Becoming a Painting

The ability to merge into walls as a painting is the core mechanic of The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, allowing Link to traverse previously impassable obstacles, solve intricate puzzles, and even travel between the two worlds of Hyrule and Lorule. This transformative power is granted to Link by a mysterious character and is essential for progressing through the game.

Acquiring the Merge Ability

Your journey to becoming a painting begins after your initial encounter with Yuga in the Sanctuary. Following his transformation of Seres into a painting, you'll awaken back in your house. Head outside and make your way towards the Sanctuary once more. On the path leading to the Sanctuary, you'll encounter a peculiar character named Ravio, who has taken up residence in your home.

Step 1: Return to the Sanctuary Path. After the events at the Sanctuary, exit your house and follow the path north towards the Sanctuary.
Step 2: Meet Ravio. You'll find Ravio near the entrance to the Sanctuary. He's a hooded merchant who will offer you a strange bracelet.
Step 3: Obtain Ravio's Bracelet. Ravio will gift you his bracelet, explaining that it has special powers. This item is crucial.
Step 4: Confront Yuga (Again). Continue into the Sanctuary. You'll witness Yuga attempting to transform Princess Zelda into a painting.
Step 5: The First Merge. During this confrontation, Yuga will strike Link, causing him to be knocked into the wall. Thanks to Ravio's Bracelet, instead of being turned into a painting permanently, Link will merge into the wall as a two-dimensional image. This is your first taste of the merge ability!

Understanding the Merge Mechanic

Once you've acquired Ravio's Bracelet and experienced your first merge, you'll gain the ability to merge into any flat, vertical surface by pressing the A button. This consumes a portion of your Stamina Gauge, so manage it carefully!

Activating Merge: Stand facing a wall or other flat surface and press the A button. Link will flatten and adhere to the surface.
Moving as a Painting: While merged, use the Circle Pad to move left and right along the wall. You can navigate around corners, through grates, and even across gaps that would otherwise be impossible to cross.
Exiting Merge: Press the A button again to unmerge from the wall. You can only unmerge onto a flat, accessible surface. If you try to unmerge into an obstacle or a void, Link will simply remain merged.
Stamina Gauge: The green gauge at the bottom of your screen is your Stamina Gauge. Merging consumes stamina over time. If your stamina runs out while merged, Link will automatically unmerge and be briefly stunned. Collect Stamina Fruits to increase your maximum stamina, allowing for longer merges.
Strategic Unmerging: Pay close attention to your surroundings. Often, the solution to a puzzle involves merging across a gap and then unmerging onto a ledge or platform that was previously out of reach.

Early Applications of the Merge Ability

Immediately after gaining the merge ability, you'll be able to put it to use. Here are some common early-game scenarios where merging is vital:

Crossing Gaps: Merge onto a wall adjacent to a gap and slide across to the other side.
Passing Through Grates/Bars: Many dungeons and areas feature grates or prison bars that block your path. Merge into the wall behind them and slide through.
Reaching Elevated Platforms: If a platform is just out of jump range, look for a nearby wall. Merge, move along the wall, and unmerge onto the platform.
Dodging Attacks: In combat, merging can be a quick way to avoid certain enemy attacks, especially those that travel horizontally.
Solving Puzzles: Keep an eye out for switches, hidden passages, or pressure plates that can only be activated or reached by merging.

Mastering the merge ability is key to unlocking the full potential of A Link Between Worlds. Experiment with it, and you'll discover countless ways to navigate Hyrule and Lorule!