Increasing Link's maximum health is crucial for surviving the tougher challenges in Hyrule. You can do this by collecting Heart Pieces and Heart Containers.

- Heart Pieces: There are 44 Heart Pieces scattered throughout Hyrule. Collecting four Heart Pieces will form one full Heart Container, adding a permanent heart to your health bar. They are found in chests, as rewards for Kinstone Fusions, mini-games, and hidden in the environment.
- Heart Containers: A full Heart Container is awarded after defeating each dungeon boss. There are 6 such containers in the game.
Aim to collect as many Heart Pieces as possible, especially before tackling new dungeons. A higher health total makes boss battles and challenging areas much more manageable. Many Heart Pieces require specific items or abilities to reach, encouraging thorough exploration and revisiting previously inaccessible areas. Consult a map or a dedicated Heart Piece guide if you're aiming for all of them.
Compare heart pieces and containers inOcarina of Time