Post-Game Content

Congratulations, hero! You've vanquished Yuga and Ganon, saved both Hyrule and Lorule, and restored peace to the land. But your adventure in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds isn't quite over yet! There's a wealth of post-game content to explore, from collecting every last Heart Piece to conquering the ultimate challenge. This section will guide you through all the remaining tasks and hidden secrets, ensuring you achieve true 100% completion.

Completing Your Collection

Even after the credits roll, there are likely still items and upgrades waiting to be discovered. Aim for a true 100% completion by tracking down every last collectible and upgrade.

Heart Pieces and Containers

While you've likely gathered many during your journey, ensuring you have all available Heart Containers is a key post-game objective. There are a total of 28 Heart Pieces scattered across Hyrule and Lorule. Collecting four Heart Pieces will combine to form one additional Heart Container, granting you a maximum of 7 extra Heart Containers from these collectibles. Combined with the 10 Heart Containers earned from defeating dungeon bosses, a fully upgraded Link will boast an impressive 20 Heart Containers.

• Heart Pieces (28 Total): Each set of four pieces grants you an additional Heart Container. These are often hidden in plain sight, behind puzzles, or as rewards for mini-games. Use your Hint Glasses in suspicious areas, especially near cracks or ledges, to reveal hidden pathways or wall merges. Pay close attention to areas that seemed inaccessible earlier in the game, as new items or abilities might now grant access.
• Heart Containers (10 from Bosses): Beyond the Heart Pieces, you'll earn a full Heart Container after defeating each of the main dungeon bosses. Ensure you've collected all of these by revisiting any dungeons you might have skipped or rushed through.

Strategy for Finding Remaining Heart Pieces:

1. Check Mini-Games: Several Heart Pieces are rewards for achieving certain scores or milestones in mini-games like the Cucco Ranch or Octoball Derby.
2. Explore Every Corner: Revisit towns, caves, and overworld areas in both Hyrule and Lorule. Look for suspicious walls that can be merged into, hidden passages behind waterfalls, or areas that require specific items like the Hookshot or Sand Rod to reach.
3. Talk to NPCs: Some NPCs will reward you with a Heart Piece for completing a small favor or quest.
4. Bomb Suspicious Walls: If a wall looks cracked or discolored, try placing a Bomb to reveal a hidden cave or passage.
5. Use the Hint Glasses: These are invaluable for spotting hidden passages or secrets that might lead to a Heart Piece.

Maiamai and the Great Maiamai

If you haven't already, now is the time to find all 100 lost Maiamai. These adorable creatures are hidden throughout both Hyrule and Lorule, often requiring clever use of Link's abilities to reach. Each group of 10 Maiamai returned to the Great Maiamai (located in a cave north of Link's House in Hyrule) will power up one of your rented or purchased items. Returning all 100 will fully upgrade every item in your inventory, making subsequent playthroughs or challenges significantly easier and significantly boosting your combat effectiveness.

Maiamai Upgrade Tiers:

• 10 Maiamai: Upgrade one item (e.g., Bow shoots three arrows, Fire Rod shoots larger flames).
• 20 Maiamai: Upgrade a second item.
• ...and so on, until all 10 items are upgraded after returning 100 Maiamai.

Recommended Upgrade Priority:

1. Bow: Shoots three arrows at once, significantly increasing damage output and area coverage.
2. Fire Rod: Creates a larger, more powerful flame, excellent for crowd control and boss damage.
3. Ice Rod: Creates a larger ice block, useful for freezing multiple enemies or solving puzzles.
4. Hookshot: Gains increased range, making traversal and item collection easier.
5. Boomerang: Throws two boomerangs, allowing you to hit more targets or retrieve multiple items.

Prioritize upgrading your most used items first, especially those that aid in combat or puzzle-solving. The upgrades are permanent and apply to both rented and purchased versions of the items.

Bottles

There are five Bottles to find in total. These are invaluable for carrying potions, fairies, or even milk, providing crucial healing and utility during challenging encounters or Hero Mode. If you're missing any, here are their correct locations and acquisition methods:

1. Bottle 1: Purchased from the Street Merchant in Kakariko Village for 100 Rupees. This is typically the first bottle players acquire.
2. Bottle 2: This bottle is obtained from the Street Merchant in Kakariko Village. After you have purchased Bottle 1 from him, simply speak to him again. He will then offer you a second bottle for 200 Rupees.
3. Bottle 3: Found within the House of Gales dungeon in Lorule. After entering the dungeon, navigate to the large central room with the massive fan. You will need to use the Tornado Rod to activate the fan, which will then reveal a hidden passage or platform leading to a chest containing the bottle. This bottle is acquired *during* your first run through the dungeon, not after completing it.
4. Bottle 4: Located in the Desert Palace dungeon in Lorule. After draining the sand in the main chamber, navigate to the room with the large central platform. You will need to use the Sand Rod to create a path to a hidden ledge or platform that holds a chest containing the bottle. This is also acquired *during* the dungeon run.
5. Bottle 5: Win the Advanced difficulty of the Cucco Ranch mini-game in Kakariko Village. This requires excellent reflexes and timing to catch all the Cuccos within the time limit. The Cucco Ranch is located in the northern part of Kakariko Village. Speak to the Cucco Lady to start the game. The Advanced difficulty is unlocked after successfully completing the Novice and Intermediate difficulties.

Tip for Cucco Ranch (Bottle 5): Focus on catching the Cuccos that are closest to you first, then quickly move to the next group. Anticipate their movements and use the dash button effectively. It may take a few tries, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Master Sword Upgrades

Ensure your Master Sword is at its maximum power. You'll need to find the two Master Ores to forge it into its ultimate form. These ores are found within specific dungeons in Lorule.

• Master Ore 1: Found in the Skull Woods dungeon in Lorule. It's typically located in a chest after defeating a mini-boss or solving a significant puzzle within the dungeon.
• Master Ore 2: Found in the Dark Palace dungeon in Lorule. Similar to the first, it's a reward for progression within the dungeon.

Once you have both Master Ores, take them to the Blacksmith in Hyrule (located east of Link's House). He will forge your Master Sword into its most powerful form, the Tempered Master Sword. This upgraded sword deals significantly more damage, making combat much easier, especially in Hero Mode.

Hero Mode: The Ultimate Challenge

For those seeking a true test of skill, A Link Between Worlds offers a "Hero Mode" difficulty. This mode is unlocked after completing the game once on Normal difficulty. To start a new game in Hero Mode, select "New Game" from the title screen and then choose "Hero Mode." This mode is not for the faint of heart and requires mastery of combat, resource management, and puzzle-solving.

Key differences in Hero Mode:

• Increased Damage: Enemies deal significantly more damage. Even basic enemies can take out multiple hearts in a single hit. Expect to take 2-4 hearts of damage from common foes. Bosses can easily deplete half your health bar with a single attack.
• No Recovery Hearts: Enemies will no longer drop recovery hearts. You'll need to rely entirely on potions, fairies, and other healing items. This makes resource management absolutely crucial. Every Rupee spent on a potion is an investment in your survival.
• No Hint Glasses Hints: While you still have the Hint Glasses, the Hint Ghosts will not appear to offer advice, forcing you to rely on your own problem-solving skills.

Strategy for Hero Mode:

• Prioritize Defense: Focus on upgrading your Tunic and Shield as early as possible. The Blue Mail (found in the Ice Ruins) and Red Mail (found in Lorule Castle) are essential for reducing incoming damage.
• Stock Up on Potions: Red Potions (full health recovery) and Blue Potions (full health and magic recovery) are your best friends. Always carry at least two bottles filled with healing items. Fairies are also excellent for automatic revival.
• Master Dodging and Blocking: Learn enemy attack patterns and prioritize dodging. Your Shield can block many projectiles and some physical attacks, but perfect timing is often required.
• Utilize Item Upgrades: The Maiamai-upgraded items become even more vital in Hero Mode. The increased damage and utility they provide can turn the tide of battle. The multi-arrow Bow and powerful Fire Rod are particularly effective.
• Farm Rupees: You'll need a steady supply of Rupees to buy potions and rent items. Revisit mini-games like Octoball Derby or the Cucco Ranch for reliable Rupee farming.
• Save Frequently: Save your game often, especially before entering dungeons or challenging areas.
• Patience is Key: Don't rush into combat. Take your time, observe enemy movements, and strike when safe.

StreetPass Challenges: Shadow Links

If you've utilized the StreetPass feature, you'll have encountered Shadow Links. These spectral versions of other players' Links can be challenged in combat. After completing the game, you can continue to fight any Shadow Links you encounter via StreetPass, or even challenge your own Shadow Link if you've set one up.

• Rewards: Defeating Shadow Links earns you Rupees, and sometimes special items like rare materials or even a Heart Piece. The more powerful the Shadow Link (determined by the other player's progress and equipment), the better the potential rewards.
• Strategy: Equip your best gear and items. Some Shadow Links can be quite challenging, especially if they have powerful upgrades. Don't be afraid to use your own items like the Fire Rod or Ice Rod to gain an advantage. Pay attention to their equipped items and try to counter them. For example, if they use the Fire Rod, try to keep your distance or use the Ice Rod to freeze them.
• Setting Your Own Shadow Link: You can customize your own Shadow Link's equipment and items at the StreetPass house in Kakariko Village. A well-equipped Shadow Link will earn you more Rupees when other players defeat it.

Mini-Games and Side Quests

Revisit all the mini-games and side quests to ensure you've mastered them and collected all their unique rewards. Many offer valuable Rupees, Heart Pieces, or even a Bottle!

• Cucco Ranch: Located in Kakariko Village. Aim for perfect scores on all difficulties to earn Rupees and the fifth Bottle. This requires quick reflexes to catch all the Cuccos before time runs out.
• Octoball Derby: Found in Lorule, near the Swamp Palace. Practice your aim and timing to hit all the targets and earn large Rupee rewards. Achieving a perfect score on the hardest difficulty can net you a significant amount of cash.
• Fortune's Choice: Located in Lorule, in the village area. Test your luck and memory to win Rupees. The higher the bet, the higher the potential payout (or loss!).
• Treasure Chest Game: Found in Hyrule, in the small house west of Kakariko Village. Pay a small fee to open two chests and try to win a larger prize. This is a game of chance, but can be a quick way to earn Rupees if you're lucky.
• Rupoor House: In Lorule, this house will take your Rupees instead of giving them to you. It's not a "reward" per se, but an interesting side interaction that plays on the concept of a reverse mini-game. It's worth visiting once for the novelty.
• Lost Maiamai Search: As mentioned above, finding all 100 Maiamai is a significant side quest that provides invaluable item upgrades.
• Hyrule Hotfoot: Located in Hyrule, near the Sanctuary. This mini-game challenges you to reach a destination within a time limit. Successfully completing it can earn you Rupees and a Heart Piece.
• Death Mountain Ascent: While not a formal mini-game, exploring Death Mountain thoroughly in both Hyrule and Lorule often reveals hidden caves, Heart Pieces, and Maiamai.

By tackling these post-game activities, you'll truly experience everything The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds has to offer and solidify your status as the ultimate hero of Hyrule and Lorule! A fully completed save file is a testament to your dedication and skill.