The Legend of Zelda Dungeon Guide

The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986, is a classic adventure game that set the standard for the action-RPG genre. With its intricate dungeons and challenging puzzles, conquering each level requires strategy, skill, and perseverance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through clearing every dungeon in the game, providing detailed steps and tips for success.

Level 1: The Eagle

The Eagle dungeon is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule and serves as an excellent introduction to the game's mechanics.

Entrance: From the starting point, head east and then north. The entrance is in a small grove of trees.

Key Items: Bow, Boomerang

Boss: Aquamentus

Steps to Clear:

1. Upon entering, defeat the Keese (bats) in the first room.
2. Head north and collect the map from the treasure chest.
3. Go east and defeat the Stalfos (skeletons) to obtain a key.
4. Use the key to unlock the door to the north.
5. In the next room, defeat the Goriya (boomerang-throwing enemies) to obtain the Bow.
6. Head west and use your new Bow to defeat the Darknuts (armored knights).
7. Continue north to find the Compass in a treasure chest.
8. Go east and then south to reach the boss room.
9. Defeat Aquamentus by shooting arrows at its head while avoiding its fireballs.
10. Collect the Heart Container and the first piece of the Triforce.

Level 2: The Moon

The Moon dungeon is located in the northwestern part of Hyrule, hidden beneath a lake.

Entrance: Use a bomb on the wall at the northernmost part of the lake to reveal the entrance.

Key Items: Magical Boomerang

Boss: Dodongo

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and collect the key.
2. Head east and use the key to unlock the door.
3. Defeat the Ropes (snakes) in this room to reveal a secret passage to the north.
4. In the next room, collect the map from the treasure chest.
5. Go west and defeat the Gels (slimes) to obtain another key.
6. Use this key to unlock the door to the east.
7. In this room, defeat the Moldorm (segmented worms) to reveal a secret passage south.
8. Collect the Magical Boomerang from the treasure chest.
9. Head back to the central area and go north to face the boss.
10. Defeat Dodongo by feeding it bombs when its mouth is open.
11. Collect the Heart Container and the second piece of the Triforce.

Level 3: The Manji

The Manji dungeon is located in the eastern part of Hyrule, hidden in a forest.

Entrance: Use the recorder (flute) near a pond in the eastern forest to reveal the entrance.

Key Items: Raft

Boss: Manhandla

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and head north.
2. Defeat the Darknuts in this room to obtain a key.
3. Use the key to unlock the door to the east.
4. Collect the map from the treasure chest in this room.
5. Head south and defeat the Zols (larger slimes) to reveal a secret passage west.
6. In this hidden room, collect the Compass.
7. Return to the central area and go north.
8. Defeat the Gibdos (mummies) to obtain another key.
9. Use this key to unlock the door to the east.
10. Collect the Raft from the treasure chest.
11. Head north to face the boss.
12. Defeat Manhandla by shooting arrows at its four heads while avoiding its projectiles.
13. Collect the Heart Container and the third piece of the Triforce.

Level 4: The Snake

The Snake dungeon is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, accessible only by raft.

Entrance: Use the raft to cross the river in the northeast and enter the dungeon on the small island.

Key Items: Stepladder

Boss: Gleeok

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and head east.
2. Defeat the Darknuts to obtain a key.
3. Use the key to unlock the door to the north.
4. Collect the map from the treasure chest in this room.
5. Head west and defeat the Like Likes (shield-eating enemies) to reveal a secret passage south.
6. In this hidden room, collect the Compass.
7. Return to the central area and go east.
8. Defeat the Wizzrobes (wizard enemies) to obtain another key.
9. Use this key to unlock the door to the north.
10. Collect the Stepladder from the treasure chest.
11. Use the Stepladder to cross small gaps and reach the boss room to the west.
12. Defeat Gleeok by shooting arrows at its two heads while avoiding its fireballs.
13. Collect the Heart Container and the fourth piece of the Triforce.

Level 5: The Lizard

The Lizard dungeon is located in the central part of Hyrule, hidden in a maze-like forest.

Entrance: Navigate through the Lost Woods using the pattern "north, west, south, west" to find the entrance.

Key Items: Recorder (if not already obtained)

Boss: Digdogger

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and head north.
2. Defeat the Darknuts to obtain a key.
3. Use the key to unlock the door to the east.
4. Collect the map from the treasure chest in this room.
5. Head south and defeat the Pols Voice (rabbit-like enemies) using bombs to reveal a secret passage west.
6. In this hidden room, collect the Compass.
7. Return to the central area and go north.
8. Defeat the Gibdos to obtain another key.
9. Use this key to unlock the door to the west.
10. If you don't already have it, collect the Recorder from the treasure chest.
11. Head north to face the boss.
12. Defeat Digdogger by playing the Recorder to shrink it, then attack with your sword.
13. Collect the Heart Container and the fifth piece of the Triforce.

Level 6: The Dragon

The Dragon dungeon is located in the southwestern part of Hyrule, hidden beneath a lake.

Entrance: Use a bomb on the easternmost part of the lake's shore to reveal the entrance.

Key Items: Magical Rod

Boss: Gohma

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and head west.
2. Defeat the Wizzrobes to obtain a key.
3. Use the key to unlock the door to the north.
4. Collect the map from the treasure chest in this room.
5. Head east and defeat the Bubbles (skull enemies) to reveal a secret passage south.
6. In this hidden room, collect the Compass.
7. Return to the central area and go west.
8. Defeat the Like Likes to obtain another key.
9. Use this key to unlock the door to the north.
10. Collect the Magical Rod from the treasure chest.
11. Head east to face the boss.
12. Defeat Gohma by shooting arrows at its eye when it opens.
13. Collect the Heart Container and the sixth piece of the Triforce.

Level 7: The Demon

The Demon dungeon is located in the northwestern part of Hyrule, hidden beneath a gravestone.

Entrance: Push the correct gravestone in the northwestern graveyard to reveal the entrance.

Key Items: Red Candle

Boss: Aquamentus

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and head north.
2. Defeat the Darknuts to obtain a key.
3. Use the key to unlock the door to the east.
4. Collect the map from the treasure chest in this room.
5. Head south and defeat the Pols Voice using bombs to reveal a secret passage west.
6. In this hidden room, collect the Compass.
7. Return to the central area and go north.
8. Defeat the Gibdos to obtain another key.
9. Use this key to unlock the door to the west.
10. Collect the Red Candle from the treasure chest.
11. Head north to face the boss.
12. Defeat Aquamentus using the same strategy as in Level 1, but be prepared for faster fireballs.
13. Collect the Heart Container and the seventh piece of the Triforce.

Level 8: The Lion

The Lion dungeon is located in the southeastern part of Hyrule, hidden beneath a bush.

Entrance: Burn a specific bush in the southeastern area using the candle to reveal the entrance.

Key Items: Magic Key

Boss: Gleeok (three heads)

Steps to Clear:

1. In the first room, defeat the Keese and head east.
2. Defeat the Wizzrobes to obtain a key.
3. Use the key to unlock the door to the north.
4. Collect the map from the treasure chest in this room.
5. Head west and defeat the Bubbles to reveal a secret passage south.
6. In this hidden room, collect the Compass.
7. Return to the central area and go east.
8. Defeat the Like Likes to obtain another key.
9. Use this key to unlock the door to the north.
10. Collect the Magic Key from the treasure chest. This key can open any locked door in the game.
11. Head west to face the boss.
12. Defeat Gleeok by shooting arrows at its three heads while avoiding its increased number of fireballs.
13. Collect the Heart Container and the eighth piece of the Triforce.

Level 9: Death Mountain

Death Mountain is the final dungeon, located at the top of Death Mountain in northern Hyrule.

Entrance: Use the recorder at the base of Death Mountain to reveal the entrance.

Key Items: Silver Arrow

Boss: Ganon

Steps to Clear:

1. This dungeon is much larger and more complex than the previous ones. Use your map and compass frequently.
2. Navigate through the maze-like structure, defeating various enemies from previous dungeons.
3. Collect the Silver Arrow from a treasure chest. This is crucial for defeating Ganon.
4. Make your way to the center of the dungeon to face Ganon.
5. In the Ganon fight:
• Ganon is invisible. Use the Red Candle to reveal his location.
• Once visible, hit him with your sword to stun him.
• When stunned, use the Silver Arrow to deal damage.
• Repeat this process until Ganon is defeated.
6. After defeating Ganon, collect the Triforce of Power.
7. Rescue Princess Zelda in the next room to complete the game.

General Tips for All Dungeons

• Always keep an eye out for cracked walls that can be bombed to reveal secret rooms.
• Use your map and compass to navigate efficiently and find all treasure chests.
• Defeat all enemies in a room to potentially reveal secret passages or keys.
• Conserve your health by using the boomerang to stun enemies before attacking with your sword.
• Stock up on bombs and arrows before entering dungeons.
• Use the candle to light dark rooms and reveal hidden passages.
• The Magic Key from Level 8 can be used to open any locked door in previous dungeons, allowing you to access areas you might have missed.

By following this guide and employing these strategies, you'll be well-equipped to conquer every dungeon in The Legend of Zelda. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering the game's challenges. Good luck on your quest to save Hyrule!

Citations:

• Zelda Dungeon
• YouTube Video
• Breath of the Wild Walkthrough
• Link to the Past Randomizer
• The Legend of Zelda Walkthrough
• GameFAQs Discussion
• Gerudo Sanctum Walkthrough
• Hyrule Castle Walkthrough
• Reddit Discussion