Topic: Tips for a zelda newcomer?

Hey guys
I know Im late to the party, but I started to get into zelda just now XD almost completed ALBW and now started OOT. I really enjoyed ALBW, but from what I heard OOT is harder in aspects of world exploring and puzzles.
Are there any tips that you would suggest? like what to look for in the dungeons, how to find my way in this giant open map, and in general how to get into this great series in my own pace?

Im after the first dungeon in OOT, the deku tree, and it was great. I guess it will just get harder and harder, so I would love some tips. thanks! =]

It's not really a hard series. Some of the puzzles/dungeons have obscure solutions or awkward mechanics, most infamous of all being the Water Dungeon from OOT, but as with most Nintendo games they're welcoming to newcomers. Also common with Nintendo games, they're terrified of leaving people in the dark as to what their objective is at a moment's notice, so Navi/Midna/Fi or whoever will always be there to remind you of what you need to do. You are more than free to go at your own pace, except perhaps in Majora's Mask and even that has way you can make it less restrictive and demanding.

Also as a more personal one I would like to be perhaps the only person here to recommend Skyward Sword, you'll probably get everyone else telling you to steer clear of it because it's not Skyrim or whatever it is they compare it to but I'm not one of those people. My personal favourite in the series and one you shouldn't pass on if you want to the Zelda at its best

Avoid Skyward Sword

Na Skyward Sword is a good game, people just didn't like the motion controls that much.

If you can get it for under 20$ it's worth playing.

Welcome to the series, @VoltageX — hope you enjoy the experience (as I'm almost certain you will). In terms of game play, my only tip would be to take your time and be thorough. Zelda really emphasizes exploration, which isn't just an enjoyable aspect, but also a big help to progressing. If you explore everything, experiment, and talk to the characters that populate the world, you'll often learn everything you need to know to progress, and you'll discover secrets and content that you don't necessarily need, but that makes the games richer or just comes in handy.

With Ocarina, you've already started the perhaps the most essential Zelda game, so you're on the perfect track in regards to getting into the series. If I were you, I'd continue on in console release order (it's not essential to the narrative, which is pretty loose, but it'll give you some insight into how the series evolved). Majora's Mask, a direct sequel to Ocarina would come next (though keep in mind that the time travel mechanic here is quite a departure for the series), followed by The Wind Waker (the Waker HD on Wii U is the definitive version) and then Twilight Princess (might be worth it to wait for the Twilight Princess HD in March) and Skyward Sword. Experiencing A Link to the Past and Link's Awakening is essential as well. Though I enjoy all the Zelda games, I'd put the NES, GBC, GBA and DS titles lower on the list of "must plays" — maybe as palate cleansers between console games or for future dry spells when you're craving some Zelda.

Finally, though the story is really told in loosely connected "legends," the book Hyrule Historia is the best thing out there to satisfy your appetite if you get really interested in the lore. Down the line, Hyrule Warriors is also a fantastic action-oriented spin off that you'll enjoy even more if you're familiar with the series (specifically Ocarina, Twilight, and Skyward Sword). Keep in mind, though, that all of these are personal recommendations — you can't really go wrong with just picking up and playing any Zelda game there is.

@VoltageX: You could very well play any of the games, except the forbidden 3, as all of them are great games. My personal ones are Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Wind Waker, The Minish Cap, Link's Awakening DX, Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, and Spirit Tracks is fun, although a bit unconventional.

Edit: Also, especially in the 2D Zeldas, explore! Lots of cool secrets and useful things to find! Also, in 2D Zeldas it's fairly important to bomb walls when available, as hidden passages are quite common.

My main tip for OOT, if anything specific, would be to never forget bombs (once you get them) and to keep in mind that puzzle solutions always make sense even if they follow weird logic you wouldn't immediately think of. Also it's the start of always remembering to use your newest item/s in the dungeon.

Also, remember your map/compass.

@VoltageX:
If you already beat the first dungeon then you are well on your way to having a great experience. I remember as a child it took me days to figure out that the spiderwebs could be burnt off using the torch. Once you get the hang of how items can interact with different things there's no stopping you. If you're playing the 3DS version then the water temple will be a bit easier as essential rooms are now color coded to help you remember where things are. Besides that just make sure you always keep at least one fairy in a bottle.

Link's Awakening is my favorite Zelda but they all offer great experiences in their own unique way. The very first Zelda on NES is the hardest one in my opinion and the one I enjoyed the least because of the nature of its secrets.

If you get lost, check your map.

Play OoT first. You'll fall in love with the series. If that doesn't do it, play Twilight Princess next.

I recommend playing OoT on 3DS, the extra item slots and having the boots as an item make the game quite a bit better.

Their post says they are playing OOT at the moment and want tips on how to complete it.

@VoltageX: I doubt you'll get lost in OOT if you beated ALBW, the latter was the most not-linear Zelda game afterall.
If anything OOT have some important aspects for complete the story that are not always hinted clearly to the player, but as long as you don't forget to visit Kakariko Village (which you'll see soon) also later in the game you should be fine. Oh... And good luck with the Water Temple, many players got lost there and never finished the game XD

Regarding getting into the serie at your own pace... Just keep litterally your own pace and play the games in whatever order your want; while in theory there is a timeline, it's something Nintendo and most fans never cared about and all Zelda games can be enjoyed easily as standalone experiences, just keep in mind that some titles are actually sequels, like Majora with Ocarina, and playing them in order allow to catch more references and nods.

EDIT: Maybe I'm actually dead wrong on the lacks of hints in OOT, thinking about it I was only a little italian kid not speaking english the first time I played the game, which is probably why I was clueless to where to go XD; (Played it again later on, but the memory of playing it as a child is way stronger than any other playthrough I did ^^; )

dont expect a good story. it's lame and always the same with minor differences and it doesnt make any sense at all.

/flameshield up

Wow, so many comments in such a short amount of time XD
Thanks everyone =] Im not really sure which games to play next, they all seem interesting and fun in their own way, so I guess ill just play OOT first and later on check the others.
ALBW was my first zelda game and I really got into the series thanks to it. I liked the 2D world, the boss battles (so epic) and the importance of actually exploring areas you dont naturally think you need to explore.

Oh, and I hope ill get through the water temple XD seems a bit difficult from what everyone mentioned, but ill see when ill get there. thanks =]

@Santa: Even if the motion controls were good, I still think the game is mediocre. But I agree, for under 20 bucks, everyone should at least give it a go.

Zelda games are infuriating if played in a rush. You need time, if you haven't got it best play something else in my opinion.

It's infuriating anyway, but without time to experiment fully with the environment you're unlikely to enjoy it. I've got partially (nearly completely in the case of WWHD) into 3 different Zelda games, and have two more sitting on the shelf still in their cellophane, but the incessant obscurity of them has pushed me away for now.

I like the games. But I hate them.

i heared the water tempel is way easier in the 3D remake, because the game helps you with your orientation. i didnt have any problem in the water tempel in the 3D remake of OoT. never played n64 version.

I had no issue with it.

Only two things you need to know with Zelda:
1. When stuck check for rooms you haven't visited yet
2. If still stuck look around the room and go through your items

3. if still stuck, just look up a walkthrough on the interwebs

i ususally end up at point 3 50% of the time i play a zelda game. biggest reason why i dont play any zelda games anymore. always getting frustrated