Basics
Controls (GBA)
- Directional (D) Pad: Use the D-Pad to move Link around, navigate in various menus, push objects, and jump off of cliffs.
- Start: During the game, pressing Start brings up a pause menu letting you save or put the GBA in sleep mode. In the selection screens before the game it is used to confirm menu choices.
- Select: Pressing Select will bring up the inventory menu during the game.
- L Button: In the overworld, the L Button brings up the world map. Inside a dungeon, it will bring up the dungeon map if you have found it. If you have not found the Dungeon Map (see Dungeon Items), the map screen will only show areas you've visited and your current location
- R Button: The R Button is the general action button. Use it to open treasure chests, pick up bushes, rocks, pots, etc. and speak to characters or read signs. It is also used to grab onto some puzzle elements, and activates the Pegasus Boots or the Flippers (see Ability Items), if you have obtained them.
- B Button: Press the B Button to use Link's Sword. Holding down B to charge your Sword and then releasing it will perform a Spin Attack - and once you've completed the basket sidequest - the Whirlwind Attack. In various menus, it cancels your selections.
- A Button: Pressing A utilizes your selected inventory item. It can also be used as an alternative "action" button, although using the R Button as action and the A Button as purely the "special item" button is highly preferred.
Combat
While the controls for combat are simple, there are several techniques which can be used to improve your skill and beat enemies more effectively.
Learn Your Enemy's Style
The enemies you encounter will reoccur throughout the game. Because of this, you should learn what each enemy does: how he fights, his attack patterns, etc. This will be particularly useful later on in the game when you meet stronger versions of familiar enemies. Since these new enemies will use similar techniques to their weaker cousins, you'll have a heads up on what to expect
Use Your Sword
Your main weapon in ALttP is your Sword. Most enemies can be taken out with just your Sword without wasting any magic, Bombs, or arrows. Your Sword will never run out like these items, so use it as much as possible.
Stunning items
Many people completely overlook the Boomerang or the Magical Boomerang, the Ice Rod, and the Hookshot (see Other Items) for their use in combat. While the Ice Rod uses magic power, the Boomerang, Magical Boomerang, and Hookshot do not, and all of these items can stun an enemy temporarily, making them a vulnerable and less dangerous target. Some very weak enemies can even be killed with the Boomerang and Hookshot.
Use a stunning item in areas with a high monster population, or where the monsters are overwhelming you and then finish the stunned monsters off with your Sword.
Don't forget your stunning items!
Conservation is Key
While it can be fun to destroy your enemies in style with Bombs, arrows, and dramatic magical abilities, or just play around with other magical items, it is important to conserve your resources, especially while in a dungeon.
Bombs are used to create doors cracked walls.
Arrows are used to hit switches.
Magic should be saved for emergencies.
Because of this, don't go shooting or blowing everything up, and don't use the Magic Cape or The Cane of Byrna unless you are low on hearts. Conserve the Bombs, Arrows, and your Magic Power for when you really need them. If you don't, you may find yourself in a pinch, or making long and annoying item runs.
Item Drops
Below is a list of the Item Drops in the game. These items are left by defeated enemies, found in trees and bushes, in pots and jars, etc.
Hearts
Hearts are often found in pots, and enemies sometimes drop one after dying. They will restore one heart-space in your health meter for every Heart gathered. They are the primary way of recovering health.
RUPEES
Rupees are the well-known currency of Hyrule. Rupees can be spent on many things, so make sure to collect as many as you can. They come in three varieties in ALttP: the common Green Rupee is worth one Rupee. The less common Blue Rupee is worth five Rupees. Finally, the rare Red Rupee is worth twenty Rupees.
Green Jar
Coming in two varieties (a large bottle and a small bottle), the Green Jars are what you'll need to refill your magic meter. They are dropped by some types of enemies, but are fairly rare except in certain areas of Hyrule or within certain dungeons.
Arrows
Once you have obtained the Bow (see Other Items), you may find Arrows inside of pots or chests, or they may be dropped by enemies. They will restock your quiver and come in varying amounts.
Bombs
Once you first obtain Bombs, you may find them in pots or chests or they may be dropped by some enemies. They will restock your supply and come in varying amounts.