Some of the mysterious masks that Link finds during his travels cause him to change into completely different forms. Finding these special masks and mastering each form’s special abilities is vital to solving Termina’s many dilemmas.
Normal Link
Link spends most of his time in his normal human form. In this form, Link can use his sword and shield, along with all of his items and gear. He can also wear any of the masks that he has found during his adventure. In short, everything that you’ve read up to this point in this chapter applies to Link in his normal form.
Deku Link
The very first mask that Link obtains is the Deku Mask. Whenever Link wears this mask, his form changes to that of a little Deku Scrub. Deku Link is too weak to wield a sword and shield, so he uses a spin attack that’s quite effective at defeating swarms of enemies. Hold 
to make Deku Link turtle up in a defensive posture and block attacks from all sides.
Beyond his improved defenses, only Deku Link can use Deku Flowers, special flowers that grow all over Termina. Dive into a Deku Flower, and you’ll be able to launch up and glide to distant places. Link must use Deku Flowers at several points to solve puzzles and navigate areas.
Deku Link is also light enough to hop across the surface of water. He can jump only five times before he sinks, but this ability helps Deku Link cross poisonous marshes and reach certain areas that normal Link can’t access.
Lastly, after he restores the Great Fairy in Clock Town, Deku Link gains the power to shoot magic bubbles. These bubbles don’t travel very far or hit too hard, but they’re enough to help Link defeat enemies from a safe distance until he finds a better ranged weapon. Shooting magic bubbles uses up Link’s magic power, so don’t shoot them unless you need to.
Goron Link
During his explorations of Termina’s northern mountains, Link manages to get his hands on the Goron Mask. When worn, this unique mask transforms Link into a burly, hulking Goron.
Though Goron Link is strong enough to use a sword and shield, his natural attacks and defenses work better for him. Press 
to make Goron Link unleash a mighty barrage of punches that can smash through barrels, crates, and even big snowballs. Hold 
to make Goron Link curl up in a defensive posture, blocking attacks from all sides.
Goron Link can also curl into a ball and roll around. Just tap 
to curl up, and then use Circle Pad to start rolling. Goron Link can roll directly up steep slopes, helping him reach areas that normal Link can’t access. Keep rolling until you hit top speed, and Goron Link then sprouts spikes that let him defeat enemies. When rolling at top speed, Goron Link can also launch off of ramps and clear wide gaps in the terrain.
Goron Link can also perform a special move known as a Goron Pound. Tap 
to curl into a ball, then press 
to make Goron Link bounce up and then slam back down on the ground with a powerful impact. Goron Link’s Goron Pound is needed to activate certain switches, and it’s also useful for wiping out swarming foes.
Zora Link
Link’s explorations of Termina’s western coastline leads to his discovery of the Zora Mask. This special mask transforms Link into a water-dwelling Zora, complete with razor-sharp fins that Zora Link uses to slice up his foes. Hold 
and then release it to make Zora Link toss his fins at distant targets. Zora Link can also use his fins to defend against frontal attacks—just hold 
to make him block.
Of course, Zora Link’s fins also help him swim. Hold 
to make Zora Link swim much faster than normal, and use Circle Pad to steer him up, down, right, and left as he speeds through the blue.
While holding 
to swim, press and hold 
also to bring up a magic barrier and make Zora Link swim even faster. While swimming at this speed, Zora Link can smash through certain obstacles, and his barrier will defeat most underwater enemies. He can even leap up from the water by swimming up to the surface at top speed. Holding 
+ 
to bring up the barrier uses Link’s magic power, so use it wisely. Zora Link can also bring up this barrier while moving on foot; just press and hold 
+ 
instead.
Press 
to make Zora Link dive down to the bottom of water. When he reaches the bottom, he’ll put his feet down and explore the sea floor on foot. While walking underwater, Zora Link can use all of the same moves and skills that are at his disposal on dry land. This includes attacking with his fins, throwing his fins, and even opening sunken treasure chests.