Hyrule Field & Castle Town

1. Exit the Forest and Consult the Owl

As you emerge from the tunnel connecting Kokiri Forest to Hyrule Field, the owl Kaepora Gaebora will land to brief you on navigating the vast realm. Listen carefully to his advice, and be sure to select "No" when he finishes so you are not forced to sit through his entire explanation a second time. Before rushing forward, inspect the tree and perimeter right along the entrance path to snag a hidden collectible.

Tip: Choosing "No" when the owl finishes his dialogue lets you immediately run north without repeating the conversation.

2. Cross the Central Plains

Follow the stone-lined highway across the central grassy plains, keeping your sights fixed on the distant castle spires. You can avoid wandering into the open fields where aggressive Peahats spin and dive, or wait for them to land so you can hit their exposed roots with sword strikes or slingshot pellets. If darkness falls before you make it across, remain strictly on the paved cobblestone and dirt road to keep skeletal hands from bursting out of the ground.

Tip: Sticking to the paved highway completely prevents hostile skeletons from emerging after sunset.

3. Cross the Castle Drawbridge

Continue directly along the northern path until you arrive at the massive entrance to Castle Town. Make sure you reach the castle drawbridge before dusk settles across the plains, as the gate mechanisms will rise and lock you out for the entire evening. If you find yourself stranded outside after sunset, fight off any approaching Stalchildren with quick Kokiri Sword slashes and Fairy Slingshot shots until dawn breaks and the bridge lowers once more.

4. Clear the Gatehouse

Pass under the raised portcullis into the town gatehouse, where a guard sits stationed beside an adjoining pot room. Head straight into this storage room and smash the scattered crates and ceramic pots lining the floor to uncover a hidden token. Once you have cleared out the room and checked in at the desk, exit through the inner door to enter the bustling community.

Tip: Smash every crate and pot inside the guard station to claim an easy collectible token.

5. Explore the Market Square

Step into the vibrant central market square, where local citizens, merchants, and storefronts surround the main fountain. You will spot Malon singing nearby, who provides the Weird Egg quest hook before you proceed toward the royal grounds. You can also explore local side businesses, such as visiting the Castle Town Potion Shop or participating in street activities to secure an Empty Bottle or free potion.

Tip: Speak to the singing girl Malon by the central fountain to pick up the Weird Egg quest before moving forward.

6. Gear Up at the Market Shops

Visit the local businesses framing the square, including the Happy Mask Shop, Treasure Chest Game, Bombchu Bowling, and the Shooting Gallery. Step inside the Shooting Gallery and hit a perfect score with your Fairy Slingshot to earn the Biggest Deku Seed Bag upgrade from the owner. You can also visit the Bazaar Merchant to buy the Hylian Shield for 80 Rupees, though it is heavy enough that Child Link must crouch underneath it; alternatively, you can save your money and grab one for free later from a grave in Kakariko Graveyard or purchase it at a discount from guards.

Tip: You can safely pass on buying the shield at the Bazaar to conserve your funds for the Shooting Gallery upgrade, securing a free shield later in Kakariko Graveyard.

7. Navigate to the Courtyard

Proceed down the northeast lane past the residential alleys and the Temple of Time district to approach the royal grounds. When you reach the castle courtyard, you must practice stealth to sneak around the patrolling guards stationed throughout the area. Keep completely out of their direct line of sight, as being spotted will immediately result in Link getting apprehended and tossed back out to the main gates.

Tip: Monitor the patrolling guards closely and stay outside their vision cones to avoid detection.

The short version

What matters

• Hitting a perfect score at the Market Shooting Gallery earns you the Biggest Deku Seed Bag upgrade.
• Staying on the paved cobblestone road prevents Stalchildren from bursting out of the ground when traveling at night.
• Smashing the crates and pots inside the gatehouse room nets you an early Gold Skulltula token.

Common mistakes

• Selecting "Yes" when Kaepora Gaebora finishes talking causes him to repeat his entire directional speech from the beginning.
• Lingering in Hyrule Field past dusk locks the drawbridge, leaving you exposed to Stalchildren until the sun rises.
• Walking into the line of sight of courtyard guards gets you caught and thrown back out to the castle entrance.

What you can skip

• You can skip spending 80 Rupees on the Hylian Shield at the Bazaar, as you can grab one for free in the Kakariko Graveyard.