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Level 1: Palace of Darkness
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Level 1: Palace of Darkness

Guide to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past's Palace of Darkness, detailing how to find Small Keys, the Map, and defeat enemies like Helmasaur and Goriyas.

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Guide to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past's Palace of Darkness, detailing how to find Small Keys, the Map, and defeat enemies like Helmasaur and Goriyas.

  • 10 hearts in Life Meter (including 13 Pieces of Heart)
  • Master Sword (Lv. 2)
  • Red Shield (Lv. 2)
  • Green Jerkin (Lv. 1)
  • Pegasus Boots
  • Power Glove
  • Zora's Flippers
  • Moon Pearl
  • Bow & Arrows
  • Magical Boomerang
  • Bombs
  • Magic Powder
  • Ice Rod
  • Quake Medallion
  • Lamp
  • Bug Catching Net
  • Book of Mudora
  • 3 Bottles
  • Magic Mirror
Walkthrough
  1. 1
    From the entrance, take the west door.
  2. 2
    In the next room, defeat the Helmasaur by throwing a skull at it.
  3. 3
    Take the stairs down to B1.
  4. 4
    Dodge fireballs from two Medusas, lift a skull in the southwest corner, and activate a switch to reveal a chest with Small Key #1.
  5. 5
    Go back upstairs and return to the entry room.
  6. 6
    Take the east door.
  7. 7
    Defeat another Helmasaur and venture downstairs.
  8. 8
    Get past the Anti-Fairy (an enemy that can harm you) and step on the only active (yellow) Warp Tile.
  9. 9
    Use Magic Powder (an item that can transform enemies) to turn the two patrolling Anti-Fairies into Fairies.
  10. 10
    Check the Telepathy Tile (a tile that displays messages) to receive a message from Zelda, who is located at Turtle Rock on Death Mountain.
  11. 11
    Dash into the south wall to break it open.
  12. 12
    Dodge the Blue Bari (jellyfish-like monsters that can shock you) in the next corridor.
  13. 13
    Dash into another wall at the end of the corridor to break it open and proceed.
  14. 14
    Defeat the Goriyas (enemies that mimic your movements). Use the sword or throw skulls for Green Goriyas. For Red Goriyas, stand so you are not quite facing them, fire an Arrow, then walk to lead the Goriya into the Arrow. It takes two Arrow strikes to defeat a Red Goriya.
  15. 15
    Once all three Goriyas are defeated, the north door will open. Go through.
  16. 16
    Dodge Blade Traps, Blue Bari, and a Red Bari (a Bari that splits into two smaller Biri when hit) as you traverse conveyor belts.
  17. 17
    Climb the stairs at the end to 1F.
  18. 18
    Three Red Bari guard a chest. Carefully defeat or avoid them. Open the chest to claim the Map.
  19. 19
    Bomb the east wall to reveal a fountain with three Fairies.
  20. 20
    Bomb the west wall to open a chest containing Small Key #2.
  21. 21
    Return to the dungeon entrance using the Magic Mirror (an item that allows you to warp).
  22. 22
    Go through the central door, then unlock the door leading farther north.
  23. 23
    In the large room, take the eastern path, shoving aside a block into the pit.
  24. 24
    Enter the door in the northeast part of the room. Open the chest for Small Key #3.
  25. 25
    Go south one room and drop down a floor.
  26. 26
    Dodge the two Terrorpins (turtle-like enemies).
  27. 27
    Go west. Four Yellow Stalfos (enemies that throw their heads) will appear. Fight off their flying heads.
  28. 28
    Lift the skull at the end of the line of blocks, step on the switch, and open the chest that appears to obtain Small Key #4.
  29. 29
    Dodge the Terrorpins and step on the Warp Tile in this room.
  30. 30
    Return upstairs near the dungeon entrance.
  31. 31
    Push aside the statue to get into the central section of this room and take the door leading north.
  32. 32
    Back in the large room, take the western path.
  33. 33
    Drop a Bomb on the cracked floor to blow it up and drop down the hole.
Tips
  • The Palace of Darkness marks a significant difficulty increase.
  • Throwing skulls is an effective way to defeat Helmasaurs.
  • Use Magic Powder to transform Anti-Fairies into helpful Fairies.
  • Red Bari split into two Biri when struck, which can also electrify themselves.
  • Using the Magic Mirror to return to the entrance can reset items picked up under skulls, which can be useful for quick supplies.
  • You are not yet equipped to deal with the mechanical Moles north of where you find Small Key #2.
  • Small Key #1
  • Map
  • Small Key #2
  • Small Key #3
  • Small Key #4

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