Bottles Ocarina of Time

Among the many magical items and tools found throughoutThe Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, bottles may seem small and unassuming, but their importance cannot be overstated. These containers offer incredible versatility, granting Link the ability to carry healing potions, fairies, and even key quest items. Understanding how to collect, use, and maximize the potential of bottles is essential for players seeking to survive the challenges of Hyrule. Although only a few bottles are available, their usefulness stretches from the early game all the way through the final battle against Ganon.

Why Bottles Matter in Ocarina of Time

Unmatched Utility

In many games, inventory items can be easily overlooked. But inOcarina of Time, bottles are a key survival tool. Each bottle acts as a container that can hold valuable resources such as red potions, Lon Lon Milk, Blue Fire, and bottled fairies that can revive Link upon death. This gives players the ability to plan and prepare for tough fights and dungeons.

Impact on Gameplay

Having more bottles available means Link can carry more healing or utility items, significantly reducing the need to backtrack. Bottles are especially useful during boss battles, the Water Temple, and the final confrontation with Ganondorf. A fully stocked set of bottles can make difficult moments much more manageable.

How Many Bottles Are There?

Total Bottle Count

There are a total of four bottles inOcarina of Time. Each one must be earned through different tasks or mini-games. They are all missable if players don’t explore or complete specific quests, which makes knowing their locations vital for optimal play.

First Bottle: Cucco Lady’s Task in Kakariko Village

Cucco Roundup

The first bottle is awarded by the Cucco Lady in Kakariko Village. She has lost her cuccos, and Link must gather them and return each one to her pen. This task becomes available when Link first arrives in Kakariko Village as a child.

• Talk to the Cucco Lady to start the quest
• Find and collect seven scattered cuccos
• Toss each cucco into the pen near the lady
• After returning all cuccos, speak to her again to receive the bottle

This is typically the first bottle players will obtain and serves as an introduction to how valuable bottles can be.

Second Bottle: Lon Lon Ranch Mini-Game

Talon’s Super Cucco Game

The second bottle is earned by participating in a mini-game hosted by Talon at Lon Lon Ranch. After waking Talon with the Cucco egg and returning the cucco to Malon, Talon offers Link a challenge.

• Pay to play the Super Cucco game
• Find the three special Cuccos among normal ones within the time limit
• If successful, Talon will reward Link with a bottle of Lon Lon Milk

This bottle comes filled with milk, which contains two servings for restoring health. It’s helpful early in the game before you gain access to fairies and potions.

Third Bottle: Big Poe Hunt in Hyrule Field

Earned as an Adult

The third bottle becomes available once Link has become an adult and has access to Epona. This bottle requires more effort than the others, involving a side quest to capture Big Poes using a bow while riding through Hyrule Field.

• Ride Epona through Hyrule Field and locate Big Poes
• Use your bow to defeat them and collect their spirits in empty bottles
• Deliver ten Big Poe souls to the guard at the Ghost Shop in Hyrule Castle Town
• After the tenth Big Poe is turned in, you will receive your third bottle

This bottle often takes longer to acquire due to the precision and repetition involved, but it’s worth the effort for players who want maximum item storage during the adult phase of the game.

Fourth Bottle: Fishing Pond or Bug-Catching Kid?

The Bug-Catching Contest Myth

In some versions of the game, players confuse a bottle reward from the bug-catching boy in Kakariko Graveyard with one from another title in the franchise. InOcarina of Time, the actual fourth bottle is found through the Mask of Truth or by completing the Poacher’s Saw questline.

Truth Revealed: Bottle from Cursed Family Quest

The fourth bottle is awarded after helping the Cursed Rich family in Kakariko Village by collecting Gold Skulltula Tokens. Once Link gathers 50 tokens, he can return to the house and speak to the man who has been restored from his cursed form.

• Collect 50 Gold Skulltula tokens scattered across Hyrule
• Return to the House of Skulltula in Kakariko Village
• Speak to the man who has been cured
• Receive the fourth and final bottle

Although this task can be time-consuming, collecting Skulltulas also grants other useful rewards and encourages thorough exploration of the world.

What Can Be Stored in Bottles?

Items and Resources

Bottles can store a variety of helpful items throughout the game. Knowing what can be stored and when to use each item is key to maximizing efficiency and survival.

• Fairies: Automatically revive Link upon death
• Red Potion: Restores full health
• Blue Potion: Restores both health and magic
• Green Potion: Restores magic power
• Lon Lon Milk: Two servings of health restoration
• Blue Fire: Used to melt red ice in specific dungeons
• Fish: Needed for Jabu-Jabu’s Belly dungeon
• Bugs: Useful for digging up Skulltulas from soft soil
• Poe Souls: Used for the Big Poe quest

Strategies for Effective Bottle Use

Stock Up Before Boss Battles

Before entering dungeons or facing major bosses, it’s wise to fill your bottles with red potions or fairies. This can turn the tide of a difficult battle and help you avoid game overs.

Use Bottles for Puzzle Solving

Bottles aren’t just for healing. They are needed for several puzzles and quest items, such as storing Blue Fire to unfreeze areas in the Ice Cavern, or catching a fish to feed Lord Jabu-Jabu. Keeping at least one bottle empty is smart during exploration.

Mix Healing and Utility

Try to maintain a balanced set of bottle contents. For example, two bottles with fairies, one with Blue Fire, and one empty can keep you covered for most scenarios. Always be aware of what’s in each bottle and refill when necessary.

Bottles inOcarina of Timemay seem like minor tools compared to the Master Sword or Hookshot, but their impact on gameplay is undeniable. Whether you’re preparing for a dungeon, hunting down Skulltulas, or engaging in a tough boss fight, these humble containers can be the difference between success and failure. By collecting all four bottles and using them strategically, players gain a powerful advantage in their journey to save Hyrule. Don’t underestimate the bottle it’s a silent hero in Link’s arsenal, offering life-saving benefits in the most critical moments of the adventure.