Ocarina of Time Beginner Guide: Controls & Targeting

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide covers the essential controls, Z-targeting system, and first steps for new players of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. You’ll learn the button layout, how to lock onto enemies and objects, and what to do right after leaving the Kokiri Forest.

Getting Started: The Opening Hours

After the title screen, you wake up in a treehouse in Kokiri Forest. Talk to the fairy Navi, who becomes your companion and in-game hint system. Your first goal is to meet the Great Deku Tree, but you’ll need a sword and shield first. The sword is in your house; the shield is sold by a shop in the village for 40 Rupees. You can earn Rupees by cutting grass, breaking pots, and rolling into signs. Before entering the Great Deku Tree, practice your sword swings on the training dummies near the shop.

The game is divided into two main eras: child Link and adult Link. The first three dungeons (Inside the Deku Tree, Dodongo’s Cavern, and Jabu-Jabu’s Belly) are played as a child. After pulling the Master Sword, you become adult Link and face a darker Hyrule. The controls are identical in both eras, but you’ll unlock new items and abilities as you progress.

Core Controls: N64 and Modern Ports

The original Nintendo 64 controller layout is still the baseline for all versions. The control stick moves Link, and the camera follows behind him. The A button is context-sensitive: it makes Link jump, climb, talk, open doors, or roll when you press it while moving. The B button swings your sword. The C buttons (or the right stick on the 3DS/Switch versions) map to items like bombs, arrows, and the Ocarina. The Z button (or the L button on 3DS, or the left trigger on Switch) is used for targeting and locking onto enemies or objects.

On the 3DS remake, the touch screen shows your items and map, and you can assign items to the X and Y buttons as well. The Switch Online version uses the N64 button layout on a modern controller: ZR targets, ZL is the equivalent of the C-down button, and the right stick controls the camera. Regardless of platform, the core actions remain the same.

Z-Targeting: The Key to Combat

Z-targeting is the most important mechanic in the game. When you press the target button, Link locks onto the nearest enemy or object in front of him. A small triangle appears above the target’s head, and the camera centers on it. While targeting, you can:

Strafe left or right by moving the control stick sideways.
Backflip or jump sideways by pressing the target button and moving the stick.
Use your shield (if equipped) to block frontal attacks.
Throw a projectile item (like a bomb or arrow) directly at the target.
Play a song on the Ocarina while targeting a Gossip Stone to get hints.

Targeting is not just for combat. You can target a switch, a block, or even a spot on the ground to aim your jumps or to interact with distant objects. For example, in the Great Deku Tree, you target the web-covered ceiling to shoot an arrow at it. In puzzles, targeting a crystal switch lets you hit it with a ranged weapon from across the room.

When you are not targeting, the camera follows Link. You can also use the camera controls (C buttons or right stick) to look around freely. In tight corridors, the camera may feel clunky; pressing the target button will snap it behind Link.

Combat Basics: Sword, Shield, and Items

Your sword has a three-hit combo: horizontal slash, vertical slash, and a spin attack. The spin attack is performed by holding the B button until Link charges, then releasing. It damages all enemies around you, but it leaves you vulnerable during the charge. The shield is used automatically when you are targeting and an enemy attacks from the front. You can also hold the shield button (on 3DS, it’s the R button) to block manually, but you cannot move while blocking.

Items are essential for solving puzzles and defeating bosses. The slingshot (child) and bow (adult) are for hitting distant switches and enemies. Bombs destroy cracked walls and can be used as a weapon. The boomerang (child) stuns enemies and retrieves faraway items. Each item has a limited number of uses, but you can refill them by collecting ammo from grass, pots, or enemy drops. Always check your inventory screen to see what you have and what you need.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

New players often struggle with a few recurring issues:

Not using Z-targeting in combat: Without targeting, your sword swings are wild and you get hit from behind. Always lock onto the enemy you want to hit.
Mixing up the camera and movement: The camera is not fixed; it follows Link. If you move the stick in a direction, Link moves relative to the camera, not relative to the screen. This takes practice, but it becomes natural.
Forgetting to equip items: You can only use items that are assigned to the C buttons (or X/Y on 3DS). Open your inventory, select an item, and press the button you want to assign it to.
Skipping the Ocarina songs: The Ocarina is obtained early in the game, and you learn songs that are required to progress. If you are stuck, play the song of time to open the Door of Time, or the song of storms to trigger a certain event.
Not using Navi: If you are lost, press the C-up button (or the touch screen on 3DS) to call Navi. She will give you a hint about where to go next.

Exploration and Navigation Tips

Hyrule Field is large and can be intimidating. Use the map in the pause menu to see your location. Landmarks like Hyrule Castle, Lake Hylia, and Death Mountain are visible from a distance. As you explore, you’ll find treasure chests, heart pieces, and gold skulltulas. Heart pieces increase your maximum health; collect four to gain an extra heart container. Gold skulltulas are hidden in many locations; collecting 10 gives you a heart piece, and collecting 100 gives you a wallet upgrade.

When you enter a new area, talk to every NPC. Many give you hints or side quests. The Happy Mask Shop in Hyrule Castle Town lets you rent masks, and returning them at the right time gives you rewards. The fishing pond at Lake Hylia is a relaxing diversion and can earn you a heart piece if you catch a big fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I lock onto an enemy?

Press the Z button (N64/Switch) or the L button (3DS) while an enemy is on screen. Link will face the enemy and a triangle appears above its head. You can then strafe, block, or attack. To break the lock, press the target button again or move away.

What is the difference between the N64 and 3DS versions?

The 3DS remake adds touch-screen item shortcuts, a boss rush mode, and a hint system that shows a glowing path to your next objective. The graphics are updated, and the Water Temple was slightly redesigned to make it less confusing. The core gameplay and controls are the same, but the 3DS version is generally considered more user-friendly for new players.

Why can’t I damage the boss in the Deku Tree?

The boss, Gohma, is vulnerable only when its eye is red and glowing. It closes its eye when you get close. Use Z-targeting to lock onto the eye, then shoot it with your slingshot. When it falls, hit it with your sword. Repeat this pattern.

How do I get the Ocarina?

You receive the Fairy Ocarina from Saria after you leave the forest and meet her at the bridge. You get the Ocarina of Time later, after you pull the Master Sword and become adult Link. The Ocarina is used to play songs that warp you to different locations or change the time of day.

Is there a way to save the game?

You can save at any time by opening the pause menu and selecting Save. The game will create a save point, and you will resume at the entrance of the area you were in. You can also save at owl statues, which are scattered around the world. Saving at an owl statue lets you resume at that exact spot.

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