Learn how to move Link, attack, use items, and control the camera in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time with this beginner-friendly guide to the N64 and 3DS controls.
Alright, let's get you sorted with how to actually *play* Ocarina of Time! The controls are pretty slick once you get the hang of them, and they've tweaked them a bit for the 3DS version, so keep that in mind if you're playing on that system. Don't worry, it's all pretty intuitive.
Here's a breakdown of what each button does:
| Button | Action |
| Circle Pad | This is how you'll move Link around Hyrule and also navigate through menus. Pretty standard stuff! |
| A Button | This is your main action button! Whatever action pops up in the bottom-right corner of your screen – like 'Open' or 'Grab' – that's what the A button will do. You'll be using this ALL the time. |
| B Button | Your trusty sword! A quick tap attacks. Mash it three times for a combo, spin the Circle Pad and press B for a spin attack, or use it with L Target for different sword techniques like chopping, stabbing, or guarding. |
| X Button | This is where you'll use one of your assigned items. |
| Y Button | And this is for your other assigned item. Handy for quick access! |
| L Button | This button is super useful. It centers the camera, lets you strafe around enemies or objects. If you press A while strafing, Link will do a jump attack. You can also do a cool backwards flip or a sideward dodge with specific Circle Pad and A button combinations while holding L. |
| R Button | Raise your shield! Essential for blocking attacks. |
| Touch screen (3DS) | On the 3DS, you can tap icons here to perform actions, like calling Navi. |
| ZL Button (New 3DS) | Doesn't do anything in this game. |
| ZR Button (New 3DS) | Also doesn't do anything. |
| D-Pad | No actions assigned here in Ocarina of Time. |
| C-Stick (New 3DS) | No actions assigned here either. |
The Mighty A Button
Seriously, the A button is your best friend in Ocarina of Time. You'll be pressing it constantly from the get-go. It's context-sensitive, meaning it does whatever the game tells you to do at that moment. Here’s a more detailed look at its many uses:
- Speak: Walk up to any friendly character (NPC) and press A to chat with them.
- Roll Attack: While moving, press A to perform a roll attack. It's a great way to cover ground quickly!
- Check: See a sign or an interesting object? Press A to get more information.
- Grab, Push, or Pull: For those big blocks you can't just pick up, hold A to grab on, then use the Circle Pad to push or pull them in the direction you want. You can usually only move them forward or backward.
- Grab and Throw: For smaller items, you can grab them with A, move around, aim, and then hurl them wherever you please.
- Grab and Drop: Some items you can just grab and then drop wherever you decide.
- Climb and Descend: See a ladder? Get close and press A to grab on, then you can climb up or down.
- Open Doors: Standing in front of a door? Press A to open it, assuming it's not locked, of course!
- Drop Down: If you're hanging onto a ledge, press A to let go and drop down.
- Target and Speak: If an NPC is a bit too far away to just walk up to, use the L Button to target them first, then press A to speak.
Mastering these controls, especially the versatile A button, will make your journey through Hyrule much smoother. Now you're ready to take on the world!
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