Understanding Link's movements and actions is paramount to survival in Hyrule. The game uses a simple, yet effective, control scheme. On the NES, the D-Pad controls Link's movement: Up, Down, Left, and Right. Link can move in all four cardinal directions. The 'A' button is primarily used for your equipped primary item, such as your Sword. The 'B' button is used for your equipped secondary item, which can be changed from the inventory screen. The 'Start' button pauses the game and opens your inventory, while the 'Select' button opens the sub-screen for saving or continuing your game.
Practice moving Link around the starting area to get a feel for his speed and responsiveness. Remember that Link can only attack in the direction he is currently facing. This is crucial for combat, as you'll need to position yourself strategically to land hits and avoid enemy attacks. Experiment with using your sword and any initial secondary items you acquire to understand their range and effectiveness against the various creatures you'll encounter.