Gameplay Challenges

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Several fans of the Zelda series have come up with alternative ways of playing and beating Zelda games that go beyond simply getting to and defeating the final boss while accomplishing some number of optional side quests. Some of these modes of gameplay such as speed runs are not unique to the Zelda series, but a few are, and by playing the games these ways can provide an entirely new playing experience. Below is a summary of some of these different challenges:

General, Non Game-specific Challenges

Speed Runs

The object of a speed run is simply to time how long it takes to complete a game from start to finish. As a form of practice speed runners often break up the required milestones of the game into segments so that they can time, and improve upon their run through a specific required section of the game. Speed running can be conducted in a side-to-side marathon-like session, or simply recorded by an individual as a means to claim a speed run record. There are several variations on speed running, including:

With Glitches/Exploits

Several Zelda games have a number of unintended bugs that can be taken advantage of to improve a speed running time. For instance, in Ocarina of Time there are several hidden portals, ways to access blocked areas, and in Twilight Princess it is possible to walk at normal speed with the Iron Boots on.

A List of Known Zelda Glitches/Exploits

100% Run

In a 100% run the player is required to complete all optional sidequests and obtain all items in the game, including heart pieces and other collectables. An 100% run can be completed as a speed run, or simply completed without any concern over how long it takes (this can require an extensive effort with some Zelda games)

X Heart Challenge

This challenge requires that the player does not obtain any new full heart containers that results in Link's total number of hearts exceeding the number he started the game with. This means that the player must not pick up the full heart containers traditionally left after defeating the dungeon boss.

Game Specific Challenges

Six Day Cycle

This Majora's Mask challenge requires that the game is completed within two three-day cycles.

Applicable to:

  • Majora's Mask

Shieldless

This challenge can be attempted on any Zelda game which does not require use of the shield.

Applicable to:

  • Majora's Mask
  • The Wind Waker
  • Twilight Princess
  • Phantom Hourglass
  • Spirit Tracks
  • Skyward Sword

Swordless

This challenge can be attempted on any Zelda game which does not require use of the sword.

Applicable to:

  • The Legend of Zelda (original NES game)

Boss Challenges

Ocarina of Time

  • Defeat Volvagia (Fire Temple) using the Megaton Hammer only twice
  • Defeat Morpha (Water Temple) using only the four central platforms
  • Defeat the Iron Knuckles (Spirit Temple) with the Hover Boots on
  • Defeat Twinrova (Spirit Temple) with the Hover Boots on
  • Reflect Ganon's energy ball volleys using spin attacks during the first phase of his attack
  • Defeat the final phase of Ganon without arrows, and/or without running between his legs

Majora's Mask

  • Defeat Woodfall Gecko (Woodfall) using only the Goron and/or Zora masks
  • Defeat Odolwa (Woodfall) using only the Deku, Goron, and/or Zora masks
  • Defeat Goht (Snowhead) using only the Blast Mask, Bombs, and/or Bomchus
  • Defeat Wart (Water Temple) using only the Deku mask
  • Stun Gyorg (Water Temple) using the Deku or Goron masks, then attack him with the Zora mask
  • Defeat Igos du Ikana (Ikana) while only using three hearts, and without the upgraded sword
  • Defeat the Dinofols Trio (Ikana) using the Zora mask
  • Defeat Gomess (Stone Tower) with only three hearts, using nothing other than Link's sword
  • Defeat Twinmold (Stone Tower) using only the Goron mask and Chateau Romani milk, or using only three hearts
  • Defeat Majora using only Link's original, non-upgraded sword, or with only the Goron mask and Chateau Romani milk, or in only three hearts, or with three hearts and the Fierce Deity's Mask

The Wind Waker

  • Defeat Gohdan (Tower of the Gods) without L-targeting, using the smallest quiver, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Jalhalla (Earth Temple) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Molgera (Wind Temple) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Puppet Ganon (Forsaken Fortress) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Ganon while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items


Twilight Princess

  • Defeat Fyrus (Goron Mines) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Deku Toad (Lakebed Temple) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Darkhammer (Snowpeak Ruins) while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Blizzeta (Snowpeak Ruins) while wearing the Iron Boots and Zora Tunic, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Phantom Zant using only the Spinner with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat King Bulblin (Hyrule Castle) with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items
  • Defeat Ganon while wearing the Iron Boots, and with only 3-6 heart containers and no, fairies, potions, or any other items or chance attacks