About the Game

Welcome, hero! The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the Nintendo 3DS is a direct spiritual successor to the beloved Super Nintendo classic, A Link to the Past. This guide will help you navigate the twin kingdoms of Hyrule and Lorule, master Link's unique merging ability, and ultimately save both worlds from impending doom. Prepare for a nostalgic journey with fresh mechanics and a captivating story.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Merging Ability: Link gains the unique ability to merge into walls as a 2D painting. This is not just a gimmick; it's central to puzzle-solving, exploration, and even combat. Practice using it to bypass obstacles, reach new areas, and dodge enemy attacks. Remember, merging consumes your energy gauge, so manage it wisely! The energy gauge replenishes automatically over time, encouraging frequent use.
Item Rental System: One of the most significant departures from traditional Zelda games is Ravio's Shop. Instead of finding key items in dungeons, you'll rent them from Ravio early on. This allows for unprecedented non-linear dungeon progression. You can rent almost any item for a small fee, and if you fall in battle, Ravio's items are returned to his shop, requiring you to rent them again. Later in the game, you'll have the option to purchase these items permanently.
Non-Linear Progression: After completing the initial events in Hyrule, the world opens up considerably. You can tackle most of the remaining dungeons in any order you choose, provided you have the necessary rented items. This freedom encourages exploration and strategic item management. Experiment with different item combinations to see what works best for each dungeon and boss.
Energy Gauge: Replacing the traditional magic meter, the energy gauge is a universal resource for all of Ravio's rented items and Link's merging ability. This streamlined system encourages players to use their tools creatively and frequently without worrying about specific magic costs for each item.

Getting Started: Your First Steps in Hyrule

Upon awakening in Link's house in Hyrule, your initial objectives are straightforward, guiding you through the first crucial moments of your adventure:

The Blacksmith's Request: Your first task is to deliver the finished sword to the Captain at the Sanctuary, located just north of Hyrule Castle. Head east from your house, cross the bridge, and proceed towards the castle gates, then veer north to the Sanctuary.
Yuga's Attack & The Hero's Sword: As you approach the Sanctuary, you'll witness the villainous Yuga transforming Seres into a painting. After a brief confrontation where Yuga easily overpowers Link, you'll awaken back at the Blacksmith's house. It is here that the Blacksmith, concerned for your safety and seeing your courage, will gift you the Hero's Sword, your primary weapon for the early game.
Meet Princess Zelda & Zelda's Bracelet: Following these dramatic events, you'll be directed to Hyrule Castle to speak with Princess Zelda. She will entrust you with Zelda's Bracelet. This magical artifact is crucial, as it grants Link the ability to merge into walls, a core mechanic that will define your journey through both Hyrule and Lorule.
Ravio's Shop & First Item Rental: Shortly after, Ravio will set up shop in Link's house. He will provide you with the Lamp for free, which is essential for navigating dark areas. He will also introduce his item rental system. For your very first rental, we strongly recommend prioritizing the Bow, as it is required for the first dungeon.

Essential Early Game Items & Locations

Understanding which items to acquire and where to find them is key to a smooth start. Here’s a breakdown of crucial early-game acquisitions:

Lamp: Obtained for free from Ravio. This item is crucial for illuminating dark caves and dungeons, allowing you to see enemies, pathways, and hidden secrets. Without it, certain areas are impassable.
Hero's Sword: Gifted by the Blacksmith after Yuga's initial attack. This is your basic melee weapon, essential for combat against early enemies like Green Slimes, Octoroks, and Moblins.
Shield: Can be purchased from the Street Merchant in Kakariko Village for 50 Rupees. The Shield provides vital defense against projectiles such as Octorok rocks and enemy arrows, making combat significantly easier. Kakariko Village is located west of Link's house.
Bow: Rentable from Ravio for 50 Rupees. The Bow is an excellent choice for your first rented item, especially as it is essential for progressing through the Eastern Palace, the first dungeon. It allows for ranged attacks, activating distant switches, and defeating flying enemies.
Bottles: Keep an eye out for these! Bottles are invaluable for carrying potions, fairies, or other helpful liquids that can restore health or provide temporary buffs.
- The first bottle can be found in a chest near the Zora's Domain waterfall after completing a simple puzzle involving a Zora. To reach Zora's Domain, head north from the Blacksmith's house, then follow the river east. You'll need to use Link's merging ability to navigate some of the river paths.
- Another early bottle can be purchased from the Street Merchant in Kakariko Village for 100 Rupees after you've acquired the Shield.

Navigating the Eastern Palace: Your First Dungeon

The Eastern Palace is your first true test, located to the east of Link's house. Here's what you need to know:

Recommended Item: The Bow is absolutely essential for this dungeon. Ensure you have rented it from Ravio before entering.
Enemies: You'll encounter Popos (small, bouncing enemies), Green Slimes, and Armos (statues that come to life). Use your sword for close-range combat and the Bow for enemies that are out of reach or require a specific weakness.
Puzzles: The Eastern Palace primarily features switch puzzles, pressure plates, and navigating moving platforms. Your merging ability will be crucial for bypassing obstacles and reaching otherwise inaccessible areas. Look for cracks in walls or suspicious-looking sections where you can merge.
Mini-Boss: The mini-boss is a large Armos Knight. Use your sword to attack its vulnerable back after it charges past you. Be careful of its ground pound attack.
Boss: Yuga (First Encounter)
- Strategy: Yuga will attack by creating paintings of enemies that float towards you. Use your Bow to shoot these paintings before they reach you and solidify. Yuga will occasionally merge into the wall himself. When he does, merge into the wall yourself and move to his position to knock him out of the wall with your sword. Repeat this process until he is defeated.
- Reward: Upon defeating Yuga, you will obtain the Pendant of Courage, one of the three Pendants of Virtue required to obtain the Master Sword.

Remember to explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule. Many secrets, rupees, and even pieces of heart are hidden in plain sight or behind simple environmental puzzles. Don't be afraid to use Link's merging ability on any wall that looks suspicious – it's often the key to unlocking new paths and discovering hidden treasures! The world is full of opportunities for exploration and discovery, so take your time and enjoy the journey.