In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, players can discover a wide variety of tools and items that help Link on his journey to save Hyrule. Among the many special items available, the Ice Arrows stand out as a unique, optional weapon with magical properties. While not essential to completing the main questline, these arrows offer a fun and powerful way to enhance your arsenal. Understanding how to obtain and use the Ice Arrows effectively can make a difference in both combat and exploration.
What Are Ice Arrows in Ocarina of Time?
A Magical Arrow Upgrade
The Ice Arrows are a type of magical ammunition that can be equipped once you have the Fairy Bow. When fired, they not only damage enemies but also freeze them on impact. This freezing ability can be helpful for disabling enemies temporarily, especially in tight battle scenarios or when you’re overwhelmed by multiple foes.
Optional But Useful
Unlike some key items that are necessary to progress the story, the Ice Arrows are completely optional. They do not need to be acquired in order to beat the game, but many players enjoy the satisfaction of collecting every item, including these magical arrows. They also contribute to Link’s overall versatility in battle and add a satisfying visual effect when used.
How to Get Ice Arrows
Complete the Gerudo Training Ground
The Ice Arrows are found in the Gerudo Training Ground, a challenging optional dungeon located in the Gerudo Fortress area. Here’s how to reach and complete it:
- First, make sure you’ve freed all four carpenters from the Gerudo Fortress to gain access to the Gerudo membership card.
- Once you’re a member, head to the large building in the fortress where the Gerudo Training Ground is located.
- You’ll need a total of 10 Small Keys to access the final reward room that holds the Ice Arrows.
The dungeon itself consists of multiple rooms with puzzles, combat trials, and time-limited challenges. Some rooms are harder than others, and not all keys are required if you find the fastest path through. However, collecting all 10 keys ensures you can open every locked door and make it to the end with ease.
Recommended Items Before Entering
Before attempting the Gerudo Training Ground, you should have the following items ready:
- Fairy Bow required to complete various challenges inside the dungeon
- Hover Boots helpful for crossing tricky gaps
- Song of Time used to move blue blocks in some puzzle rooms
- Plenty of arrows and magic power essential for dealing with enemies and completing magic-based puzzles
Using Ice Arrows in Battle
Freezing Enemies
Once acquired, you can equip the Ice Arrows from the inventory screen by selecting the Bow and cycling through your elemental arrows. When used, the Ice Arrows freeze enemies solid, making them vulnerable or disabling them temporarily. While the frozen enemy can be shattered by a follow-up attack, some tougher enemies may thaw out after a few seconds.
Situational Usefulness
The Ice Arrows are especially useful in open spaces where you have the freedom to aim and fire without pressure. They are not the most efficient tool for close combat, but they shine in situations where crowd control or precision is needed. For example, freezing a Redead or Stalfos from afar allows you to avoid damage and prepare a strategic follow-up attack.
Magic Consumption
Each Ice Arrow fired consumes a portion of Link’s magic meter. Be sure to keep a healthy supply of magic potions or locate magic jars in pots and grass if you plan to use them frequently. Running out of magic mid-battle can leave you vulnerable and unable to use the arrow’s freezing effects.
When Not to Use Ice Arrows
Against Immune Enemies
Some enemies in Ocarina of Time are immune or resistant to magical effects like freezing. Bosses, for instance, usually cannot be frozen. In these cases, using Ice Arrows is a waste of magic. It’s best to switch back to normal or Fire Arrows when facing large or magic-resistant foes.
In Dungeons with Puzzle Timing
In puzzle rooms that require timed pressure plate use or fast movement, the slow effect of Ice Arrows can delay your progress rather than help. Stick with regular arrows or melee combat for these challenges to avoid unnecessary complications.
Comparison with Fire and Light Arrows
Fire Arrows
Fire Arrows are effective for lighting torches, burning webs, and dealing fiery damage to certain enemies. They are often necessary for environmental puzzles, making them more essential in specific dungeons compared to Ice Arrows.
Light Arrows
Light Arrows are acquired much later in the game and are critical for defeating certain enemies in Ganon’s Castle. They deal holy damage and are more powerful overall, but they also consume more magic. Unlike Ice Arrows, Light Arrows are tied to the final stages of the main quest and are not optional.
Strategic Variety
Having access to all three arrow types gives you strategic flexibility. Ice Arrows add a tactical layer by providing crowd control and enemy disabling abilities, while Fire and Light Arrows are more destructive. Choosing which to use depends on the situation and your combat goals.
Fun and Challenge with Ice Arrows
Experimentation Encouraged
Part of the fun of using Ice Arrows is experimenting with different combat scenarios. Try freezing enemies on ledges, trapping them mid-attack, or setting up combos with other weapons. Although the game doesn’t require you to use them often, creative players can find many ways to enjoy their effects.
Visual Effects and Feedback
Firing Ice Arrows creates a glowing blue trail and causes enemies to flash with an icy overlay. This satisfying feedback makes every shot feel impactful, adding a rewarding sense of power to your arsenal. It’s also visually distinct, making it fun to use even against weaker foes.
Ice Arrows
Although not essential to completing The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, the Ice Arrows are a rewarding addition for players who enjoy collecting every item and expanding their tactical options. Obtaining them through the Gerudo Training Ground presents a fun optional challenge, and using them in combat adds variety and style to your approach. Whether you’re freezing enemies for crowd control or simply enjoying the magical effects, the Ice Arrows offer a satisfying reward for those willing to explore Hyrule beyond the main path. For completionists and creative fighters alike, mastering the Ice Arrows is another way to fully enjoy what this classic Zelda title has to offer.