game does otherwise work well for most players. This is still a relatively new release (as of December 2021), and it is possible that a future update will correct the problems.
The WiiU version should be avoided if you have an alternative. When playing on a TV, there is a noticeable lag between pressing buttons and seeing the action on screen that make it difficult to play properly when precise actions are required (like aiming). When using the WiiU GamePad, the latency between the console and the GamePad can cause this problem to be even worse.
Guides and Walkthrough
Walkthrough
Sidequests
Out-of-print Strategy Guides
Several out-of-print guides have been scanned and archived for easier access. These scans are hosted by Archive.org. These guides may contain unique artwork and many screenshots.
- Nintendo Power Ocarina of Time Player’s Guide (pictured)
- Brady Games Ocarina of Time Official Strategy Guide
- Prima’s Ocarina of Time Official Strategy Guide
- Versus Books Ocarina of Time Official Perfect Guide
- Nintendo Power The Legend of Zelda: Collector’s Edition Player’s Guide (Ocarina of Time guide begins on page 45)
For additional information about these guides and others (including some Japanese guides), visit History of Hyrule.
Zelda Guides: Info and Where to Find Them (via History of Hyrule)
Articles
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Medli’s Melodies: Kaepora Gaebora’s Wisdom and Whimsy
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Check out this Ocarina of Time invisble Twinrova glitch
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The Great Deku Tree LEGO set is being discontinued in July
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Realm of Memories: Setting Aside a Whole Afternoon for the Water Temple
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The first full-length original Zelda inspired ballet debuted this month
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Smooth McGroove’s newest Zelda acapella arrangement is none other than OoT’s Temple of Time
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Realm of Memories: Collab File With Dad
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Zelda’s Study: Twinrova’s Bladesmithing
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Realm of Memories: The Struggle For The Fourth Bottle
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Ocarina of Time’s Lon Lon Ranch gets restored in a fan Breath of the Wild mod
Character Spotlights
Bombers’ Notebook is a series where we take a special look at the various and unique characters found in The Legend of Zelda series. From the central figures to the supporting cast, every character has a story to tell and an important part to play. So, take a moment to become acquainted with the wonderful people and creatures that give life and energy to the world of Zelda and learn how they help make each game legendary.
Podcasts
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ZUCast: The Zelda Universe Podcast – April 2026) Zelda Music and Zelda’s 25th Anniversary Symphony
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ZUCast: The Zelda Universe Podcast – Oct 2025) The Top Fire Environments in Zelda
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ZUCast: The Zelda Universe Podcast – September 2025) Defending the Difficulty of The Adventure of Link
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ZUCast: The Zelda Universe Podcast – August 2025) The Case for a New Wind Waker-esque Zelda
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ZUCast: The Zelda Universe Podcast – March 2025: The Hero of Time Deserves Another Game
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ZUCast 21: Dawn of a New Year!
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20 Years of Ocarina of Time: The Unabridged Roundtable Discussion (ZUCast)
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ZUCast: Two Decades of Ocarina of Time – A (Belated) Celebration!
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ZUCast: Theorizing, Music, and a Great Debate!
Downloads
Fonts
Hylian Language Font Download
This Hylian language font appears throughout Ocarina of TIme. It is most commonly seen on the signs placed throughout the game.
Gerudo Language Font Download
The Gerudo language appears in the Spirit Temple.
Learn more about these fonts and others used in Ocarina of Time on our Fonts page.
Image Gallery
This is a sample of images from the largest gallery of official Ocarina of Time artwork. This archive includes character art, maps, items, concept art, and more!
View the complete gallery (via History of Hyrule)
