Story Progression & Main Quests
Welcome, intrepid adventurer! This section will guide you through the core narrative of The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, ensuring you never miss a crucial step on your quest to rescue Tetra and defeat Bellum. Follow these detailed instructions to navigate the Great Sea and conquer its many challenges.
I. Awakening on Mercay Island
Your journey begins after a rather rude awakening. You'll find yourself washed ashore on Mercay Island, where you meet the enigmatic fairy, Ciela, and the wise old Oshus.
- Initial Objective: Find the Ghost Ship and rescue Tetra.
- Action: Speak with Oshus in his house. He will explain the situation and introduce you to Ciela, who has lost her memories.
- Key Item: Oshus will provide you with the Sword. Practice your sword techniques on the training dummies outside his house.
- Next Step: Head to the northern part of Mercay Island. You'll encounter Linebeck, a boastful but ultimately helpful captain.
- Linebeck's Ship: Linebeck's ship, the S.S. Linebeck, is currently stuck. You'll need to find a way to get it moving.
- Strategy: Explore the island, speaking to the various inhabitants. You'll learn about the Temple of the Ocean King.
II. The Temple of the Ocean King (First Visit)
The Temple of the Ocean King is a central hub and recurring dungeon in Phantom Hourglass. Your first visit is primarily to obtain the titular Phantom Hourglass.
- Objective: Retrieve the Phantom Hourglass.
- Location: The Temple of the Ocean King is located on Mercay Island.
- Entering the Temple: After speaking with Linebeck and Oshus, enter the temple.
- Temple Mechanics: This temple introduces the "curse" mechanic, where your health drains unless you are in a safe zone or using the Phantom Hourglass.
- Floor 1: Navigate the initial puzzles, avoiding the patrolling Phantoms. Use the safe zones to recover.
- Key Item: On the first floor, you will find the Phantom Hourglass. This item allows you to temporarily resist the temple's curse.
- Exit: Once you have the Phantom Hourglass, exit the temple. Oshus will explain its purpose.
III. Setting Sail & The Northern Sea
With the Phantom Hourglass in hand, Linebeck will finally agree to take you across the seas. Your first destination is the Northern Sea, in search of the first Spirit Gem.
A. Repairing the S.S. Linebeck
- Objective: Get Linebeck's ship seaworthy.
- Action: After obtaining the Phantom Hourglass, return to Linebeck. He will now agree to help, but his ship needs a new cannon.
- Location: The cannon is located in the cave to the east of Linebeck's ship.
- Strategy: Enter the cave, defeat the enemies, and retrieve the Cannon. Bring it back to Linebeck.
- Departure: Once the cannon is installed, you can finally set sail!
B. Isle of Ember & The Temple of Fire
- Objective: Obtain the Spirit of Power.
- Navigation: Sail north from Mercay Island to reach the Isle of Ember.
- Upon Arrival: Speak with the villagers. You'll learn about the Temple of Fire and the missing Old Wayfarer.
- Finding the Wayfarer: The Old Wayfarer is trapped in a cave on the island. Use a Bomb (found in a nearby chest or purchased from the shop) to clear the entrance.
- Key Item: The Old Wayfarer will give you the Bomb Bag and some Bombs.
- Entering the Temple: Use a Bomb to open the entrance to the Temple of Fire.
- Temple of Fire Walkthrough:
- Floor 1: Use Bombs to clear cracked walls and defeat enemies.
- Key Item: Obtain the Boomerang. This is crucial for hitting distant switches and collecting items.
- Puzzles: Utilize the Boomerang to activate switches across gaps and retrieve keys.
- Boss: Defeat the dungeon boss, Blaaz, Master of Fire.
- Reward: Upon defeating Blaaz, you will obtain the Spirit of Power.
- Next Step: Return to Mercay Island and the Temple of the Ocean King.
IV. Temple of the Ocean King (Second Visit)
With the Spirit of Power, you can now delve deeper into the Temple of the Ocean King.
- Objective: Obtain a Sea Chart segment.
- Action: Re-enter the Temple of the Ocean King. The Spirit of Power will allow you to access previously blocked areas.
- Floor 2: Navigate the new section. You'll encounter more challenging puzzles and Phantoms.
- Key Item: You will find a Sea Chart segment, revealing the location of the Southwestern Sea.
- Exit: Once you have the chart, exit the temple.