Zelda Ocarina of Time Gerudo Fortress

The Gerudo Fortress in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is unsurprisingly home to the Gerudo, and they're less than happy to see Link here if they spot him. So much so that they'll instantly throw him into prison, but there is a way to gain their trust! To help you with doing that and make sure you don't miss any of the collectibles in this area, here's my Zelda: Ocarina of Time Gerudo Fortress guide.

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Zelda Ocarina of Time Gerudo Fortress

There are no objectives to complete as Child Link in Gerudo Fortress, but you do have your work cut out for you as Adult Link, as you'll need to find and free four carpenters without being spotted by the Gerudo before you're able to freely – and safely – access the Fortress in its entirety.

Below, you'll find an overview of what objectives you'll be completing here, as well as the locations of any key collectibles in the area.

• Adult timeline
• Gold Skulltula locations
• Heart Piece locations

Adult timeline

During Link's adult timeline, the main objective you need to complete in Gerudo Fortress involves finding all of the carpenters in the area. If you need some help tracking each of them down, then take a look at my Carpenter locations guide!

To summarise however, these fellows – of which there are four in total – are locked in cells around the area, and upon finding and speaking to each of them, you'll need to defeat a Gerudo Thief to receive a Small Key that will then open the Carpenter's cell. Fail (or get spotted by any of the guards in the area), and you'll be thrown into the prison cell atop the Fortress. (Don't worry, you can escape using the Longshot.)

Afterwards, your reward for freeing all of the Carpenters is the Gerudo Pass (previously known as the Gerudo Token), which grants free passage around the Gerudo Fortress so you can finally stop sneaking around the area. You'll also be able to access the Horseback Archery Range minigame, the Gerudo Proving Ground, and the path to the Mirage Desert (previously known as the Haunted Wastelands) after receiving this item.

If you visit Gerudo Fortress without having yet unlocked the Longshot, Link will instead end up in front of the Carpenter's Tent in Gerudo Valley if caught by a guard or Gerudo Thief.

You'll also be able to collect the following upgrades from Gerudo Fortress:

• Biggest Quiver - This is unlocked by taking part in the Horseback Archery Range minigame. You need to obtain over 1,400 Points or more and have 20 Arrows to do so.

Gold Skulltula locations

There are two Gold Skulltula to collect in Gerudo Fortress. These are as follows:

Gold Skulltula #1:

As Adult Link and at night, head to the highest entrance to the Gerudo Fortress. This requires going through other parts of the fortress to reach it, and you'll want to be exiting by the higher left-hand exit from the kitchen-like area. Having the Gerudo Pass/Token will make doing this easier.

Once there, you'll find the Gold Skulltula on the dirt wall to the left of the entrance. It's slightly hidden in an alcove but you'll still be able to reach it.

Gold Skulltula #2:

As Adult Link and after unlocking the Gerudo Pass/Token, visit the far left-hand target at the archery range at night.

Heart Piece locations

There are two Heart Pieces to collect in Gerudo Fortress. These are as follows:

Heart Piece #1:

I highly recommend rescuing all of the carpenters before attempting to get this Heart Piece as navigating the Gerudo Fortress will be far easier! To actually find the Heart Piece, reach the highest roof of the fortress and then head west as if you're heading to the desert. This will soon take you to a gap Link can't jump with a chest sitting on the other side.

Play the Scarecrow's Song to make Pierre appear and use the Longshot on him to zip across the gap. Now all you have to do is grab the Heart Piece from the chest.

Heart Piece #2:

Get over 750 points in the Horseback Archery Range to earn this Heart Piece. Best of luck! In the original game, it cost 20 Rupees per round and you need to get over 1,000 points for the Heart Piece.

That's all for Gerudo Fortress! For more on Ocarina of Time, take a look at where to find all Empty Bottles, where to find all chickens in Kakariko Village, and all upgrade locations if you fancy the ability to carry more Bombs, Rupees, and more.