The Lost Woods is a vital part of the Legend of Zelda series, appearing throughout several Zelda games. In Ocarina of Time, The Lost Woods have several secret grottos and mini-games spread around that players may miss. These are beneficial to Link's progression. There are also shortcuts to other parts of Hyrule as well, which help players travel much quicker.
The main reason players enter The Lost Woods is to access the Sacred Forest Meadow, which houses the great Forest Temple. However, that's not all that this mysterious forest has to offer. In this guide, players will not only learn how to navigate The Lost Woods without getting lost, but they will also discover everything that this seemingly average forest is hiding.
7 The Skull Kid
Upon entering The Lost Woods, turn left to meet the Skull Kid. Some may be thinking that this guy looks an awful lot like Link's future enemy. Well, sadly, that's correct. This is the same punk from Majora's Mask, but he's feeling less bitter today.
Simply stand on the tree stump and play him Saria's Song to receive a heart piece, then proceed to the left to access the exit bridge area. Here is a Deku Scrub who can sell Link a helpful Deku Stick upgrade. Take it up on its offer, then exit back into the woods using the ladder.
6 First Upgrade: Deku Bullets
Turn right into the next room to see a target. After getting a bullseye three times, a Scrub will kindly hand over an upgraded Deku Bullet bag. Yeah, that's right! Free stuff! In this case, a bullseye is when players get a 100 score hit three times in a row. After this, players can still target practice for fun, but with no reward.
Don't leave this room just yet. Climb down the ladder to find two skull kids with instruments. They'll ask Link to play music with them. The trick is to win this memory game by repeating their notes. Once complete, Link receives another heart piece. Be sure to fully complete the song, though. If not, rupees are the only reward. Thankfully, it's possible to try and try again, so don't give up hope if it's not an instant success.
5 Shortcuts
Be careful here. If Link goes to the right, he'll be sent back to the entrance. Going left leads to a room with a stone arch entrance alongside two regular entrances. The stone arch path takes Link to Goron City. This is a nice little shortcut for those who are nearby and don't want to climb Death Mountain.
Going left will reset Link again, but going right from here leads to a shortcut to Zora's River. It comes out right by the entrance to Zora's Domain, again, saving players lots of travel time. This shortcut is accessed by swimming down in the pond and exiting through the tunnel.
4 The Forest Stage Game (Upgrades)
When leaving the room with the Zora's River shortcut, progress left. Here, there are two options: left and forward. Going left will lead to a room with two Deku Scrub cheapskates. They'll want to sell Link Deku Nuts and a Deku Stick. Unless the player is desperate, it's best to ignore them and go on to the grotto.
Look for the butterflies above the grass patch to find a secret grotto. This hidden hole leads to the Forest Stage Game, which offers two upgrades. First, use the Mask of Truth to stir up the little Dekus and get insulted. Their leader will say Link is ugly, but there's still a benefit. Players will receive a Deku Nut upgrade.
Then, go back with the Skull Mask to get a Deku Stick upgrade. This time, the little creatures flock to Link like he's a magnet, and their leader claims that Link looks like their secret forest totem. Sweet! That's better for the self-esteem. Keep in mind that waiting too long to play this game will result in losing the upgrades. Instead of upgrades, the Scrubs will simply give Link rupees.
3 More Supplies
After exiting the Forest Stage Game, progress forward, then go left. This is the final room. Explode the rock to reach yet another hidden grotto. This one has more Deku Scrubs who try to capitalize their way out of death. One wants to sell Link nuts, and the other is selling seeds. It would make more sense to give these items away when bargaining for life, rather than trying to make a profit, but these moneybags Scrubs are desperate.
Exit the grotto. Now, progress right to finally reach the Sacred Forest Meadow. This area leads to Saria as a child, and to the Forest Temple as an adult. This is the final main destination from The Lost Woods.
2 The Sacred Forest Meadow
Wolfos wait here upon entering. Defeat these angry dogs to open the gate to the forest meadow's maze. Maneuver past the Deku Scrubs and find Saria. After that cutscene, it's important to visit the fairy fountain that's hiding amidst the maze. After going back down the stairs, climb the ladder and look for a grotto. What's a Zelda game without a fairy fountain or seven?
This is a great place to stock up on fairies, especially when Link has obtained several bottles. These fairies will bring Link back to life when he's met his seemingly final match. It's a great idea to visit these fountains before attempting any temples and boss battles.
1 Secret Grotto
There's also a really cool secret room in a grotto that's located in the Sacred Forest Meadow. At the entrance, place a bomb around the middle of the area. Do this until a hole appears. Enter this grotto, fight some Wolfos, and in return, a treasure chest will appear. This contains a purple rupee, which is worth fifty rupees. Nice! Overall, The Lost Woods is filled to the brim with secrets and upgrades. There's much more here than meets the eye.