Link
The player-controlled hero who explores Hyrule, collects equipment, and seeks the Triforce fragments.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move Link |
|---|---|
A | Use the sword |
B | Use the currently equipped secondary item |
Start | Open the subscreen or pause the game |
Control notes
The secondary item must be selected from the subscreen before use.
Button assignments follow the Game Boy Advance Classic NES Series control layout.
How it plays
How does Classic NES Series: The Legend of Zelda play?
Link explores Hyrule from a top-down perspective. The overworld contains enemies, secrets, shops, caves, and entrances to nine labyrinths. Each labyrinth contains rooms, keys, a dungeon item, a map, a compass, and a boss.
Players attack with the sword, use items such as bombs, the bow, and the boomerang, and improve Link's abilities by finding heart containers and equipment. The objective is to collect the eight Triforce fragments and use them to reach Ganon's lair. A second quest becomes available after completing the first quest or entering its documented password.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Classic NES Series: The Legend of Zelda?
Explore methodically and mark rooms or areas that contain secrets, shops, and blocked paths. Bomb suspicious walls and burn suspicious bushes when you have the necessary items.
Buy a shield, blue candle, arrows, and recovery items when possible. Prioritize heart containers and dungeon items, and use the boomerang or sword to control groups before entering dangerous rooms. Save bombs for labyrinth walls and bosses when their weakness is known.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Princess Zelda
The princess of Hyrule, whose rescue is central to the game's story.
Ganon
The primary antagonist and ruler of the monsters who has stolen the Triforce of Power.
Impa
Zelda's nursemaid, who tells Link about the kingdom's crisis in the opening story.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Second QuestComplete the first quest to unlock the rearranged Second Quest, or enter the documented password ZELDA on the title screen.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
The overworld is intentionally non-linear; revisit earlier areas after obtaining new items.
- 2
A dungeon map shows the room layout, while the compass identifies the Triforce room.
- 3
Fairies restore health, but some hidden rooms require bombs or burning bushes.
Community discussion
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