The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening: cheats and tricks
One cosmetic name code and useful normal mechanics for the original Game Boy release. These do not grant unlimited equipment or invincibility.
Name code: ZELDA
On an English-language original Game Boy cartridge, create a new file and enter ZELDA in uppercase. The file-selection music changes to a remix of the Zelda theme. This is a cosmetic Easter egg; it does not skip dungeons or change your starting equipment.
Normal mechanic: Bomb Arrows
Assign the Bow and Bombs to your two item buttons. Press A and B together to shoot an explosive arrow. This uses your existing ammunition and lets you detonate targets from a distance; it is an item combination rather than a cheat code.
Normal mechanic: longer jumps
Equip the Pegasus Boots and Roc’s Feather together. Start a dash, then jump before reaching the pit. Combining the two extends your jump beyond the Feather’s ordinary range. Face the route before charging, since changing direction stops the dash.
Normal mechanic: automatic recovery
Buy Secret Medicine from Crazy Tracy’s Health Spa before a dangerous dungeon. If your hearts run out, it activates automatically and refills them once. You can carry only one. It cannot rescue Link from the shopkeeper’s punishment for stealing.
Summaries written for this guide. Artwork and screenshots © Nintendo.