Ocarina of Time Remake Beginner Tips and Tricks for New Players

TL;DR: Ocarina of Time Remake Beginner Tips

• Complete the Kokiri Forest training and collect the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield before leaving.
• Learn Z-targeting early. It makes fighting enemies, blocking attacks, and dodging much easier.
• Use the new jump and dash controls carefully. Jumping is now manual, unlike the original N64 version.
• Explore areas properly, collect Heart Pieces, and look for useful items instead of following only the main story.
• Learn every ocarina song because some melodies unlock paths and help you travel across Hyrule.
• Check the new Threads of Time feature whenever you forget your current objective.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake brings Link’s classic adventure to Nintendo Switch 2 with redesigned visuals, improved movement, a free camera, orchestral music, and fully voiced cutscenes. However, the game still has plenty of puzzles, hidden items, dangerous enemies, and dungeons that can confuse new players.

If this is your first time exploring Hyrule, a few simple habits can make the adventure much easier. These Ocarina of Time remake beginner tips will help you understand the updated controls, prepare for your first dungeon, defeat enemies, discover hidden rewards, and make better use of Link’s equipment.

Ocarina of Time Remake Beginner Tips and Tricks for New Players

1. Learn the New Nintendo Switch 2 Controls First

One of the biggest changes in the remake is the updated control system. Players familiar with the Nintendo 64 version may need some time to adjust, especially because Link can now jump using a dedicated button instead of automatically jumping at certain ledges.

Take a few minutes to understand the basic controls before heading into dangerous areas.

• Left Stick: Move Link around the environment.
• Right Stick: Rotate the camera and look around.
• A Button: Perform actions such as talking, opening objects, and picking things up. Hold it while moving to dash.
• X Button: Jump manually.
• Y Button: Attack with the sword.
• ZL Button: Target enemies and other objects.
• ZR Button: Use the currently selected item.
• Plus Button: Open the main menu.
• Minus Button: Open the map.

These are the default controls. You can check the Basic Controls screen in the System menu whenever you forget a button.

Beginner tip: Do not rush through platforming sections. Since jumping is now manual, pay attention to the distance between platforms and press the jump button when you actually need to cross a gap.

2. Complete the Kokiri Forest Training Before Leaving

Kokiri Forest is where your adventure begins, and it is worth spending some extra time here. You will find characters who teach useful lessons about movement, combat, and basic interactions.

Visit the training area near Link’s house and speak with the characters there. Their lessons introduce important moves that will become useful throughout the game.

Your first priorities should be:

• Find the Kokiri Sword hidden in the training area.
• Purchase the Deku Shield from the Kokiri Shop.
• Learn how to perform a sword attack and jump attack.
• Practice rolling, dodging, and using your shield.
• Speak with nearby Kokiri to understand the opening objectives.

The Kokiri Sword gives you a reliable way to fight early enemies, while the Deku Shield protects you from incoming attacks. Just remember that the wooden shield can burn if exposed to fire.

Getting comfortable with these basics before entering the Great Deku Tree will save you from unnecessary trouble.

3. Master Z-Targeting for Easier Combat

Z-targeting is one of the most important mechanics in Ocarina of Time. New players should learn it early because many enemies are much easier to defeat when you lock onto them.

On the Switch 2 remake, hold the ZL button to target a nearby enemy. Link will keep facing the target, making it easier to attack without constantly adjusting your position.

Z-targeting also helps you move around enemies and avoid their attacks.

Here are a few useful combat techniques to practice:

• Side Jump: Target an enemy, move sideways, and jump to dodge an incoming attack.
• Backflip: Lock onto an enemy, move backward, and jump to create some distance.
• Jump Attack: Jump while targeting an enemy and attack during the jump to deal increased damage.
• Shield Blocking: Keep your shield raised when an enemy is about to attack.

Do not rely on random sword swings. Watch how an enemy moves, wait for an opening, and attack when it is vulnerable.

4. Use the New Camera Controls to Your Advantage

The redesigned camera is another major improvement in the Switch 2 version. You can freely rotate the camera using the right stick instead of relying on the older fixed camera angles.

This is particularly useful when exploring dungeons. Some switches, ladders, platforms, and hidden passages are easy to miss when you only look straight ahead.

Before entering a new room, take a moment to look around. Check the ceiling, walls, corners, and platforms above your current position.

Beginner tip: If you cannot find the next path in a dungeon, rotate the camera and inspect the entire room before trying random actions. The solution may be right above you.

5. Explore Every Area Instead of Rushing Through the Story

Following the main objective is important, but Ocarina of Time has many optional activities and hidden rewards. Some of the most useful items are found away from the main story path.

Whenever you visit a new location, explore nearby paths and speak with the characters living there. Look inside buildings, investigate unusual objects, and return to places you have already visited when you obtain new equipment.

Exploration can help you discover:

• Heart Pieces that increase your maximum health.
• Gold Skulltula tokens that unlock rewards.
• Empty bottles for carrying useful items.
• Optional equipment upgrades and collectibles.
• Mini-games that offer helpful rewards.
• Hidden interactions and additional character dialogue.

Do not assume that an area has nothing left to offer after completing its main objective. Some secrets become accessible only after Link learns a new song or receives a useful item.

6. Pay Attention to the Day and Night Cycle

The passage of time is an important part of exploring Hyrule. The Switch 2 remake allows time to pass throughout the game, including areas where the original version did not continuously advance the clock.

Some characters and enemies behave differently depending on the time of day. You may also find certain activities or collectibles more easily at night.

Keep these things in mind:

• Visit familiar locations at different times to find new interactions.
• Look around towns after sunset for nighttime activities and enemies.
• Pay attention to NPC dialogue because some characters have time-dependent routines.
• Learn the Sun’s Song when it becomes available to change between day and night.

This is a good reason to revisit locations instead of treating each area as a one-time visit.

7. Learn How to Use Your Items Properly

Your sword is important, but it is not the solution to every enemy or puzzle. Ocarina of Time gives Link several useful items, and understanding their purpose makes both combat and exploration easier.

Here are some early items worth understanding:

• Deku Stick: Can be used as a weapon and as a torch to light other objects.
• Deku Nut: Creates a flash that can stun nearby enemies.
• Deku Shield: Blocks certain attacks and projectiles.
• Fairy Slingshot: Attacks enemies and activates distant switches.
• Bombs: Destroy certain obstacles and damage enemies.
• Ocarina: Plays learned songs that can trigger magical effects.

Pay attention to the environment whenever you receive a new item. A weapon that seems useful only in combat may also be the key to opening a blocked passage or reaching a hidden chest.

8. Use Dungeon Maps and Compasses to Avoid Getting Lost

Dungeons are an important part of Ocarina of Time. Each one contains puzzles, enemies, hidden chests, and a boss waiting at the end.

Two items make dungeon exploration much easier: the Dungeon Map and the Compass.

• Dungeon Map: Shows the layout of the dungeon and helps you understand its different rooms and floors.
• Compass: Provides additional information about important locations and treasure chests.

Try to collect these items whenever you find them. They make it easier to understand where you have been and which sections still need to be explored.

Also, remember that dungeon puzzles often require you to use an item in a specific way. Look for switches, unusual markings, torches, and objects that seem out of place.

9. Use Threads of Time When You Forget Your Objective

The new Threads of Time feature is especially helpful for players who are experiencing Ocarina of Time for the first time.

Older Zelda games could leave players wondering where to go next. The remake makes this easier by providing a feature that tracks your story progress, summarizes previous events, and shows your current objectives.

It also includes a tapestry that gradually fills in as you continue Link’s adventure.

Check Threads of Time whenever:

• You forget the next main story objective.
• You return to the game after taking a long break.
• You are unsure which area to visit next.
• You want to remember how far you have progressed.

You do not need to open it after every mission, but it is a useful feature when the adventure becomes difficult to follow.

10. Collect Heart Pieces, Bottles, and Fairies Early

Having enough health can make a big difference, especially when you begin fighting stronger enemies and dungeon bosses.

Link starts with a limited number of hearts, but you can increase your maximum health by collecting Heart Pieces and completing Heart Containers.

Empty bottles are another valuable resource. They can carry fairies, potions, and other items needed for certain activities and quests.

Here is what you should prioritize:

• Heart Pieces: Collect four pieces to create an additional Heart Container.
• Fairies: Keep a fairy in a bottle when possible. It can revive Link automatically if he falls in battle.
• Potions: Carry health-restoring potions before difficult encounters.
• Empty Bottles: Collect them whenever you find opportunities. They have several uses throughout the adventure.

Do not ignore small side quests that offer these rewards. They can make later dungeons much more forgiving.

11. Learn Ocarina Songs as Soon as You Can

The ocarina is much more than a musical instrument. It is one of Link’s most important tools, and several story objectives depend on playing the correct songs.

As you progress, different characters will teach you new melodies. Some songs open new paths, change the time of day, or help Link travel across Hyrule.

Whenever you learn a song, remember its notes and understand when it can be used. You should also check your learned songs instead of assuming every melody has the same effect.

The Switch 2 remake adds a fun option that lets players hum learned melodies into the console’s built-in microphone.

To enable microphone input:

1. Open the in-game menu using the Plus button.
2. Navigate to the System tab.
3. Select Options.
4. Find the Ocarina Mic Input setting.
5. Choose Humming or Instruments.
6. Exit the menu and bring out the ocarina.
7. Hum, whistle, sing, or play a learned melody near the console.

You can still use traditional controller inputs if you do not want to use the microphone. The microphone feature becomes available after receiving the ocarina and progressing far enough to learn songs.

12. Talk to NPCs and Listen to Navi’s Advice

Not every important clue comes from a map or an objective marker. Many characters in Hyrule provide information about puzzles, enemies, hidden rewards, and the main story.

Speak with people whenever you arrive in a new village or location. Some characters also change their dialogue as the story progresses, so talking to them again can reveal additional information.

Navi is equally important. When she points towards an enemy or nearby object, pay attention to her suggestions. Her advice can help you identify weaknesses and understand what you should do next.

The remake also introduces glowing fairy-related symbols in certain locations. Use Navi to investigate these symbols because they can provide additional hints and information about the world.

13. Remember That Child Link and Adult Link Have Different Abilities

Ocarina of Time takes Link through two different periods of his life. You will experience parts of the adventure as Young Link and later continue as Adult Link.

This change affects more than Link’s appearance. Different equipment, paths, and activities become available depending on his age.

Keep the following points in mind:

• Some items are exclusive to Young Link.
• Other equipment becomes available only to Adult Link.
• Some locations and puzzles require you to return during a different period.
• Do not assume that every obstacle can be solved during your first visit.

If you find a location that seems impossible to complete, you may simply need to return with a different item or at a different point in the story.

14. Take Your Time With the First Boss, Queen Gohma

The Great Deku Tree is your first major dungeon, and Queen Gohma is the boss waiting at the end. This battle teaches you an important lesson: some enemies cannot be defeated by continuously swinging your sword.

Queen Gohma has a weak point in her eye. Watch her movements and use your Fairy Slingshot when the eye becomes vulnerable.

Once she is stunned, move close and attack with your sword. Locking onto her also helps keep the camera focused during the fight.

If she climbs onto the ceiling, keep watching her eye and use the Slingshot when you have a clear opportunity. This can interrupt her attack before she becomes harder to handle.

Beginner tip: Collect the Fairy Slingshot during the dungeon and make sure you have enough ammunition before entering the boss room.

15. Try ZELDA NOTES for Extra Help

The Nintendo Switch App includes a special service called ZELDA NOTES for Ocarina of Time on Switch 2.

It offers additional ways to interact with your adventure outside the game itself. You can check your accomplishments, test your knowledge, explore location-based challenges, and create or share ocarina melodies.

It is completely optional, but it can be useful if you enjoy exploring every corner of Hyrule or want something extra to try between gaming sessions.

You do not need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use ZELDA NOTES, although you will need a compatible smart device and an internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ocarina of Time Remake

Final Thoughts

The Ocarina of Time remake is a great starting point for players who want to experience one of Zelda’s most memorable adventures. However, learning the updated controls and understanding the game’s older adventure mechanics will make the journey much smoother.

Focus on mastering Z-targeting, collecting useful equipment, learning ocarina songs, and exploring areas beyond the main story path. Use Threads of Time when you lose track of your objectives, and do not hesitate to revisit locations when you unlock new abilities.

Most importantly, take your time. Hyrule has plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered, and some of the best parts of Ocarina of Time happen when you step away from the main quest.

You can find more information about the game on Nintendo’s official Ocarina of Time store page.