How Long is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time?

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time has been a staple in the gaming community since its release. Many players, whether they’re new to the game or returning for another playthrough, often wonder about its length.

How long does it take to finish the main story? And what about if someone wants to complete everything the game has to offer?

The duration can vary based on numerous factors. In this guide, we’ll break down the expected playtime for various completion levels and discuss what can influence these times. Let’s explore the journey of Ocarina of Time in terms of hours and effort.

How Long is The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time?

Main Story (Casual Playthrough):

For many players experiencing the game for the first time and focusing primarily on the main story, on average, it would take around 26 hours. This includes the time it takes to navigate through the main dungeons, solve puzzles, and progress through the primary narrative.

Main Story + Some Extras:

For those players who decide to complete the main story and tackle some side quests, obtain some of the optional heart pieces, and perhaps hunt for a few Gold Skulltulas, the gameplay duration would be about 32 hours.

Completionists (100%):

Players who aim to achieve 100% completion—finding all heart pieces, collecting all items, obtaining every upgrade, and completing all side quests, including capturing all 100 Gold Skulltulas—can expect to invest 38 hours

Main Story (Speedruns):

Speedrunners, who aim to complete the game as quickly as possible using a variety of strategies and exploits, have managed to finish “Ocarina of Time” in under 17 minutes using glitches, the world record stands at 3m 55s 300ms. However, glitchless speedruns—where the game is played without exploiting major bugs—take a bit longer, around 3 to 5 hours for very skilled players.

Factors that Influence Playtime:

The time taken to traverse The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time can vary significantly among players. Several factors contribute to these differences in playtime, even if two players are targeting the same completion level (e.g., main story or 100% completion).

Here are some of the primary elements that can influence how long you might spend in the land of Hyrule:

• Experience with the Game: Those who have played “Ocarina of Time” before or are familiar with the Zelda series might find some puzzles and challenges easier, thus completing the game faster.
• Difficulty with Puzzles: Ocarina of Time is renowned for its clever and sometimes challenging puzzles. Depending on a player’s puzzle-solving skills, some temples or challenges can be time-consuming.
• Exploration: The game world is rich and offers numerous secrets. Players who enjoy exploring every nook and cranny will naturally take longer.
• In-game Decisions: Certain choices, like opting to hunt for rupees to buy an item versus seeking it out in the world, can influence playtime.
• Strategy Guides: Using guides or walkthroughs can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete the game since it offers direct solutions to puzzles and locations of hidden items.

Criteria for 100% Completion

Achieving 100% completion means not only navigating Link through the central storyline but also delving deep into every nook and cranny of the game. Here’s what you should expect:

• Duration: On average, players can expect to invest around 38 hours. This time frame, of course, can vary based on individual player skill and experience with the game.
• Collectibles: This playthrough requires the collection of every single item in the game. From the golden skulltulas scattered across Hyrule to the heart pieces that incrementally upgrade your health, nothing can be missed.
• Upgrades: Fully upgrading Link is a must. This means extending both health and carrying capacity to their maximum limits.
• Missions: Every mission item, be it masks, letters, or other significant objects, needs to be obtained.
• Great Fairy Locations: Hidden across the world are the Great Fairy Fountains. Players must find each one, gaining powerful abilities and upgrades in the process.
• Magic Beans: The planting of magic beans at specific plots throughout the game will lead to vital access points and collectibles.

Achieving 100% completion in “Ocarina of Time” is a testament to a player’s commitment and thoroughness. It’s a rewarding challenge that offers a deep and enriching experience of one of the most beloved games in the Zelda series. Whether you’re a veteran revisiting this classic or a newcomer eager to experience everything it has to offer, aiming for 100% completion promises an adventure like no other.