When you first attempt to visit the Great Deku Tree in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Mido will bar your path, insisting you secure a sword and shield before embarking on your quest.
The frustration lies in the fact that Mido offers no hints regarding where these items are hidden. Fortunately, as you are just beginning your adventure, the necessary gear is tucked away within the immediate vicinity of your starting point.
Here is how to locate your starting sword and shield in Kokiri Forest.
[Ed. note: This guide pertains to the Nintendo 64 version of the game, available via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. These instructions utilize the updated control scheme; if you are playing on original N64 hardware or the 3DS remake, please adjust your button inputs accordingly.]Locating the Kokiri Sword
It is best to secure the sword first, as it will make gathering the currency for your shield much more efficient. Glance at the minimap in the bottom-right corner of your screen and head toward the southwestern section of Kokiri Forest, where you will find a series of narrow passages.
Follow the incline in the southwest until you reach the Forest Training Center—a fenced-in area filled with foliage. Traverse the interior of this area until you reach the rear wall, where a small tunnel awaits. Stand before it and press A to crawl through.
Upon exiting on the other side, pivot to your right to collect a blue rupee (worth five regular green ones). Turn back around, but pause before the corner. Wait for the rolling boulder to clear the path, then follow behind it, making sure to roll through the patches of grass to scavenge extra rupees. Take the first right turn to discover a chest containing the Kokiri Sword.
To wield your new weapon, open the Start menu and navigate to the Equipment tab using ZL or R. Use your left analog stick to highlight the Kokiri Sword and press A to equip it. With blade in hand, crawl back through the tunnel to reach the village.
Purchasing the Deku Shield
The shield is available for purchase at the Kokiri Shop, located in the northwest corner of the village. As you approach, you will be intercepted by a girl perched on the roof. Lock onto her by holding ZL and press A to strike up a conversation. Once finished, head inside the shop and speak with the merchant. You will find the Deku Shield on display to the right, retailing for 40 rupees.
If your wallet is looking a bit light, here are the best ways to earn quick rupees in Kokiri Forest:
- Roll into tall grass to shake loose hidden green rupees.
- Smash everything: Pick up and toss pottery or use your sword to clear out plants; many contain hidden loot.
- Explore the platforms: Follow the ramp near Saria’s house to reach the bridges, where a blue rupee is waiting.
- Check the houses: Enter Mido’s home and raid the treasure chests for an easy cash infusion.
- Search the perimeter: Scour the area behind Mido’s house for another blue rupee.
Once you’ve saved up 40 rupees, return to the merchant to buy the Deku Shield. Equipping it follows the same process as the sword: open the menu, tab over to Equipment, select the shield with the joystick, and press A.
You are now fully prepared to bypass Mido and begin your journey toward the Great Deku Tree.
Source: Polygon
