The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Dodongo's Cavern walkthrough

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A video guide to Ocarina's second dungeon

After completing the first dungeon, you’ll have to visit Hyrule Castle and obtain Zelda’s Letter to proceed up Death Mountain, which is located behind Kakariko Village. Before you make the trek up the path, however, make sure to visit Lon Lon Ranch in Hyrule Field (for a bottle and heart piece) as well as the Lost Woods for Saria’s Song and even more heart pieces. In fact, you should be able to complete a full heart (that’s four pieces) before setting foot in the second dungeon. Finally, collect all the Cuccos in Kakariko Village for another bottle and catch at least one fairy inside one of the two bottles.

The last thing you should do before finally heading to Goron City is visit the graveyard on the east side of Kakariko Village. Dampe the groundskeeper can provide another heart piece (by digging in soft soil), a Hylian Shield is located under one of the gravestones and the large grave at the top of the hill leads to the Sun Song. Then, at long last, head to Goron City, play Saria’s Song to Darunia and enter Dodongo’s Cavern.

Get: Bomb Bag, Gold Skulltulas x5, Heart Container, Spiritual Stone of Fire

The second dungeon isn’t much more difficult than the first. You’re largely committed to a straight path and don’t have much opportunity to get turned around. Bombs are key to most of the puzzles here – if you’re not sure what to do, try using a bomb.

It’s also worth noting the Deku Shield can catch on fire and burn away. We recommend using the Hylian Shield (obtained in the graveyard earlier) here, which can protect Link from the mini-Dodongo enemies as they crawl over him. Refer to the video if you get stuck any other places.

Some general dungeon info: they all contain a map and compass; the former to reveal the layout and number of floors, and the latter to show which direction you’re facing as well as which door you last exited.


Above: Plant a bomb in the middle to set both sides off at the same time


Above: Drop bombs into both eye holes to open a path to the boss

Fighting Dodongo: If you’re on top of your game, you can best the “infernal dinosaur” in about a minute. Take out a bomb, approach him and he’ll open his mouth – toss the bomb in (hold forward to toss, otherwise you’ll drop it) to shred his insides with searing gas pains. Once he’s stunned, hit him with your sword until he stands up again. He’ll then curl into a ball and roll around his lair – avoid this by simply standing near the hot lava center, just close enough so you’re out of range of the rolling attack but not quite touching the lava. Repeat until he’s through.

Now armed with bombs, explore Death Mountain and Goron City for newly accessible areas. You’ll be able to acquire a larger bomb bag, a heart piece and the magical Din’s Fire attack all thanks to your new item.

DUNGEONS
Deku | Dodongo | Jabu Jabu
Forest | Fire | Water | Shadow | Spirit | Ganon's Castle
ITEMS
Heart Pieces | Bottles | Skulltulas | Equipment
Brett Elston
Brett Elston

A fomer Executive Editor at GamesRadar, Brett also contributed content to many other Future gaming publications including Nintendo Power, PC Gamer and Official Xbox Magazine. Brett has worked at Capcom in several senior roles, is an experienced podcaster, and now works as a Senior Manager of Content Communications at PlayStation SIE.