Ocarina of Time 3DS: Controls, Items & Combat Guide
This guide explains the Nintendo 3DS version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, covering the touch-screen controls, item management, combat basics, and essential tips for new players. You’ll learn how the remake improves on the original N64 controls, how to use the ocarina and items effectively, and how to avoid common early-game mistakes.
Touch Screen Controls and the 3DS Remake
The 3DS version of Ocarina of Time (released in 2011) is a faithful remake of the 1998 Nintendo 64 classic, but it adds a second screen that changes how you play. The bottom touch screen shows a map, an item shortcut menu, and an ocarina interface. You can assign any item you own to one of four touch-screen slots (X, Y, I, or II) by tapping the item icon and selecting a slot. This is much faster than pausing to change items, which was necessary on the N64.
For ocarina playing, the touch screen displays the six notes (A, C, D, F, G, and the higher C). Instead of memorizing button combinations, you tap the notes on the screen to play songs. You can also play using the physical buttons (A, B, and the D-pad) if you prefer, but the touch screen is more intuitive. The game also includes a “Sheikah Stone” hint system on the touch screen that gives you subtle hints if you’re stuck, but it’s optional and not required to progress.
Essential Items and How to Use Them
You’ll collect many items throughout the game, but a few are crucial for combat and exploration. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones:
- Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield – Your starting weapons. The sword is fast but weak; the shield blocks weak projectiles but burns if hit by fire.
- Slingshot – Use it to hit distant switches or enemies from safety. It’s not great for combat but essential for puzzles.
- Boomerang – Targets multiple enemies and retrieves distant items. It stuns enemies, making it a great crowd-control tool.
- Bombs – Blow up rocks, walls, and enemies. You can hold the bomb button to cook it before throwing, which makes it explode sooner.
- Bow and Arrow – Powerful ranged weapon, but consumes arrows. Use it for distant enemies and eye switches.
- Hookshot/Longshot – Pulls you to targets, latches onto enemies, and retrieves items. Essential for platforming and puzzles.
- Megaton Hammer – Slow but devastating, and it can smash certain floors and enemies.
- Ocarina of Time – Play songs to warp, change time (sun’s song, song of time), and open special doors.
Always keep your shield equipped when exploring, and assign your most-used items (like bombs or the bow) to the touch screen slots for quick access.
Combat Basics and Advanced Techniques
Combat in Ocarina of Time is simple but has depth. You lock onto an enemy with the Z-targeting button (on 3DS, it’s the L button or the ZL button on the New 3DS). While locked on, you can strafe, backflip, and perform a jump attack. Your basic sword swing is a three-hit combo: press B three times. You can also use a spin attack by charging your sword (hold B) and releasing, but it leaves you vulnerable.
For tougher enemies, learn their attack patterns and use your shield to block, then counterattack. Some enemies, like Stalfos, require you to stun them with a shield bash (press R while locked on) before hitting them. Others, like the Lizalfos, are easier to defeat with the boomerang or bow from a distance.
A common mistake is to button-mash. Instead, wait for an enemy to attack, dodge or block, then strike once or twice. Also, use your items: bombs and arrows can hit weak points that your sword can’t reach.
Ocarina Songs and Time Travel
The ocarina is central to the game’s story and puzzles. You’ll learn songs from characters and by playing them yourself. The most important songs are:
- Song of Time – Opens time gates and lets you change day to night (and vice versa).
- Sun’s Song – Turns day to night or night to day instantly, useful for meeting characters who only appear at certain times.
- Song of Storms – Makes it rain, which is needed for a few puzzles.
- Epona’s Song – Calls your horse Epona (once you have her).
- Warp Songs – Each location has a warp song that lets you travel instantly to that area.
To play a song, open the ocarina (assign it to a button or tap the ocarina icon on the touch screen) and play the notes in order. You can also play the ocarina while riding Epona, which is required for some songs.
Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
New players often get stuck or frustrated. Here are common issues and solutions:
- Getting lost – Use the map on the touch screen. It shows your current area and marks important locations. If you’re stuck, talk to Navi (the fairy) – she gives hints.
- Running out of health – Collect hearts from grass, pots, and enemies. You can also use fairies (in bottles) to revive you if you die. Always carry a bottle with a fairy if possible.
- Not having the right item – Some puzzles require a specific item. If you can’t progress, you may need to revisit a previous area to get an item you missed.
- Difficult bosses – Learn the boss’s pattern. Use the item that the dungeon’s theme suggests (e.g., boomerang in the Forest Temple).
- Falling into pits – In some dungeons, you can fall into bottomless pits. Use the map and be careful when jumping.
Essential Tips for Beginners
Here are a few tips that will make your playthrough smoother:
- Always talk to NPCs – they often give hints and items.
- Break every pot and cut every bush – they contain hearts, rupees, and sometimes hidden items.
- Use the first-person view (press the touch screen’s eye icon or the R button) to look around and find secrets.
- Save often – either at owl statues or by pausing and selecting “Save.” You can also use the “Quick Save” feature that returns you to the title screen.
- When you become adult Link, your sword and shield are different – the Master Sword and Mirror Shield are stronger but heavier.
- Don’t ignore the fishing minigame – it can earn you a heart piece and a gold scale.
Comparing 3DS vs. N64 Versions
The 3DS version improves on the N64 original in several ways:
- Touch screen – Easier item access and ocarina playing.
- Graphics – Updated textures and 3D effect (optional).
- Boss Rush mode – After beating the game, you can fight bosses again.
- Master Quest – A harder version of the game with different puzzles (unlocked after beating the game).
- Hint system – The Sheikah Stone gives hints, which is helpful for new players.
If you have the choice, the 3DS version is the definitive way to play, but the N64 version is still enjoyable if you prefer the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the ocarina on the 3DS?
Assign the ocarina to one of the touch screen slots (X, Y, I, or II). Then tap the ocarina icon on the bottom screen to bring up the note interface. Tap the notes in the correct order to play a song. You can also use the physical buttons: A (low A), C-up (C), D-pad down (D), etc., but the touch screen is easier.
What’s the best way to get more hearts?
Hearts are found in grass, pots, and from defeated enemies. You can also collect heart pieces (4 pieces make a full heart) hidden throughout the world. Some are obtained by completing side quests, like the mask trading quest or the fishing minigame. You can also carry a fairy in a bottle to revive you if you run out of hearts.
How do I change the time of day?
Play the Sun’s Song (learned in the Royal Family’s Tomb) to switch between day and night instantly. The Song of Time (learned in the Temple of Time) also changes day to night, but it’s mainly used to open time gates. Some events only happen at specific times, so use these songs to trigger them.
What should I do if I can’t defeat a boss?
Study the boss’s attack pattern. Most bosses have a weak point that you can hit with a specific item. For example, use the boomerang to stun Phantom Ganon, then hit him with your sword. If you’re still struggling, make sure you have fairies in bottles and upgrade your sword and shield if possible.
Can I play the 3DS version on a regular 3DS?
Yes, the game is compatible with all 3DS models, including the original 3DS, 3DS XL, and 2DS. The New 3DS models have a faster processor and an extra shoulder button (ZL) that can be used for targeting, but it’s not required.
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