Players have discovered a wide variety of glitches in Zelda: Ocarina of Time throughout the years. Ocarina of Time's glitches are funny, cool, and often beneficial to gameplay. These range from sequence breakers to bugs that enhance weapons & strengthen Link's powers. There's also a good bit of humor in a few of them, too. Be prepared for some Cucco manipulation along the way.
It's important to note that some of these tricks are easy, while others are more complex, but anyone is capable of performing them. It's just a matter of timing and patience.
10 Escaping Kokiri Forest Early: Navi Dive
There are multiple ways to exit Kokiri Forest early, but this one is one of the simplest. This glitch uses something called the Navi Dive. First, make sure Link already owns the Deku Shield and Kokiri Sword. Then, proceed to the Lost Woods. Find the water pond that leads to Zora's Domain and notice that Navi is trying to grab Link's attention.
Don't talk to Navi yet. Instead, stand at the far right corner of the pond and run forward until Link automatically jumps onto the concrete platform. It's best to land in the middle, so try to land there before proceeding. Next, simply perform a jump slash by pressing "B" and quickly hit "UP C" to speak to Navi while mid-jump-slash. Link sinks to the bottom of the pond, and can now swim through into Zora's Domain.
9 The Infinite Sword Glitch
While the sword-beam turned out to be a total fluke, it's actually possible to use the sword that never stops... swording? This glitch is handy in many situations, and it's not too difficult to perform. Get near an object that Link can interact with. Do a Crouch Stab by pressing "R" and tapping "B" to jab the sword while crouched. Then, quickly tap "A" while in the middle of a jab to cue the dialogue.
When done correctly, the game will lag and Link's sword will look odd and floppy. Now, the sword will damage anything that it touches. This works with most intractable objects, including enemies, so just choose one that's nearby or easy to access.
8 Entering The Shadow Temple Early
This one sounds simple, but it can be tedious. Go Kakariko Graveyard and take the magic platform up to the crate with the heart piece. If you didn't plant the bean seed, then use the hook shot to get up there. Players need to make sure that a decent amount of Bombchus. This might take a while.
Stand on the crate and use Bombchus to get to the upper ledge. Do this by deploying a Bombchu then instantly jumping off the crate. Eventually, Link will be knocked onto the ledge. Then proceed to walk around the ledge to the temple. This area isn't made to be accessible, so walking across takes patience. Eventually, Link will make it all the way around to the Shadow Temple's entrance.
7 Skipping The Forcefield Inside Ganon's Castle
For those who want to skip to Ganon's main battle, this glitch is ideal. After entering the Spirit Room, there's an Armos on the right. Pull it back until Link can fit behind it without getting hit by the sliding Blade Traps.
Keep pushing the Armos forward until it's pressed against the wall. Come to the right side of the Armos and pull it back two steps. If done correctly, it will now be partially on the carpet. Face Link between the Armos and the Door. Z-target, then jump-slash into the wall. This will shoot Link into the dark. Try walking until Link can face himself between the red and purple lights, and walk forward to skip the seal and enter the blocked off area.
6 Getting The Silver Gauntlets Early
Pick up the Cucco in Gerudo Valley and land on the little post near the bridge's end. Then, hover toward the gate and jump slash upon reaching it to climb on over. Inside the fortress, simply use the Z-targeting mechanic and walk backward to avoid being spotting. It's one of those naive "if I can't see them, they can't see me" type of deals.
Now, climb the ladder to the Haunted Wasteland. Once at the top, side jump to the left, off the top where the ladder ends. Link will land on a little ledge. Follow it down and then side jump to the right to glitch past the gate and enter the Haunted Wasteland. Cross the Wasteland using the L-target backward run to avoid sinking in the quicksand. When arriving at the Spirit Temple, enter and instantly exit to learn the Requiem of Spirit. Then go ahead and retrieve the gauntlets.
5 Getting The Golden Scale Early
This one's pretty simple. Enter the Fishing Pond as Child Link. Catch a record-breaking fish that's at least 10 pounds or heavier. Don't instantly talk to the owner. Instead, swim to the middle of the pond. Hold the targeting button, which may differ depending on the console, and swim over to the fisherman, then talk to him, without letting go of the targeting button.
This won't work if Navi is highlighting a fish location while players are targeting. It's an odd glitch, but it's effective nonetheless.
4 Using The Lens Of Truth Without Consuming Magic
Using the Lens of Truth is great, minus the fact that it's a magic sucker. This simple trick will keep Link's magic bar full as he continues his truth-seeking. Simply play the Song of Storms, then use the Lens of Truth instantly. When done correctly, the Lens of Truth will work but the magic bar won't decline.
After deactivating the Lens of Truth, the glitch will stop. Simply redo the glitch to continue saving magic.
3 Master Sword As Child Link
It's possible to get the Master Sword as Child Link, but to do so requires perfect timing. Players will need to trigger the Odd Potion part of the trading side quest. Then, go to the Temple of Time and stand in front of the Pedestal of Time. As soon as the timer hits zero, press "A" to return the Master Sword.
When done correctly, Child Link will be able to use the Master Sword. This one is simple minus the timing, but it's definitely worth it.
2 Entering The Bottom Of The Well Early
Zelda fans all know about Cucco revenge. It's morally controversial, but in this glitch, it's actually useful. To enter the Bottom of the Well early, attack a Cucco twice, then place it on the well's rim. The Cucco needs to be on the corner that's next to the ladder, as shown above.
Now, jump-slice the Cucco for the third time. The cutscene will trigger, and Link will fall to the well's bottom as the Cucco Gang prepares to attack him. Similar to the Kokiri Forest Exit glitch, Link can just swim to the entrance.
1 For Fun: Getting Navi Stuck At The Temple Of Time
For those who ride the Hate Navi train, this glitch is quite gratifying. Go to the Temple of Time and stand next to the altar with the three Spiritual Stones. Pull out the Ocarina of Time and play Saria's Song. After the dialogue finishes, Navi will be stuck on the altar. All those cheerful "hey, listen" interjections are now a distant memory. For those who start to miss the faithful fairy, simply reset the game or exit the temple to bring her back.