The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Game Completion & Endings

Prepare for the final battle with Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time. This guide covers game completion and what endings await after defeating the King of Evil and r.

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Game Completion & Endings

Congratulations, hero! You've navigated the treacherous dungeons, mastered the Ocarina, and gathered the Triforce pieces. Now, only one challenge remains: confronting the King of Evil, Ganondorf, and restoring peace to Hyrule. This section will guide you through the final confrontation and what to expect upon completing your epic journey.

The Final Battle: Ganondorf's Castle

Before you can face Ganondorf, you must first infiltrate his imposing castle, located in the former Hyrule Castle Town. Ensure you are fully prepared:

  • Equipment: Equip the Master Sword and Hylian Shield. Make sure your Biggoron's Sword (if obtained) is readily accessible for increased damage.
  • Items: Stock up on Potions (Red and Blue), Fairies in Bottles, and Deku Nuts for stunning enemies. Arrows (especially Light Arrows) are crucial.
  • Magic: Ensure your Magic Meter is full. Nayru's Love provides temporary invincibility, and Din's Fire can clear groups of enemies.

Navigating Ganondorf's Castle

Upon entering the castle, you'll find six barriers blocking your path to Ganondorf. Each barrier corresponds to a Sage you've awakened. You must enter the corresponding trial and complete it to break the barrier.

  1. Forest Barrier (Forest Medallion):
    • Location: Directly ahead from the entrance.
    • Challenge: Navigate a series of rooms with Stalfos and Wallmasters. Use your Hookshot/Longshot to cross gaps and defeat enemies efficiently. The final room requires you to light torches with Din's Fire or Fire Arrows to open the door.
  2. Fire Barrier (Fire Medallion):
    • Location: To the right of the Forest Barrier.
    • Challenge: A timed puzzle involving hitting switches with the Megaton Hammer to raise platforms over lava. Be quick and precise.
  3. Water Barrier (Water Medallion):
    • Location: To the left of the Forest Barrier.
    • Challenge: A series of ice puzzles. Use Iron Boots to sink in water and Zora Tunic to breathe. You'll need to melt ice blocks with Fire Arrows to progress.
  4. Shadow Barrier (Shadow Medallion):
    • Location: Up the stairs from the central platform, to the right.
    • Challenge: A dark maze filled with invisible enemies (like Floormasters) and traps. Use the Lens of Truth to reveal hidden paths and enemies. The Hover Boots are useful for crossing wide gaps.
  5. Spirit Barrier (Spirit Medallion):
    • Location: Up the stairs from the central platform, to the left.
    • Challenge: A gauntlet of Gerudo enemies and a tricky mirror puzzle. You'll need to reflect light onto specific targets using the Mirror Shield.
  6. Light Barrier (Light Medallion):
    • Location: At the very top, after all other barriers are broken.
    • Challenge: No specific trial, but it leads directly to the final ascent to Ganondorf.

The Ascent to Ganondorf

Once all six barriers are down, proceed to the top of the castle. You'll face a series of powerful enemies, including Iron Knuckles. Use your strongest attacks and defensive maneuvers. Eventually, you'll reach the top of the tower where Ganondorf awaits.

Boss Battle: Ganondorf

The battle with Ganondorf takes place in two distinct phases:

Phase 1: Ganondorf's Tower

  • Strategy: Ganondorf will float in the center of the room, firing energy orbs. You must reflect these orbs back at him using your Master Sword (or Biggoron's Sword for more damage). This is similar to the battle with Phantom Ganon.
  • Key Items: Master Sword/Biggoron's Sword.
  • Action: Wait for Ganondorf to fire an orb, then swing your sword to reflect it. He will reflect it back, creating a volley. Keep reflecting until one orb hits him. When he's stunned, quickly fire a Light Arrow at him to bring him down.
  • Follow-up: While he's on the ground, rush in and unleash a flurry of sword attacks. Repeat this process until his health is depleted.

Phase 2: Ganon's Castle Collapse & Escape

After defeating Ganondorf in his human form, the castle will begin to collapse. You'll have a timed escape sequence with Princess Zelda. Follow Zelda closely, defeating any ReDeads or other enemies that block your path. If you get separated, use your map to find the exit. The timer is generous, but don't dawdle.

Boss Battle: Ganon

Just when you think it's over, Ganondorf transforms into the monstrous beast, Ganon. This is the true final boss.

  • Strategy: Ganon is massive and powerful. He wields two enormous swords. Initially, he will knock the Master Sword from your grasp.
  • Phase 1 (No Master Sword):
    • Key Items: Hookshot/Longshot, Bow (with Light Arrows), Biggoron's Sword (if you have it).
    • Action: Ganon's tail is his weak point. Dodge his attacks and use your Hookshot/Longshot to grapple onto his tail. If you don't have the Biggoron's Sword, you'll need to rely on Deku Nuts to stun him and then attack his tail with your remaining sword.
    • Important: If you have the Biggoron's Sword, you can use it to attack his tail directly after dodging his attacks.
  • Phase 2 (Master Sword Recovered):
    • Key Items: Master Sword, Light Arrows.
    • Action: Zelda will use her power to stun Ganon. While he's stunned, fire a Light Arrow at his head. This will expose his tail again.
    • Follow-up: Rush in and attack his tail with the Master Sword. Repeat this process until Ganon is defeated.
    • Alternative: If you run out of Light Arrows, you can still stun him with Deku Nuts or by dodging his attacks and hitting his tail, but it will take longer.

The Ending

Upon defeating Ganon, a cinematic sequence will play out, showcasing the restoration of Hyrule and the return of peace. The Sages will seal Ganondorf away in the Evil Realm. Link will return to his childhood, and the timeline will split, leading to various interpretations and future Zelda titles.

There are no alternate endings in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The story concludes with a single, triumphant resolution. However, your completion percentage will vary based on how many side quests, Heart Pieces, Gold Skulltulas, and other collectibles you've found. A 100% completion run involves:

  • Collecting all 36 Heart Pieces (18 full Heart Containers).
  • Finding all 100 Gold Skulltulas.
  • Obtaining all equipment upgrades (Biggoron's Sword, Giant's Knife, all three Tunics, Iron Boots, Hover Boots, Longshot, etc.).
  • Learning all Ocarina Songs.
  • Completing all side quests (e.g., the Mask Trading Sequence, obtaining all Bottles).
  • Maxing out your Deku Sticks, Deku Nuts, Bombs, Arrows, and Magic Bean capacities.

Enjoy the final cutscene and reflect on your incredible journey through Hyrule! You've truly become the Hero of Time.