Ocarina of Time: Temples Ranked

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time features several temples to explore and complete, and we ranked them for you. Each one provides a different theme, environment, feeling, and much more. When you reach the phase of Link being an adult in the game, you need to explore these to awaken the Sages that reside there. That way, you can use their power to reach Ganon’s Castle and defeat him. They are iconic throughout the video game world. From how they are designed to the iconic tunes that each one carries with it. And even though they are all unique and fun to explore, there are some that are better than others. Or some that just aren’t that amazing (looking at you, Water Temple). So, if you are curious where your favorite Temple from Ocarina of Time may land, be sure to check out the details below.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Temples Ranked

5. Water Temple

When it comes to all of the playable temples as Adult Link, the Water Temple is the worst. It’s still a unique dungeon to go through, that’s for sure. However, the way it is designed off the cuff is not great. Players have to control the water levels to their advantage to get the different dungeon keys. Something that can be jarring to get used to. Furthermore, there are many hallways and rooms that can look the same and have you running in circles countlessly. And having to change between regular boots and Iron Boots can make things even more tiresome.

Additionally, while there are some great rooms like the waterfall room or fighting Dark Link, that’s about it. The biggest issue besides the structure of the temple is its final boss: Morpha. All of this buildup for the temple, and you fight what is an aquatic amoeba. Something that is clogging up Laky Hylia. And it’s one of the more straightforward fights in the game. The Water Temple is not the worst dungeon in the series. But it’s not the strongest one you visit to awaken the Sages in Ocarina of Time.

4. Fire Temple

When it comes to the Fire Temple, it’s got some unique vertical movement throughout it. Players need to climb walls and ride flame vent-blasted platforms to progress through this temple. It’s got great music, and there is a side objective of having to rescue the different Gorons that are trapped in cells throughout it. Furthermore, players get to face off with Volvagia, a fire dragon. The boss arena itself is also unique and has players needing to avoid the lava pits and lava rocks from Volvagia in order to slay the foe.

But the biggest issue with the Fire Temple is its length. While it’s not complex or meant to redirect you, it is, in fact, very short. Even on a first playthrough, players can get through it in an hour or two at most. Additionally, there aren’t many other unique qualities to the Fire Temple itself that make it an amazing dungeon to go through. However, compared to what the Water Temple offers, it’s much better in terms of experience and design.

3. Spirit Temple

Located in the reaches of the Gerudo Desert is the Spirit Temple. It features mechanics from different parts of the temples, including the Lens of Truth. Plus, you make use of the Mirror Shield with great puzzles involving directing sunlight to open pathways. The Spirit Temple features fantastic designs, and even getting to the temple is great. With places needing to follow the Poe across the desert. Additionally, it’s the only temple that players need to be both young and adult Link to progress through it.

The music is a decent theme for the Spirit Temple and fits well with portraying the environment you’re in. And with the Iron Knuckle mid-boss, plus the Twinrova final boss, it’s a great collection of foes to fight. Giving players an exciting send-off as they get ready to head to Ganon’s Castle. However, as great as the Spirit Temple is, it doesn’t stand up to the next two.

2. Forest Temple

For being the first temple you explore in Ocarina of Time as an adult, the Forest Temple is amazing. It provides traps for players to look out for, plenty of puzzles, and a great variety of enemies. It features the iconic spiral hallway that players need to traverse to get not only the dungeon keys but also the boss key. And as soon as you enter, the music gives off the vibe of being in a daunting dungeon. With the various puzzles it offers, the Forest Temple is a great stepping stone to prepare you for the rest of the game’s dungeons and how they will test you.

Not only that, but the dungeon starts you off with a bang for the main temples when it comes to bosses. You go up against Phantom Ganon. Not only is it one of the best-looking bosses in the game, but the fight mechanics are exciting. With the character coming out of paintings, you have to figure out which ones. Who can forget the first time you came across a Wallmaster in this temple as well? While there are others after this one, the Forest Temple continues to be one of the best in the game.

1. Shadow Temple

The Shadow Temple is the best one in the game, hands down. To start, its music sends shivers down your spine and creates a constant feeling of tension and uneasiness. Throughout the Shadow Temple, the tones that the music sets let you know that you are in a haunting place. And that there could be monsters lurking behind you and you wouldn’t know. Furthermore, the lore behind it is both terrifying and incredible. The place is used as a torture ground and prison for the enemies of the Hyrule family. When you see the different enemies spread throughout this horrifying dungeon, it begins to make more sense.

Moreover, when you factor in that the Lens of Truth is needed for the hidden pitfalls and traps, it further adds to it. And let’s not forget the Shadow Temple’s boss: Bongo Bongo. It’s got a fantastic but grotesque design, and to truly fight it, you need the Lens of Truth to know where it is. It brings together everything that makes this the best temple in Ocarina of Time. As a kid, I used to be horrified to set foot in the place. However, it made me realize the game is at its darkest when you are in the depths of the Shadow Temple. And that’s an impression that has stuck with me for years and shows that it’s the best among them.

These are the Ocarina of Time temples, ranked. Each one is different and provides an experience unique to that dungeon. Some require you to use tools that you only just got and are specifically for that temple. Others are filled with puzzles that work your brain out, like the Forest Temple. But each of them adds character to Ocarina of Time in more than one way. And with the remake of the game coming out, it’s exciting to see if these rankings will hold up. Not only for how the temples will function, but also for how they will look with the graphics upgrade.