To get up the windmill in Kakariko Village in the Ocarina of Time remake, come in from above: as adult Link, finish Dampé’s race under Kakariko Graveyard, and its exit sets you down on the windmill’s upper level. A Heart Piece sits on a ledge close by, so hop across and take it.
The front door only gets you to the ground floor, which is why the ledge looks out of reach. There is also a second way up, on the outside, that young Link can use with a Cucco. Below are both routes, what you get from each, and what the windmill does for the rest of your adventure.
Which Way Up Gets You What
| Route | Who | What you need | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| The exit from Dampé’s race | Adult Link | Master Sword, Song of Time | Hookshot, then the windmill’s Heart Piece |
| The front door | Either age | Nothing | The Music Man and the Song of Storms |
| The ladder behind the windmill | Young Link | A Cucco | A Cucco, and a glide to the rooftop Heart Piece |
The Way Up Inside, as Adult Link
- Become adult Link. You have to pull the Master Sword first. Our 1998 Master Sword guide covers the three Spiritual Stones it takes.
- Go to Kakariko Graveyard. In the left row of graves, find the tombstone with a shovel on it and flowers in front. It is near the withered tree and the patch of soft soil.
- Move the stone and drop in. Accept the challenge from Dampé’s ghost, and keep pace with him through the maze. Holding the roll button keeps Link running with no stamina meter, and our sprint guide covers it.
- Take the Hookshot at the end. It is your prize for finishing the race.
- Play the Song of Time on the blocks. Press left on the D-pad, then A, L, R, A, L, R on the Normal ocarina layout. The blocks clear and the way out opens.
- Walk out onto the windmill’s upper level. This is where the race exit comes out.
- Hop over to the Heart Piece. It is on a ledge opposite you. The jump button (X) makes this easy.
The 1998 game also let adult Link ride the rotating platform inside the windmill up to that ledge. The race exit is the simpler choice, since it sets you down right beside the piece, and our Heart Piece guide sends you that way too.
Finish the race a second time in under a minute for another Heart Piece.
What Is on the Ground Floor
Walk in through the front door and you meet the Music Man, and what he does depends on your age.
- As adult Link, talk to him twice. He is furious about a kid with an ocarina who wrecked his windmill seven years ago, and he plays you the tune that did it. Play it back to learn the Song of Storms: L, R, X, L, R, X. Our Song of Storms guide has the full steps.
- As young Link, come back and play that song to him. The windmill spins out of control and the water drains from the village well, which opens the Bottom of the Well. That is the road to the Lens of Truth.
If you came in through the race exit, you are already inside, so talk to him before you leave.
The Way Up Outside, as Young Link
The other way up is the ladder at the back of the windmill, and a high fence stands in the way.
- Grab a Cucco. Any of the Cuccos in the village will do. Our Cucco guide lists all seven.
- Carry it up the stairs in front of the windmill. Then glide over the fence. Another Cucco is trapped on the far side.
- Climb the ladder behind the windmill. A Cucco is waiting at the top.
- Pick it up and glide to the blue-roofed house. A man sits on the roof, and talking to him earns you a Heart Piece.
Adult Link can reach the same rooftop more easily: go out of the back exit of the Potion Shop and use the Hookshot. If you are collecting Cuccos for the Cucco Lady and her Empty Bottle, throw the ones on this side back over the fence before you climb.
Our 1998 Kakariko Village guide covers the rest of the village, and every remake guide is on our Zelda hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to the top of the windmill in the Ocarina of Time remake? As adult Link, finish Dampé’s race under Kakariko Graveyard. The exit, opened with the Song of Time, puts you on the windmill’s upper level.
How do you get the Heart Piece in the windmill? Come out of Dampé’s race onto the upper level and hop across to the ledge opposite you.
Can young Link get up the windmill? Young Link can reach the ladder behind the building with a Cucco, but the Heart Piece on the inside ledge is a job for adult Link.
Who is the man in the windmill? The Music Man. As adult Link, talk to him twice to learn the Song of Storms.
How do you drain the well in Kakariko Village? Play the Song of Storms in the windmill as young Link. It makes the windmill spin out of control and the well runs dry.
How do you get over the fence by the windmill? With a Cucco. Carry one up the stairs in front of the windmill and glide over.