Master the controls in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time! This guide breaks down every button and action on N64 and 3DS, so you can navigate Hyrule like a pro.
Hey there! So you're diving into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time? Awesome choice! The game's controls are super flexible, and once you get the hang of them, you'll be zipping around Hyrule like a seasoned pro. Just a heads-up, the 3DS version has a slightly different setup than the original N64, so some buttons might do different things or be moved to the touchscreen. No worries, we'll cover it all!
| N64 / 3DS Button | Action |
| Circle Pad | This is your main movement stick. Use it to walk Link around Hyrule and also to navigate through menus. |
| A Button | This button is your go-to for performing actions that pop up on screen, usually in the bottom-right corner. Think of it as the 'interact' button. We'll get into all the cool stuff it does in a sec! |
| B Button | This is your trusty sword button! You can mash it three times for a quick combo. If you spin the Circle Pad and press B, Link does a cool spin attack. Holding L Target and pressing B lets you chop, while holding L Target, pushing the Circle Pad forward, and pressing B performs a stab. If you hold R and press B, Link will guard and then stab. Moving sideways and pressing B results in a slice. |
| X Button | This button is for using one of your assigned items. |
| Y Button | Same as the X button, this is for using another one of your assigned items. |
| L Button | Pressing L will center the camera, which is super handy. It also lets you 'strafe' an enemy or object, meaning you can move around them while keeping them in view. While strafing, pressing A does a jump attack that deals extra damage. If you hold L, push the Circle Pad backward, and press A, Link will do a backward flip. Holding L, pushing the Circle Pad sideways, and pressing A lets Link dodge incoming attacks with a sideward flip. |
| R Button | This button brings up Link's shield. Essential for blocking attacks! |
| Touch screen (3DS) | On the 3DS, you can tap icons on the touchscreen to perform actions, like calling Navi. |
| ZL Button (New 3DS) | This button doesn't have a specific action assigned in this game. |
| ZR Button (New 3DS) | Like ZL, this button is also not used for any actions in Ocarina of Time. |
| D-Pad | The D-Pad doesn't have any direct actions mapped to it in the game. |
| C-Stick (New 3DS) | This stick also doesn't have any actions assigned to it. |
A Button Deep Dive
Okay, let's talk more about the A Button because it's seriously one of the most important buttons you'll use. You'll be relying on it constantly, right from the get-go!
- Speaking: When you're standing in front of a character (NPC), pressing A lets you talk to them.
- Roll Attack: If you're moving and press A, Link will do a roll attack. It's a great way to cover ground quickly!
- Checking: See a sign or something interesting? Press A when you're in front of it to check it out and get more info.
- Pushing/Pulling Blocks: For those big, heavy blocks that are bigger than Link, you'll press and hold A to grab onto it. Then, just use the Circle Pad to tilt it in the direction you want to push or pull. You might only be able to move them forward or backward, though.
- Grabbing and Throwing: If you find smaller items, you can grab them with A, move around, aim, and then throw them wherever you like. Handy for puzzles or just messing around!
- Grabbing and Dropping: Similar to throwing, you can grab smaller items and just drop them wherever you want.
- Climbing: When you get near a ladder, Link will automatically grab on. Then, use the Circle Pad to climb up or down.
- Opening Doors: Standing in front of a door? Press A to open it, assuming it's not locked, of course!
- Dropping Down: If Link is hanging onto a ledge, pressing A will make him drop down. Be careful where you drop!
- Targeting and Speaking (from afar): If an NPC is a bit too far away to just walk up to, you can press L to target them first, and then press A to speak. It saves you a few steps!
That covers the main controls! Don't worry if it seems like a lot at first. You'll get the hang of it super quickly as you play. Happy adventuring!
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