Unlocking Spring & Finding Ricky
Welcome, hero of Holodrum! After successfully navigating the treacherous depths of the Gnarled Root Dungeon and claiming your first Essence of Nature, the time has come to expand your seasonal powers and recruit a powerful new ally. This section will guide you through acquiring the ability to summon Spring and befriending the formidable boxing kangaroo, Ricky.
Step 1: Gaining the Power of Spring
Your journey to unlock Spring begins immediately after defeating the Aquamentus and obtaining the Gnarled Key from the Gnarled Root Dungeon. Do NOT proceed directly to the next dungeon area yet. Instead, follow these precise steps:
- Exit the Gnarled Root Dungeon: Once you've collected the Gnarled Key, exit the dungeon.
- Head North to the Maku Tree: From the dungeon entrance, travel directly north. You will soon reach the screen where the Maku Tree resides, just outside Horon Village.
- Locate the Cave: On the screen directly to the west of the Maku Tree's base (the screen with the small pond and a few trees), look for a small cave entrance. This cave is initially blocked by a single, liftable rock.
- Lift the Rock: Equip your trusty Power Bracelet and lift the rock blocking the cave entrance.
- Enter the Cave: Step inside the cave.
- Meet the Fairy: Within, you will find a benevolent fairy. Speak to her. She will recognize your bravery and, seeing your Rod of Seasons, will bestow upon it the power to change the season to Spring!
Congratulations! Your Rod of Seasons now has two seasonal powers: Autumn (default) and Spring. You can cycle between them using the assigned item button.
Step 2: Locating Ricky and His Missing Gloves
With the power of Spring at your command, you can now access new areas and continue your quest. Ricky, the boxing kangaroo, is a crucial animal companion who will aid you significantly in traversing obstacles.
- Head East from Horon Village: From the Maku Tree area, proceed east, past the Gnarled Root Dungeon entrance. Continue eastward until you reach a screen with a large, unjumpable gap or hole. This is typically two screens east of the Gnarled Root Dungeon.
- Utilize Spring to Cross the Gap:
- Stand near the edge of the large gap.
- Equip your Rod of Seasons and change the season to Spring.
- Observe as a small plant sprout quickly grows into a climbable vine or flower, bridging the gap.
- Cross the newly formed plant bridge to the eastern side.
- Encounter Ricky: On the screen immediately after crossing the gap, you will find a large, muscular boxing kangaroo named Ricky. He's clearly distressed. Speak to him.
- Ricky's Predicament: Ricky will explain that he's lost his prized boxing gloves and cannot continue without them. He'll ask for your help in finding them.
- Finding Ricky's Gloves:
- From Ricky's location, head directly north one screen.
- On this new screen, look for a small, distinctive bush. It's usually located slightly to the east or center of the screen.
- Use your sword to slash at the bush.
- Upon cutting the bush, Ricky's Gloves will pop out! Collect them.
- Return the Gloves to Ricky: Head back south one screen to Ricky's location. Speak to him again.
- Ricky Joins Your Party: Upon receiving his gloves, Ricky will be overjoyed and grateful. He will offer to join you on your adventure as an animal companion!
Ricky's Abilities and Importance
Ricky is an invaluable companion, especially in the early to mid-game. Here's what he brings to your quest:
- High Jump: Ricky can jump over 3-tile wide holes and ledges that Link cannot cross on his own. This is essential for reaching many new areas and is often required to access dungeons.
- Boxing Attack: While riding Ricky, you can use his powerful punches to defeat enemies quickly. His punches are stronger than Link's initial sword and can stun certain foes.
- Whirlwind Attack: By holding down the attack button, Ricky can charge up a whirlwind punch that clears enemies and projectiles in a small radius around him. This is excellent for crowd control.
- Mobility: Ricky moves faster than Link on foot, making travel across Holodrum more efficient.
Common Pitfalls & Tips:
- Don't forget the Spring Fairy! Many players mistakenly try to find Ricky before getting the Spring power. You absolutely need Spring to cross the gap to his area.
- Ricky is not always available. Like all animal companions, Ricky will sometimes leave you if you enter certain towns or dungeons. Don't worry, you can usually find him again in specific locations or by using a "Companion Flute" later in the game.
- Utilize his jump! Keep an eye out for 3-tile gaps. If you're stuck, Ricky is often the solution.
With Spring unlocked and Ricky by your side, you are now well-equipped to tackle the next challenges that await you in Holodrum!