The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Skull Woods Guide Walkthrough

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, the Skull Woods, located in the Dark World’s version of the Lost Woods. This dungeon is unique because it’s spread across the overworld and the underground.

Before You Begin

• Location: You must first enter the Dark World. After defeating Agahnim in Hyrule Castle, you’ll be transported to the Pyramid of Power in the center of the Dark World.
• Finding the Skull Woods: To get to Skull Woods, go to the Lost Woods in the Light World. Enter the westernmost entrance, then go south through the trees until you find a circle of stakes. Use the Hammer to pound them down, revealing a warp tile. Use the warp tile to enter the Dark World. You will now be in the Skeleton Forest, which is the Skull Woods dungeon.

Dungeon Walkthrough

Skull Woods is non-linear, with multiple entrances and exits. You’ll be moving between the overworld and the dungeon’s underground sections to progress.

• Finding the Map and Compass: Your first goal is to find the dungeon’s Map and Compass. Look for a hole in the ground in the eastern part of the forest (look for a cluster of flowers). Falling into this hole will land you in a room with enemies and a chest containing the Compass. Opening the chest will change the layout of the room, so be careful. Navigate the rooms to find a chest with the Map.
• Getting the Fire Rod: The main item in this dungeon is the Fire Rod. To get it, you must find a way to access the overworld section of the dungeon where the Big Chest is. You’ll need to drop into a specific hole and use a switch to open the way. This involves going in and out of the dungeon to reach new areas.
• Navigating the Overworld: You’ll be using different skull entrances and holes in the ground to travel between dungeon rooms. Be on the lookout for a room with a large, cracked wall that you can blow up with a Bomb to create a shortcut. You’ll also encounter Wallmasters—hands that fall from the ceiling. If they grab you, they will take you back to the dungeon entrance, which can be frustrating.
• Finding the Big Key: The Big Key is located in a room in the underground section. You’ll have to use your Hookshot to cross pits and solve a puzzle involving a switch and statues. You must push a statue onto the switch to open the northern door.

Boss Battle: Mothula

Mothula is the boss of Skull Woods. This fight takes place in a room with a moving spiked floor.

• The Strategy: Mothula is a large, moth-like creature that flies around the room. The only way to damage it is by hitting it with your sword. The Fire Rod (which you just found) is also extremely effective against it.
• Attacks: Mothula will fly around the room, and sometimes bounce off the walls to hit you. It will also shoot projectiles at you. The main challenge of this fight is the moving spiked walls that are constantly closing in on you.
• Tips:
  • Use the Fire Rod to attack Mothula from a distance, as it deals significant damage.
  • Be mindful of the moving spiked walls. Keep an eye on where they are and avoid getting crushed.
  • You can also use your sword. A spin attack is a good option if you can get close enough without taking damage.
  • If you get hit, there are pots around the room that may contain hearts.

After defeating Mothula, you’ll receive the third crystal and are one step closer to your final confrontation with Agahnim.