Zelda: Ocarina Of Time Remake

It’s wild to play the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake all these years later, after discovering every square inch of the original game and knowing it like the back of my hand. Over time, I had to reckon with the slight changes from the 3DS version, and although they’re positive for the most part, they took some getting used to.

Now, with the Switch 2 remake, a lot of things are completely different from what old-school fans are used to, even when it comes to the placement of specific items. Here’s how to easily get the sword and shield from Kokiri Forest, and kick off the adventure that will span multiple timelines.

How To Get The Sword In The Ocarina Remake

When you try to leave Kokiri Forest and talk to the Deku Tree, a member of the forest will stop you, saying you need a sword and shield before you go on your adventure. It only takes around 10 minutes to get both, so let’s go on our first quest. Between the sword and the shield, the sword is by far the easiest to pick up because it’s completely free.

To get it, walk up the long staircase next to Link’s house and speak to the training area NPC. He’ll teach you a few tricks like side-stepping and backflipping, then ask you to find the sword behind the arena.

Crouch down and enter the small alcove, then wait before you move into the area ahead. A giant boulder rolls through, and you’ll need to follow it right after it passes, dashing with the A button to clear the gap faster.

Go right and climb the ladder, then run around the clearing to the left and jump (X) onto the platform with the chest. Open it, and grab the Kokiri Sword.

Note that some blue Rupees litter the ground in the Rolling Rock area where the sword is found. This is a great time to grab some free cash and spend it in the store later.

How To Get The Shield In The Ocarina Remake

To get the shield, collect 40 Rupees and buy it at the general store in Kokiri Forest. Because you’ll get free Rupees while doing the small adventure for the sword, you’ll want to get the sword first, then the shield. It’ll save you time.

There are also some easy locations for Blue Rupees:

On a stump near Link’s house, surrounded by water
Inside the right room in the general store, where you buy the shield itself
In a small pond next to the store (you’ll need to dive down to get it)

There are a few other ways to earn Rupees around the forest, too, especially if you pick up every single rock and throw it against the wall, or slice down every bush you can with your new sword.

However, grabbing at least eight Blue Rupees will put you in the position to start your first dungeon in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. It’s going to get considerably harder from here on out, but you’re equipped enough to take on the Great Deku Tree for now.