Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake: Find the Hylian Shield Free, No Rupees Needed

A shield before Dodongo’s Cavern

Early in Ocarina of Time, players are warned that the Deku Shield is vulnerable to flames. Before entering Dodongo’s Cavern, the Hylian Shield offers a sturdier alternative. The Castle Town Bazaar sells the shield for 80 Rupees, which can be a costly purchase for new players. But there is a way to get one without paying.

Search Kakariko’s graveyard

Head to the graveyard behind Kakariko Village and follow the path to the back, near the large grave by the hill. Pull the stone behind the grave to uncover a hole, then drop inside.

A ReDead is waiting below. It can stun Link with a scream and grab him, but players can run past it, open the chest for the shield, and leave quickly.

How Link uses the shield

The shield does not burn, however, and can help protect Link from threats above him in Dodongo’s Cavern. He keeps it after becoming Adult Link, who can use it as a standard shield against attacks from the front.

A discounted shop option

Players who cannot find the graveyard shield, or lose it, can buy another at the Castle Town Bazaar for 80 Rupees. Talking to the guard near the Death Mountain trail at the edge of Kakariko Village lowers the price to 60 Rupees.

Give the guard the Keaton Mask, the first mask from the Happy Mask Shop, to receive the discount. Other chests also contain Hylian Shields, but the graveyard and Bazaar are described as the easiest early options.