The player controls Link from a third-person perspective across Hyrule Field, towns, forests, lakes, and dungeons. The main objective is to gather key items, solve dungeon puzzles, defeat bosses, and stop Ganondorf from obtaining ultimate power.

Link explores freely, speaks with characters, uses equipment, and fights with a sword, shield, projectiles, and other tools. The Z Button locks onto targets and supports context-sensitive actions such as talking, examining, defending, and jumping.

The story changes Link's age after he draws the Master Sword. New abilities, equipment, and songs open previously inaccessible areas, while optional activities include collecting Heart Pieces, Gold Skulltulas, bottles, and upgrades.

Explore each area thoroughly before leaving. Dungeon maps and compasses reveal structure and treasure, while dungeon items usually provide the key ability needed for that dungeon's puzzles and boss.

Use Z Targeting to keep enemies in view, raise the shield when learning attack patterns, and rely on Navi's enemy descriptions when a target's weakness is unclear.

Collect Heart Pieces and Gold Skulltulas during ordinary exploration. Empty bottles, larger quivers, bomb bags, and bullet bags substantially improve flexibility, especially before difficult dungeons.