Beneath the returned bridge piece on the Gerudo Plateau lies the Cave of Ordeals with 50 levels. For a complete playthrough you will also need the late dungeon items; plan it according to City in the Sky. You fight here as a human and a wolf and can use your bottles.
Three Poe Souls are waiting on levels 17, 33 and 44. The Great Fairy gradually unlocks fairies at the light spirit sources and gives you Great Fairy’s Tears at the end. Their offer to take you out is not a save point: when you re-enter, you start at the top again.
Game version: The route and screenshots follow the GameCube version. The normal mode of Twilight Princess HD has the same orientation; on Wii and in HD Hero Mode, left/right and east/west are swapped. HD deviations are at the affected step.
Cave of Ordeals: Preparation and Rewards
| Contents | number / Location |
|---|---|
| levels | 50 |
| Great Fairies | Level 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 |
| Poe Souls | Levels 17, 33 and 44 |
| Buried Hearts | Level 3, 7, 18, 22, 27, 34 and 45 |
| Buried Rupees | Level 14 and 39 |
| Main Reward | Great Fairy’s Tears |
| HD stamp | 5 |
Where is the Cave of Ordeals?
The entrance to the Cave of Ordeals is located on the large rocky plateau in the Gerudo Desert, where you also discover the missing middle section of the Bridge of Eldin during the main story. This area has its own warp point and should not be confused with the teleport point within or near the Arbiter’s Grounds.
After defeating the shadow beasts on the plateau, examine the huge piece of bridge. Midna realizes that it belongs somewhere else. Use her warp ability and bring the structure back to the destroyed Bridge of Eldin in Eldin Province. The prerequisite is that you have previously defeated the shadow beasts there and thus unlocked the corresponding warp point.
As soon as the bridge piece has disappeared, a large hole in the ground will be revealed on the plateau in the Gerudo Desert. This is exactly where the Cave of Ordeals begins. Jump in and you’ll land on the ledge above level 1.
When should you enter the Cave of Ordeals?
You can open the entrance during your first visit to the Gerudo Desert. However, you cannot completely complete the Cave of Ordeals at this point. After each ten-part section, a later dungeon item is required for the further path. Anyone who does not yet have one of these items must have the Great Fairy bring them back to the surface and then start again from level 1 later.
| Continue from | Required item | Obtained in |
|---|---|---|
| Level 11 | Spinner | Arbiter’s Grounds |
| Level 21 | Ball and Chain | Snowpeak Ruins |
| Level 31 | Dominion Rod | Temple of Time |
| Level 41 | Double Clawshots | City in the Sky |
For our optimized 100% route, the best time for the complete passage is therefore to City in the Sky. Then Link has all the necessary dungeon items and should already have a very large heart bar, several bottles, the largest arrow quiver, well-developed bomb bags and all seven Hidden Skills.
The perfect preparation
Good preparation makes the last ten levels much easier. If possible, fill all four bottles with high-quality remedies. Great Fairy’s Tears, rare Chu Jelly or blue potions and at least one fairy as an emergency reserve are particularly valuable. Fairies automatically revive Link when his health drops to zero. Since several shadow guards and ice opponents can later cause a lot of damage, at least such protection makes sense.
Also bring the largest arrow quiver and fully filled bomb bags if possible. Bomb arrows are among the strongest tools in the Cave of Ordeals because you can use them to eliminate or significantly weaken numerous enemies from the safety of the entrance plateau. The magical armor is also extremely helpful. Levels 38, 48 and 49 in particular can be significantly defused. Since the armor constantly consumes Rupees, you should come with a well-filled wallet.
Recommended equipment:
✓ The largest possible heart bar
✓ four bottles of high quality remedies / fairies
✓ largest arrow quiver
✓ full bomb bags
✓ Magic Armor
✓ well-filled wallet
✓ all seven Hidden Skills
✓ Spinner, Ball and Chain, Dominion Rod and Double Clawshots
The most important advantage: the lead over every arena
Almost every combat level begins on an elevated ledge. Don’t automatically jump down straight away. First, stay at the top, examine the arena and think about which opponents you can eliminate from a safe distance. Bulblin Archers, Chilfos, Keese, Skulltulas, and even some of the tough later enemies can be weakened before they even reach Link with Hero’s Bow, Bomb Arrows, Clawshot, or Gale Boomerang.
This strategy not only saves hearts but also time. Especially from level 30 onwards, you should take advantage of every possible advantage. With multiple groups of enemies, the overall difficulty of a room can be halved if you eliminate two or three dangerous enemies from the ledge.
Buried Hearts and Rupees
Normal Healing Hearts are rare in the Cave of Ordeals. However, there are hidden hearts in the ground on seven specific levels. After the fight, transform into Wolf-Link, activate your sense and examine the arena before jumping to the next level. In this way you will find additional health on levels 3, 7, 18, 22, 27, 34 and 45.
Two valuable Rupees are also buried. An orange Rupee worth 100 Rupees is waiting at level 14, and even a silver ruby worth 200 is waiting at level 39 Rupees. Especially if you use magic armor, you should take both with you.
| level | Hidden Find |
|---|---|
| 3 | 1 heart |
| 7 | 3 hearts |
| 14 | Orange Rupee – 100 Rupees |
| 18 | 1 heart |
| 22 | 3 hearts |
| 27 | 1 heart |
| 34 | 1 heart |
| 39 | Silver Ruby – 200 Rupees |
| 45 | 3 hearts |
Chu Jelly as additional healing
Several levels contain Chus. If you still have an Empty Bottle, you can absorb its jelly. Red Chu Jelly restores eight hearts, blue Chu Jelly replenishes all of Link’s health. The extremely rare glittering Chu Jelly is particularly valuable: it has the same effect as Great Fairy’s Tears, fills all hearts and increases Link’s attack power for a short time.
However, caution is advised with purple Chu Jelly. Its effect is random. It can heal Link, but can also drain health. So don’t rely on it, especially at the later levels. When a rare glittering slime appears on level 19, you should isolate and defeat it as quickly as possible before it combines with other Chus and loses its color.
Levels 1 to 10 – the entry
The first ten levels are comparatively harmless and are ideal for starting the actual challenge without using any remedies. Avoid unnecessary damage and save arrows and bombs where normal sword attacks are sufficient.
Level 1 – 1 Bokoblin
The first enemy is just a single Bokoblin. Jump down and kill him with a few sword swings. This level practically only serves as an introduction to the principle of the Cave of Ordeals.
Level 2 – Keese and Rats
Several rats run around on the ground while Keese attack from above. First stay on the ledge and lure or eliminate the Keese. Then jump down and clear the rats with a spin attack.
Level 3 – 4 Baba Serpents
Four Baba Serpents wait in the room. Some hang from the ceiling and can be brought down with the Gale Boomerang. First take care of the plant directly on the ground and then take care of the rest one by one. After the fight, you transform into Wolf-Link and dig at the corresponding point a heart out of.
Level 4 – 3 Skulltulas
Three large Skulltulas block the way. Wait until they reveal their abdomen or vulnerable side and then attack. With the Ball and Chain they can be dealt with particularly quickly later, but normal sword attacks are completely sufficient.
Level 5 – 3 Bulblin Archers
You should kill the three ranged fighters from the ledge. Use the Hero’s Bow and take enough time to aim. This way you don’t have to jump into the arena under fire at all.
Level 6 – 9 Torch Slug
Several Torch Slugs partially hang from the ceiling. The Clawshot is great for pulling them down one at a time. You kill the remaining enemies with your sword after they fall down.
Level 7 – Fire Keese and 2 Dodongos
Eliminate the fire flitters first so they don’t bother you when fighting the Dodongos. You then circle around the two lizards and attack their vulnerable tails. After the fight you will find yourself here three buried hearts. You should definitely not forget this first major healing opportunity.
Level 8 – 6 Tektites
Several red and blue Tektites jump around the room. Keep moving and use spin attacks when several approach at once. The opponents only have a small amount of health and should hardly cause any problems.
Level 9 – Bulblin Archers and Lizalfos
First, take out the archers on the ledge with your bow. Then jump down and take care of the Lizalfos. Shield attack and helmet splitter are particularly effective against the lizards.
Level 10 – Great Fairy
The first Great Fairy is waiting on level 10. She praises Link’s performance and from now on lets fairies appear at the source of Ordon. You can leave the Cave of Ordeals here voluntarily or – if you have the Spinner – move on immediately.
Twilight Princess HD: Next to the Great Fairy there is also a Treasure Chest with the stamp “Link – surprised”.
Levels 11 to 20 – first real challenge
From level 11 onwards the number of enemies increases significantly. In addition, enemy combinations appear for the first time in which different types of attacks work together. If you have already started the Cave of Ordeals immediately after Arbiter’s Grounds, you can complete this section completely; For level 21 you then need the Ball and Chain.
Level 11 – Helmasaurs and Rats
A large number of rats surround three Helmasaurs. First, clear the small enemies out of the way with whirling attacks. Then use the Clawshot to pull the helmetasaurs’ shells off their backs and attack the unprotected areas.
Level 12 – Large Purple Slime
There is a large purple slime waiting in the room that, when hit, splits into smaller pieces and then reassembles. You can partially pull it apart from the ledge with the Clawshot and then remove it with quick sword strikes.
Level 13 – 4 Chu Worms
The four Chu Worms are in protective bubbles. Pull the actual enemies out of their shell with the Clawshot and then kill them with the sword. Don’t stand directly in front of the worms, as their attacks can knock Link back.
Level 14 – 15 Bubbles
A large group of flying bone faces fills the room. Spin attacks or Midna’s energy field in wolf form work excellently as soon as several enemies come into range at the same time. After the fight, transform into Wolf-Link and search for the buried orange Rupee worth 100 Rupees.
Floor 15: 10 Bokoblins
Ten Bokoblins initially seem threatening, but individually they have little resistance. Have multiple enemies come at Link and use a spin attack. The Great Spin Attack is particularly effective when your health is full.
Level 16 – Keese and Rats
Similar to level 2, ground and flying opponents appear together again, but this time in larger numbers. First take care of the Keese and then eliminate the rats with whirl attacks.
Floor 17: 10 Stalhounds and a Poe
The first of the three Poe Souls that are 100% important is waiting here. First, defeat all of the Stalhounds or Stalhounds in the room. Only then transform into Wolf-Link, activate your sense and attack the ghost. After several hits he lies on the ground and you can snatch his soul with the catch.
Poe Soul 1 of 3 in the Cave of Ordeals: If you follow our 100% chronological route, this ghost is one of the last Poe Souls in the game.
Level 18 – Leever
Several Leevers or levers constantly emerge from the sand and circle Link. Stand roughly in the middle of their formation and use spin attacks as soon as several appear at the same time. After the fight, as Wolf-Link , you will find a buried heart.
Level 19 – Chus and Rare Chu Jelly
This level is an excellent opportunity to refill your bottles. Multiple Chus of different colors constantly connect with each other. Separate red, blue or any rare glittering specimens from the group and defeat them before they reconnect. Then immediately collect the jelly with an empty bottle.
The rare glittering Chu Jelly is particularly valuable as it fills all hearts and temporarily increases Link’s attack power. Purple Chu Jelly, on the other hand, has a random effect and should only be used in an emergency.
Level 20 – Great Fairy
The second Great Fairy unlocks fairies at the source of Faron. If you don’t yet have the Ball and Chain from the Snowpeak Ruins, you have to leave the cave here at the latest. Otherwise you can go straight to level 21.
Twilight Princess HD: Also open the additional chest next to the Great Fairy. Inside is the stamp “Zelda – angry”.
Levels 21 to 30 – Ball and Chain and Undead
The third section contains significantly more undead and larger groups of enemies. The Ball and Chain becomes one of the most valuable weapons in the entire Cave of Ordeals. ReDead Knights, Stalfos and numerous other enemies can be fought from a safe distance.
Level 21 – Bokoblins and Ice Keese
Several Bokoblins share space with Ice Bats. First, clear the flying enemies with your bow or Clawshot so that they don’t freeze Link. Then you kill the Bokoblins with your sword.
Level 22 – Keese, Rats and Ghoul Rats
Transform into Wolf-Link relatively early and activate the sense so that the Ghoul Rats become visible. Midna’s energy field can contain multiple rats, Ghoul Rats and Keese switch off at the same time. After the fight are in the arena three buried hearts.
Level 23 – large horde of Stalchildren
An enormous amount of small skeletons rise from the ground. The Ball and Chain is just perfect here. Throw it into the group or carry out circular attacks and destroy several opponents at the same time. Alternatively, spin attacks also work well.
Level 24 – 5 ReDead Knights
The five ReDead Knights can immobilize Link with their scream. The Ball and Chain makes the fight much easier because you can attack from a greater distance. Stay out of screaming range and pick off enemies one at a time.
Level 25 – Bulblins and Archers
First stay on the ledge and eliminate any archers you can reach from there. Only then jump down. Without the constant arrow fire, the normal bulblins are no longer a serious problem.
Level 26 – 3 Stalfos
The three skeleton knights must be finally destroyed, otherwise they will reassemble. With the Ball and Chain you can both shatter their bodies and completely destroy the bones on the ground. Alternatively, you can dismantle them with your sword and then use bombs.
Level 27 – Skulltulas and Bubbles
First eliminate the flying bone faces and then take care of the Skulltulas. This means you won’t be constantly hit from the air during the slower spider fight. After the victory, you will find Wolf-Link’s flair a buried heart.
Level 28 – Lizalfos and Bokoblins
First clear out the weaker Bokoblins and then concentrate on the Lizalfos. Shield attacks, backhands and helmet splitters make the lizards relatively easy opponents.
Level 29 – Stalfos, Fire Bubbles and Stalchildren
The mix of flying fire enemies, numerous small skeletons and two Stalfos can get confusing. Take out as many Fire Bubbles as possible from the ledge. Then you clear the little skeletons with whirling attacks or Ball and Chain and finally deal with the two Stalfos.
Level 30 – Great Fairy
The third Great Fairy now lets fairies appear at the spring of Eldin. Without the Dominion Rod that is functional again, your passage ends here. If you already have it, you can then tackle the second half of the Cave of Ordeals.
Twilight Princess HD: The Treasure Chest on this level contains the stamp “Midna – happy”.
Levels 31 to 40 – Ice Enemies and Shadow Guards
From level 31 the difficulty increases significantly. The ice opponents in particular can cost Link enormous amounts of health in a short period of time. The Magic Armor, Bomb Arrows and the Ball and Chain are now particularly valuable. Check your remaining remedies regularly and don’t waste them on a few missing hearts.
Level 31 – Beamos and Keese
Several Beamos or beam cyclops guard the room. Stay on the ledge and destroy their red eyes with arrows before jumping down. Then remove the Keese. To get to the exit you have to use the Dominion Rod to move the two statues from their floor switches.
Level 32 – Fire Arena
Dodongos, Torch Slugs, Fire Keese and other fire enemies create a chaotic arena. First, pull or shoot as many ceiling enemies as possible down from the ledge. Then jump down and systematically work your way through the remaining enemies. It’s best to save the dodongos for last.
Level 33 – Poe Soul 2 of 3 and ReDead Knights
Four ReDead Knights and the second ghost are waiting on this level. First use the Ball and Chain against the ReDead Knights and keep enough distance from their screams. As soon as all normal enemies have been defeated, you transform into Wolf-Link and get the second Poe Soul of the Cave of Ordeals.
Level 34 – Chus and Ghoul Rats
Activate Wolf-Link’s sense and first eliminate the Ghoul Rats with Midna’s energy field. Then you can take care of the Chus and collect any usable jelly. There is also in the ground a buried heart.
Level 35 – Chilfos and Ice Keese
This is where the really dangerous section of ice begins. First, eliminate all Ice Keese from the ledge. Then equip the Ball and Chain and destroy the large ice opponent from as safe a distance as possible. As soon as it breaks, several smaller Freezards are created, which should also be dealt with quickly.
Level 36 – 4 Chilfos
The four ice-armed knights have a long range and cause high damage. Bomb arrows are an excellent way to weaken or completely eliminate individual enemies from the ledge. In close combat, Helm Splitter and Ball and Chain work well. Be sure to only activate one or two enemies at a time.
Floor 37: Leevers and Freezards
First concentrate on the flying ice opponents. A single hit can freeze Link, giving the circling Leevers an easy attack opportunity. Once the flying opponents are eliminated, stand in the middle of the Leever group and use whirl attacks.
Level 38 – Ice Hell
This level is one of the most dangerous rooms in the entire Cave of Ordeals. Two large Freezards or Freezards, several Chilfos, Ice Keese and Ice Grimaces attack at the same time. Be sure to stay on the ledge at first and use bomb arrows against the Chilfos and normal arrows or Boomerang against flying opponents.
Only when the arena is significantly thinned out do you jump down. The Ball and Chain is the best choice against big ice opponents. The Magic Armor is extremely useful here, as individual mistakes can otherwise cost several hearts.
Level 39 – 2 Darknuts
Two Shadow Guards at once is the greatest melee test yet. Be sure to try to activate only one knight or lure one away from its partner. First, completely remove the first enemy’s armor and then defeat his quick second phase before moving on to the second.
backhand and helmet splitter are among the best Hidden Skills n for this fight. Bomb arrows can also destroy parts of the armor. After the victory, transform into Wolf-Link and dig up the Silver Ruby worth 200 Rupees. This allows you to offset some of the cost of your magical armor.
Level 40 – Great Fairy
The fourth Great Fairy now causes fairies to appear at the Source of Lanayru on Lake Hylia. This means that all four light spirit sources are expanded into fairy sources. For the last ten levels you need the Double Clawshots from City in the Sky.
Twilight Princess HD: Open the additional chest and take the stamp “Heart Container”.
Levels 41 to 50 – the ultimate exam
You should only start the last ten levels when you really feel ready. The strongest normal enemies in the entire game await you here in combinations that can be dangerous even with full equipment. From now on you should use the magic armor, bomb arrows and your Hidden Skills without false economy. There is no reason to fail at level 49 with full bomb bags and unopened health potions.
Level 41 – 9 Armos
Nine Armos statues stand in the room. The most important rule is: Do not activate them all at the same time. Use the Double Clawshots to pull yourself as far as possible through the arena or into a favorable position, and approach the statues one at a time. As soon as an Armos awakens, lure him away from the others and attack the glowing crystal on his back.
The Ball and Chain or bomb arrows work excellently against the weak point. After being destroyed, the Armos will jump around uncontrollably for a few seconds and then explode. Keep your distance while doing this. In this way, work your way through the room, statue by statue.
Level 42 – Baba Serpents and Bokoblins
First clear the Deku Babas from a safe distance using Boomerang, arrows or Clawshot. Then jump down and kill the Bokoblins with whirling attacks. After level 41, this room represents a comparatively pleasant break.
Level 43 – Lizalfos and Bulblin Archers
The archers are the biggest danger. First, stay on the ledge and take out as many as you can with the Hero’s Bow. Hawkeye and Bomb Arrows are particularly helpful. Only when the long-range fire has largely ended do you jump down and fight the remaining Lizalfos.
Level 44 – Poe Soul 3 of 3 and Dinolfos
The third and final Poe Soul of the Cave of Ordeals is guarded by several strong Dinolfos. Here too, try to fight the lizards individually if possible. Bomb arrows from the ledge can severely weaken the group. In close combat, the backhand and helmet splitter work excellently.
Only after all the Dinolfos have been defeated do you transform into Wolf-Link and get the third Poe Soul. This completes the Cave of Ordeals regarding Jovani’s quest.
All Cave of Ordeals Poe Souls:
✓ Level 17
✓ Level 33
✓ Level 44
Level 45 – ReDead Knights, Archers and Chus
Be sure to kill the two bulblin archers from the ledge first. Then you take care of the ReDead Knights. The Ball and Chain allows safe attacks outside of their screaming range. You save the Chus for last and check whether there is any usable red, blue or rare Chu Jelly underneath.
Before you leave the room, you transform into Wolf-Link and dig three hearts out of. This is the last hidden healing before the Cave of Ordeals finale.
Level 46 – Ice enemies and Ghoul Rats
Two large Freezards, several Chilfos and numerous Ghoul Rats form an extremely unpleasant combination. First, use bomb arrows to remove as many Chilfos as possible from the ledge. After the jump, if necessary, you can briefly transform into Wolf-Link in order to use your instinct to make the Ghoul Rats visible and destroy them using Midna’s energy field.
You then switch back to Link’s human form and use the Ball and Chain against the big ice opponents. The magical armor can save several hearts here again.
Level 47 – Bokoblin, Stalchildren and Rats
After the dangerous ice opponents, level 47 almost seems like a breather. Numerous small skeletons and rats attack, but have little resistance. Large spin attacks or the Ball and Chain eliminate entire groups within a few seconds. Take the opportunity to gather yourself for the last two combat rooms.
Level 48 – Darknut and 2 Aeralfos
Floor 48 is one of the hardest encounters in the entire game. A Darknut and two Aeralfos wait together in the same arena. Don’t jump down unprepared. First try to weaken one or both Aeralfos with Bomb Arrows or other ranged attacks.
After the jump, you should first eliminate the Aeralfos if possible. As soon as someone presents their shield, you pull them to Link with the Double Clawshots and attack immediately. Once both flying knights have been dealt with, you can concentrate on the Darknut in peace. Magical armor is highly recommended here, especially if your health is already low.
Level 49 – 3 Darknuts
The final battle of the Cave of Ordeals is also its toughest. Three Shadow Guards stand together in the arena. Additional enemies may even appear when you play again. Under no circumstances try to knock multiple knights out of their heavy armor at the same time. Several fast, unarmored Shadow Guards at the same time are significantly more dangerous than several slow, armored opponents.
Focus completely on one knight. If possible, lure him away from the others, destroy his armor and then defeat his quick second phase before seriously attacking the next enemy. Backhand, Helm Splitter, Jump Strike, and Bomb Arrows are all helpful. If you still have Great Fairy’s Tears, Blue Chu Jelly, or Magic Armor, now is the time to use them.
Twilight Princess HD: After the fight, don’t forget the extra Treasure Chest before the final descent. Inside is the stamp “Fairy”.
Level 50 – Great Fairy and Great Fairy’s Tears
After the last fight, the Cave of Ordeals is finished. The fifth and final Great Fairy awaits on level 50. As a reward for completely mastering all 50 levels, she will fill one of your empty bottles with Great Fairy’s Tears. This particularly valuable remedy restores all hearts and doubles Link’s attack power for a short time or until Link is hit again.
Even more important is the permanent reward: From now on you can visit the sources of the four light spirits and get Great Fairy’s Tears there again, provided you don’t already have a bottle of Great Fairy’s Tears with you. At the same time, the previously unlocked normal fairies at the sources remain.
Cave of Ordeals Complete:
✓ Mastered all 50 levels
✓ Collected 3 Poe Souls
✓ All four light spirit sources unlocked with fairies
✓ Get Great Fairy’s Tears
✓ Great Fairy’s Tears unlocked at the Light Spirit Springs
✓ Collected all 5 Cave of Ordeals stamps in Twilight Princess HD
Which fairies are unlocked at which source?
| level | Reward |
|---|---|
| 10 | Fairies appear at the source of Ordon Village |
| 20 | Fairies appear at the source of Faron |
| 30 | Fairies appear at the source of Eldin |
| 40 | Fairies appear at the source of Lanayru |
| 50 | Great Fairy’s Tears + Great Fairy’s Tears at the Light Spirit Springs |
This effectively turns the four light spirit sources into permanent fairy sources. Especially before Hyrule Castle or the final fight against Ganondorf, it is worth filling all the bottles again with healing agents.
All 50 levels – compact checklist
| level | Opponent / Special feature | 100% Fund |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | 1 Bokoblin | – |
| 02 | Keese, rats | – |
| 03 | 4 Baba Serpents | 1 heart |
| 04 | 3 Skulltulas | – |
| 05 | Bulblin Archers | – |
| 06 | Torch Slug | – |
| 07 | Dodongos, Fire Keese | 3 hearts |
| 08 | Tektites | – |
| 09 | Bulblin Archers, Lizalfos | – |
| 10 | Great Fairy | HD: Link surprises |
| 11 | Helmasaurs, rats | – |
| 12 | Large Purple Slime | – |
| 13 | Chu Worms | – |
| 14 | bone faces | 100 Rupees |
| 15 | Bokoblins | – |
| 16 | Keese, rats | – |
| 17 | Bone Ganger / Stalhounds | Poe Soul 1 |
| 18 | Steppenflitzer | 1 heart |
| 19 | Chus | Chu Jelly possible |
| 20 | Great Fairy | HD: Zelda angry |
| 21 | Bokoblins, Ice Keese | – |
| 22 | Keese, rats, Ghoul Rats | 3 hearts |
| 23 | Stalchildren | – |
| 24 | ReDead Knights | – |
| 25 | Bulblins, Archers | – |
| 26 | Stalfos | – |
| 27 | Skulltulas, bone faces | 1 heart |
| 28 | Lizalfos, Bokoblins | – |
| 29 | Stalfos, Fire Bubbles, Stalchildren | – |
| 30 | Great Fairy | HD: Midna happy |
| 31 | Beamos, Keese | – |
| 32 | Fire enemy, Dodongos | – |
| 33 | ReDead Knights | Poe Soul 2 |
| 34 | Ghoul Rats, Chus | 1 heart |
| 35 | Chilfos / Ice Breather, Ice Keese | – |
| 36 | Chilfos | – |
| 37 | Leever, ice faces | – |
| 38 | Several strong ice opponents | – |
| 39 | 2 Darknuts | 200 Rupees |
| 40 | Great Fairy | HD: Heart Container Stamp |
| 41 | 9 Armos | – |
| 42 | Baba Serpents, Bokoblins | – |
| 43 | Lizalfos, Bulblin Archers | – |
| 44 | Dinolfos | Poe Soul 3 |
| 45 | ReDead Knights, archers, Chus | 3 hearts |
| 46 | Ice enemies, Ghoul Rats | – |
| 47 | Bokoblin, Stalchildren, Rats | – |
| 48 | Darknut, 2 Aeralfos | – |
| 49 | 3 Darknuts | HD: Fairy Stamp |
| 50 | Great Fairy | Great Fairy’s Tears |
The five Cave of Ordeals stamps in Twilight Princess HD
In Twilight Princess HD the Cave of Ordeals is worth it for another reason. A total of five of the 50 stamps are located here. Four of them are on levels 10 to 40 at Great Fairies. The fifth is waiting immediately before the final descent to Great Fairy.
| level | Stamp |
|---|---|
| 10 | Link – surprised |
| 20 | Zelda – angry |
| 30 | Midna – happy |
| 40 | Heart Container |
| 49 / last transition | Fairy |
Can you save the Cave of Ordeals occasionally?
No. There is no classic save point within the Cave of Ordeals from which you can later continue on the same level. The Great Fairies at levels 10, 20, 30 and 40 can bring Link back to the surface if desired. If you decide to do this, you will have to start again at level 1 on your next visit.
Therefore, save immediately before jumping into the Cave of Ordeals. If a run fails completely or you use up too many valuable remedies, you can load the previous save and start again with full supplies.
Can you make up for missing Poe Souls later?
Yes, but you have to fight again from level 1 to the corresponding floor. The three ghosts are permanently on levels 17, 33 and 44 until you collect their Poe Souls. A ghost that has already been defeated will not appear again on subsequent playthroughs.
This is exactly why you should take all three spirits with you on your first full 50-level round. It would be extremely annoying to forget the soul on level 44 in particular, as almost the entire Cave of Ordeals would have to be crossed again in order to try to catch up later.
Can you refill ammunition in the Cave of Ordeals?
Only very limited. Don’t rely on defeated enemies leaving behind enough arrows or bombs. This is exactly why the large arrow quiver and the highest possible bomb capacity are so valuable. Use bomb arrows especially where they provide a clear tactical advantage – for example against Chilfos, Archers, Aeralfos and Shadow Guards.
In the early levels you should defeat normal enemies with your sword or other unlimited use items if possible. Anyone who has already used up half of their bomb ammunition on level 15 will sorely miss the reserves on level 38 or 48.
Magic armor – when is it worth it?
You should not wear the magic armor permanently. It continually consumes Rupees and could empty your wallet long before level 50. Instead, you use them specifically in the most difficult rooms. Particularly recommended are the ice arena on level 38, the fight with Aeralfos and Darknut on level 48 and the three Shadow Guards on level 49.
Even if your health is already dangerously low, the armor can absorb multiple critical hits and give you enough time to defeat the current opponent. The Silver Ruby buried on Level 39 provides an additional 200 Rupees and is great for offsetting some of this cost.
What does the Great Fairy’s Tears bring?
Great Fairy’s Tears is one of the most powerful healing agents in Twilight Princess. When drinking, all hearts are fully restored. At the same time, Link receives significantly increased attack power for a short time, which lasts until the effect expires or until an enemy hit.
After completing the Cave of Ordeals for the first time, you can get Great Fairy’s Tears at the springs of the light spirits. However, you cannot fill multiple bottles at the same time indefinitely. If you already have a bottle of Great Fairy’s Tears, you will usually not be given another one. For additional copies, you must first use up the existing Great Fairy’s Tears or go through the Cave of Ordeals again.
Cave of Ordeals or Cave of Shadows – which is more difficult?
Players of Twilight Princess HD have a second major combat test with the Cave of Shadows. The Cave of Ordeals is longer with 50 levels and has extremely strong enemy combinations on the last floors. To do this, Link can use his entire arsenal: bomb arrows, Ball and Chain, magic armor, Double Clawshots, bottles and all Hidden Skills are available.
The Cave of Shadows only has 40 levels, but must be completed entirely in wolf form. Healing and tactical options are significantly more limited there. Which cave is more difficult depends largely on your playing style. To get the full HD save, you should complete both challenges anyway.
By reaching the final Great Fairy at level 50, you have completely mastered one of the hardest optional challenges of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. You have crossed all 50 levels, collected all three Poe Souls, unlocked fairies at all four light spirit sources and received the powerful Great Fairy’s Tears as the main reward. Twilight Princess HD also adds five important stamps for the complete collection.
For our Twilight Princess 100% Walkthrough, the drill hole is now completely taken care of. If you complete it immediately after City in the Sky, you will then have a final collection round through Hyrule before heading towards the finale in Palace of Twilight and later in Hyrule Castle.