This guide offers detailed instructions for liberating the four carpenters held captive within Gerudo Fortress in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. It covers the initial steps of beginning the 'Missing in the Desert' quest by consulting the Master Craftsman in Gerudo Valley, emphasizing the critical role of the Hookshot for fortress navigation. The narrative outlines a strategic method for locating each artisan, engaging in combat with their captors for cell keys, and ultimately securing their release. Furthermore, the guide highlights an unconventional yet efficient tactic involving intentional capture to expedite the rescue process, culminating in Link receiving the Gerudo Pass for unhindered movement within the fortress.
Navigating Gerudo Fortress and Locating Shiro & Jiro
To successfully rescue the incarcerated carpenters, players must first engage with the Master Craftsman in Gerudo Valley, initiating the 'Missing in the Desert' quest. Acquiring the Hookshot beforehand is crucial, as it serves as an indispensable tool for traversing the challenging terrain of Gerudo Fortress. A key strategy for locating the artisans involves a blend of stealth and strategic engagement. Players will need to discreetly infiltrate the fortress, identify the cell housing each carpenter, and then converse with them to trigger a confrontation with a Gerudo guard. Triumphing over these guards yields the necessary keys to unlock the cells and secure the carpenters' freedom.
For the first carpenter, Shiro, an effective method involves intentionally allowing Link to be captured by a guard. After escaping the prison, dropping to the ground, and looking left, a door will lead directly to Shiro's location. A similar strategy applies to Jiro; post-escape, instead of descending, players should remain on the ledge and leap eastward to access the roof of the building containing Shiro. From there, entering the door leads to a dining area where the Hookshot can be used on candelabras to bypass a patrolling guard. Following the corridor then reveals Jiro's cell, where another guard must be defeated to free the second carpenter.
Rescuing Ichiro & Saburo and Acquiring the Gerudo Pass
Ichiro, the third carpenter, is situated in a central area of Gerudo Fortress that is heavily guarded. Rather than attempting to evade numerous patrols, a pragmatic approach is to allow Link to be captured once more. Upon escaping the prison, players should utilize the Hookshot to reach a rooftop to the east. A nearby ladder provides access to a different section. After climbing and dropping to the opposite side, a door to the left leads into a building, and descending a flight of stairs reveals Ichiro's cell. As with the previous rescues, a battle with the guard is required to obtain the key and release Ichiro.
To locate Saburo, the final carpenter, who is held in the southern part of the fortress, players can retrace the initial steps used to find Ichiro. However, after making the jump from the edge, instead of taking the door to the left, players should proceed to the opposite side where another ladder awaits. Ascending this ladder and entering the door directly ahead will lead to the room housing Saburo's cell. Following the successful liberation of all four carpenters and the subsequent defeat of their guards, a Gerudo guard will offer Link the Gerudo Pass. This invaluable item grants Link unrestricted access and movement throughout Gerudo Fortress, signifying the successful completion of this challenging quest.
