The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Pastcomplete walkthrough
Complete A Link to the Past walkthrough with every pendant, Dark World crystal, required item, dungeon route, Ganon strategy and full-completion advice.
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Completion
- 12–18 hours
- Guide length
- 17 min
- Updated
- 2026-08-10
Controls and essential techniques
Learn these inputs before beginning the route.
| Input | Action and field note |
|---|---|
| D-pad | Move and aimFace hazards before using directional tools such as the bow or Hookshot. |
| B | Use swordHold to charge a spin attack when enemies approach from multiple sides. |
| Y | Use selected itemKeep the Lantern or Magic Mirror ready when entering unfamiliar rooms. |
| X | Open mapDungeon maps reveal unexplored rooms but not every hidden passage. |
| Start | Open inventorySwitch items from safe ground rather than during enemy attacks. |
See the game in action
Real, unedited screenshots showing how The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past looks during play on SNES.
Authentic gameplay: captures are produced in the OldGames emulator when available and checked against credited editorial references when needed. No AI-generated artwork or recreated mockups are used.
Complete walkthrough
6 chapters from the opening stage through completion.
Hyrule Castle escape
Answer Zelda's call, enter the castle and reach the Sanctuary.
- Follow the hidden entrance near the castle, take your uncle's sword and rescue Zelda from the dungeon.
- Use the throne-room passage and guide Zelda through the sewers to the Sanctuary.
Zelda safe and the Eastern Palace marked.
Three Pendants of Virtue
Clear Eastern Palace, Desert Palace and Tower of Hera.
- Collect the Bow in Eastern Palace, then use Sahasrahla's reward to open the path toward the desert.
- Acquire the Power Glove, reach Death Mountain, claim the Moon Pearl and defeat Moldorm.
All three pendants collected.
Master Sword and Agahnim
Claim the legendary blade and enter the Dark World permanently.
- Retrieve the Master Sword from the Lost Woods and return when Zelda calls for help.
- Climb Hyrule Castle, reflect Agahnim's energy attacks and enter the Dark World.
Dark World quest started.
First three crystals
Conquer Palace of Darkness, Swamp Palace and Skull Woods.
- Use the Magic Hammer from Palace of Darkness to expand access across the Dark World.
- Manipulate Light World water for Swamp Palace and use Fire Rod shots to finish the Skull Woods route.
Three maidens rescued.
Final four crystals
Clear Thieves' Town, Ice Palace, Misery Mire and Turtle Rock.
- Escort the maiden carefully in Thieves' Town and expose the boss using the light-filled room.
- Use Cane of Somaria in Ice Palace and Turtle Rock, while Ether opens the way into Misery Mire.
All seven crystals collected.
Ganon's Tower and final battle
Climb the tower, defeat Agahnim again and finish Ganon.
- Bring fairies or blue potions, Silver Arrows and enough magic before entering the final tower.
- During Ganon's last phase, relight both torches, strike with the tempered or golden sword and fire Silver Arrows when he turns blue.
Triforce restored.
Secrets and field notes
Useful details for cleaner runs and full completion.
Parallel-world shortcuts
Use the Magic Mirror on Dark World terrain to reach isolated Light World ledges, then step through the return portal when finished.
Bottle value
Bottles can carry fairies, potions and quest items. Finding them early makes difficult dungeons much safer.
Sword and armor upgrades
The tempered sword, golden sword, blue mail and red mail are optional but dramatically reduce final-dungeon risk.
Frequently asked questions
Fast answers to common progression problems.
What is the recommended Dark World dungeon order?
The numbered order works, but several dungeons allow flexibility once you own the Hammer, Hookshot and Titan's Mitt.
Where do I get the Moon Pearl?
It is inside the Tower of Hera on Death Mountain and prevents Link from becoming a helpless form in the Dark World.
Are Silver Arrows required for Ganon?
They are the intended way to finish his final phase after sword strikes make him vulnerable.
Sources and editorial note
This walkthrough was independently written and checked against publisher material where available. It does not reproduce manual text.
