3DS owners have a lot to be thankful for today. Not only did Nintendo release Super Mario 3D World for the Wii U (here’s the free walkthrough), but also The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the 3DS. This highly polished role-playing adventure is a wonderful addition to the smash hit franchise, with memorable characters, ties to the SNES classic A Link to the Past and a cool feature that allows Link to go 2D and slide along walls. Naturally, those dungeons can be tricky, so we put together this free A Link Between Worlds walkthrough. For more in-depth strategies, check out Prima’s Collector’s Edition Guide, along with this extremely limited Legend of Zelda Box Set.
On that note, here’s the first part of the game, Link’s Awakening.
For the complete walkthrough, visit Prima’s free A Link Between Worlds guide.
Link’s Awakening
Link’s House
Late for Work!
The legend begins with Link’s nightmare interrupted by knocking at his door. Can a hero ever catch a break? Turns out it’s Link’s good friend Gulley, who notifies our hero that he happens to be late for work, and that his papa is upset. Looks like you’re already in trouble! Get out of bed, smash some barrels for a Rupee or two and then follow Gulley outside.
Hyrule Field
Strange Statues
Upon going outside, Gulley will introduce you to a weather vane. These are checkpoints that allow you to save your game, and are marked on the world map when triggered. Try it out and spin the vane to save your progress.
Follow the Leader
Now it’s time to follow that rascal Gulley. Head left one screen and continue on Gulley’s trail north. Then take a left to meet up with Gulley and arrive at the Blacksmith’s house. Head inside the house and chat with the Blacksmith, his wife and the Captain. It seems like your punishment will have to wait, because Captain forgot his refurbished sword! The Blacksmith gives you an errand: Deliver the sword to the Captain.
Hyrule Castle
Aye Aye, Captain!
Grab ahold of the Captain’s Sword. The Blacksmith will inform you that the Captain headed to Hyrule Castle. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where that is – the Blacksmith will mark it on your world map and it’s not too far from here. Proceed up one screen, then take a right to arrive at Hyrule Castle. See the strange paintings on the castle walls? Something’s fishy here.
Talk to the guard at the main entrance of the castle. Unfortunately, it seems the Captain wandered off to the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary will be marked on your map, and is located just north of Hyrule Castle. The correct screen path is left, up and then right.
Sanctuary
No Time to Pray
At the Sanctuary’s entrance, you’ll encounter Dampe and Seres. Seres informs Link that the Captain is inside chatting with the Priest, and enters the Sanctuary. Suddenly, the Sanctuary’s doors slam shut, and you hear a shriek from inside! Dampe fails to open the doors and cannot get into the building. However, the graveyard digger mentions a secret passageway into the Sanctuary from the Graveyard, located just east of your location. It looks like you’ll have to borrow the Captain’s sword – whether you agree with Dampe or not!
Graveyard
Grave Searching
You now officially equip the Forgotten Sword. Use B to slash enemies or bushes in your way. When ready, head right one screen to arrive at the Graveyard. There, you’ll see a particular tombstone surrounded by multiple stones and guarded by two small trees. Slash the trees in the front, grab ahold of the tombstone (hold A) and then push it upward to reveal a hidden stairwell. Descend in the dark passage to discover a treasure chest. Open it to obtain the Lamp. Equip the Lamp from the menu screen – now you can see better!
Sanctuary’s Underground Passage
Ignite Thee
The door ahead of you is locked. The encrypted stone gives you a hint on how to open it; ignite the two unlit torches with your Lamp (by pressing Y) to open the path. This grants entry to the second room of the secret passage.
Need a Key
The second room is infested with rats. Save yourself from pressure and ignite the torches to improve your sight. Defend yourself with your sword and use it to vanquish your foes. The goal is to gain entry to the door in the northwest corner at the top of stairs, but it’s locked. Seems you need a key!
First, make sure to snag a Red Rupee from the chest on the first level (that equals 20 Rupees). Then, ascend the stairs and take a right from the locked door. Follow the cage platform and avoid a fall. This will lead you to another chest at the upper-central nook, which contains a small Key. Use that key to unlock the door. A Heart Piece rests on the upper-right nook in this room, but you won’t be able to access it right now.
Ghosts & Levers
Two Poes – or ghosts – guard the following hall. Strike them a couple times with your sword. Once they’re defeated, the door ahead will open. In the next corridor, you see two levers that you can pull on the left and right side walls. Pulling the right one pits you against some snake foes (which can easily be tamed). The left lever opens the door on top of the stairs that gives you access to the Sanctuary, where you’re treated to a lengthy cinema. Some unfortunate events ensue; a wicked wizard named Yuga turns Sere into a portrait, Link is left unconscious, and the Priest pleas to warn Princess Zelda. Shall we say, Deja vu?
Published: Nov 22, 2013 08:00 pm