Outset Island Walkthrough

After you've watched the prologue that tells the legend of a very familiar looking hero and a very familiar looking foe (the story of Link's defeat of Ganon in Ocarina of Time, of course), you slip into the role of a young boy -- also named Link (or whatever name you enter), just like the hero of old.

Link wakes up to the sound of his sister's voice, Aryll. She reminds you that it is your birthday and tells you that your grandmother is looking for you. Climb or jump down from the outlook and go to your house in the northwest corner of the island.

Enter the house and climb the ladder to receive the tunic -- Link's trademark green tunic, known as the Hero's Clothes in this game. (There's a slight difference here on your second playthrough. We don't spoil it here, but check Hero's Clothes for more.)

Head back to the outlook and talk to your sister to receive your birthday present, the Telescope. Equip the Telescope to one of the action buttons -- we recommend the shoulder button, as it's perfect for "rare use" items that you don't constantly access. Use the Telescope and look for the winged man close to your house. Zoom in, then look up in the sky to trigger a cutscene.

Your new objective is to find the girl dropped by the giant bird. But first, you'll need a sword. Go to the house with the old man calling to you from the second floor. Climb up the ladder and enter the house to talk to him. His name is Sturgeon and he can help out beginning players with all sorts of helpful tips. Simply read the notes on his wall to get a quick Zelda tutorial.

Video Walkthrough: Outset Island Part 1

Next, visit the man downstairs, Orca. This man isn't quite as "old" as he looks and will teach you how to use a sword. Follow his instructions to a tee (don't move the stick until he tells you to) and you will receive the Hero's Sword. Exit the house and head to the east side of the island.

Walk up the path and cut the small trees that block your way. Cross the drawbridge and enter the cave to find a hidden grove. Head up the ramp on the right and jump down into the next area. The fallen tree trunk here is hollow and you can crawl through and collect a red Rupee, by the way. Defeat your first enemy by locking on with the L button and slash him with your sword, then jump on the tree stump and hop onto the upper ledge from there. Pass the large rock (you have to come back later for it) and climb up the fallen tree to access the next clearing. Kargoroks will drop off two more enemies. Defeat them and you will be introduced to Tetra.

Alas, things take a turn for the worse. The bird that was carrying Tetra before makes a mistake and snatches Aryll instead, setting up your basic mission for this game: find and rescue your sister. But before you can leave the island and embark on your rescue mission, you have to find yourself a shield. Go back to your house and look on the second floor. Your shield is gone, but when you go down to ask your grandma about it, she'll give it to you. You will get the Hero's Shield.

Video Walkthrough: Outset Island Part 2

That's all for now. Go talk to Tetra and the pirates and you will leave your home island to set out on your quest to rescue Aryll.

For more things to do in Outset, be sure to check the Sidequests section.