Unlike other Legend of Zelda games, Majora’s Mask 3D is unique in that the game runs on its own timeline. Time steadily passes in the game while you play, with the daylight eventually giving way to night. The meter at the bottom of the game screen shows the current day and time.
Time is a major factor in the Majora’s Mask 3D, as the world will end in just three days’ time. That’s right! The moon is crashing down on Termina, and by the time the clock strikes 6 a.m. on the Final Day (the third day), all will be lost. Fortunately, Link knows of a special song that lets him slow down and even rewind time: the Song of Time. This special song lets Link accomplish all of his heroic feats and save the land from the brink of destruction.
In addition to the ever-present threat of the moon, you’ll find that time has other important bearings. For example, depending on the day, a shop might sell different or special items. Additionally, certain events only occur at certain times on certain days. Everyone in Termina has a busy life to live, so timing is everything.
Effects of Rewinding Time
Playing the Song of Time to rewind back to the Dawn of the First Day has its drawbacks. For starters, many of Link’s deeds and accomplishments will be undone. People that Link has met won’t remember him, and most of the items that Link has found will be lost. Only vital items and accomplishments remain saved when you rewind to the Dawn of the First Day.
Items that are lost when you rewind time are items that are consumable or expendable, such as:
- Arrows
- Bombs
- Deku Nuts and Sticks
- Rupees
- Potions
- Tradable items (Moon’s Tear, Town Title Deed, etc.)
Items that are not lost when you rewind time are vital items, quest items, and masks. Here are some examples:
- Link’s sword and shield
- Empty Bottles
- Bomb Bag
- Hero’s Bow
- Hookshot
- Masks