Route briefing
- Prerequisite
- Reach Moblin Mine through the Mining Facility.
- Objective
- Obtain the Hookshot, solve the Blue Bubble torch puzzle, recover the Small Keys, and backtrack with the new tool.
- Progression acquisitions
- Hookshot and two Small Keys on the noted branch.
- Major encounter
- Blue Bubble torch puzzle.
- Reward
- Hookshot access to distant ledges, targets, and elevated platforms.
- Optional / missable
- Recheck earlier Hookshot targets and suspicious platforms.
Numbered route
- Explore Moblin Mine until you obtain the Hookshot.
- Lure the Blue Bubble directly into the torch; do not try to ignite a Deku Stick with it.
- From the hub containing two Bubbles, locate the branch with the room containing two Small Keys.
- Backtrack through Moblin Mine and the Mining Facility with the Hookshot to open the route toward Sundown Castle.
Detailed walkthrough notes
Moblin Mine contains one of the game's most important early upgrades.
Major Item — Hookshot
The Hookshot is obtained inside Moblin Mine.
This item dramatically expands the number of locations you can reach.
After obtaining it, remember locations in earlier areas containing:
- Hookshot targets
- Distant ledges
- Suspicious elevated platforms
Blue Bubble Torch Puzzle
One of the game's more confusing early puzzles involves:
- Torches
- Blue Bubbles
- A hint involving enemy fire
The solution is:
You are not supposed to ignite a Deku Stick using the Bubble.
The Bubble itself interacts with the torch.
Small Key Confusion
There is a hub containing two Bubbles.
From this area, locate the branch leading to a room containing:
Two Small Keys
Older versions of Sands of Time had different key requirements, so older walkthroughs may provide incorrect Small Key counts.
If playing Version 1.22, do not rely on old dungeon key totals.
After Obtaining the Hookshot
Backtrack through the:
- Moblin Mine
- Mining Facility
Use the Hookshot to reach previously inaccessible areas.
Eventually this progression opens the route toward: