Controls
Move Link around the world with the analog stick. Draw your sword and slash with the "B" button. Dodge or sidestep an enemy's attack by holding the "Z" trigger and pressing "Left" or "Right" buttons. Hold the "R" shoulder key to block with your shield, or "Z" and "R" together to block while moving. Press "C-Up" to switch to first-person view, and "C-Left," "C-Right" and "C-Down" to assign weapons to these buttons. Press "A" to interact with people and objects, the "L" shoulder key to toggle your map, or "Z" to lock onto enemies or to look behind you.
Attacks
Link has a multitude of attacks at his disposal. To perform an overhead slash, hold "Z" and press "B." For a jump attack, hold "Z" and press "A." To stab at an enemy, hold "Z," the "Up" button and press "B." Press the "Up" button and "A" to perform a roll attack. If you have the 2-handed Biggoron's Sword equipped, use it to block attacks by holding "Z," "R" and "B" at the same time.
Weapons and Tools
As you progress through the game you discover new weapons and tools that are necessary to overcome obstacles and solve puzzles. Your ranged weapon as a child is your Fairy Slingshot. As an adult, you receive the Fairy Bow, which can shoot Fire, Ice and Light Arrows. The Bombchu is a robotic explosive device that moves toward a target after it's placed. Use your Boomerang and later the Hook Shot to toggle levers and incapacitate enemies. Equipment such as the Golden Gauntlets, Golden Scale and Hover Boots let you lift heavy objects, dive deep underwater and float for a short period of time, respectively. You also receive various colored tunics throughout the game, such as the Goron Tunic that protects you from lava and the Zora Tunic that lets you breathe underwater. To equip a weapon quickly, bind it to either "C-Left," "C-Right" or "C-Down." To benefit from the effects of a piece of gear, equip it.
Hearts and Rupees
Link's life gauge starts at only three hearts. Increase your health pool by finding the Pieces of Heart Containers hidden throughout the game world. There are a total of 36 Containers, some of which you can only find as either the young or adult version of Link. Finding four pieces adds a complete heart to your life gauge. In the world of Hyrule, Rupees are the currency. To find Rupees, defeat enemies, break vases and cut down bushes with your sword. Use Rupees to purchase Arrows, Deku Nuts for your Slingshot, Potions, Bombchus and more from vendors throughout the game world.
Ocarina Songs
Your Ocarina is crucial for completing certain objectives and progressing through the story. Various characters teach you magical songs that you can play on your Ocarina at any time. Many songs teleport you to specific locations and other songs serve other purposes. Saria's Song, for example, puts you in touch with Saria so you can receive advice from her. Epona's Song summons your horse after you've won her from Lon Lon Ranch. The Song of Storms makes it rain.