The Legend of Zelda

Check your edition

Editions & platforms

Before you start

1986 original; subsequent ports and Nintendo Classics releases share the underlying structure. Keep First Quest and Second Quest separate.

Bombable walls and burnable bushes matter throughout. Retain rupees for arrows and purchases. Finishing First Quest does not cover Second Quest.

Main route & dungeon order

An ordered progression route. Use the stated coverage to distinguish this overview from a room-by-room solution.

1. 01

   Stage 1

   Take the sword from the starting cave. Gather rupees for a candle, shield and bombs; stronger swords require more heart containers. Mark cave entrances and purchased clues on your overworld map.

2. 02

   Stage 2

   A straightforward route clears Levels 1–4: Eagle, Moon, Manji and Snake. Collect their key tools before leaving: the bow, raft and stepladder open later overworld routes.

3. 03

   Stage 3

   Levels 5–8 are Lizard, Dragon, Demon and Lion. Obtain the recorder and bait; these resolve a later entrance and a blocked dungeon passage.

4. 04

   Stage 4

   Eight Triforce fragments unlock Level 9 at Death Mountain. Find the red ring and silver arrows before facing Ganon. Strike him with the sword, then finish his vulnerable phase with a silver arrow.

Collection goals & secrets

Heart containers, bomb-capacity upgrades, sword tiers, rings, magical shield and every dungeon tool. Second Quest changes secrets and dungeon layouts.