The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is often considered the pinnacle of the series, and is cited as one of (if not the) best RPGs of all time. Full of iconic locations, players must eventually make their way up Death Mountain in order to progress the story. However, getting there isn't as straightforward as simply running towards it, and there are several things players must do before they can access the area.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of many classic Nintendo 64 titles that have recently become much more accessible thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online expansion pack. The expansion includes other classics like Mario Kart 64, Yoshi's Story, and Star Fox 64, although the additions come with a $30 increase on top of the service's annual $19.99 fee.
How to get to Death Mountain in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Obtaining Princess Zelda's Letter
Before players head towards Death Mountain, there are a number of tasks that need to be completed beforehand. The most important of which is obtaining Zelda's Letter. A Hylian soldier guards the closed gate that leads to the ominous peak, and will only allow Link through by getting approval from the royal family. Players will need to head to Hyrule Castle, accessible through Castle Town. Link must make his way past the numerous guards on the castle grounds and courtyard. At the end of the path lies Princess Zelda, who will hand over the letter after a cutscene.
Getting the Hylian Shield in Kakariko Village
As veterans of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will know, Death Mountain is actually a volcano, which regularly rains down firey boulders upon Link. In order to avoid serious damage and almost certain death, the Hylian Shield is the only viable defense. However, players must first acquire the Sun's Song in Kakariko Village, Players must play Zelda's Lullaby in the village's Graveyard while standing on the Triforce emblem to open up a tomb. Kill all Keese in the first room and avoid ReDeads in the second to reach the end and learn the new song.
Head back up to the Graveyard and play the newly acquired Sun's Song until night falls. Pull back the second-to-the-left headstone marked with flowers in the first row of graves to reveal another hole. Jump down to find a treasure chest containing the Hylian Shield.
Heading up the Death Mountain Trail
Now that players have both Zelda's Letter and the Hylian Shield, they're ready to head up Death Mountain. Talk with the guard in front of the gate and hand him the letter, who will then open up access to the new area. Head up the trail, making sure to use the Hylian Shield to block the intermittent flaming boulders. Link eventually reaches Goron City, home to the Gorons, where players will want to head to the ground floor and play Zelda's Lullaby to open the locked door. Speak with Goron chief Darunia and play Saria's Song, which will grant players the Goron's Bracelet, and the ability to use Bomb Flowers.
Entering The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time's Death Mountain
Return to where the Death Mountain trail split off, and head up the untraveled direction. Find the Bomb Flower near the cliff and toss it over the edge in front of the rock-blocked cave entrance, which will reveal the enterance to Death Mountain itself, a.k.a. Dodongo's Cavern. After the dungeon is completed, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time players can always head back down to Kakariko Village and cash in their Gold Skulltulas.
