A Link Between Worlds is easily one of the best Legend of Zelda games to date, combining as it does the overhead design of A Link To the Past with some great new gameplay techniques that will challenge even the best players.
We've got a few tips that will help get you started in the game.
How does the mural character shift work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
The first thing you'll need to do is face Yuga in a boss fight at the start of the game. You can do this by finding the secret entrance to the church through the tunnel in the cemetery. Get through the dungeons and you'll eventually run into him.
After beating him in battle, he'll turn Link into a painting, but it will only be temporary, as a magical bracelet allows him to break free. However, he can now use the "shift" ability to change between physical Link and wall mural.
You can shift between the two by pressing A when you're close to a compatible wall. You'll want to use this when you're slipping in-between cracks to access new areas, or crossing bridges where there are no physical floors for Link to walk on. You'll see how it works within the first hour or so of the game. It's easy to use, and fun.
How do I acquire a shield in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
After defeating your first dungeon in the game, you'll want to visit Kakariko Village. You'll need to first earn 50 rupees in order to buy it, which you can do by taking on a quick bee-keeping job at the bee house - just look for the giant bee on the building.
From there, get the net, and cut grass, bushes and pots around the city until you come across the bee. Snag it with the net, take it back to the house, and get the rupees. Then hit the shop and pick up your shield.
How do I acquire the hint glasses in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
You'll use the hint glasses to spot ghosts that are out of plain sight, and who will provide helpful tips with certain areas, such as dungeons. To get these, pay a visit to the fortune teller just north of Kakariko Village.. Put 'em on and watch out for ghosts!
How can I find extra rupees around the world in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
Don't be afraid to damage items in the environment. Smash pots, slash away at bushes and trees, and you'll discover bits and pieces of them everywhere. You can also complete side-jobs and look for treasure chests that harvest red rupees, which really add a lot to your total. Look around and explore!
How do I acquire additional weapons in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
You'll want to pay a visit to your house, where your new room-mate Ravio has taken up refuge and set up shop. He'll "rent" items to you, with the lower cost items being the ones you'll need first, such as the arrows for the first dungeon. Keep in mind that if you die over the course of the game, you'll return to the save point where you went last, but you'll need to revisit the house and acquire your items again for a rental fee. They return there automatically upon your demise.
Remember, if you're short on rupees, strike down objects in the environment and clean up. If you're in a hurry, look for jobs.
How does the Bow work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
It's a bow and arrow set, and you'll use this weapon in the first dungeon to shoot at out-of-reach switches. Doing so will activate platforms, and eventually allow you to locate a key that gets you through the big door in there.
How do Bombs work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
You can use these to blast open passages that are out of plain sight - or have cracks in them - and attack certain enemies. They're mainly reserved for bosses, or those general enemies you can't strike because of protective armor. Use these precious items only when necessary.
How do Boomerangs work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
These have a two-fold purpose. They can stun enemies from a distance, so that you can finish them off with your sword, and they can collect items that are beyond your reach, like a heart sitting on a shelf. They've got a fairly good range, so play around with them to get a feel for things.
How does the Hammer work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
The Hammer is an ideal weapon for melee attacks, though you'll need to charge it up for a second to get the most use out of it. You can also hammer certain pegs into the ground to complete puzzles - just watch out for their markers and you should have no problems with these challenges.
How does the Hookshot work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
It's a grappling hook that will help you get over tall walls in a hurry, as well as help you discover secret areas that are hidden out of view.
How do the Rods work in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds?
There are several Rods in the game, including the Tornado Rod, the Ice Rod, the Fire Rod and the Sand Rod. They each come in handy at different points in the game, providing damage effects that will hurt enemies in certain ways.
The Ice Rod, for example, will let you freeze enemies and strike them to quickly take them out. Be careful though - its range is limited, so act quickly. The Fire Rod produces a large flaming effect that hits more than one enemy at once, so save it for when you're surrounded or need to take out more than one.
These are the two best rods to have, although the Tornado Rod and Sand Rod are worth experimenting with as well, either to fling Link into the air or to send a big sand wave towards an enemy!
