TL;DR: Great Deku Tree Dungeon Walkthrough
- Climb the vines inside the Great Deku Tree to reach the second floor and collect the Dungeon Map.
- Deflect the Deku Scrub’s attack with your shield and obtain the Fairy Slingshot from the next room.
- Use the Slingshot to defeat Skulltulas and unlock the path to the third floor.
- Collect the Compass and the first Gold Skulltula before jumping onto the giant web in the main chamber.
- Light Deku Sticks to burn spiderwebs and open new paths in the basement.
- Defeat the three Deku Scrubs in the order 2, 3, 1 (middle, right, left).
- Stun Queen Gohma with the Fairy Slingshot and attack her eye with your sword.
- Collect the Heart Container and receive the Kokiri’s Emerald after defeating the boss.
The Great Deku Tree is the first dungeon in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake. After getting the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield in Kokiri Forest, Link finally gets the chance to enter the giant tree and investigate the curse threatening it.
This dungeon introduces several important mechanics, including climbing vines, using the Fairy Slingshot, burning spiderwebs, and solving puzzles with Deku Scrubs. You will also encounter Skulltulas and Queen Gohma, the first major boss of the adventure.
This Great Deku Tree Dungeon Walkthrough covers every important room, including the Dungeon Map, Fairy Slingshot, Compass, all four Gold Skulltulas, the Deku Scrub puzzle, and the Queen Gohma boss fight.
Great Deku Tree Dungeon Walkthrough in Ocarina of Time Remake
Before entering the Great Deku Tree, make sure Link has the Kokiri Sword, Deku Shield, and a few Deku Sticks. You can obtain these items during the previous area.
If you haven’t completed the opening area yet, follow our Kokiri Forest Walkthrough in Ocarina of Time Remake to find the sword, collect 40 Rupees, buy the shield, and get past Mido.
Once you enter the Great Deku Tree, you will see a large chamber with a spiderweb covering the middle of the floor. You cannot break this web immediately. You first need to explore the upper floors and find the Fairy Slingshot.
Step 1: Enter the Great Deku Tree and Find the Dungeon Map
As soon as you enter the tree, several Deku Babas will attack you. These plant enemies can lunge towards Link, so keep some distance and use your Kokiri Sword to defeat them.
Deku Babas can drop useful items when defeated. Hitting their heads can give you Deku Nuts, while cutting their stems can provide Deku Sticks.
After clearing the entrance area, look for the green vines on the wall. Climb them to reach the upper walkway and follow the path around the main chamber.
Continue exploring the second floor until you reach a large vine wall. You will find a big treasure chest near its base.
Open the chest to collect the Dungeon Map.
The map shows the dungeon’s different floors and rooms. It becomes especially useful when you start exploring the basement, where several paths connect to each other.
Tip: The Great Deku Tree has multiple floors, including a large basement area. Check the map whenever you are unsure about your position.
Step 2: Defeat the Deku Scrub and Find the Fairy Slingshot
From the second floor, continue along the walkway until you reach a door. Enter the room to encounter a Deku Scrub hiding inside the grass.
You cannot hit it directly while it is hiding. Instead, stand at a reasonable distance and raise your Deku Shield.
The Deku Scrub will launch a Deku Nut towards Link. Your shield reflects the projectile back towards the enemy, stunning it.
Once the Deku Scrub runs away from its hiding spot, chase it and attack with your sword. It will surrender and provide a useful hint about rolling when landing from a jump.
Continue through the next door to enter a room with a narrow wooden bridge.
Follow these steps to collect the Fairy Slingshot:
- Run across the wooden bridge as soon as you enter the room.
- The bridge will collapse when you cross it, dropping Link to the lower area.
- Look for the vines on the nearby wall and climb back up.
- Follow the upper platform to reach the large treasure chest.
- Open the chest to obtain the Fairy Slingshot.
- Look for another small vine wall beside the chest and climb it to find a hidden chest containing three Deku Nuts.
The Fairy Slingshot is one of the most important items in this dungeon. It fires Deku Seeds and allows you to hit distant enemies, switches, and eye-shaped targets.
Step 3: Use the Fairy Slingshot to Open the Exit
The wooden bridge has collapsed, so you need another way to return to the main chamber.
Equip the Fairy Slingshot and look above the doorway you originally entered. You will see an eye-shaped switch on the wall.
Aim at the switch and hit it with a Deku Seed. This activates the mechanism and drops a ladder, giving you a way back to the central room.
Climb down the ladder and return to the large vine wall where you found the Dungeon Map.
You should now use the Slingshot to remove the Skullwalltulas crawling on the vines. There are three of them blocking your way up.
Once the path is clear, climb the vines to reach the third floor.
Step 4: Find the Compass on the Third Floor
After reaching the third floor, follow the circular walkway and look for a large Skulltula blocking a doorway.
These enemies have hard shells that protect them from attacks. Wait until the Skulltula turns around and exposes its softer belly before attacking with your sword.
Enter the room after defeating it. You will find a floor switch and three platforms that rise from a pit.
Here is how to reach the Compass:
- Step on the floor switch near the entrance.
- Watch as three platforms rise from the lower area.
- Jump across the platforms to reach the other side.
- Open the large chest to collect the Compass.
The Compass adds useful information to your dungeon map, including the locations of treasure chests and important rooms.
There is also a hidden Gold Skulltula in this room. Before leaving, activate the floor switch again and use the raised platforms to reach the side alcove. Defeat the Skulltula guarding it and collect the Gold Skulltula Token.
You can also crawl through the small opening behind the Compass chest to find another chest containing three Deku Nuts.
Step 5: Break the Giant Spiderweb in the Main Chamber
After collecting the Compass, return to the main chamber and continue climbing towards the highest floor of the Great Deku Tree.
You will encounter more Skulltulas along the way. Use the Fairy Slingshot against the smaller ones and wait for the larger Skulltulas to expose their vulnerable sides before attacking.
Once you reach the highest walkway, look down towards the giant spiderweb covering the floor of the first chamber.
You need to jump from the upper platform and land directly in the middle of the web. A jump from a lower platform will not provide enough force to break it.
Position Link carefully, run towards the edge, and jump into the center of the spiderweb.
The web will break under Link’s weight, allowing him to fall into the basement of the Great Deku Tree.
Great Deku Tree Basement Walkthrough
The basement contains several water puzzles, spiderwebs, hidden collectibles, and enemies. This is where the Fairy Slingshot and Deku Sticks become especially important.
Step 6: Collect the Second and Third Gold Skulltulas
After landing in the water, swim towards the nearby ledge and climb out of the pool.
Before continuing, look behind the pool towards the large vine wall. You will find the second Gold Skulltula attached to it.
Use your Fairy Slingshot to defeat it and climb the vines to collect its token.
For the third Gold Skulltula, explore the northern side of the basement. Look for a large metal grate near the water.
The Gold Skulltula is attached to the grate. Shoot it with the Slingshot, then jump across to collect the token.
These collectibles are optional, but collecting all four Gold Skulltulas in this dungeon is worth doing while you are already exploring the area.
Step 7: Get Deku Sticks and Burn the Spiderweb
Look for a floor switch near the northern side of the basement. Step on it to activate a nearby torch and burn the small spiderweb covering a treasure chest.
Open the chest to collect three Deku Sticks.
Now equip a Deku Stick and bring it close to the burning torch to set it on fire.
Walk or jump across the platforms towards the southern side of the room. You will find another spiderweb blocking a doorway.
Use the burning Deku Stick to set the web on fire. Make sure you reach it before the flame goes out.
Once the web disappears, put away the stick and enter the newly opened passage.
Step 8: Defeat Another Deku Scrub and Learn the 2-3-1 Puzzle Code
Inside the next room, you will encounter another Deku Scrub. Use the same technique as before by raising your shield and reflecting its projectile.
Once you hit the enemy, chase it and attack when it stops running.
This Deku Scrub provides an important clue about three other Scrubs waiting deeper inside the dungeon.
It tells you that the correct order is 2, 3, 1. Remember this because you will need the information to open the boss room later.
Before leaving the room, look above the door for another eye-shaped switch. Shoot it with the Fairy Slingshot to unlock the exit.
Important: The order means middle first, right second, and left third when looking at the three Deku Scrubs from the entrance.
Step 9: Solve the Underwater Switch and Spinning Spike Log Puzzle
The next room contains a pool of water and a moving platform that travels underneath a rotating spiked log.
The platform initially sits too high to pass safely beneath the obstacle. You need to lower the water level before crossing.
Follow these steps:
- Jump into the water and swim towards the area beneath the large metal grate.
- Look underwater for a switch on the floor.
- Dive down and press the switch to activate the mechanism.
- The water level will change, allowing the moving platform to travel lower.
- Wait for the platform and jump onto it.
- Ride underneath the rotating spiked log.
- Jump off at the other side and enter the next doorway.
Do not try to swim directly underneath the rotating obstacle. Use the lowered platform to cross safely.
Step 10: Move the Block and Light the Three Torches
After crossing the water room, you will encounter another Skulltula guarding the path.
Defeat it with your sword by waiting for its vulnerable side to face you. Once the area is clear, look for a large movable block near the ledge.
Push the block towards the wall so you can climb onto it and reach the higher platform.
The next room contains three unlit torches and a nearby burning torch.
Take out a Deku Stick and light it using the existing flame. Quickly run between the three unlit torches to light them before the stick burns out.
Once all three torches are burning, the door will open. Continue through the passage to reach the next section.
Step 11: Defeat the Gohma Larvae and Find the Fourth Gold Skulltula
The next room contains Gohma Larvae that fall from the ceiling and attack Link. These smaller enemies can be defeated with your Kokiri Sword.
Stay alert because they can lunge towards you. Move out of their way and attack when they get close.
After clearing the room, look around for spiderwebs covering two different passages.
Light a Deku Stick using the nearby torch and burn the web in the northwestern corner to open the first passage.
Follow the passage and defeat the enemies along the route. You will find the fourth and final Gold Skulltula high on the vines at the back of the area.
Use your Slingshot to defeat it, then climb up and collect the token.
Return to the previous room and use another burning Deku Stick to remove the web covering the eastern passage. Crawl through the small opening to return to the earlier basement area, but on a higher ledge.
Step 12: Burn the Final Spiderweb and Reach Basement 2
After returning to the earlier room, you will see a large block near a ledge. Push it down to create a shortcut between the upper and lower sections.
Now look for the nearby torch. Use it to light a Deku Stick and cross the water to return to the higher platform.
Keep the burning stick equipped and approach the large spiderweb covering the hole in the floor.
Use a rolling attack while carrying the burning stick to set the web on fire. The fire will destroy the web and reveal a passage leading to the lowest basement floor.
Drop down through the opening and prepare for the final Deku Scrub puzzle.
Step 13: Defeat the Three Deku Scrubs in the Correct Order
At the lowest level, you will find three Deku Scrubs blocking the path to the boss room.
Remember the clue from the earlier Deku Scrub: the order is 2, 3, 1.
Look at the three enemies from left to right and follow this sequence:
- First: Middle Deku Scrub (2). Reflect its projectile using your Deku Shield.
- Second: Right Deku Scrub (3). Move into position and reflect its attack.
- Third: Left Deku Scrub (1). Reflect its projectile to complete the sequence.
Be careful not to hit the enemies in the wrong order. Dodge their projectiles when you are not targeting the correct Scrub.
After defeating all three in the correct sequence, the final Deku Scrub will provide a hint about the boss’s weakness.
The door will open, allowing you to enter Queen Gohma’s arena.
How to Defeat Queen Gohma in Ocarina of Time Remake
Queen Gohma is the boss of the Great Deku Tree dungeon. She is a large spider-like creature with a single exposed eye, which is also her main weakness.
Before starting the fight, make sure the Fairy Slingshot is equipped and you have enough Deku Seeds. Your Kokiri Sword will also be needed to deal damage once Gohma is stunned.
Queen Gohma Boss Fight Strategy
When the fight begins, look up towards the ceiling. Queen Gohma will appear above Link and eventually move down into the arena.
Keep your distance and watch her eye carefully. Her eye changes color as she prepares an attack. When it turns green and becomes exposed, shoot it with the Fairy Slingshot to stun her.
Once Gohma falls to the ground, run towards her and attack her exposed eye with your Kokiri Sword.
Follow this strategy throughout the fight:
- Lock onto Queen Gohma using Z-targeting.
- Watch her movements and avoid getting too close while she prepares an attack.
- When her eye turns green, fire a Deku Seed using the Fairy Slingshot.
- After she falls or becomes stunned, move close and attack with your sword.
- Move away when she starts recovering.
- Repeat the process until her health is depleted.
How to Stop Queen Gohma From Spawning Larvae
Queen Gohma can climb onto the ceiling during the battle. If you allow her enough time, she may drop eggs that hatch into smaller Gohma Larvae.
To avoid this, keep watching her eye while she is on the ceiling. When it becomes vulnerable and turns green, shoot it immediately with the Fairy Slingshot.
A successful hit knocks her down before she can release the eggs.
If she manages to drop eggs, destroy them with your Slingshot before they hatch. This prevents additional enemies from making the fight more difficult.
Collect the Heart Container After Defeating Gohma
Once Queen Gohma is defeated, she will disappear and leave behind a Heart Container.
Make sure you collect it before entering the blue light that appears in the boss room. The Heart Container increases Link’s maximum health by one full heart.
Enter the blue light to leave the dungeon and return to the Great Deku Tree.
Great Deku Tree Dungeon Rewards and Collectibles
Completing this dungeon provides several useful items and rewards. Here is everything you should try to collect during your first visit.
- Dungeon Map: Found inside a large chest on the upper floor.
- Fairy Slingshot: Found inside the chest after the Deku Scrub encounter.
- Compass: Located inside the room with the three rising platforms.
- Four Gold Skulltulas: Hidden throughout the upper floors and basement.
- Heart Container: Dropped by Queen Gohma after the boss fight.
- Kokiri’s Emerald: Awarded by the Great Deku Tree after completing the dungeon.
There are no Small Keys or Boss Keys required in this dungeon. You can complete the main path using the items and switches found inside.
All Four Gold Skulltula Locations in the Great Deku Tree
If you want to collect every Gold Skulltula during your first visit, make sure you check these four locations before finishing the dungeon.
- Gold Skulltula 1 – Third Floor: Inside the Compass room. Activate the floor switch, raise the three platforms, and reach the side alcove to defeat it.
- Gold Skulltula 2 – Basement 1: Attached to the large vine wall behind the water pool where you first land after breaking the giant web.
- Gold Skulltula 3 – Basement 1: Found on the northern metal grate near the water. Shoot it with the Fairy Slingshot and jump over to collect its token.
- Gold Skulltula 4 – Basement 1: Located high on the vines in the passage behind the northwestern spiderweb in the Gohma Larvae room. Burn the web, clear the enemies, and shoot the Skulltula.
Collecting these tokens is useful for future rewards at the House of Skulltula in Kakariko Village. Do not confuse Gold Skulltulas with regular Skulltulas, which are common enemies throughout the dungeon.
Great Deku Tree Dungeon Tips for Beginners
The Great Deku Tree is not particularly difficult once you understand how its puzzles work. However, some rooms can be confusing during your first visit.
- Always carry Deku Sticks: You will need them to burn spiderwebs and light torches.
- Save Deku Seeds: The Fairy Slingshot is required for several switches, Skulltulas, and the final boss.
- Look above doors: Some exits are activated by shooting eye-shaped switches.
- Watch the Skulltulas: Their vulnerable bellies are exposed when they turn around.
- Remember the 2-3-1 code: It is needed to solve the final Deku Scrub puzzle.
- Check the dungeon map: The different floors can become confusing, especially when returning through basement passages.
- Jump into the center of the web: You need to reach the middle of the giant web from the highest platform to break it.
- Watch Queen Gohma’s eye: Use the Slingshot when it becomes green and vulnerable.
New players should also check our Ocarina of Time Remake Beginner Tips and Tricks guide for more help with combat, controls, exploration, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you break the giant spiderweb in the Great Deku Tree?
Climb to the highest floor of the Great Deku Tree and jump from the upper platform directly into the middle of the giant spiderweb on the first floor. Link’s weight will break the web and send him into the basement.
Where is the Fairy Slingshot in the Great Deku Tree?
The Fairy Slingshot is inside a large treasure chest in the room beyond the Deku Scrub encounter on the second floor. Cross the wooden bridge, climb the nearby vines after it collapses, and open the chest at the top.
Where is the Compass in the Great Deku Tree?
The Compass is inside a large chest in the room with three rising platforms on the third floor. Press the floor switch near the entrance and jump across the platforms to reach it.
What is the correct order for the three Deku Scrubs?
The correct order is 2, 3, 1. Reflect the projectiles from the middle Deku Scrub first, the right one second, and the left one last.
How many Gold Skulltulas are inside the Great Deku Tree?
There are four Gold Skulltulas inside the Great Deku Tree dungeon. One is on the third floor near the Compass room, while the other three are located in the basement.
How do you defeat Queen Gohma in Ocarina of Time Remake?
Use the Fairy Slingshot to hit Queen Gohma’s exposed eye when it turns green. This stuns her and gives you an opportunity to attack with the Kokiri Sword. Repeat the process until she is defeated.
How do you stop Queen Gohma from laying eggs?
When Queen Gohma climbs onto the ceiling, watch her eye and shoot it with the Fairy Slingshot as soon as it turns green. Hitting her at the right moment knocks her down before she can release eggs.
What do you get after completing the Great Deku Tree dungeon?
You receive a Heart Container after defeating Queen Gohma. Once you leave the dungeon, the Great Deku Tree gives Link the Kokiri’s Emerald, the first Spiritual Stone in the adventure.
Conclusion
The Great Deku Tree is your first major dungeon in Ocarina of Time Remake, and it introduces many mechanics that will become important throughout Link’s adventure.
Make sure you collect the Dungeon Map, Fairy Slingshot, and Compass while exploring the upper floors. In the basement, use Deku Sticks to burn spiderwebs, solve the water puzzle, and remember the 2-3-1 order for the final Deku Scrubs.
Once you reach Queen Gohma, focus on her exposed eye and use the Fairy Slingshot to create opportunities for sword attacks. After defeating her, collect the Heart Container and receive the Kokiri’s Emerald from the Great Deku Tree.
Your next destination is Hyrule Castle. The adventure beyond Kokiri Forest is just getting started.
