All Heart Container Locations in Zelda II: The Adventure of Link

Heart Container Locations

In Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Heart Containers are absolutely vital upgrades that permanently increase Link's maximum health by one unit. There are a total of eight Heart Containers available throughout Hyrule. Four of these are found in the treacherous overworld and hidden caves, while the other four are awarded for defeating the bosses of specific Palaces. Collecting all of them is crucial for surviving the game's later, more challenging areas and for facing the ultimate evil.

This section provides precise, step-by-step instructions to locate each of the four overworld Heart Containers. For details on the Heart Containers obtained from Palace Bosses, please refer to our Heart Container Acquisition Guide.

Overworld Heart Container 1: The Hidden Cave of Midoro Swamp

This is typically the first Heart Container players will encounter, provided they explore thoroughly after gaining a key ability. It's a relatively early boost to your survivability.

• Location: Midoro Swamp, west of Saria Town.
• Required Item/Spell: Jump Spell (learned from the Wise Man in Saria Town).
• Directions:
  1. From Saria Town, head west into the Midoro Swamp region on the overworld map.
  2. Navigate through the swamp until you reach a screen with a large, dark cave entrance on a high ledge. This ledge is inaccessible by normal means.
  3. Cast the Jump Spell (select it from your magic menu and press B). Ensure you have enough magic points (MP) to cast it.
  4. With the enhanced jump, leap up to the ledge and enter the cave.
  5. Inside the cave, you will find the Heart Container prominently displayed. Collect it to increase your maximum health by one unit.
• Enemies/Hazards: The Midoro Swamp area contains various low-level enemies like Octoroks and Moblins. The cave itself is usually clear of enemies.
• Common Pitfall: Players often try to reach this cave before acquiring the Jump Spell, leading to frustration. Ensure you visit Saria Town and learn the spell first. It's advisable to have at least 2 Magic Containers before attempting this, as the Jump Spell costs 2 MP per cast.

Overworld Heart Container 2: The Hammer's Secret in Western Hyrule

This Heart Container requires a specific item to clear an obstruction, opening the path to its hidden location. It's often collected on the way to Death Mountain.

• Location: Western Hyrule, south of Darunia Town, near the entrance to Death Mountain.
• Required Item/Spell: Hammer (found in the Maze Island Palace).
• Directions:
  1. After obtaining the Hammer from the Maze Island Palace, travel to Darunia Town.
  2. From Darunia Town, head south on the overworld map. You will eventually reach a screen with a large, impassable rock formation blocking a path. This formation is distinctive, often appearing as a cluster of grey boulders.
  3. Stand next to the rock formation and use the Hammer (select it from your item menu and press B). The rocks will shatter, revealing a hidden path.
  4. Follow this newly opened path. It will lead directly to a small cave entrance.
  5. Enter the cave to find the Heart Container.
• Enemies/Hazards: The Western Hyrule overworld can have stronger enemies like Iron Knuckles. The path to the cave and the cave itself are usually free of enemies.
• Strategy Tip: The Hammer is also essential for accessing Death Mountain, so this Heart Container is often collected naturally on the way to that region. Make sure you have defeated the boss of Maze Island Palace to acquire this crucial item.

Overworld Heart Container 3: The Raft's Reward in Eastern Hyrule

This container is located on an isolated island, necessitating a specific mode of transportation. It's a good idea to grab this before venturing too far into Eastern Hyrule's tougher areas.

• Location: Eastern Hyrule, on a small island in the sea, east of Nabooru Town.
• Required Item/Spell: Raft (found in the Island Palace).
• Directions:
  1. Once you have acquired the Raft from the Island Palace (after defeating its boss, the Iron Knuckle), make your way to Nabooru Town.
  2. From Nabooru Town, head east on the overworld map until you reach the coastline.
  3. Locate a small dock or a sandy beach area where you can use the Raft. This is typically a single screen with water access.
  4. Use the Raft (select it from your item menu and press B) to sail east across the sea. You will soon spot a small, isolated island with a single cave entrance.
  5. Land on this island and enter the cave.
  6. Inside, the Heart Container awaits.
• Enemies/Hazards: The sea journey itself is usually safe, but the Eastern Hyrule overworld can contain formidable enemies like Red Iron Knuckles and Wizzrobes. Be prepared for encounters on the way to the coast.
• Missable Warning: While not truly "missable," some players might overlook this island if they rush directly to the Palace on the Sea after getting the Raft. Take a moment to explore the surrounding waters thoroughly.

Overworld Heart Container 4: Death Mountain's Secret Reveal

The final overworld Heart Container is hidden within the treacherous Death Mountain region, requiring a special item to uncover its entrance. This is one of the more challenging containers to acquire due to the surrounding enemies.

• Location: Death Mountain, specifically in the area leading to the Great Palace.
• Required Item/Spell: Cross (found in the Maze Island Palace).
• Directions:
  1. After obtaining the Cross from the Maze Island Palace (the same palace where you get the Hammer), proceed through Death Mountain.
  2. Navigate through the various caves and overworld screens of Death Mountain until you reach the area just before the entrance to the Great Palace. This area is characterized by many lava pits and challenging enemies.
  3. On one of these screens, look for a seemingly empty wall or a suspicious rock formation that doesn't appear to be a normal cave entrance. The specific screen is often found after passing through several cave segments and emerging onto an overworld screen with a distinctive rock face.
  4. Equip and use the Cross (select it from your item menu and press B). The Cross reveals hidden enemies and, crucially, hidden passages.
  5. Upon using the Cross in the correct spot (usually near the center of a suspicious rock wall), a hidden cave entrance will materialize on the screen.
  6. Enter this newly revealed cave.
  7. Inside, you will find the fourth and final overworld Heart Container.
• Enemies/Hazards: Death Mountain is teeming with high-level enemies such as Goriya, Daira, and Fokka. Be prepared for intense combat and consider having your Attack and Magic stats leveled up. The cave itself is usually safe once entered.
• Strategy Tip: The Cross is indispensable for navigating Death Mountain and the Great Palace, as it also reveals invisible enemies. Keep it equipped or readily accessible while in this region. The exact location for the hidden cave can be tricky; explore thoroughly and use the Cross frequently in suspicious areas. If you're struggling to find the exact spot, try using the Cross on every screen that has a large, flat rock wall before the Great Palace entrance.

Summary of Heart Container Acquisition

Collecting all four overworld Heart Containers will significantly boost Link's survivability, providing a total of 8 health units (4 starting + 4 from these containers). This brings your total Heart Points to 8 before even considering the additional 4 Heart Points gained from defeating Palace Bosses, which will bring your grand total to 12. Prioritize these upgrades as you progress through the game to make your adventure much more manageable and increase your chances of success against the formidable challenges that await Link.