Currency & Shops

Manage your Rupees effectively by learning shop inventories and optimal spending strategies in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.

Welcome, intrepid adventurer! In the vast and often treacherous Great Sea, Rupees are your key to survival and success. This section will detail everything you need to know about acquiring and spending your hard-earned cash, ensuring you're always well-equipped for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Understanding Rupees

Rupees are the universal currency of Hyrule. They come in various denominations, each represented by a different color and value:

• Green Rupee: 1 Rupee
• Blue Rupee: 5 Rupees
• Red Rupee: 20 Rupees
• Purple Rupee: 50 Rupees
• Orange Rupee: 100 Rupees
• Silver Rupee: 200 Rupees (rare, often found in late-game dungeons or as rewards)

Your current Rupee count is displayed in the top-right corner of your screen. Keep an eye on your wallet capacity, as you'll need to upgrade it to carry larger sums.

Earning Rupees: A Treasure Hunter's Guide

There are numerous ways to fill your wallet. Here are the most reliable methods:

1. Defeating Enemies

Many defeated enemies will drop Rupees. The type and quantity vary, but it's a consistent source of income, especially in dungeons and monster-infested islands. Prioritize taking down larger foes for potentially higher payouts.

2. Smashing Pots & Cutting Grass

This classic Zelda tradition is alive and well! Break every pot, vase, and crate you see. Slash through tall grass and bushes with your sword. You'll often find Green, Blue, and sometimes even Red Rupees hidden within.

3. Opening Treasure Chests

Treasure chests are a primary source of larger Rupee denominations. Always explore thoroughly in dungeons, caves, and on islands to uncover these valuable caches. Some chests contain hundreds of Rupees!

4. Salvaging Treasure

Once you acquire the Grappling Hook, you can salvage sunken treasure from the ocean floor. Look for shimmering light pillars in the water – these indicate a treasure spot. The treasure often includes valuable Rupees (Purple, Orange, and Silver are common), as well as Treasure Charts that lead to even more riches.

• Strategy: Equip your Grappling Hook, sail over a light pillar, and cast the hook. You'll play a mini-game where you need to reel in the treasure. Be careful of obstacles!
• Key Locations: Many islands have surrounding waters with treasure. Consult your Sea Chart for marked spots or simply explore.

5. Selling Items

Certain items you collect can be sold for Rupees. While not always the most efficient method, it can be useful if you have an excess of a particular item.

• Joy Pendants: These are dropped by Bokoblins. While you'll need a certain number for a side quest, any extras can be sold for a decent sum.
• Skull Necklaces: Dropped by Moblins. Similar to Joy Pendants, keep some for quests, sell the rest.
• Spoils Bag Items: After acquiring the Spoils Bag, you can collect various monster parts. Some merchants might buy these, though their primary use is often for Potion Brewing or Trading Sequences.

6. Minigames & Side Quests

Several minigames and side quests offer Rupee rewards. These are often repeatable, providing a steady income stream if you master them.

• Barrel Shooting Gallery (Windfall Island): A fun way to earn Rupees. Aim for high scores to maximize your winnings.
• Mail Sorting (Dragon Roost Island): After completing the initial quest, you can sort mail for a small but consistent Rupee reward.
• Battleship Game (Windfall Island): A higher-stakes game that can yield significant Rupees if you win.

Wallet Upgrades

Initially, Link's wallet can only hold 200 Rupees. This will quickly become a limitation. Fortunately, there are two essential upgrades:

1. Big Wallet (500 Rupees):
   • Location: Complete the Picto Box Quest on Windfall Island. After receiving the Deluxe Picto Box, show the rich man (Mr. Bikin) a picture of a specific person (the woman with the red dress, Mrs. Marie). He will reward you with the Big Wallet.
2. Giant Wallet (1000 Rupees):
   • Location: This upgrade is obtained by completing the Trading Sequence involving the Delivery Bag. The final item, the Magic Armor, is given to you by the merchant on Windfall Island, along with the Giant Wallet.

Shopping & Merchants

Merchants are found throughout the Great Sea, offering several essential and useful items. Knowing where to find them and what they sell is crucial.

1. Beedle's Shop Ship

Beedle is your most common merchant, sailing around various islands. His distinctive shop ship is easily recognizable. He sells a rotating stock of items, often including:

• Arrows: Essential for your Bow.
• Bombs: For destroying obstacles and enemies.
• Potions: Health-restoring or magic-restoring concoctions.
• Bait: For fishing or attracting enemies.
• Empty Bottles: Crucial for carrying potions, water, or other liquids.
• Treasure Charts: Occasionally, Beedle will sell a Treasure Chart, leading to valuable sunken treasure.

Strategy: Always check Beedle's stock when you see him, especially for Empty Bottles and Treasure Charts, as these are limited. His prices are generally fair.

2. Windfall Island Shops

Windfall Island is a bustling hub with several unique shops and services:

• Zunari's Shop: Located near the entrance to the town, Zunari initially sells only the Sail. After you help him with the Trading Sequence, his shop expands to sell various decorative items for your boat, as well as the invaluable Magic Armor (after completing the full trading sequence).
• Auction House: At night, the Auction House opens in the building next to Zunari's. Here, you can bid on rare and valuable items, including Heart Pieces, Treasure Charts, and even the Swift Sail (in the HD remake).
  • Strategy: Bidding requires patience. Wait until the last few seconds to place your bid, and be prepared to outbid others. Don't go overboard, but know the value of what you're bidding on.
• Potions Shop: Located near the town's center, this shop sells various potions. You can also bring Spoils Bag items here to have them brewed into more potent concoctions.

3. Other Merchants

• Traveling Merchants: Some islands have small, stationary merchants who sell specific items. For example, there's a merchant on Outset Island who sells Bait.
• Great Fairies: While not traditional shops, Great Fairies will upgrade your Bomb Bag and Quiver capacity for free once you find them. They are crucial for carrying more ammunition.

By diligently collecting Rupees and strategically spending them, you'll ensure Link is always prepared for his grand adventure across the Great Sea!