- Primary Subject: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time secrets
- Key Update: Reveals hidden mechanics and secrets not explicitly taught in the game, like getting the Hylian Shield for free and using songs for new effects.
- Status: Published
- Last Verified: 2026-11-13
- Quick Answer: Check out hidden secrets and useful tips for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that the game does not explicitly explain.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake holds plenty of secrets and details to help you on your journey.
Even if you’re a veteran player, you might not be familiar with some of the things Ocarina of Time doesn’t tell you. If you’re a newer one finally discovering why it’s one of the most revered games of all time, you’ll quickly realize there’s more than meets the eye here.
Things The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Doesn’t Tell You
- You can get the Hylian Shield for free.
- The Hookshot can save you from spending arrows.
- You can use Epona to cross over the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley.
- Play "Epona’s Song" to cows to get Lon Lon Milk.
- You can stun ReDeads with "Sun’s Song."
- You can unlock Fire Arrows after the Water Temple.
- The scarecrow side quest is actually very useful.
- Play with the Pro UI.
Getting the Hylian Shield for Free
The Hylian Shield can be expensive to obtain for young Link when you’re starting the game. Even with the handy discount the guard on your path to Goron City manages to give you, it’s still a hefty 60 Rupees.
There is one way to get it for free that the game doesn’t tell you. For this, we’ll need to head over to the Kakariko Village cemetery. Your prize is going to be hidden in a secret hole underneath one of the tombs. Specifically, the fourth one, going from right to left, in the final row of tombs.
Make sure it’s nighttime, as the boy who plays around the cemetery will prevent you from pulling the tomb. If you have "Sun’s Song" unlocked, now is the perfect time to whip out the ocarina. With the kid gone, pull the tomb, drop down, either take out or move past the ReDead waiting for you, and open the chest to obtain your free Hylian Shield.
Do note that if you do this while you already have it, you’ll only get 20 Rupees.
The Hookshot Can Take Down Enemies
You can save some arrows by utilizing your Hookshot as a weapon!
In some cases, the enemy will simply be stunned, letting you go for a quick attack to take them down without worrying about getting hit. However, certain types of enemies will directly take damage from the Hookshot, so keep that in the back of your mind if you’re low on arrows.
Using Epona to Get to Gerudo Valley
More of a cute Easter egg than anything else: you can actually get a cool cutscene of Epona gracefully jumping the broken bridge over at Gerudo Valley.
Granted, you’ll get access to Gerudo Fortress, though you won’t be able to get into the temple and do the dungeon in this area until you get the Hookshot upgrade from the Water Temple—but it’s a great moment many players miss out on.
"Epona’s Song" Can Give You Lon Lon Milk
"Epona’s Song" has one main use: calling Link’s trusty horse whenever he needs her. However, there’s a secondary use, as it can help you obtain Lon Lon Milk.
First, you’ll need an empty bottle to store the milk; then simply find a cow. The obvious and easiest place is in Lon Lon Ranch, of course. Play "Epona’s Song," and you’ll get a free refill of Lon Lon Milk. You can do this as many times as you want, so stock up to your heart's content.
Use "Sun’s Song" to Stun ReDeads
Speaking of songs with multiple uses, "Sun’s Song" can actually be used to stun ReDeads, the zombie-like creatures that roam around areas like the desolate Hyrule Castle Town.
When you’re near them, play "Sun’s Song," and every ReDead within the small radius will be permanently stunned, letting you take your sweet time finishing them off without worrying about them stunning you back.
Don’t Miss the Fire Arrows
Soon after you finish the Water Temple, you’ll notice a lonely grave sitting right next to the place you spawn after playing the "Serenade of Water"; it’ll tell you something about releasing an arrow at the break of dawn.
Well, doing exactly that will give you access to Fire Arrows. Stand on that small stone platform, use "Sun’s Song" to bring dawn faster, and shoot a regular arrow directly at the rising sun. Your prize will be waiting for you in a small island right in front of you.
The Fire Arrows will deplete your magic, so be mindful of that; they’re pretty fun, though they are a completely optional tool in your arsenal.
Do the Scarecrow Side Quest
Even if you don’t want to partake in any side content, I highly recommend you do. You can get the powerful Biggoron Sword, as well as access to Pierre the Scarecrow.
The basic gist of this side quest is super simple: you’ll meet a scarecrow near Lake Hylia as young Link. He’ll want to hear a song played on Link’s ocarina, and it has to be a completely original creation composed by none other than you.
Make sure it’s something easy to remember, then play the same tune as adult Link. You’ll inspire Pierre to travel across Hyrule, letting you summon him by playing the "Scarecrow’s Song" and access previously unreachable places, including some within dungeons.
Play With the Pro UI
This is a personal recommendation: use the Pro UI. It removes a lot of the visual clutter from the game, letting the visual style truly shine.
Most of the information on screen isn’t worth occupying space, and the Pro UI will only highlight it if needed. To change the UI, simply open the menu, go to the System tab, scroll down to Options, and look for the In-Game Interface toggle to swap it. Give it a spin; you’ll thank me later.
And that’s it. Stick with us at Gfinity: your go-to source for all things The Legend of Zelda.