Learn how to get into Hyrule Castle and get past the guards in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2. Includes paths to follow, how to wake up Talon, and information on things you can do in Hyrule Castle Town.
Venturing into Hyrule Field
After completing the Great Deku Tree, you’re stopped by Saria as you leave Kokiri Forest. She’ll give you the Fairy Ocarina, an important tool for the journey to come.
As you enter Hyrule Field, a talking owl known as Kaepora Gaebora will offer you his wisdom. He’ll also enlighten you on the Threads of Time, a feature used to track your adventure’s progress.
Hyrule Field
Hyrule Field is the area that links all regions together. While there might be shortcuts here and there, this field is where you’ll do most of your traveling. It houses many secrets such as Hidden Holes, Gold Skulltulas, and Fairy Thoughts.
Beware of enemies such as Peahats that will fly in the air if you get too close to their territory. The only thing worse than their spinning blades are the red variants that unleash their larvae towards you. Aim for their weak spot underneath to defeat them.
By night, Stalchildren will spawn until the morning arrives. It’s possible to get overwhelmed by their numbers, so running away isn’t a bad strategy.
Hyrule Castle Town
At the northern tip of Hyrule Field is Hyrule Castle Town. Here you’ll find various shops, mini-games, and other activities to do. A good first stop is to visit the Potion Shop where the shopkeeper has lost a bug.
Towards the north, you’ll see Hyrule Castle in the distance. Once you’re done exploring around the town, head there to find the Princess.
You should hold off on purchasing a Hylian Shield from the Bazaar for now. You can get a discount later on to save some money!
Hyrule Castle
The path to Hyrule Castle is blocked off by a gate and a guard who won’t let you pass. As you entered the castle grounds, you may have noticed a horse-drawn wagon and a little girl. Talk to her and you’ll learn her name is Malon.
Her father, Talon, likely fell asleep while making a delivery. She’ll give you a Weird Egg that will later hatch into a Wake-Up Cucco once enough time passes. Climb up the vine wall behind Malon and follow the path up the castle gate.
Climb down the ladder and exit the gatehouse. Avoid the guards along the road and climb up the ledge where the flowers are. You’ll be able to use hedges as cover as you walk between the guards. Just don’t make any loud noises and climb up the vines going up the wall on the other side.
Jump into the moat to swim past the two guards at the entrance. Go up the stairs and go left towards the sound of snoring. Talon is blocking the path of some moveable milk crates. Use the Wake-Up Cucco to wake him up.
Push the milk crates towards the passage where the water is flowing out of. Climb up the crate, jump across, and crawl through to get into the Hyrule Castle Courtyard. Once inside, climb up the ladder and prepare to be extra sneaky.
Hyrule Castle Courtyard
The first guard is easily avoided by climbing up the crates, then walking along the path behind him.
For the second set of guards, wait for the first guard to start moving left. Stay behind the hedge so the second one doesn’t see you, then sneak towards the shaded area once the second guard’s back is turned.
Go through the door and you’ll find a storage room. The guard in the center turns back and forth, remaining in the same spot. The other patrols around the storage in a circle.
Wait for the patrolling guard to be in the far right corner before moving ahead. When he moves to the far left corner, sneak past the center guard, and go through the doorway once the patrolling guard moves away. You’re done sneaking, head into the courtyard where you’ll find the Princess.
Princess Zelda
When you reach the small courtyard, talk to the girl staring into the window. This is none other than Princess Zelda. Listen to her story and afterwards, she’ll give you Zelda’s Letter that you’ll need later on.
When you’re done, talk to her attendant, Impa. She will teach you Zelda’s Lullaby, and then she can escort you out of the castle without having to sneak past the guards again.
Before leaving, there’s some funny easter eggs in this courtyard. On the windows to the right of Zelda, there’s a slight spoiler inside as you’ll see a completed Threads of Time tapestry in the distance.
View the completed tapestry at your own risk, otherwise ignore it to avoid spoilers. Veteran players will more easily recognize the events seen on the tapestry.
On the left side, shoot the window with your Slingshot. A guard will scold you and escalate the situation by throwing a bomb at you. Though he won’t throw a bomb if you’re too close to Princess Zelda.
Journey to Death Mountain
Impa will tell you of her home village, Kakariko Village, at the base of Death Mountain. This is a short trip east of Hyrule Castle Town, so now you’ll need to reach Kakariko Village to access Death Mountain if you want the next Spiritual Stone.
Head to Lon Lon Ranch
Before you head there, you may also want to check out Lon Lon Ranch in central Hyrule Field. You’ll find Malon and Talon living there, along with the bitter farmhand, Ingo. You can’t miss it, it’s the large structure in the middle of Hyrule Field.
Learn Epona’s Song
Talk to Malon in the middle of the corral. She’ll introduce you to Epona, and ask if you have an instrument. Pull out your ocarina and she’ll teach you Epona’s Song.
Find the Super Cuccos
Meanwhile, her dad will let you play a game where you’ll need to find 3 Super Cuccos amongst a group of normal Cuccos. Here’s a hint: look for the feathers falling down right after he hides the Super Cuccos.
If you find all three, you’ll get a new Bottle filled with Lon Lon Milk! Bottles are an important tool, so it’s always good to get them when you can. With these tasks out of the way, start heading towards Kakariko Village!
