Welcome to Kokiri Forest! In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Link’s adventure begins with a simple task: get equipped and find a way past Mido. This opening quest introduces the basics of exploring, collecting Rupees, using your sword and shield, and dealing with enemies.
In this guide, we’ll walk through each step of Link Wakes Up, from finding the Kokiri Sword to reaching the Great Deku Tree. I’ll also explain where to collect enough Rupees for the Deku Shield so you can get past Mido without unnecessary backtracking.
Ocarina of Time Link Wakes Up Walkthrough Guide – Reward
| Objective | What to Do | Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Get the Kokiri Sword | Explore the fenced maze in southwest Kokiri Forest | Kokiri Sword |
| Purchase the Deku Shield | Collect at least 40 Rupees and visit the Kokiri Shop | Deku Shield |
| Get Past Mido | Show Mido that you have both the sword and shield | Access to the Great Deku Tree |
1. Get the Kokiri Sword
Find the Fenced Area
After gaining control of Link, leave his house and head to the fenced area in the southwest part of Kokiri Forest. You’ll need to explore this maze to find your first weapon.
Crawl Through the Opening
Look for the crawlway near the Kokiri NPC. Press A to crawl through and enter the maze.
Once you emerge, head east to collect the Blue Rupee at the dead-end corner. Then go west past the sign and watch for the rolling boulder.
Stay close to the eastern side of the maze and follow the path until you reach a ladder.
Open the Kokiri Sword Chest
Climb the ladder and follow the path to the treasure chest. Jump with X to reach the platform, then open the chest to obtain the Kokiri Sword.
Link automatically equips the sword after a short cutscene. Use Y to cut the grass around the platform and collect any Rupees you find.
Before leaving, grab the Blue Rupee in the upper-left corner near the chest. Then return through the crawlway, taking care to avoid the rolling boulder again.
2. Purchase the Deku Shield
You need 40 Rupees to buy the Deku Shield from the Kokiri Shop. Here are several nearby sources of Rupees to help you reach that amount.
Collect Rupees in Mido’s House
Head north from the sword maze to Mido’s house. Open all four treasure chests inside:
- Three Blue Rupees
- One Green Rupee
Together, these chests provide 16 Rupees.
Dive for a Blue Rupee
Go to the eastern side of Kokiri Forest and find the rock platforms near the Kokiri NPC standing in front of the cave entrance.
Jump into the water west of the platforms and hold A to dive down and collect the Blue Rupee.
Find a Blue Rupee in the Kokiri Shop
Head to the shop in the northeast part of the forest. A Kokiri NPC will explain how to target using ZL.
After the tutorial, enter the shop and look in the small corner to the east for another Blue Rupee.
Earn More Rupees From Grass and Rocks
If you’re still short of 40 Rupees, cut grass with your sword or lift and throw rocks. These can provide Green Rupees.
Buy and Equip the Deku Shield
Once you have 40 Rupees, enter the Kokiri Shop and purchase the Deku Shield.
Link automatically equips it. Press ZL to raise the shield and block enemy attacks.
3. Get Past Mido
Speak to Mido
With both the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield equipped, head to the eastern side of Kokiri Forest.
Mido blocks the path to the Great Deku Tree. Talk to him, and he’ll let you pass once he sees that you have the required equipment.
Defeat the Deku Babas
Follow the path toward the Great Deku Tree. Three Deku Baba enemies will emerge from the ground along the way.
Target them one at a time and attack with your sword. Keep your shield ready if you need to defend yourself.
Reach the Great Deku Tree
Continue along the path until you reach the Great Deku Tree. A cutscene will play, completing Link Wakes Up and opening the way to the first dungeon, The Great Deku Tree.