Many games in the Zelda series include an introductory area, which when completed, grant Link access to the much broader world for exploration. Think of the Great Plateau in Breath of the Wild or Kokiri Forest and the Great Deku Tree in Ocarina of Time. The broad scope of what needs to be done next is usually clear thanks to Link’s companion or an instructive non-playable character (NPC). However, depending how linear the particular game is, Link has the freedom to set out in the opposite direction if you as the player see fit to do so.
Even if it’s your first-ever playthrough, you know that the road ahead will likely be arduous and challenging. From familiarity with other games in the Zelda series, you know that there are many things that Link can do to better prepare himself for what lies ahead. Though the gameplay mechanic specifics have changed over the years in the series, common themes of heart container additions, health regeneration means, inventory expansions, attack improvements, and defense upgrades are almost always there. The need for seeking out these power-ups early in a playthrough can depend upon how familiar you are with the game and how difficult it is generally, but also how risk averse you are feeling and how much of a challenge you are eager to invite.
One of the Zelda games left on my list of uncompleted games is The Adventure of Link. In my current first-ever playthrough, I have hit a wall despite the mercies of Nintendo Switch Online with its save state and rewind features. As much as I want to press forward, the game difficulty has seemed insurmountable. The only path forward has seemed to be to pause progress on the main story arc and grind power-ups, which in this game involves tediously defeating weaker enemies to gain experience points. Once a numerical threshold is reached, Link can upgrade his attack strength, life capacity, or magic capacity. Unfortunately, with each new upgrade, the threshold to the next one increases incrementally. The Adventure of Link has by far been the hardest game in the series for me. From reading the experience of others, I am not alone in this. However, advocates for the game assure that there is an art to attacking and defending, and once it clicks, the enjoyment level of playing will increase tremendously. I am holding on to the hope that this moment is still yet to come for me.
In general in Zelda games, I prefer to press forward with the bare minimum as far as I can with the main story arc until I run up against a dungeon or boss that I just can’t seem to defeat. Then I may do some exploration for resources or consult a guide to see how I can add a few hearts to my current count or rustle up one more bottle to house a life-replenishing potion. I enjoy collect-a-thons and 100% completion ratings, but I usually save those for a second playthrough or for exploration after defeating the final boss within the original save file.
How do you prefer to approach Zelda games, especially on your first playthrough? Do you prefer to wander across all of the map, explore every nook and cranny, and consult every NPC? Do you prefer to make Link as much of a “tank” as early in the game as possible through grinding power-ups? Or are you the courageous (and perhaps a bit foolhardy) type who presses forward to face whatever challenge lies ahead with the bare minimum that the main story arc has bestowed on you up to that point? Let us know in the comments below.
Jared Eubanks
Jared Eubanks is a staff writer at Zelda Dungeon, and he is also a husband, father, and engineer. He is originally from the Atlanta, GA area and still lives there. He graduated from Georgia Tech and is a proud Yellow Jacket. He loves to play boardgames, build Lego, and read books with his family. He’s been gaming since childhood with the original NES and GameBoy, and he enjoys retro gaming, collecting, and modding consoles and handhelds. His favorite Zelda game is Breath of the Wild but is also fond of the older classic titles.
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