TL;DR
- Enter Dodongo Cavern using the Goron Bracelet and a Bomb Flower to destroy the entrance boulder.
- Get the Dungeon Map from the western side of the first lava chamber.
- Defeat the Lizalfos, light three torches, and collect the Compass from the Armos room.
- Lower the giant staircase by placing a Bomb Flower between the two rows of Bomb Flowers.
- Solve the Fire Keese, Armos, spike trap, and eye switch puzzles to reach the Bomb Bag.
- Drop Bombs into both eyes of the giant Dodongo skull to open its mouth.
- Solve the stone block puzzle, defeat King Dodongo, and receive the Goron’s Ruby (Spiritual Stone of Fire).
The Dodongo Cavern dungeon walkthrough in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake takes Link deep inside Death Mountain to clear the monsters threatening the Gorons. This is the second major dungeon in the game, and it introduces several new enemies, Bomb Flower puzzles, moving spike traps, and the dangerous King Dodongo.
You will need to explore both floors of the cavern to collect the Dungeon Map, Compass, and Bomb Bag. The biggest puzzles involve lowering a massive staircase, opening the giant Dodongo skull, and moving stone blocks to reach the boss room.
This guide covers the complete dungeon from the entrance to the final boss. It also includes optional Gold Skulltulas, treasure chests, and useful tips that are easy to miss during your first visit.
What You Need Before Entering Dodongo Cavern
Before entering the dungeon, make sure you have the important equipment needed to deal with its enemies and puzzles. Most of the cavern’s cracked walls can only be destroyed using Bomb Flowers or Bombs.
Here are the recommended items:
- Goron Bracelet: Allows Link to pick up and throw Bomb Flowers.
- Fairy Slingshot: Useful for hitting eye switches and dealing with Fire Keese.
- Kokiri Sword: Needed to fight Lizalfos and Dodongos.
- Hylian Shield: Highly recommended because Fire Keese can burn your wooden Deku Shield.
- Deku Sticks: Required to light the torches in one of the rooms.
- Bombs: You will obtain the Bomb Bag during the dungeon, so you do not need to bring it with you.
If you have not received the Goron Bracelet yet, complete our Goron City and Lost Woods walkthrough first. It explains how to find Saria, learn Saria’s Song, and convince Darunia to give Link the bracelet.
How to Enter Dodongo Cavern
The entrance to Dodongo Cavern is located near the bottom of Death Mountain Trail. You may have already destroyed the large boulder blocking the cave by throwing a Bomb Flower down from the ledge near Goron City.
Once you reach the cave entrance, go inside. You will find another cracked wall blocking the actual dungeon entrance. A Bomb Flower is growing just to the left of it.
- Pick up the nearby Bomb Flower using the Goron Bracelet.
- Stand facing the cracked wall.
- Throw the Bomb Flower towards the wall.
- Move away and let the explosion destroy the rocks.
- Walk through the newly opened entrance.
Inside, you will see a massive skull of a long-dead Dodongo. A stone plaque nearby hints that the skull hides a secret passage. You cannot open it yet, so explore the surrounding rooms and collect the dungeon’s important items first.
How to Get the Dungeon Map in Dodongo Cavern
The first major room is a large lava chamber with several small platforms and a central platform. Be careful while jumping because falling into the lava will continuously damage Link.
A Beamos guards the central platform. It has a rotating eye that follows Link and fires a laser when it spots him.
Step 1: Cross the Lava Platforms
Move down from the entrance and jump onto the small platform surrounded by lava. Wait for the moving platform to rise, then use it to reach the larger central platform.
Avoid standing in front of the Beamos for too long. You can deal with it later using a Bomb Flower.
Look towards the left side of the central platform. There is another rising platform that will take you towards the western side of the chamber.
Step 2: Defeat the Beamos
When you reach the western side, you will find another Beamos and a Bomb Flower growing nearby.
Pick up the Bomb Flower and throw it close to the Beamos. The explosion will destroy the enemy. Be careful because its detached head also explodes after it is defeated.
With the Beamos out of the way, you can safely explore the nearby alcoves.
Step 3: Find the Dungeon Map Chest
You will notice two cracked walls covering separate alcoves. Use Bomb Flowers to open them.
- Southern alcove: Destroy the cracked wall to reveal a chest containing a Blue Rupee.
- Northern alcove: Bomb the wall to reveal a larger treasure chest containing the Dungeon Map.
Open the large chest to collect the map. It will help you understand the layout of Dodongo Cavern as you explore the different floors.
How to Reach the Eastern Side of the Main Chamber
After collecting the Dungeon Map, return to the central platform. Wait for the moving lava platform to rise again and use it to cross towards the eastern side.
You will find another Beamos guarding this section of the room. There is also a Bomb Flower nearby that you can use to destroy it.
Before leaving this area, look for two cracked walls covering separate alcoves.
- Destroy the northern cracked wall first. It reveals a Sheikah Stone.
- Use another Bomb Flower to open the southern alcove.
- Enter the newly revealed doorway to continue deeper into the dungeon.
The next passage is filled with Baby Dodongos, so keep your sword and shield ready.
How to Get Gold Skulltula #20 in Dodongo Cavern
The narrow hallway ahead contains several Baby Dodongos. These small enemies move towards Link and explode shortly after being defeated.
Do not stand too close after attacking one. Strike it with your sword or Fairy Slingshot, then quickly move away before it explodes.
Continue up the passage while dealing with the Baby Dodongos. You will eventually reach a small ledge where three more of them appear.
Find the Hidden Cracked Wall
Before climbing the ledge at the end, look towards the right side of the hallway. There is a large cracked wall that hides a Gold Skulltula.
You do not need another Bomb Flower to open it. Instead, use one of the Baby Dodongos.
- Move close to the cracked wall.
- Wait for a Baby Dodongo to follow you.
- Defeat it near the cracked wall.
- Move away before it explodes.
- The explosion should destroy the wall and reveal the Gold Skulltula.
Defeat the Gold Skulltula and collect its token. This is Gold Skulltula #20 in the walkthrough’s collectible sequence.
How to Open the First Locked Door with a Statue
Continue towards the end of the hallway and climb the short ledge. You will find a closed door, a floor pressure switch, and two large statues.
The pressure switch opens the door, but it only stays active while something is standing on it. Simply stepping onto the switch will not help you keep the door open while walking through.
Look for one of the statues nearby. Pull or push it onto the pressure switch until it covers the entire plate.
Once the statue is holding the switch down, walk through the open doorway.
The next small hallway contains Keese hiding in the walls. Stay alert and defeat them before moving into the large room ahead.
How to Defeat the Two Lizalfos in Dodongo Cavern
When you enter the next chamber, the doors will lock and two Lizalfos will attack. These enemies are faster than most enemies you have fought so far. They move around the platforms and wait for an opportunity to strike.
The good thing is that they usually attack one at a time, giving you a chance to focus on one opponent.
Best Strategy to Defeat Lizalfos
- Keep your shield raised and watch the Lizalfos carefully.
- Wait for one of them to approach and attack.
- Block its strike with your shield.
- Immediately counterattack with your sword.
- Repeat the process until it takes enough damage to retreat.
- Do not chase the retreating enemy. Prepare for the second Lizalfos instead.
One of the Lizalfos may jump over Link and try to attack from behind. Keeping your shield raised is the safest way to handle this move.
After taking enough damage, the first Lizalfos will move towards another platform. Let it go and focus on the opponent still attacking you.
Once both enemies are defeated, the doors open and a treasure chest appears. Open it to collect a Red Rupee.
You can also explore a narrow ledge on the eastern side behind the lava waterfall. There are pots containing Blue Rupees and a Fairy that can help restore your health.
How to Find the Business Scrub and Buy Deku Sticks
Leave the Lizalfos chamber through the northwestern doorway. You will find another sealed door and a Bomb Flower nearby.
Use the Bomb Flower to destroy the cracked section blocking the doorway. Inside, you will meet a Business Scrub.
This creature attacks by shooting projectiles at Link. Raise your shield to reflect its projectile back at it.
Once it stops attacking, the Business Scrub will offer to sell you supplies. You can purchase items such as Recovery Hearts or Deku Sticks.
Getting extra Deku Sticks is useful because you will need one for the upcoming torch puzzle.
How to Defeat Dodongos and Light the Three Torches
Continue through the doorway around the corner. You will enter a long corridor containing three larger Dodongos.
These enemies are more dangerous than the Baby Dodongos. Their bodies are covered with hard scales, making direct sword attacks from the front ineffective.
How to Defeat the Larger Dodongos
Watch their movements and wait for them to prepare their fire-breathing attack. When they take a deep breath, move around them and attack their exposed tails.
Follow this strategy:
- Approach a Dodongo carefully.
- Stay away from its front because it can breathe fire.
- Wait for it to turn and expose its tail.
- Attack the tail with your sword or a jump attack.
- Move away quickly because it may spin around to face Link.
- Repeat until the Dodongo is defeated.
Defeated Dodongos explode shortly after they fall, so do not stand beside their bodies.
Once all three enemies are defeated, you can focus on the torches in the room.
How to Solve the Three-Torch Puzzle
Look for one already-lit torch in the room. There are three additional unlit braziers nearby. You need to light all three to open the next door.
- Take out a Deku Stick.
- Light it using the already-burning torch.
- Quickly move towards the first unlit brazier.
- Light the second and third braziers before the Deku Stick burns out.
- Once all three torches are lit, the locked door will open.
Move quickly because the flame on the Deku Stick does not last forever. If it goes out, return to the burning torch and try again.
Go through the newly opened passage. It will lead you back to the main entrance hall.
Look for a floor switch in this area and step on it. This opens the previously locked door on the western side of the main chamber.
How to Get the Compass in Dodongo Cavern
Now return to the western side of the cavern and enter the newly unlocked doorway. You will find a large raised staircase towards the north and a cracked wall towards the south.
Do not try to climb the staircase yet. First, collect the Compass from the hidden room.
Step 1: Open the Cracked Wall
Look for a Bomb Flower near the entrance to this room. Pick it up and use it to destroy the cracked wall on the southern side.
Go through the opening to find another chamber containing three large stone statues and a treasure chest.
Step 2: Defeat the Armos
Most of the statues look harmless, but one of them is actually an Armos. When you approach it, the statue will come to life and start moving towards Link.
You cannot defeat this enemy with normal sword attacks. Look for the Bomb Flower near the entrance and use it against the Armos.
Once the explosion damages it, run away and keep your distance. The Armos will move around wildly before exploding.
Wait until it is defeated, then climb the ladder on the far side of the room.
Step 3: Open the Compass Chest
At the top of the ladder, you will find a large Treasure Chest. Open it to receive the Dungeon Compass.
The Compass helps you identify important locations and treasure chests as you continue exploring Dodongo Cavern.
How to Lower the Giant Staircase in Dodongo Cavern
Return to the large room with the raised staircase. You will notice two rows of Bomb Flowers growing along the base of the structure.
The staircase is too high to climb normally. You need to create a chain reaction using the Bomb Flowers to lower it.
Step-by-Step Staircase Puzzle Solution
- Look for a single Bomb Flower growing away from the two main rows.
- Pick it up using the Goron Bracelet.
- Find the small gap between the two rows of Bomb Flowers near the staircase entrance.
- Place the Bomb Flower directly in this gap.
- Move away and wait for the explosion.
- The blast will trigger the other Bomb Flowers in both rows.
Once the chain reaction is complete, the large staircase will sink into the ground. You can now climb the newly accessible staircase to reach the upper floor.
There is another cracked wall near the top of the staircase. You cannot do much with it yet because you do not have the Bomb Bag. Remember this location and return later.
Collect Gold Skulltula #21
Before leaving this area, look towards the southern side of the upper level. You will find a large mesh wall with a Gold Skulltula hanging from it among several Skullwalltulas.
Use your Fairy Slingshot to defeat the smaller enemies and hit the Gold Skulltula. Climb the mesh wall and collect its token.
This is Gold Skulltula #21.
How to Solve the Fire Keese and Armos Statue Puzzle
Continue towards the southern room on the second floor. You will find a recessed area with a raised central platform, several statues, and Fire Keese flying around.
Before entering, make sure you have equipped the Hylian Shield. Fire Keese can burn through the wooden Deku Shield, forcing you to buy another one if you lose it.
Step 1: Defeat the Fire Keese
Use your Fairy Slingshot to attack the Fire Keese from a safe distance.
Try to defeat them before dropping down into the lower section of the room. If one attacks you, your Hylian Shield can protect you from its flames.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Statue
Drop down and inspect the statues around the central platform. Most of them are Armos enemies disguised as ordinary statues.
However, the statue on the southern side, standing in front of the only intact ladder, is safe to move.
Pull this statue away from the ladder so you can climb up.
Step 3: Activate the Floor Switch
Climb the ladder and reach the upper section of the room. You will find a floor switch nearby.
Step on the switch to unlock the eastern door. Once the door opens, continue through the newly accessible passage.
How to Get Through the Moving Spike Trap Room
The next area is one of the trickier sections of Dodongo Cavern. You will reach a large room filled with raised platforms and moving spike traps.
These traps move along the narrow pathways and can damage Link if you try to rush through them. Take a moment to study their movement before crossing.
Step 1: Avoid the Moving Spikes
Look around the room and identify the path of each spike trap. Use the camera to check the areas around corners before moving forward.
Wait for a clear opening, then move between the traps. Do not run straight into a pathway without checking whether a spike is approaching.
Step 2: Find the Movable Stone Block
On the eastern side of the room, you will find a high ledge with a cracked wall. There is a broken section of ladder below it and a square stone block nearby.
Pull the stone block down from its position so it can be used to reach the higher platforms.
Step 3: Destroy the High Cracked Wall
Use the ladder and nearby raised platforms to reach a Bomb Flower. You will also find a small Treasure Chest containing Deku Seeds.
Collect the seeds, then pick up the Bomb Flower.
Look towards the high ledge with the cracked wall and throw the Bomb Flower towards it. The explosion will destroy the wall and open a new passage.
Enter the newly opened hallway to continue.
How to Pass the Fire Barrier and Defeat the Second Lizalfos Pair
Inside the next hallway, you will find a platform blocked by flames. There is an eye switch on the wall at the opposite end.
Shoot the Eye Switch with the Slingshot
Take out your Fairy Slingshot and aim at the eye switch. A successful hit will temporarily turn off the flames.
Quickly cross the platform before the fire returns. Continue through the next hallway, but watch out for Baby Dodongos appearing near the lava.
Move carefully and avoid standing too close to these enemies when they explode.
Defeat the Second Pair of Lizalfos
The next room contains another battle against two Lizalfos. Use the same strategy from your earlier encounter.
- Keep your shield raised.
- Wait for the Lizalfos to attack.
- Block their strikes and counterattack.
- Focus on the enemy that is currently engaging you.
- Do not chase an enemy when it retreats to another platform.
After defeating both Lizalfos, the western door opens. A small chest will also appear along a narrow path towards the northern side of the room.
Open it to get a Business Scrub Seed. This is a useful item in the remake because it allows you to summon a Business Scrub when you need to buy supplies.
How to Solve the Two Fire Platform Puzzle
Continue through the western door. You will find another passage containing two separate fire barriers.
Unlike the previous puzzle, you need to hit two eye switches to cross this area safely.
- Look straight ahead and find the first eye switch.
- Use your Fairy Slingshot to hit it and turn off the first flames.
- Jump across to the safe platform.
- Turn left and look through the small window or opening.
- Find the second eye switch in the alcove.
- Shoot it with your Slingshot.
- Quickly jump across the remaining platform before the flames return.
Timing is important here because the first fire barrier will eventually turn back on. Do not spend too much time aiming at the second eye switch.
How to Get the Bomb Bag in Dodongo Cavern
After passing the two fire barriers, you will reach a higher section of the dungeon. Continue along the passage to find a large Treasure Chest.
Open the chest to receive the Bomb Bag.
This is one of the most important items in Dodongo Cavern. Until now, you have depended on Bomb Flowers to destroy walls and attack enemies. The Bomb Bag allows Link to carry and use regular Bombs whenever needed.
The Bomb Bag can hold up to 20 Bombs, giving you a much easier way to handle the remaining puzzles.
Activate the Elevator Shortcut
Before continuing, use one of your new Bombs to destroy the cracked wall beside the chest.
This opens a passage leading back towards the main entrance chamber.
Return to the main room and look for a floor switch. Step on it to activate the nearby moving platform. The platform will rise all the way to the second floor, creating an elevator shortcut between the levels.
This shortcut will save you time when moving between the lower and upper areas of the cavern.
How to Get Gold Skulltula #22 in the Two-Dodongo Room
Now that you have the Bomb Bag, you can explore areas that were previously blocked by cracked walls.
Visit the upper level near the giant Dodongo skull. Look towards the far northeastern corner of the room for another cracked wall.
- Take out a Bomb and place it near the cracked wall.
- Move away before it explodes.
- Enter the newly opened room.
- Defeat or avoid the two Dodongos walking around the large central rock.
- Look behind the rock formation to find a Gold Skulltula.
- Defeat it and collect the token.
This is Gold Skulltula #22.
Be careful when fighting the Dodongos. Their fire attacks and explosive bodies can cause significant damage in the small room.
How to Open the Giant Dodongo Skull
You are now ready to solve one of the most important puzzles in the dungeon.
Return to the upper wooden bridge that crosses above the giant Dodongo skull in the main chamber. Look carefully and you will notice two small gaps in the bridge.
These gaps are directly above the skull’s eye sockets.
A plaque near the bridge gives you a clue about making the long-dead Dodongo see red. You need to use your Bombs to activate both eyes.
Step-by-Step Giant Skull Puzzle Solution
- Stand on the bridge above the first eye socket.
- Move close to the opening in the bridge.
- Take out a Bomb and drop it through the gap.
- Wait for the Bomb to explode inside the skull’s eye.
- Move towards the second gap above the other eye.
- Drop another Bomb through it.
Once both eyes turn red, the giant Dodongo skull will open its mouth and reveal a hidden passage.
If the Bomb falls outside an eye socket, adjust your position and try again. Make sure you are standing directly above the opening before dropping it.
Optional Blue Rupee Chest
Before leaving the bridge, look towards the far wall on the other side. There is another cracked wall that you can destroy with a Bomb.
Open the chest behind it to collect a Blue Rupee. This reward is optional, but it is worth picking up while you are nearby.
How to Get the Second Business Scrub Seed
There is another optional reward you can collect now that you have the Bomb Bag.
Return to the first-floor western room where you found the Compass. Climb the large staircase again and reach the cracked wall near the top.
Use one of your Bombs to destroy the wall. Enter the small room behind it and open the Treasure Chest to obtain another Business Scrub Seed.
You can now return to the giant skull and continue towards the boss room.
How to Reach the King Dodongo Boss Room
With the giant skull’s mouth open, you can finally enter the hidden passage. Return to the lower floor and go through the opening inside the skull’s mouth.
The first section contains a downward slope, Fire Keese, and a hole in the middle of the floor. Continue along the northern path until you reach another room with narrow walkways and movable stone blocks.
This is the final major puzzle before King Dodongo.
Step 1: Reach the Stone Block Puzzle
Continue through the passage while watching out for the Fire Keese. You will soon enter a room containing several movable stone blocks.
One block is positioned on a raised platform, while another is located on the lower level. The goal is to move these blocks into the correct positions so you can reach the final floor switch.
Step 2: Move the First Stone Block
Look for the block on the upper narrow platform. You cannot push it down immediately because there is not enough room to get behind it.
Start by pulling the nearby lower stone block so it sits directly underneath the raised block.
Climb onto the lower block. From this position, you can reach the upper block and push it down to the floor.
Step 3: Use the Blocks to Reach the Cracked Wall
Once the upper block is on the lower level, push it towards the far wall where there is a raised ledge with a cracked wall.
Use the block as a platform and climb onto it. Take out a Bomb and throw it towards the cracked wall.
The explosion will destroy the wall and reveal a hidden room.
Step 4: Get Gold Skulltula #23
The newly opened room contains several Baby Dodongos and an Armos statue. There is another Gold Skulltula hidden behind the statue.
You can use a Bomb against the Armos or lure a Baby Dodongo close to the statue and use its explosion to damage the enemy.
Once the enemies are dealt with, defeat the Gold Skulltula and collect its token.
This is Gold Skulltula #23.
Step 5: Unlock the Boss Door
Return to the block puzzle room and move the fallen stone block underneath the block near the southern exit.
Climb over the two blocks to reach the next section of the room.
Continue along the path and look for another stone block positioned above the area you were in previously.
Push this block down and move it into the square hole in the floor. This activates the pressure switch and opens the nearby door leading to the boss room.
Once the door opens, go through and look at the cracked section of the floor in the middle of the room.
Place a Bomb on the cracked floor. The explosion will create an opening, allowing Link to drop down into King Dodongo’s lair.
How to Beat King Dodongo in Ocarina of Time Remake
King Dodongo is the boss of Dodongo Cavern and the monster responsible for disturbing the Gorons’ food supply.
He is a massive creature covered in hard scales, so attacking his body directly will not work. You need to use Bombs to expose his vulnerable mouth before attacking with your sword.
The boss arena is surrounded by lava and has narrow stone pathways. Pay attention to his movements because one mistake can send Link into the lava or expose him to a fire attack.
King Dodongo’s Attacks
There are two main attacks you need to watch out for.
- Fire Breath: King Dodongo opens his mouth and prepares to release a powerful stream of fire. You can interrupt this attack by throwing a Bomb into his mouth.
- Rolling Attack: After taking damage, he curls into a ball and rolls around the circular arena. You need to move out of his path before he reaches you.
Step 1: Wait for King Dodongo to Open His Mouth
Stay at a safe distance from the boss and watch his movements.
King Dodongo will eventually open his mouth and inhale before preparing his fire attack. This is your opportunity to throw a Bomb into his mouth.
Do not throw the Bomb too early. Wait until his mouth is open and he begins inhaling.
Step 2: Throw a Bomb into His Mouth
Take out a Bomb and throw it directly into King Dodongo’s open mouth.
If the timing is correct, the Bomb will explode inside his mouth and stun him. He will fall over, leaving his vulnerable tongue exposed.
Bomb Flowers also grow around the edges of the boss arena, so you can use them if your Bomb Bag runs out of Bombs.
Step 3: Attack His Vulnerable Tongue
Once King Dodongo is stunned, rush towards his head and attack his exposed tongue with your sword.
Use quick sword strikes or a jump attack to deal damage. Do not waste too much time because he will recover after a short period.
Once he gets back up, move away and prepare for the next attack.
Step 4: Avoid the Rolling Attack
After taking damage, King Dodongo will curl into a ball and roll around the narrow pathways surrounding the lava.
Do not try to stand in his path or attack him while he is rolling.
Move towards one of the wider outer corners of the arena and let him roll past. The corners provide enough space to avoid being hit without jumping into the lava.
After he completes the rolling attack, he will return to his normal position.
Step 5: Repeat the Bomb Attack
Return to a safe position and wait for King Dodongo to open his mouth again.
Throw another Bomb inside, attack his tongue while he is stunned, and move away before he starts rolling.
After being hit, he may also cause Baby Dodongos to appear in the arena. Defeat them quickly if they get in your way, but do not lose track of King Dodongo’s movements.
Repeat the Bomb-and-sword strategy three times. After the final attack, King Dodongo will roll into the lava, where his body will begin to sink.
You have defeated King Dodongo!
How to Get the Heart Container and Goron’s Ruby
After defeating King Dodongo, a large treasure reward will appear in the boss arena.
Walk towards it and collect the Heart Container. This permanently increases Link’s maximum health by one heart.
Next, enter the blue light that appears in the room. It will transport you outside the dungeon.
Darunia will be waiting for Link and will congratulate him for defeating the dangerous creature inside Dodongo Cavern.
After the conversation, Darunia rewards Link with the Goron’s Ruby, also known as the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
This completes the main objective of Dodongo Cavern and gives you the second Spiritual Stone needed for the quest.
All Gold Skulltula Locations in Dodongo Cavern
Dodongo Cavern contains several Gold Skulltulas hidden behind cracked walls and around its upper levels. Some are easy to miss if you only follow the main route.
Here are the four Gold Skulltulas covered during your first child Link visit in this walkthrough:
- Gold Skulltula #20 – Baby Dodongo hallway: Near the end of the corridor, lure a Baby Dodongo towards the cracked wall on the right and defeat it close enough to destroy the wall. The Gold Skulltula is inside.
- Gold Skulltula #21 – Giant staircase room: Look along the upper mesh wall near the southern side of the staircase area. Use your Slingshot to defeat it, then climb up and collect the token.
- Gold Skulltula #22 – Two-Dodongo room: After collecting the Bomb Bag, open the cracked wall near the northeastern side of the main chamber. Defeat or avoid the two Dodongos and look behind the central rock formation.
- Gold Skulltula #23 – Stone block puzzle room: Bomb the cracked wall in the passage behind the giant skull. Defeat the enemies and check behind the Armos statue.
There is also another Gold Skulltula that requires a later return as Adult Link, after obtaining the Scarecrow’s Song and Hookshot. You do not need this additional token to complete the dungeon as Child Link.
Common Problems in Dodongo Cavern
Why Can’t I Destroy the Cracked Walls?
Some cracked walls can only be destroyed using Bomb Flowers or regular Bombs. Before receiving the Bomb Bag, look for nearby Bomb Flowers and use the Goron Bracelet to pick them up.
After collecting the Bomb Bag, you can use your own Bombs to destroy the remaining cracked walls.
How Do I Defeat Beamos?
Beamos uses a rotating eye to follow Link and fire a laser. Avoid standing in front of it for too long. Use a nearby Bomb Flower to destroy it instead of repeatedly trying to attack it with your sword.
Why Does the First Statue Door Close Behind Me?
The floor pressure switch only remains active when something is standing on it. Pull or push one of the nearby statues onto the switch before walking through the door.
Why Does the Staircase Not Lower?
You need to place a separate Bomb Flower in the small gap between the two rows of Bomb Flowers. Make sure it is positioned correctly so the explosion triggers both rows in a chain reaction.
How Do I Get Past the Fire Platforms?
Look for eye switches on the walls near the flames. Hit them with your Fairy Slingshot to turn off the fire temporarily. In the two-platform puzzle, you must activate both eye switches quickly to cross safely.
Why Can’t I Reach the Bomb Bag?
You must clear the spike trap area and solve the two fire platform puzzles before reaching the upper passage containing the Bomb Bag chest.
Why Is King Dodongo Not Taking Damage?
Normal sword attacks cannot damage King Dodongo while his body is protected by hard scales. Wait for him to open his mouth and throw a Bomb inside. Attack his exposed tongue only after the explosion stuns him.
Do You Get the Spiritual Stone of Fire Inside Dodongo Cavern?
No. You receive the Heart Container inside the boss room. The Goron’s Ruby, which is the Spiritual Stone of Fire, is given to Link by Darunia after you leave the dungeon.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Complete Dodongo Cavern?
The time depends on how much of the optional content you explore. Following the main route will take less time, while collecting the Gold Skulltulas, extra chests, and other rewards will extend the dungeon visit.
Where Is the Dungeon Map in Dodongo Cavern?
The Dungeon Map is inside a large Treasure Chest on the northern side of the western section of the first lava chamber. Destroy the cracked wall using a Bomb Flower to access the chest.
Where Is the Compass in Dodongo Cavern?
The Compass is inside a large chest in the hidden room behind the southern cracked wall in the western staircase chamber. Defeat the living Armos using a Bomb Flower, climb the ladder, and open the chest.
Where Do You Find the Bomb Bag?
The Bomb Bag is inside a large Treasure Chest on the second floor, after the second Lizalfos fight and the two fire barrier puzzles. It allows Link to carry and use regular Bombs.
How Do You Open the Giant Dodongo Skull?
Go to the upper bridge above the giant skull. Drop a Bomb through each of the two openings so the explosions reach the eye sockets. Once both eyes turn red, the skull’s mouth opens and reveals the hidden passage.
How Many Gold Skulltulas Are in Dodongo Cavern?
Four Gold Skulltulas are available during the first visit as Child Link. Another one can be collected later as Adult Link using the Scarecrow’s Song and Hookshot.
What Do You Get After Defeating King Dodongo?
You receive a Heart Container after the battle. Once you exit through the blue light, Darunia rewards you with the Goron’s Ruby, also known as the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
What Is the Next Dungeon After Dodongo Cavern?
After collecting the Goron’s Ruby, your next main story objective is to find the Spiritual Stone of Water. Travel towards Zora’s Domain and continue the quest that leads to Lord Jabu-Jabu’s Belly.
Conclusion
Dodongo Cavern is a major step in Link’s journey to collect the Spiritual Stones. The dungeon introduces more challenging enemies and puzzles, especially the Lizalfos fights, moving spike traps, Fire Keese, and the giant Dodongo skull.
Remember to collect the Dungeon Map, Compass, and Bomb Bag while exploring. The Bomb Bag is particularly important because it allows you to destroy cracked walls without depending on nearby Bomb Flowers.
Once you solve the skull puzzle and complete the stone block challenge, you can enter King Dodongo’s lair. Use Bombs when he opens his mouth, attack his vulnerable tongue, and retreat when he begins rolling around the arena.
After defeating him, collect the Heart Container and meet Darunia outside to receive the Goron’s Ruby. You are now ready to continue your journey towards the remaining Spiritual Stones.
