Boss Key

The Boss Key, also known as the Big Key, is an item found in many Legend of Zelda games. It usually allows the player to unlock the door to the boss chamber. This key commonly appears bigger and more ornate than other keys, and is sometimes customized to fit the dungeon theme. In each Zelda game, the Boss Key, or Big Key, has a slightly different use or appearance. All of the Big Key's appearance are listed below.

Appearances

A Link to the Past

In this game there is a Big Key. This key is used to open up a Big Chest, which contains the dungeon item. It also opens a door that lead to the boss.

Link's Awakening

The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening has a different version of the Big Key that is called the Nightmare Key. It has the only function of opening up the door that leads directly to the boss chamber.

Ocarina of Time

Ocarina of Time is the first game to introduce 3D perspective, and thus we got to see the Boss Key in 3D for the first time. The Boss Key opens the door that leads directly to the boss chamber.

Majora's Mask

The Boss Key in Majora's Mask serves the same purpose as the Boss Key from Ocarina of Time (see above)

Oracle of Ages

The Boss Key that is present in Oracle of Ages has the exact same use as in Link's Awakening (see above).

Oracle of Seasons

Considering Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons were released at the same time, the developers recycled some ideas. The Boss Key in this game has the exact same function as in Oracle of Ages (see above)

The Wind Waker

In The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, the Boss Key has the same use as it does in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (see above)

The Minish Cap

In each and every dungeon in The Minish Cap, there features a Boss Key which only use is to open the door to the boss chamber.

Twilight Princess

The Boss Key featured in Twilight Princess has the exact same use as the one from Ocarina of Time (see above).

Spirit Tracks

The Boss Key from Spirit Tracks has the one and only use of opening the door to the boss chamber. However, the Boss Key in this game has a little twist. Link cannot store the Key in his tunic, but instead have to carry it from where he found it to the lock. This means that he cannot use his sword while walking.

Skyward Sword

In Skyward Sword, the traditional Boss 'Key' has been removed, and in its place is a sculpture. With this sculpture, Link must insert it into the lock, but it only goes in one way, so it can get confusing.

Gallery

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  Artwork of the Boss Key from The Wind Waker