Minigames
Beyond the main quest, Phantom Hourglass offers a handful of engaging minigames that provide opportunities to earn valuable Rupees, rare Ship Parts, and even a coveted Heart Container. Mastering these diversions can significantly aid your journey across the Great Sea.
Salvage Arm Minigame
The Salvage Arm minigame is your primary method for recovering sunken treasure chests marked on your Sea Chart. This minigame becomes available after you acquire the Salvage Arm from the Cannon Island Shipyard. You can play it at any time while sailing, provided you have a treasure chart marked on your map.
- Location: On your Ship, accessible via the Ship's Wheel menu once the Salvage Arm is installed.
- How to Play:
- When sailing over a marked treasure spot (indicated by a flashing X on your Sea Chart), select the Salvage Arm from your ship's menu.
- A crane will lower into the water. Your goal is to guide the crane arm using the stylus to retrieve the treasure chest at the bottom.
- Avoid touching any enemies (like Octoroks or Sea Urchins) or obstacles (like rocks) as you descend and ascend. Colliding with them will damage the crane, reducing its durability.
- The crane has a durability meter. If it reaches zero, the minigame ends, and you lose the treasure. You can purchase repairs for your Salvage Arm at the Cannon Island Shipyard.
- Once you grab the chest, carefully guide it back to the surface, still avoiding hazards.
- Rewards: Rupees (varying amounts), Ship Parts (common to rare), and occasionally, special items like the Heart Container from the Sunken Treasure Chart.
- Strategy:
- Slow and Steady: Don't rush. The stylus controls are precise, so take your time to navigate around obstacles.
- Anticipate Movement: Enemies often follow predictable patterns. Observe them before making your move.
- Prioritize Avoidance: It's better to miss a grab and reposition than to take unnecessary damage.
- Upgrade Your Arm: Investing in Salvage Arm upgrades at the Cannon Island Shipyard will increase its durability, making higher-difficulty treasure hunts much easier.
Shooting Range
Test your aiming skills and earn some valuable Rupees at the Shooting Range!
- Location: Bannan Island. Speak to the Old Wayfarer near his hut.
- How to Play:
- Pay a small fee to participate.
- You'll be given a set amount of time to shoot as many targets as possible using your Bow.
- Targets appear and disappear quickly. Some targets are worth more points than others (e.g., golden targets).
- Avoid hitting the Old Wayfarer, who occasionally pops up. Hitting him will deduct points.
- Rewards: Rupees, based on your score. Achieving a high score can net you a significant amount of cash.
- Strategy:
- Rapid Fire: Don't hesitate. Keep your stylus moving and tap quickly to fire arrows.
- Prioritize High-Value Targets: Focus on golden targets when they appear, as they offer the most points.
- Anticipate Spawns: After a few rounds, you'll start to recognize common target spawn points, allowing you to pre-aim.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better your aim and reaction time will become.
Cannon Game
Engage in a thrilling cannon battle against a giant Octorok!
- Location: Cannon Island. Speak to the Shipyard owner after acquiring the Cannon.
- How to Play:
- Pay a fee to start the challenge.
- You'll be placed in a small arena with a giant Octorok. Your goal is to defeat it by firing cannonballs.
- The Octorok will spit rocks and occasionally charge at your ship.
- Aim your cannon using the stylus and tap to fire. You have unlimited cannonballs during the minigame.
- Rewards: Rupees, based on how quickly you defeat the Octorok.
- Strategy:
- Target the Eye: The Octorok's eye is its weak point. Aim directly for it.
- Dodge and Weave: Continuously move your ship to avoid the Octorok's rock projectiles and charges.
- Lead Your Shots: The Octorok moves, so you'll often need to aim slightly ahead of its current position to land a hit.
- Rapid Fire: Once you have a clear shot at the eye, fire as quickly as possible.
Ship Race
Test your sailing prowess against the clock in a challenging race!
- Location: Dee Ess Island. Speak to the man standing on the dock.
- How to Play:
- Pay a small entry fee.
- You must navigate your ship through a series of marked buoys within a time limit.
- Hitting obstacles or going outside the course will incur time penalties.
- The course layout changes slightly with each attempt, so memorization isn't always enough.
- Rewards: Rupees for completing the race, and achieving certain times can unlock a Heart Container.
- Strategy:
- Optimal Path: Study the course layout before starting and plan the most efficient route between buoys.
- Boost Wisely: Use your ship's boost (by drawing a line forward on the touchscreen) strategically on straightaways or to quickly reach distant buoys.
- Sharp Turns: For tight turns, quickly draw a sharp curve with the stylus to adjust your ship's direction.
- Avoid Collisions: Even minor bumps can cost precious seconds. Prioritize smooth sailing.
- Wind Direction: Pay attention to the wind direction, as it can either help or hinder your speed. Adjust your path accordingly.