Linked Game Differences & Rewards

Congratulations, hero! If you've completed The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and received a Secret, you're ready to embark on a truly epic adventure in a Linked Game of Oracle of Seasons. This isn't just a simple replay; it's an expanded storyline with new challenges, characters, and powerful rewards that culminate in the true ending of the Oracle saga.

To begin a Linked Game, select "Secret" from the main menu and input the 20-character Secret you received upon completing Oracle of Ages. This will start a new game of Oracle of Seasons with several key differences from a standalone playthrough.

Story & Character Changes

Twinrova's Presence: The nefarious Twinrova, the true masterminds behind the events in both Holodrum and Labrynna, will be introduced much earlier in the narrative. Their influence will be felt throughout the game, adding a layer of urgency and foreshadowing to your quest.
Zelda's Appearance: Princess Zelda will make an appearance early in the game, specifically after you defeat the first dungeon, the Gnarled Root Dungeon. She will be held captive by General Onox, further emphasizing the dire situation and your role as her rescuer.
New Dialogue: Many NPCs will have altered dialogue, acknowledging your previous adventure and the impending threat of Twinrova. Pay close attention to these conversations, as they often provide subtle hints about the larger plot.
The True Villain: The final boss will not be General Onox. Instead, you will face Twinrova and, ultimately, the resurrected Ganon in a climactic battle that ties both games together.

New Items & Upgrades

A Linked Game offers exclusive items and upgrades that significantly enhance Link's abilities, making the journey to defeat Ganon more manageable.

Early Game Rewards (Secrets from Ages)

Upon starting your Linked Game, several key upgrades can be obtained almost immediately by telling specific characters "Secrets" you learned in Oracle of Ages. These are often given by characters in Holodrum who have counterparts in Labrynna.

Ring Secret: Visit Vasu in Horon Village (the Ring Shop) and tell him the "Secret of the Name". This will immediately grant you the L-2 Ring Box, allowing you to carry three rings instead of one. This is incredibly useful for early-game customization.
Sword Secret: Speak to the Great Fairy in the cave north of Sunken City. Tell her the "Secret of the Sword". She will upgrade your starting sword to the Noble Sword, a significant power boost for early combat.
Shield Secret: Head to the cave in the Western Coast, accessible by swimming across the water. Inside, talk to the Old Woman and tell her the "Secret of the Shield". She will upgrade your Wooden Shield to the Iron Shield, offering better defense against projectiles.
Bomb Bag Secret: Find the Bomb Shop owner in Horon Village. Tell him the "Secret of the Bomb Bag". He will upgrade your Bomb Bag to hold 30 Bombs, giving you more explosive power for puzzles and combat.
Seed Satchel Secret: Visit the Deku Scrub in the cave on the eastern side of North Horon. Tell him the "Secret of the Seed Satchel". He will upgrade your Seed Satchel to hold 50 Seeds of each type, invaluable for using your Slingshot or Seed Shooter.
Rupee Secret: In the cave near the entrance to Subrosia, speak to the Subrosian who offers to increase your Rupee capacity. Tell him the "Secret of the Wallet". He will upgrade your wallet to hold 999 Rupees, making it easier to save up for expensive items.

Mid-Game & Late-Game Linked Rewards

As you progress, more secrets will become available, often through specific characters or events.

Hero's Cave: After completing the second dungeon (Snake's Remains), a new dungeon called the Hero's Cave will appear in the Natzu region, accessible via a small cave entrance. This optional dungeon is packed with challenging puzzles and enemies. Completing it will reward you with the Red Ring, which doubles your sword damage, and the Blue Ring, which halves all damage taken. These are incredibly powerful and highly recommended.
Maku Tree's Secret: After you've collected all eight Essences of Nature, return to the Maku Tree in Horon Village. She will give you a special Secret. Take this Secret to the Hero's Cave (if you haven't already completed it) or to a specific character in a later area (depending on the exact secret) to unlock further upgrades or items like the Master Sword or the Mirror Shield. The Master Sword is the strongest sword in the game, and the Mirror Shield can reflect certain magical attacks.
Farore's Oracle Secret: After defeating the final boss of the Linked Game, you will receive a "Secret of Farore". This secret can be used to start a new game in either Oracle of Seasons or Oracle of Ages, allowing you to carry over certain progress and unlock even more secrets in subsequent playthroughs, such as the ability to obtain the Biggoron's Sword earlier.

The True Ending

The most significant difference in a Linked Game is the expanded storyline and the true ending. After defeating General Onox, the story will continue. Twinrova will appear and attempt to sacrifice Princess Zelda to resurrect Ganon. You will then face Twinrova in a challenging battle, followed by the ultimate confrontation with the resurrected Ganon himself.

Defeating Ganon in this Linked Game is the true conclusion to the Oracle saga, providing a satisfying and complete narrative experience that cannot be achieved by playing either game in isolation. Prepare for a truly epic final boss encounter!