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2002 / 2011 · GBA / DSiWare

Four Swords

The original Four Sword experience. 2-4 players split Link using the Four Sword to rescue Princess Zelda from Vaati. Levels are randomized on each playthrough — no two runs are identical. The 2011 Anniversary Edition on DSiWare added a single-player Shadow Battle mode and a new Silver Arrow dungeon.

Core Mechanics

The Four Sword — Splits Link into 2 or 4 copies. Each copy is an independent player. In single-player (Anniversary Edition), you control each Link in sequence.

Rupee Competition — All Links compete to collect the most rupees within the cooperative dungeon. The player with the most rupees at the stage end wins the medals. This creates competitive tension within cooperative gameplay.

Level Randomization — Room layouts, item placements, and enemy configurations randomize on each entry. No room pattern is permanent — memorizing a path is less useful than understanding room types and item synergies.

Anniversary Edition (2011) — Added new dungeon: Level of the Four Sword (requires the Silver Arrow). Introduces Shadow Battle PvP mode. Nintendo released this free for all DSi/3DS owners for a limited time in 2011. It is now delisted.

The 3 Dungeon Worlds

Talus Cave

Easy
3 stages

Introduction to the Four Sword and rupee collection. Teaches the splitting mechanic where 4 Links must cooperate.

Boss — Big Buzz Blob: Big Buzz Blob electrifies when approached — wait for the charge to dissipate, then have all 4 Links slash simultaneously. The blob moves predictably in a figure-8 pattern. Stack 2 Links for extra reach to hit the top of the blob.

Cave of No Return

Medium
3 stages

Randomized room layout on each attempt. Requires bomb coordination to progress — all 4 Links carry bombs to hit switches.

Boss — Agitha (Dark Version): Dark Agitha fires homing butterflies. Split Links to 4 corners of the room — butterflies only track the nearest Link, leaving the others free to attack from afar. When all butterflies are destroyed, Agitha is vulnerable for a brief window.

Death Mountain

Hard
3 stages

Fire geysers and ice platforms require elemental items found within the stage. The Wizzrobe can only be hit by the specific element it is not using.

Boss — Big Wizzrobe: Big Wizzrobe alternates between fire and ice forms. Hit the fire form with ice items, ice form with fire items — standard form is vulnerable to swords. He teleports to random locations and fires volleys. All 4 Links must move to the same half of the arena to avoid being split by his dividing attack.


Medals & Scoring

Rupee Medal (Bronze)

Collect 500 rupees across one dungeon run

Small rupee bonus in next stage

Rupee Medal (Silver)

Collect 1000 rupees in one dungeon

Increased item drops

Rupee Medal (Gold)

Collect 2000+ rupees without losing any to Shadow Links

Hero Key unlocks bonus stage

Force Gem Bonus

Collect all Force Gems in a stage without any being stolen

Bonus items + higher rank score


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