The Legend of Zelda: how to unlock
The requirements for the Second Quest, final dungeon and full health in the original NES game.
Second Quest after finishing
Complete the First Quest by defeating Ganon and rescuing Zelda to unlock the Second Quest on that file. It remixes dungeon layouts, item placements and hidden entrances. The ZELDA name code on the Cheat codes page starts it immediately on a new file.
Pass Level 9's guard
Collect the Triforce fragment from each of Levels 1–8. All eight are required: the Old Man at Level 9's entrance blocks further progress until the Triforce of Wisdom is complete. Finding the bombable entrance alone does not unlock the dungeon.
Reach all 16 hearts
Start with three Heart Containers, collect one after each of the eight dungeon bosses, and find five more in the overworld. In caves offering a Heart Container or Red Potion, take the heart: choosing the potion permanently forfeits that container. The eastern-coast heart requires the Stepladder.
Finish Ganon's battle
Bring the Bow and collect the Silver Arrows inside Level 9. Strike Ganon with your sword until he is stunned, then land a Silver Arrow to finish the battle. The Magical Sword makes the fight easier, but any of the game's swords can work.
Summaries written for this guide. Artwork and screenshots © Nintendo.