Island-by-Island Exploration Guide — The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker Guide

Navigate the Great Sea with our Island-by-Island guide for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Find hidden treasures and complete quests on every island.

Welcome, intrepid adventurer, to the comprehensive Island-by-Island Exploration Guide for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker! The Great Sea is vast, filled with secrets, treasures, and challenges. This section will meticulously detail each island, providing actionable steps to uncover every hidden gem, defeat every foe, and complete every side quest. Prepare your charts, polish your sword, and let's set sail!

Outset Island (A-6)

Your journey begins here, Link's humble home. While seemingly peaceful, Outset Island holds a few early secrets and essential preparations.

• Initial Exploration & Tutorial:
  • Speak to your Grandma for the Hero's Clothes.
  • Head up to the lookout point to find Aryll and receive the Telescope.
  • Practice sword combat with Orca in his house. Successfully completing his training earns you 10 Rupees and a deeper understanding of basic attacks.
• Post-Dragon Roost Cavern:
  • After returning from Dragon Roost Cavern, visit Orca again. If you've mastered his techniques, he'll reward you with a Piece of Heart for reaching 1000 sword strikes.
  • Check the mail in your mailbox for a letter from the Postman, often containing a Joy Pendant or other small rewards.
• Hidden Treasures:
  • Rupee Rock: On the path leading to the lookout point, look for a large rock. Lift it to find a hidden cave containing a chest with 20 Rupees.
  • Submarine Challenge: After obtaining the Grappling Hook, a submarine appears near the island's southern coast. Defeat the enemies inside to claim a Piece of Heart.
  • Pig Catching: Catch the three pigs roaming the island and bring them to the pen near the general store. The shop owner will reward you with a Piece of Heart. Use the All-Purpose Bait to lure them.

Dragon Roost Island (B-2)

The home of the Rito tribe and the first major dungeon. This island is crucial for story progression and offers several side activities.

• Story Progression:
  • Upon arrival, speak to Prince Komali.
  • Enter the Rito Chieftain's chamber and receive the Delivery Bag and Letter from the Chieftain.
  • Deliver the letter to Quill outside.
  • Follow Medli to the top of the island and use the Grappling Hook to cross the gap. Speak to her to receive the Empty Bottle.
  • Enter Dragon Roost Cavern.
• Post-Dragon Roost Cavern:
  • After completing the dungeon, return to Prince Komali to receive the Din's Pearl.
  • Visit the mail center. The Postman will give you a Piece of Heart for delivering enough mail.
• Side Quests & Collectibles:
  • Joy Pendant Collection: Many Rito on the island will reward you with Joy Pendants for various tasks, such as showing them the Hero's Charm (obtained later) or simply speaking to them after certain story events.
  • Beedle's Shop Ship: Beedle's shop ship often docks here. Purchase the Bait Bag and All-Purpose Bait if you haven't already.
  • Tingle's Bottle (Wii U only): If playing the HD remake, locate the message in a bottle near the shore.

Forest Haven (F-6)

A lush, vibrant island home to the Koroks and the Great Deku Tree. Essential for obtaining a key item.

• Story Progression:
  • Sail into the waterfall entrance.
  • Speak to the Great Deku Tree to receive the Deku Leaf.
  • Participate in the Korok ceremony.
  • After the ceremony, collect the Farore's Pearl from the Great Deku Tree.
• Side Quests & Collectibles:
  • Forest Firefly: Catch a Forest Firefly in an Empty Bottle near the Great Deku Tree. This is needed for a later side quest on Windfall Island.
  • Kogoli's Letter: After the Korok ceremony, find Kogoli near the entrance. He'll give you a letter to deliver to his father on Dragon Roost Island.
  • Submarine Challenge: A submarine appears near the island. Defeat the enemies within for a Piece of Heart.

Greatfish Isle (B-4)

Initially a vibrant island, it becomes a desolate ruin after a certain story event. Its primary purpose is tied to a main quest item.

• Story Progression:
  • After the events at Forest Haven, sail to Greatfish Isle.
  • Witness the destruction caused by Ganondorf.
  • Speak to the fishman who washes ashore to learn about Jabun.
• Post-Jabun:
  • Once Jabun has been visited, return to Greatfish Isle. You can now find a Treasure Chart (Chart #15) in a chest on the small, accessible portion of the island.

Windfall Island (D-2)

The bustling hub of the Great Sea, Windfall Island is packed with side quests, shops, and characters. Expect to spend a lot of time here!

• Early Exploration & Essentials:
  • Tingle's Cell: Free Tingle from his cell near the jail. He'll give you the Tingle Tuner (GameCube) or Tingle Bottle (Wii U).
  • Picto Box: Visit the photographer, Lenzo, in his studio. Complete his three photography challenges to earn the Deluxe Picto Box.
    1. Take a picture of a love letter being put into the mailbox.
    2. Take a picture of the two gossiping women.
    3. Take a picture of the man running from the lady with the broom.
  • Auction House: Participate in the nightly auctions (after obtaining the Picto Box). Valuable items like Pieces of Heart, Treasure Charts, and Magic Armor can be won here.
  • Bomb Shop: Purchase Bombs from the bomb shop after freeing Tingle.
• Side Quests & Collectibles:
  • Maggie's Father: After rescuing Maggie from the Forsaken Fortress, speak to her father in his house. He'll reward you with a Piece of Heart.
  • Kamo's Firefly: Give Kamo (the artist near the auction house) a Forest Firefly (from Forest Haven) to receive a Piece of Heart.
  • Killer Bees: Help Mrs. Marie retrieve her Joy Pendants from the Killer Bees. Give her 20 Joy Pendants for the Hero's Charm, then another 20 for a Piece of Heart, and finally 20 more for a Treasure Chart (Chart #23).
  • Teacher's Pet: Find the five children (Killer Bees) hiding around the island and bring them back to the schoolteacher. She'll reward you with a Piece of Heart.
  • Light House: After receiving the Power Bracelets, lift the heavy statue blocking the lighthouse entrance. Inside, light the torch with a Deku Stick to receive a Piece of Heart.
  • Ghost Ship Chart: After obtaining the Hookshot, use it to reach the top of the building near the auction house. Speak to the man there to begin the quest for the Ghost Ship Chart.
  • Salvage Corp: After obtaining the Grappling Hook, you can visit the Salvage Corp to trade in salvaged treasure for Rupees.