Whether you’re revisiting Link’s Awakening through the charming Switch remake or diving into Koholint Island for the very first time, a perfect start can set the pace for an optimized playthrough. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you can and should do before tackling the first dungeon, setting you up with powerful upgrades, essential items, and a healthy stash of rupees. The goal is simple: collect as many heart pieces and secret seashells as possible while preparing for a seamless journey ahead.

---

Difficulty Setting and Naming

When starting a new game, you’re offered two choices: Normal or Hero Mode. In Hero Mode, you take double damage and receive no heart drops, making it suitable only for seasoned adventurers. For this guide, we’re going with Normal.

When prompted to name your character, you can choose anything—Link, your own name, or even enter a special Easter egg name to hear different music on the splash screen. Fun, but optional.

---

First Steps: Sword and Shield

You’ll awaken in a house with Marin and quickly receive your shield from the bootleg Mario (Tarin). With the shield equipped, make your way south to the shoreline. Use the shield to push away spiked enemies blocking the path, then claim your sword from the beach. This moment sets the tone with iconic music and officially opens up the world.

From here, familiarize yourself with the map. Hit the X button to track pieces of heart, secret seashells, and place pins to mark useful spots. Use hearts for unreachable heart pieces, spades for general loot, circles for bomb-related areas, and treasure chests when you’re unsure.

---

Early Item Collection and Exploration

1. Well in Mabe Village – Jump in to grab your first heart piece.
2. Cut Grass – Slash your way to at least 10 rupees and snag a hidden secret seashell from a specific grass tile.
3. Trendy Game – Located in Mabe Village, this claw machine minigame is essential. Play until you rack up at least 500 rupees. It’s fast: each win takes about 45 seconds and nets 40 rupees.
4. Buy These ASAP:
   • Shovel (200 rupees)
   • Heart Piece in the shop (200 rupees)

---

Trendy Game Items

In addition to rupees, use the trendy game to win:

• Yoshi Doll – Kicks off the trading sequence.
• Piece of Heart – Your second one.
• Secret Seashell – Slightly finicky to grab.
• Chow Chow Figurine – For the display shelf in the main house.

Don’t forget: new figurines appear after completing dungeons, and the Trendy Game will refresh its prizes after each dungeon.

---

Start the Trading Sequence

Once you’ve won the Yoshi Doll:

1. Give it to the mother north of the shop for a Ribbon.
2. Give the Ribbon to the small house’s Chow Chow for Dog Food.
3. Dig near her hut for another Secret Seashell.
4. Display the Chow Chow figurine in the main room.
5. Take the Dog Food to Sale, the blue crocodile near the Toronbo Shores, in exchange for Bananas. You’ll need those later.

---

Fishing Minigame Rewards

The fishing spot north of Mabe Village offers fantastic early rewards:

• Heart Piece – For catching your first fish.
• Fairy Bottle – Found at the bottom of the pond. Reel it in while avoiding fish interference.

Pro Tip: You can change your lure type anytime during fishing without penalty.

---

Mysterious Forest and Magic Powder

Upon entering the forest:

• Mark Locations where skulls block progress—return later.
• Collect the Toadstool, then deliver it to the witch for 20 Magic Powder.

Use the powder to:

• Defeat the electric cucumbers (by making them vulnerable).
• Trick the raccoon (Tarin) into revealing the path to the Tail Key.

Nearby you’ll also find:

• Another Secret Seashell near a suspicious patch of land.
• A Treasure Chest inside a log (rupees).

Optional: Visit a Fairy Fountain that heals you on contact.

---

Final Prep Before Dungeon 1

You should now have:

• 5 Heart Pieces (giving you a full heart upgrade)
• 4 Secret Seashells
• Shovel and access to Magic Powder
• Fairy Bottle
• Bananas for the trade quest (use later)
• 200-500 rupees if you’ve been minigame grinding

Now, take your Tail Key to the shrine entrance located southeast of Mabe Village. Along the way, dig up one final Secret Seashell using your shovel.

---

Conclusion

This comprehensive start gives you a massive edge going into your first dungeon. You’ll have more health, key items, and critical progress in the trade sequence. With that momentum, you’re well-equipped to keep up the pace for a 100% completion run.

From here, your next step is Dungeon 1. In the next installment, we’ll break down that dungeon, its puzzles, and what to do immediately afterward. Until then, happy adventuring!