The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

About The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Nintendo 64)

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo EAD and released for the Nintendo 64 in 1998. It was the first Zelda game in 3D and is routinely cited as one of the greatest video games ever made. When you play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time online, you step into the definitive version of Link’s most famous quest.

A young boy named Link, raised among the Kokiri, is sent by the Great Deku Tree to stop the Gerudo king Ganondorf from seizing the Triforce. After gathering the three Spiritual Stones and opening the Door of Time, Link draws the Master Sword and sleeps for seven years, waking as an adult in a Hyrule ruled by Ganondorf. Guided by Princess Zelda and the Sages, he must awaken the remaining Sages, travel between childhood and adulthood, and seal the King of Evil.

Detailed Gameplay

Ocarina of Time is a 3D action-adventure built around exploration, real-time combat, dungeon puzzles, and music. Its revolutionary Z-Targeting lets you lock onto enemies and strafe, jump, and dodge around them.

Exploring Hyrule Across Two Eras

As Child Link, you explore Kokiri Forest, Hyrule Field, Castle Town, Goron City, and Zora’s Domain, clearing the Great Deku Tree, Dodongo’s Cavern, and Inside Jabu-Jabu’s Belly. As Adult Link, the world is darker and changed. Riding Epona across Hyrule Field, learning warp songs, and switching eras to solve puzzles - plant Magic Beans as a child to ride them as an adult - makes the two timelines feel deeply connected.

Dungeons, Items, and the Ocarina

Five adult temples - Forest, Fire, Water, Shadow, and Spirit - test every item you own, from the Hookshot and Bow to the Lens of Truth and Mirror Shield. The Ocarina of Time is central: songs like Zelda’s Lullaby, Song of Time, Song of Storms, and warp melodies open doors, change weather, and move blocks. Side quests include the Biggoron’s Sword quest, Gold Skulltula hunting, and fishing.

Game Highlights

• A Landmark 3D Adventure: Z-Targeting, a seamless Hyrule Field, and cinematic storytelling set the standard for the genre.
• Time Travel Storytelling: Playing as both Child and Adult Link gives the quest emotional weight and clever puzzles.
• Unforgettable Dungeons: The Forest Temple’s twisted corridors and the Water Temple’s changing levels remain iconic.
• Music You Play Yourself: Twelve ocarina songs are woven into exploration, puzzles, and the story itself.

Controls

The Nintendo 64 controller introduced 3D movement and targeting that still feel natural in the browser emulator.

• Control Stick: Move Link; push gently to walk quietly and fully to run.
• A Button: Context action - talk, open, roll, climb, grab, and confirm in menus.
• B Button: Swing your sword; hold and release for a Spin Attack.
• Z Button: Z-Target enemies and NPCs, and center the camera behind Link.
• C Buttons: Use assigned items on the C buttons; Top C talks to Navi. Play the ocarina with A and the C buttons.

Tips and Strategies to Win

Curiosity is rewarded everywhere in Hyrule - check every corner.

• Collect Gold Skulltulas: Return tokens to the House of Skulltula in Kakariko Village for the Adult’s Wallet, Giant’s Wallet, and other rewards.
• Get Epona Early as an Adult: Beat Ingo’s races at Lon Lon Ranch and jump the fence to keep Epona - travel and several secrets depend on her.
• Do the Biggoron’s Sword Quest: The unbreakable two-handed sword doubles your damage and makes adult boss fights far easier.
• Stock Fairies and Potions: Keep bottled fairies for the Shadow Temple and Ganon’s Castle, where falls and strong enemies punish mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take to beat Ocarina of Time? A: The main story takes about 25 to 30 hours. Completing all Heart Pieces, Gold Skulltulas, and side quests can take 40 hours or more.

Q: Is the Water Temple really that hard? A: It has a reputation for its water-level puzzles and frequent boot switching, but it is fair once you check every room on each water level and use Farore’s Wind as a return point.

Q: Can I play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time online for free? A: Yes, you can play The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time online for free in your browser on RiveGame with no downloads or installation required.