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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time might be pushing 30, but apparently Hyrule still has a few secrets left to discover. Whether you’re revisiting the game for the hundredth time or experiencing Link’s first 3D adventure through the new remake, there’s a good chance you’ve overlooked a few of its stranger mechanics.
Some are genuinely useful, while others make you wonder how anyone figured them out in the first place. Either way, here are five tricks worth trying during your next trip through Hyrule.
The Bunny Hood Actually Does Something Useful
The Bunny Hood might look like nothing more than a ridiculous fashion statement, but it turns out those floppy ears are surprisingly effective at keeping the undead away.
If you’ve spent any time running around Hyrule Field at night as young Link, you’ve probably had more than enough encounters with Stalchildren. These annoying skeletons insist on popping out of the ground every few seconds, usually when you’re just trying to get somewhere.
Equip the Bunny Hood, however, and they stop spawning entirely.
You’ll get the mask during the Happy Mask Shop’s trading quest, and although you’ll eventually need to sell it to the Running Man, you can borrow it again after completing the quest. It’s worth keeping around if you plan on spending some time exploring Hyrule Field after dark.
Gossip Stones Are Secret Healing Stations
Most players probably remember Gossip Stones as those strange rocks that share rumors when you’re wearing the Mask of Truth. What you might not know is that they’re also surprisingly good at patching Link up.
Play the Song of Storms near one, and you’ll restore some of your missing health and magic. It’s a handy little trick if you’re running low on supplies and don’t feel like burning through the potions you’ve been saving for a boss fight.
Interestingly, this mechanic works a little differently in the remake. In the original game, playing the song near a Gossip Stone summoned a large fairy. Now, the restorative effect happens directly.
So next time you pass one of these strange rocks, consider playing it a song before moving on. It might just save you a trip to the nearest Fairy Fountain.
You Can Give ReDeads a Taste of Their Own Medicine
There are few things in Ocarina of Time more unsettling than hearing a ReDead scream before watching Link freeze in terror. It’s even worse when you’re desperately mashing buttons while one of the creepy things slowly shuffles toward you.
Fortunately, Link has a way to turn the tables.
Playing the Sun’s Song near ReDeads temporarily freezes them in place, giving you a chance to attack or make a run for it. It even works on Gibdos, those equally unpleasant mummy-like enemies.
Considering the Sun’s Song is primarily used to switch between day and night, it’s an easy secondary ability to overlook. But once you’ve discovered it, dealing with ReDeads becomes considerably less stressful.
Butterflies Can Turn Into Fairies
Of all the strange things you can do in Ocarina of Time, this might be one of the easiest to miss.
Those butterflies fluttering around Hyrule aren’t just there to make the scenery look pretty. With a little help from a Deku Stick, you can actually turn one into a fairy.
Approach a butterfly with a Deku Stick equipped, then hold the stick out and stand still. If you’re patient enough, a butterfly might land on its tip and transform into a fairy, which you can use to restore health or capture in an empty bottle for later.
It’s particularly useful considering fairies can revive Link when he runs out of hearts, making them some of the best things to keep tucked away in your inventory.
The game doesn’t exactly go out of its way to tell you this is possible, either, although the remake does include a Fairy Thought that hints at the interaction. Turns out all those Deku Sticks you’ve been hoarding are good for something other than lighting torches.
You Can Compose Your Own Secret Ocarina Song
Considering how important music is in Ocarina of Time, you’d think the game would make a bigger deal out of the fact that you can actually compose your own song.
Head to Lake Hylia as young Link, and you’ll find a couple of scarecrows hanging out near the water. Play an original tune for Bonooru, then return seven years later as adult Link and play the same melody. If he remembers it, you’ll unlock the Scarecrow’s Song.
Here’s where things get interesting. Playing your custom song in certain locations summons Pierre, the other scarecrow, who can serve as a target for your Hookshot. This lets you reach otherwise inaccessible ledges, including a few hiding valuable collectibles.
The remake even makes these spots easier to discover, adding little swirls of straw and musical notes to indicate where Pierre can appear.
Here’s a bonus tip for free: you can control the pitch of a note using the left analog stick, which may come in handy when you’re trying to learn to play “Megalovania” for Bonooru.
Looking for more tips? Check out our walkthrough for The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time.
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