The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – All Items

Nintendo’s follow-up to one of the greatest Zelda games ever made, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remains high up on fans’ lists of favorite games in the Zelda franchise, and for good reason. Link’s Awakening goes beyond delivering “more of a good thing” to introduce several new elements to the series’ 2D formula, many of which would be implemented in subsequent games in the franchise (most notably, Capcom and Nintendo’s excellent Oracle games). Further, Link’s Awakening‘s willingness to set its adventure away from Hyrule and incorporate some Twin Peaks-style mystery and esoteric strangeness gives it a unique place among other games in the franchise. One area where Link’s Awakening‘s uniqueness is most felt is in its items and collectibles.

Joining the typical roster of swords, shields, and other tools that make up Link’s arsenal are several new items that put a clever twist on Link’s traversal and combat abilities in a 2D space. The introduction of Roc’s Feather gives the hero a chance to jump over gaps for the first time (which, combined with the Hookshot makes for some excellent platforming challenges in dungeons). The trading sequence segment of the game is a challenging and engaging puzzle with a reward that more than justifies the time commitment to see it through.

Swords

Sword

Link will get his standard sword after he washes up on Koholint Island and heads back to Toronbo Shores. While there is one upgrade available later in the game, it is only accessible after collecting 20 of the 26 Secret Seashells. As such, the standard Sword is Link’s go-to weapon throughout Link’s Awakening.

Koholint Sword

The one upgrade to the sword that players can obtain in Link’s Awakening is the Koholint Sword. This is the player’s reward for scouring Koholint Island and collecting 20 Secret Seashells. The Koholint Sword is more powerful and shoots beams when Link is at full health (similar to the Master Sword in A Link to the Past). Once players collect the required amount of Secret Seashells, they can find the sword at Seashell Mansion.

Shields

Shield

Link will get his first Shield from Tarin after he wakes up in his house. Like most shields in The Legend of Zelda series, the standard Shield can block projectiles and is useful for helping Link defend himself. The Shield is handy early in Link’s Awakening until Link reacquires his sword on Toronbo Shores.

Mirror Shield

The Mirror Shield is the sole shield upgrade available in Link’s Awakening and is the treasure of the Eagle’s Tower dungeon. This enhanced shield allows Link to deflect and reflect fire and beams that the standard shield cannot.

Tunics

Green Tunic

The starting garb of the hero, Link awakens on Koholint Island wearing his iconic Green Tunic. It is the only tunic/armor available in the original version of Link’s Awakening for Game Boy.

Red Mail

Otherwise known as the Red Clothes in the Game Boy Color version of Link’s Awakening (Link’s Awakening DX), the Red Mail is one of two rewards Link can choose after completing the Color Dungeon. The Red Mail increases Link’s attack power, resulting in most enemies and bosses falling twice as fast as they would otherwise.

Blue Mail

Otherwise known as the Blue Clothes in the Game Boy Color version of Link’s Awakening (Link’s Awakening DX), the Blue Mail is one of two rewards Link can choose after completing the Color Dungeon. The Blue Mail increases Link’s defense, doubling his health. Players can return to the Fairy Queen in the Color Dungeon to switch between the Red and Blue Mail as they please.

Equipment

Bomb

The iconic Bomb makes a return in Link’s Awakening as one of the game’s most useful items. Like in other games in the series, Bombs can be used to defeat enemies, flip switches, destroy walls/rocks, and uncover secrets. Players can upgrade their total Bomb storage to 60 by visiting the Mad Batter near Martha’s Bay.

Boomerang

Link’s Awakening‘s version of the iconic Zelda Boomerang is the most powerful one in the series. Contrary to other Zelda games (which typically reward players with the Boomerang as one of the earliest items), Link’s Awakening keeps the Boomerang hidden as the final reward for the Trading Sequence quest. After obtaining the final item (the Magnifying Glass), players can head to Toronbo Shores and bomb a wall to trade an unwanted piece of equipment for the Boomerang.

Bow

Players can buy the Bow from the Town Tool Shop in Mabe Village once they save up 980 Rupees. While the price for this iconic piece of equipment is high, it’s well worth it considering all that the Bow can do. Link can use the Bow and Arrow to defeat enemies from range and flip otherwise unreachable switches in dungeons.

Fairy Bottle

Players can find a total of three Fairy Bottles on Koholint Island in the Link’s Awakening remake for Nintendo Switch. Each of these items allows Link to store a Fairy, which can heal Link but will not revive him upon death like in A Link to the Past.

Hookshot

The Hookshot returns in Link’s Awakening as a handy tool for crossing gaps, pulling items toward Link, and propelling toward foes on unreachable platforms. Players will obtain this item as the treasure within Link’s Awakening‘s 5th dungeon, Catfish’s Maw.

Magic Powder

Magic Powder is a very versatile item that Link can obtain by giving the Sleepy Toadstool to Syrup the Witch. Players can use this mysterious powder to light torches and eliminate some enemies.

Magic Rod

The Magic Rod does everything Magic Powder does and then some, quickly becoming one of Link’s most useful items after he obtains it within Turtle Rock. Players can use the Magic Rod to light torches, defeat enemies, and eliminate the boss of the Turtle Rock dungeon, Hot Head.

Ocarina

Players can obtain the Ocarina in Link’s Awakening by visiting the Dream Shrine in Mabe Village. While it’s necessary to use this item to wake the Wind Fish and complete the game, Link will learn some other useful songs during his adventure. The most important of these is Manbo’s Mambo, which transforms the Ocarina into a fast-travel device to warp around the map.

Pegasus Boots

The Pegasus Boots return in Link’s Awakening following their debut in A Link to the Past. Players will get these useful boots as the treasure in the game’s 3rd dungeon, the Key Cavern. Pegasus Boots allow Link to dash across the screen, which players can combine with Roc’s Feather to clear large gaps.

Power Bracelet L-1

The Power Bracelet is the treasure Link will find in Link’s Awakening‘s 2nd dungeon, the Bottle Grotto, and it allows him to lift objects off the ground and throw them. This item is essential for beating the boss of the Bottle Grotto, the Genie.

Power Bracelet L-2

Players will get an upgrade to the Power Bracelet within Link’s Awakening‘s 6th dungeon, the Face Shrine. This improved version of the Power Bracelet allows Link to lift even heavier objects, including the elephant statues littering the Face Shrine.

Roc’s Feather

Roc’s Feather is a brand-new item that makes its debut in Link’s Awakening, granting Link the power to jump. Players can find this item within the Tail Cave, and after it will likely be a mainstay in players’ equipment selection. Combining Roc’s Feather’s jump ability with the Pegasus Boots allows Link to clear previously impossible distances.

Deluxe Shovel

Players can eventually get a Shovel for Link by visiting the Town Tool Shop in Mabe Village. The Shovel itself costs 200 Rupees and is useful for digging up some of the Secret Seashells players need to collect to get the Koholint Sword. By the time players complete the Trading Sequence and get the opportunity to obtain the Boomerang, it is recommended that players give up the Shovel in exchange for the item, as they can always buy another one.

Inventory

Chamber Stone

The Switch remake of Link’s Awakening introduces a new gameplay element via the Chamber Dungeons. Players can collect a total of 14 Chamber Stones scattered around Koholint Island. By bringing these Chamber Stones to Dampé, players can create special Chamber Dungeons that replicate previously visited dungeon rooms that can be customized with unique modifiers.

Flippers

Just like their appearance in A Link to the Past, Link’s Awakening‘s Flippers allow Link to swim in deep water. Players can find the Flippers inside Angler’s Tunnel.

Golden Leaf

Before Link can get the Slime Key from Richard and proceed through Link’s Awakening‘s critical path, he will need to collect 5 Golden Leaves. The first leaf is east of Kanalet Castle and is dropped by a Mad Bomber. The second leaf is west of Kanalet Castle and is dropped by a Crow that Link must defeat by lifting a stone and throwing it. The third leaf is inside Kanalet Castle in a room with a Zol and two Darknuts. The fourth leaf is also within the castle and is dropped by a Darknut that appears after bombing the left symbol resembling a Mad Bomber. The fifth and final leaf is dropped by a Ball and Chain Soldier that Link encounters in a room accessible from the castle’s roof.

Piece of Heart

In addition to the full Heart Containers that extend Link’s life by one Heart, Link can collect four Pieces of Heart to earn an extra Heart Container. In the original Game Boy and Game Boy Color versions of Link’s Awakening, there are a total of 12 Pieces of Heart for an additional 3 Heart Containers. The Nintendo Switch remake expands the total to 32 Pieces of Heart, which grants Link an additional 8 Heart Containers.

Secret Medicine

The Secret Medicine in Link’s Awakening functions similarly to the Fairies in A Link to the Past. Link can purchase and hold one Secret Medicine at a time to automatically revive after falling in battle. Players can visit Crazy Tracy near Manbo’s Pond to buy Secret Medicine for 27 Rupees.

Secret Seashell

There are a total of 26 Secret Seashells for players to find and collect across Koholint Island. Collecting 20 of these items will reward Link with the most powerful weapon in Link’s Awakening, the Koholint Sword.

Sleepy Toadstool

Link will obtain a Sleepy Toadstool while exploring the Mysterious Forest early in Link’s Awakening. Once he has the Toadstool, he needs to take it to Syrup the Witch and exchange it for the more useful Magic Powder.

Seashell Sensor

Unique to the Nintendo Switch remake of Link’s Awakening is the Seashell Sensor. This useful item alerts players any time Link is within range of a Secret Seashell, making the collection process easier than before. Players can obtain this item at the Seashell Mansion after collecting 15 of the 26 Secret Seashells around Koholint Island.

Keys

Tail Key

The Tail Key is the first major key players will acquire in Link’s Awakening and lies within the Mysterious Forest. Players will need the Tail Key to access the game’s first dungeon, the Tail Cave.

Slime Key

The Slime Key is the second major key in Link’s Awakening and the reward for collecting all 5 Golden Leaves. With the Slime Key, Link can access the Key Cavern.

Angler Key

The Angler Key is Link’s reward for defeating the Desert Lanmola in Yarna Desert. With this key in tow, Link can unlock a secret door hidden in the Tal Tal Heights waterfall to access Angler’s Tunnel.

Face Key

Defeating an Armos Knight in the Southern Face Shrine rewards Link with the Face Key, which he will need to unlock the main Face Shrine.

Bird Key

The final key players acquire in Link’s Awakening is the Bird Key. This key is inside a cave below the Hen House located in Tal Tal Heights and unlocks the door to Eagle’s Tower.

Trading Sequence

Yoshi Doll

The Yoshi Doll is the first item in Link’s Awakening‘s Trading Sequence quest. Players can win the doll from the Trendy Game.

Ribbon

Giving the Yoshi Doll to Mamasha results in her giving Link the Ribbon.

Dog Food

After getting the Ribbon from Mamasha in exchange for the Yoshi Doll, head to the side of Madam MeowMeow’s House and give CiaoCiao the Ribbon to receive the Dog Food.

Bananas

After getting the Dog Food from CiaoCiao in exchange for the Ribbon, head to Sale’s house and exchange the Dog Food for the Bananas.

Stick

After giving Sale the Dog Food and obtaining the Bananas, head to Kanalet Castle. Give the Bananas to Kiki to get inside the castle as well as obtain the 5th Trading Sequence item, the Stick.

Honeycomb

Take the Stick that Kiki leaves behind to Tarin in the Ukuku Prairie. Give Tarin the stick so that he can knock down a beehive. The bees will chase Tarin off, leaving behind a chunk of Honeycomb for Link to pick up.

Pineapple

After obtaining the Honeycomb, head to Animal Village and give it to Chef Bear. Chef Bear will gift Link with the Pineapple as a reward.

Hibiscus

Take the Pineapple to Papahl in Tal Tal Mountain Range and offer it to him to receive the next Trading Sequence item, the Hibiscus.

Letter

After giving Papahl the Pineapple and getting the Hibiscus in return, head back to Animal Village and give the Hibiscus to Christine. She will give you a Letter for Link to deliver to Mr. Write.

Broom

Completing Christine’s request and delivering the Letter to Mr. Write will result in Link getting the next Trading Sequence item, the Broom.

Fishing Hook

After getting the Broom, head to Mabe Village and talk to Grandma Yahoo. Giving her the Broom will result in her rewarding Link with the Fishing Hook.

Mermaid’s Necklace

With the Fishing Hook in his possession, Link can head Under the Bridge in Martha’s Bay and talk to the Fisherman there. In exchange for the Fishing Hook, the Fisherman promises Link his next catch, which happens to be a Mermaid’s Necklace.

Mermaid’s Scale

Taking the Mermaid’s Necklace and bringing it back to the mermaid results in her gifting Link one of her scales as thanks.

Magnifying Lens

Taking the Mermaid Scale and returning it to the Mermaid Statue in the southern part of Martha’s Bay opens up a secret passage containing the final Trading Sequence item, the Magnifying Lens. Once Link has the Magnifying Lens, he can head to Toronbo Shores and bomb the weak wall there to obtain the Boomerang.

Eight Instruments of the Sirens

Full Moon Cello

The Full Moon Cello is the first of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in the Tail Cave after defeating Moldorm.

Conch Horn

The Conch Horn is the second of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in Bottle Grotto after defeating the Genie.

Sea Lily’s Bell

The Sea Lily’s Bell is the third of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in Key Cavern after defeating Slime Eyes.

Surf Harp

The Surf Harp is the fourth of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in the Angler’s Tunnel after defeating the Angler Fish.

Wind Marimba

The Wind Marimba is the fifth of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in Catfish’s Maw after defeating Slime Eel.

Coral Triangle

The Coral Triangle is the sixth of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in the Face Shrine after defeating Facade.

Organ of Evening Calm

The Organ of Evening Calm is the seventh of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in Eagle’s Tower after defeating Evil Eagle.

Thunder Drum

The Thunder Drum is the 8th and final Instrument of the Sirens Link collects to wake the Wind Fish. Players will find the instrument in Turtle Rock after defeating Hot Head.

Dungeon Items

Compass

As in other Zelda games, the Compass is an item inside each of Link’s Awakening‘s dungeons. It will show the location of the boss within the dungeon.

Dungeon Map

The Dungeon Map gives players a layout of each room in the dungeon where they find it. Link can use the map to refer back to rooms he’s already visited.

Small Key

Small Keys are items players will collect within dungeons to unlock doors. In Link’s Awakening, players can only use these keys in the dungeons where they find them.

Nightmare Key

The Nightmare Key is a special key inside each dungeon that unlocks the door to the boss room.

Stone Slab Fragment

Each of the dungeons in Link’s Awakening contains a Stone Slab and a Stone Slab Fragment. To read the Stone Slab and get its advice, Link first needs to collect the dungeon’s Stone Slab Fragment.

Stone Beak

Similar to the Stone Slabs, each dungeon in Link’s Awakening contains Owl Statues that give out hints. To commune with the Owl Statues, Link must first find the Stone Beak in each dungeon.

Heart Container

In addition to obtaining one of the Eight Instruments of the Sirens, completing each dungeon in Link’s Awakening awards players with a Heart Container. Collecting a Heart Container increases Link’s health by one full Heart.

Pick-Ups

Apple

Apples are pick-ups exclusive to the Nintendo Switch remake of Link’s Awakening. Link can dash into trees using the Pegasus Boots to knock down Apples and eat them. Red Apples restore one Heart while Green Apples restore three.

Arrow

Arrows are necessary items for using the Bow and are found throughout Koholint Island. In addition to finding them in dungeons and in the overworld, Link can buy them from shops or receive them as drops from defeating enemies.

Guardian Acorn

Enemies will occasionally drop Guardian Acorns when defeated. These items increase Link’s defense for a short amount of time.

Piece of Power

Similar to the Guardian Acorns, enemies in Link’s Awakening will sometimes drop Pieces of Power. These items increase Link’s attack power for a short amount of time.

Recovery Heart

Recovery Hearts restore Link’s health and are often dropped from defeated enemies.

Rupee

Rupees are the main form of currency in the Legend of Zelda universe. Rupees come in different colors to indicate their value and range from being worth a single Rupee to 200 Rupees. They are essential for obtaining some items in Link’s Awakening that are only available in shops.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening key art.