TL;DR
- Climb Death Mountain Trail from Kakariko Village and enter Goron City through the tunnel on the left.
- Find Darunia on the lowest floor and play Zelda’s Lullaby to open his room.
- Use a burning Deku Stick to destroy the rocks blocking the shortcut to the Lost Woods.
- Follow Left, Left, Straight, Left, Right to reach the Sacred Forest Meadow and find Saria.
- Learn Saria’s Song, return to Darunia, and play it to receive the Goron Bracelet.
- Use the bracelet to pick up a Bomb Flower and open the entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern.
The Goron City and Lost Woods walkthrough in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake takes Link across Death Mountain and back into the forest to find Saria. Your main objective is to learn Saria’s Song and use it to cheer up Darunia, the leader of the Gorons. He will reward you with the Goron Bracelet, which allows you to pick up and throw Bomb Flowers.
Getting through Goron City is not difficult, but finding the correct route through the Lost Woods can be confusing. This walkthrough explains the full journey, including the hidden shortcut, the Sacred Forest Meadow, and the steps needed to open Dodongo’s Cavern.
What You Need Before Going to Goron City
Before climbing Death Mountain, make sure you have completed the earlier story objectives. You need access to Kakariko Village and the ability to enter Death Mountain Trail.
Here are the important things to have:
- Zelda’s Letter: You need this to get permission from the guard in Kakariko Village to enter Death Mountain Trail.
- Zelda’s Lullaby: You will need this song to open Darunia’s locked room in Goron City.
- Deku Sticks: These are needed to light Bomb Flowers and open the shortcut to the Lost Woods.
- Hylian Shield: It is useful protection while travelling through the dangerous mountain area.
- Ocarina: You will use it to play Zelda’s Lullaby and learn Saria’s Song.
If you have not completed the previous story section, follow our Princess of Hyrule walkthrough first. You can also check our Ocarina of Time Remake beginner tips if you need help with basic controls and combat.
How to Reach Goron City in Ocarina of Time Remake
Your first destination is Death Mountain. To get there, travel to Kakariko Village and find the locked gate near the northern side of the village.
- Go to the guard standing near the entrance to Death Mountain Trail.
- Speak to him and show him Zelda’s Letter.
- Once the guard opens the gate, follow the path ahead.
- Continue climbing Death Mountain Trail and watch out for Red Tektites.
- Climb the mesh wall to reach the higher section of the mountain.
- Continue along the path until you reach a large blocked cave entrance.
- Keep moving uphill and take the sharp left path to enter Goron City.
You will notice a Bomb Flower near the Goron standing outside the city entrance. You cannot pick it up yet because Link does not have enough strength. Remember this location because you will return to it after receiving the Goron Bracelet.
For now, enter Goron City and look for the Goron chief.
How to Find Darunia in Goron City
Goron City is built around a large open area with several levels connected by ramps and pathways. Darunia’s room is on the lowest floor.
Follow these steps to find him:
- Enter Goron City and make your way down through the different levels.
- Watch out for the Goron rolling around the middle section. He can knock Link over if you stand in his way.
- Continue going down until you reach the bottom floor.
- Look for a locked door on the northern side with a Triforce symbol on the floor.
- Stand on the Triforce symbol and take out your Ocarina.
- Play Zelda’s Lullaby to open the door.
- Enter the room and speak with Darunia.
Darunia is not in a good mood. He explains that a dangerous creature has taken over Dodongo’s Cavern, preventing the Gorons from collecting their food. He refuses to help Link until the problem is dealt with.
However, you cannot enter Dodongo’s Cavern yet. First, you need to find a way to make Darunia happy.
How to Open the Lost Woods Shortcut from Goron City
Darunia’s favourite song is the key to changing his mood. Another Goron hints that music coming from the upper level might help you discover which song he likes.
You need to visit the Lost Woods and find Saria. Fortunately, there is a shortcut hidden inside Goron City. It is blocked by rocks, so you must use fire to clear the entrance.
Step 1: Find a Burning Torch in Darunia’s Room
Look at the torches burning inside Darunia’s room. Take out a Deku Stick and hold it close to one of the flames to light it.
Once the stick catches fire, leave the room and move towards the central area of Goron City.
Step 2: Light the Bomb Flowers
Carry the burning Deku Stick up the winding ramp towards the next level. You may need to use other torches along the way to light your stick again before the flame goes out.
Look towards the eastern side of the level. You should find a blocked passage with Bomb Flowers growing beside the rocks.
- Get close to the Bomb Flowers with your burning Deku Stick.
- Touch one of the flowers with the flame.
- Move away before the explosion.
- Wait for the rocks to break and clear the passage.
The explosion opens a shortcut between Goron City and the Lost Woods. Enter the newly opened passage to continue your search for Saria.
How to Find Saria in the Lost Woods
The Lost Woods is a maze of similar-looking pathways. Taking the wrong exit can send you back to the beginning, so pay attention to the music and the direction of each tunnel.
Since you entered from the Goron City shortcut, use the following directions to reach the Sacred Forest Meadow.
Correct Lost Woods Path from Goron City
Follow these turns in order:
- First: Turn left when you enter the Lost Woods.
- Second: Turn left again when you reach the area with the pool of water.
- Third: Go straight through the next four-way area.
- Fourth: Turn left when you reach the area with a single boulder.
- Fifth: Turn right at the next area with another single boulder.
Follow this route carefully to reach the Sacred Forest Meadow.
Important: These directions start from the shortcut opened inside Goron City. They are different from the seven-turn route used when entering the Lost Woods through Kokiri Forest.
If you are using the normal entrance from Kokiri Forest instead, the correct path is:
Right → Left → Right → Left → Straight → Left → Right
You can also use the music as a guide. Saria’s melody becomes louder when you approach the correct tunnel. If the music fades away, you are probably heading in the wrong direction.
If you are starting this journey from the forest rather than Goron City, our Kokiri Forest walkthrough will help you find the entrance.
How to Reach the Sacred Forest Meadow
After following the correct Lost Woods route, you will arrive at the Sacred Forest Meadow. However, there is one more obstacle before you can meet Saria.
A Wolfos is guarding the entrance and will attack as soon as you approach.
How to Defeat the Wolfos
The Wolfos moves around Link and waits for an opportunity to attack. Its claws make it difficult to hit from the front.
Here is a simple way to defeat it:
- Keep your shield ready when the Wolfos approaches.
- Watch for its jumping attack.
- Dodge or block the attack and wait for it to turn around.
- When its back is exposed, attack with your sword.
- Repeat until the Wolfos is defeated.
Once the Wolfos is gone, the gate opens and you can enter the Sacred Forest Meadow.
Get Through the Sacred Forest Meadow Maze
The path ahead is a winding maze filled with Mad Scrubs. These enemies attack by firing Deku Nuts at Link.
You do not need to fight every enemy to reach Saria. Keep your shield raised when approaching them, or avoid their attacks and move through the openings.
A useful trick is to use your shield to reflect their projectiles. This can send their attacks back towards them and make the encounter easier.
Keep following the path through the stone walls until you reach a staircase. Climb the stairs to find Saria waiting at the top.
How to Get Saria’s Song in Ocarina of Time Remake
Speak with Saria at the top of the Sacred Forest Meadow. She is happy to see Link and gives him a special melody that allows them to communicate even when they are apart.
Take out your Ocarina and play the notes when prompted.
Saria’s Song button sequence:
R → A → Y → R → A → Y
After completing the melody, you will learn Saria’s Song.
This song is important for the next part of your journey. It allows you to contact Saria from different locations and, more importantly, it is exactly what Darunia needs to hear.
How to Return to Goron City from the Lost Woods
Now that you have learned Saria’s Song, it is time to return to Goron City.
You can use the shortcut you opened earlier instead of travelling all the way back through Death Mountain. Retrace the path through the Lost Woods and enter the Goron City passage.
Once inside Goron City, go down to the lowest level and return to Darunia’s room. The Triforce door is in the same location where you played Zelda’s Lullaby earlier.
How to Cheer Up Darunia and Get the Goron Bracelet
Enter Darunia’s room and stand close to him. Take out your Ocarina and play Saria’s Song.
Darunia immediately reacts to the music. He starts dancing and finally comes out of his bad mood. After the dance, speak with him to continue the conversation.
Darunia explains the situation with Dodongo’s Cavern and gives Link the Goron Bracelet.
This is an important upgrade because it allows young Link to pick up and throw Bomb Flowers. You no longer need to rely on burning Deku Sticks to activate every Bomb Flower.
You do not need to equip the Goron Bracelet separately. Once you receive it, you can pick up Bomb Flowers whenever you find them.
How to Open Dodongo’s Cavern with the Goron Bracelet
Now that you have the Goron Bracelet, you can finally open the entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern.
Leave Goron City through the upper entrance. As soon as you get outside, look towards the right side of the path. You will find a Bomb Flower near a Goron and a fence.
The entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern is blocked by a large boulder below this location.
Follow these steps:
- Walk towards the Bomb Flower near the fence.
- Pick it up using the Goron Bracelet.
- Stand near the opening in the fence.
- Throw the Bomb Flower over the edge towards the large boulder below.
- Wait for the explosion to destroy the boulder.
- Follow the mountain path down to the newly opened entrance.
If the Bomb Flower misses the boulder, wait for another one to grow and try again. Make sure you are standing near the correct opening before throwing it.
Once the boulder is destroyed, the entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern is accessible. This is the next major dungeon in your search for the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
Continue with our Spiritual Stone of Fire walkthrough for help exploring the dungeon and defeating its boss.
Optional Goron City Heart Piece: The Giant Spinning Pot
Before leaving Goron City, there is an optional Piece of Heart hidden inside the giant pot on the lowest floor. It is easy to miss, so it is worth collecting while you are here.
Step 1: Light All Four Torches
Return to Darunia’s room and light a Deku Stick using one of the burning torches.
Carry the burning stick into the central area and light the four torches surrounding the giant pot. Work quickly because the Deku Stick will eventually burn out. You can relight it using a torch that is already burning.
Once all four torches are lit, the giant pot begins spinning.
Step 2: Throw a Bomb Flower into the Pot
Climb to the next level and find a Bomb Flower. Use your Goron Bracelet to pick it up and throw it into the opening of the spinning pot.
The explosion will stop the pot and reveal one of its three faces. You need the smiling face to appear at the front to receive the Piece of Heart.
If another face appears, try again. Keep throwing Bomb Flowers until you get the correct reward.
Optional Lost Woods Rewards Worth Collecting
The Lost Woods has a few useful rewards that you can collect while travelling through the area. You can return to these locations after completing the main objective.
- Skull Kid’s reward: Find the Skull Kid in the clearing near the main entrance and play Saria’s Song to him.
- Ocarina memory game: Find the two Skull Kids sitting on the tree stumps and repeat their melodies. Complete all three rounds to earn a Piece of Heart.
- Deku Seed Bag upgrade: Visit the target practice area and shoot the centre of the target from the tree stump to earn a larger Deku Seed Bag.
- Gold Skulltulas: Check the soft-soil areas and hidden spots around the Lost Woods if you are collecting Gold Skulltula tokens.
These rewards are optional. You can continue towards Dodongo’s Cavern without collecting them.
Common Problems in Goron City and the Lost Woods
Why Is Darunia’s Door Not Opening?
Make sure you are standing on the Triforce symbol directly in front of his door. Take out your Ocarina and play Zelda’s Lullaby. Playing the song from a distance may not trigger the door.
Why Can’t I Pick Up Bomb Flowers?
You need the Goron Bracelet before you can lift and throw Bomb Flowers. Until then, use a burning Deku Stick to light the Bomb Flowers blocking the Lost Woods shortcut.
Why Do I Keep Getting Sent Back to Kokiri Forest?
You are probably taking the wrong tunnel in the Lost Woods. Follow the route that matches your entrance. The directions from the Goron City shortcut are not the same as the directions from Kokiri Forest.
Also listen carefully to the music. It becomes louder when you are moving towards the correct path.
Why Is the Wolfos Difficult to Defeat?
Do not keep attacking its front. Wait for it to attack, dodge or block, and strike when it turns around and exposes its back.
Why Does Darunia Not Dance After I Reach Him?
Make sure you have learned Saria’s Song from Saria in the Sacred Forest Meadow. Return to Darunia’s room and play the song close to him.
Do You Get the Spiritual Stone of Fire from Darunia Here?
No. You receive the Goron Bracelet after playing Saria’s Song for Darunia. The Spiritual Stone of Fire, also called the Goron’s Ruby, is obtained later after completing Dodongo’s Cavern and defeating King Dodongo.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Get to Goron City in Ocarina of Time Remake?
Show Zelda’s Letter to the guard at Kakariko Village to enter Death Mountain Trail. Climb the mountain path and take the left branch near the blocked upper route to reach Goron City.
What Song Does Darunia Want Link to Play?
Darunia wants to hear Saria’s Song. You can learn it by travelling through the Lost Woods to the Sacred Forest Meadow and speaking with Saria.
What Is the Correct Lost Woods Path from Goron City?
From the shortcut opened inside Goron City, follow Left, Left, Straight, Left, Right. This route takes you towards the Sacred Forest Meadow, where Saria is waiting.
What Is the Correct Lost Woods Path from Kokiri Forest?
Starting from the main entrance in Kokiri Forest, take Right, Left, Right, Left, Straight, Left, Right. This is the seven-turn route to the Sacred Forest Meadow.
What Does the Goron Bracelet Do?
The Goron Bracelet allows young Link to pick up and throw Bomb Flowers. You need it to destroy the large boulder blocking the entrance to Dodongo’s Cavern.
How Do You Open Dodongo’s Cavern?
After receiving the Goron Bracelet, leave Goron City through the upper entrance. Pick up the Bomb Flower near the fence and throw it over the edge towards the large boulder blocking the cavern entrance.
When Do You Get the Spiritual Stone of Fire?
You get the Goron’s Ruby, also known as the Spiritual Stone of Fire, after completing Dodongo’s Cavern and defeating King Dodongo. Darunia rewards Link for helping the Gorons.
Conclusion
The Goron City and Lost Woods section is an important part of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. Your main objective is to find Saria, learn her song, and use it to bring Darunia out of his bad mood.
Once Darunia hears Saria’s Song, he rewards Link with the Goron Bracelet. This allows you to pick up Bomb Flowers and destroy the boulder blocking Dodongo’s Cavern.
Remember the Lost Woods shortcut directions, as taking the wrong tunnel can send you back to the beginning. After opening Dodongo’s Cavern, you are ready for the next part of your journey towards the Spiritual Stone of Fire.
For more information about the game, visit the official The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Nintendo page.
