Kokiri Forest

1. Awaken in Link's Treehouse

After the introductory dream sequence, you wake up in your hollow tree home as Navi arrives to serve as your fairy companion. Exit outside and climb down the ladder from your treehouse to meet Saria at the base. She celebrates your new fairy and tells you to visit the Great Deku Tree, though your dialogue responses will always keep you on the mandatory path to arm yourself first.

Tip: Listen to Saria to learn your primary goal of seeing the Great Deku Tree.

2. Retrieve the Kokiri Sword

Head to the training grounds in the southwest corner of the village and crawl through the small tunnel into the enclosed dirt mini-course. Safely dodge the rolling obstacle by ducking into the wall's carved alcoves, then trail behind it counter-clockwise until you reach the ladder on the far side. Ascend the ladder and leap onto the elevated platform to open the treasure chest containing the Kokiri Sword.

Tip: Duck into the carved wall alcoves to let the rolling boulder pass before sprinting toward the ladder.

3. Gather Funds Across the Village

Explore the surrounding village paths, signposts, and residences to amass 40 Rupees for necessary equipment. Siphon cash and pick up Recovery Hearts by slicing down grass patches, smashing ceramic pots inside houses, and lifting rocks off the ground. You can also chat with the Know-It-All Brothers and training Kokiri nearby if you want tips on targeting and movement.

Tip: Breaking ceramic pots inside Kokiri houses and cutting grass are easy ways to reach your 40-Rupee goal quickly.

4. Purchase the Deku Shield

Follow the village water path northeast toward the root trail to locate the Kokiri Shop. Step inside and speak with the Kokiri Shopkeeper to purchase the Deku Shield for 40 Rupees. Equip both your brand-new shield and sword before moving on.

Tip: Ensure you have gathered a full 40 Rupees before entering the shop so you can buy the shield immediately.

5. Clear Mido's Blockade

Travel to the fenced offshoot leading toward the Great Deku Tree where the bully Mido blocks the trail. If you approach him unarmed, he will insult you and forbid you from passing. Speak to him with both the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield equipped, and he will complain before stepping aside to open the route.

The short version

What matters

• Crawling through the southwest training grounds tunnel to retrieve the Kokiri Sword from the elevated chest.
• Gathering 40 Rupees from village grass, rocks, and pots to buy the Deku Shield at the Kokiri Shop.
• Equipping both the Kokiri Sword and Deku Shield to satisfy Mido and unlock the Deku Tree pathway.

Common mistakes

• Running through the center of the training course trench; avoid taking a hit from the boulder by sheltering in wall alcoves until it rolls past.
• Visiting Mido before buying the Deku Shield and grabbing the sword; he will flatly deny you passage until both are in your inventory.

What you can skip

• Spending extra time cycling through dialogue choices with Navi and Saria, as the progression path remains entirely linear.