The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening has a total of eight main dungeons, but there's a ninth, special dungeon hidden off the beaten path. This Color Dungeon was added in the Game Boy Color version of Link's Awakening and has made a comeback on the Switch. If you're a curious, investigative player, you may stumble into it on your own, but it can be a bit tricky to remember to go back for the out-of-place clue that sends you there once you get the ability to do so. If you need more help, here's how to unlock the Color Dungeon:
Used in this guide
- Now in color: The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening ($60 at Amazon)
How to unlock the Color Dungeon in Link's Awakening
- You'll first need to have completed the third dungeon, the Key Cavern, which gives you the ability to Dash.
- Return to Mabe Village, and enter the Library.
- You'll see a book on top of a shelf in the back about to fall off. Dash into the shelf to knock it down.
- Read the book, and either have this guide open or take a screenshot of the directions inside.
- Head to the Graveyard
- In the southeast corner of the graveyard, find five tombstones
- The numbers in the instructions tell you what order to move the tombstones in. The arrows tell you the direction.
- Move the bottom right tombstone down.
- Move the bottom left tombstone left
- Move the top left tombstone up
- Move the top middle tombstone right
- Move the top right tombstone up to reveal the entrance to the Color Dungeon.
What is the Color Dungeon?
The Color Dungeon is a bonus dungeon created for the Game Boy Color version of Link's Awakening that's been added to the Nintendo Switch version, though it's a bit less impressive now that we've been gaming in color for years. Most of the puzzles involve using colors or shapes (for those who are colorblind) to solve, and many of the enemies have colored themes as well.
What do I need to defeat the Color Dungeon?
You can defeat the Color Dungeon as soon as you unlock it after the Key Cavern, but it can be helpful to wait a bit longer to obtain the bow and arrows, bombs, and even the boomerang can be helpful in making sure you don't get overwhelmed by enemies. However, it's not a long or especially challenging dungeon, so don't fret if you want to get it out of the way quickly.
Our top equipment picks
Awake the wind fish
Link finds himself stranded on a strange island that exists in the shadow of a massive egg. The egg is said to house the sleeping Wind Fish, whom Link must awaken if he ever wants to leave. Our hero must journey across Koholint Island and obtain eight magical instruments across eight dungeons (plus the bonus Color Dungeon) to play the ballad that will send him home.
Additional Equipment
If you want to experience everything Link's Awakening has to offer in the best possible way, you may also need to pick these up:
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening amiibo ($16 at GameStop)
This tiny friend can be tapped in the game's Dungeon Creator mode to send a Shadow Link scurrying after you, hindering your progress. Add it for an extra cute challenge to your custom-made dungeons. Don't forget you can add Color Dungeon rooms to the Dungeon Creator once you've cleared it!
ButterFox Carrying Case ($11 at Amazon)
Keep your adventures on Koholint Island safe with an inexpensive traveling case for the Nintendo Switch. It can hold 19 games, the Switch itself, and multiple cables and Joy-Con controllers.
Nintendo Switch Lite ($200 at Amazon)
If you're obsessed with gaming on the go, consider the Nintendo Switch Lite as an alternative or addition to the regular Nintendo Switch. It's smaller, cheaper, more durable if you have kids playing the system, and comes in fun colors like yellow and turquoise. It can't dock on a TV, but if you're primarily a handheld gamer, this may be the best option for you.
