Linked Game

:For a list of all the secrets obtainable in a Linked Game, proceed to Linking Secret.
 are situations in which and are interconnected, allowing for exclusive content not found in the individual games. A Linked Game is a game file of either or , where one game serves as the continuation of the plot that began in the other, instead of having two alternate plots if the games are played separately. Linked Games are accomplished via passwords (referred to in-game as "Secrets") which allow the two games to interact. In Linked Games, Link will obtain various items that are not otherwise obtainable.
"Password-Linking" is a unique feature of and . 
==Beginning a Linked Game==
Upon completing either or , a special Secret (or password) will appear ("Secret to Holodrum" in , "Secret to Labrynna" in ). This password can be inputted into the opposite game while creating a new file, under "Secrets". Doing so begins a Linked Game. Alternatively, the two games can be linked directly without passwords with the use of two s and a , using the "Game Link" function instead. On the File Selection screen, Linked Game files can be identified the icon of Link, who will be holding the Harp of Ages (in ) or the Rod of Seasons (in ) on files where the Secret to Holodrum/Labrynna has been used.
The exact password that appears as the Secret to Labrynna or Holodrum will vary depending on how the game was played (which animal companion Link had, how he raised Bipsom, and so on). The password assures that Link will have the same animal companion and the same son of Bipin and Blossom in the Linked Game.
In a Linked Game, Link begins his adventure with his Wooden Sword in and with a Wooden Shield in , and with four Heart Containers instead of three.
==Plot Alterations==
The main purpose of a Linked Game is to connect the plots of and , in order to conclude to the series. A Linked Game witnesses the arrival of Princess Zelda to the lands of Holodrum or Labrynna, who is captured later on in the game by Twinrova, to be offered as a sacrifice for the resurrection of Ganon. By freeing both Oracles, Din and Nayru, by defeating General Onox or Veran, respectively (whichever is left), they are able to transport Link to the Room of Rites, a dungeon found only in a Linked Game. Here, Link fights Twinrova and, ultimately, Ganon. Defeating Ganon concludes the Linked Game.
==Password-Linked Events==
There are several more alterations to the games made in a Linked Game. Characters that are found in both games, such as the Piratians, Bipin and Blossom, or Link's animal companions (Ricky, Moosh and Dimitri), will recognize Link from their past adventures. Even certain characters specific to one game will have heard of Link's deeds in an other land. There are many events that happen in each game that would not otherwise happen. 
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In a linked , Impa appears at the Black Tower partway through the game. She warns Link that Vire has kidnapped Princess Zelda and taken her into the tower, and asks him to go save her. The rescue of the Princess plays out like the original , with Vire as , Princess Zelda as , and Link as . After she is saved, she will give Link the Blue Joy Ring.
Also, Rosa will appear on Crescent Island in the past. She will help Link get back his Shovel after his items are stolen by the Tokay. Rosa will appear once again in the present on Rolling Ridge along with several other Subrosians, who have come to learn of the Goron Dance.
In a Linked Game, the Piratians appear in the present instead of the past, meaning the Sea of Storms is explored in the present as well, something that would not otherwise be possible.
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The most notable of password-linked events is the appearance of Queen Ambi in a Seasons Linked Game. In this event, the storyline brought up but never completed in of Queen Ambi's long lost lover is concluded. After clearing the , Queen Ambi appears at the entrance to Samasa Desert, being transported from past-age Labrynna to present-age Holodrum by the powers of Nayru. The queen reveals she is looking for her long lost lover, who turns out to be Cap'n of the Piratians. After a touching reunion, the Piratian captain expresses regret at not being able to stay with the queen, unable to resist his calling as a seafaring man. Understanding, Ambi says she will always wait patiently for his return. 
After clearing Snake's Remains, Impa will be worried out of her mind for the safety of Princess Zelda and will ask Link to find her. After going north a short distance, Link will run into the Great Moblin and his thugs attempting to rob and kidnap Princess Zelda. After seeing Link, the Great Moblin complains about how he must have followed him from Labrynna to harass him and then challenges Link to a fight. Fighting off the Great Moblin's minions will earn Link the .
===Hero's Cave===
Another addition is the appearance of an extra dungeon, called the Hero's Cave. In , this replaces the original Hero's Cave, a mini-dungeon where Link obtains his first Sword (in a Linked Game, Link already has his sword at the start of the adventure). In , the Hero's Cave appears on a deviation of the Maku Road. This dungeon is considered to be one of the most difficult of the two games. The reward for completing it is the blue Armor Ring L-3 in Ages, and the red Power Ring L-3 in Seasons.
==Transferring Rings==
Once two game files of and have been linked, appraised Magic Rings can be transferred between the two games with the help of either the Red Snake or the Blue Snake at Vasu Jewelers. 
The Red Snake transfers the rings by giving Link a Ring Secret, which transfers the rings when told to the Red Snake in the opposing game. The Blue Snake allows for ring transfer without the use of a secret by using two Game Boy Colors and a . However, it only works with Game Boy Colors and a Game Boy Color game link cable, as the games do not recognize the Game Boy Advance link cable and the linking feature will not function at all.
==Secrets==
:See also: Secrets
Secrets are the centerpiece of a Linked Game. On top of the Secret to Holodrum/Labrynna that begins a Linked Game, and the Ring Secret that allows Link to transfer his Magic Rings, Link will obtain many more secrets during the Linked Game by talking to certain people in the game. These secrets are then told to a specific character in the first game Link completed. After telling the secret, a mini-game often ensues. Telling secrets rewards Link with a special item which is otherwise unobtainable. Notable password-linked items include the Master Sword, the Mirror Shield, Bomb and seed capacity upgrades, Bombchus, Biggoron's Sword, and the L-3 Ring Box. A few powerful rings can also be found only through a Linked Game. All of these items are optional, but can be very useful to Link on his quest.
This system is held together by Farore, who resides in the Hall of Secrets found within the Maku Tree in both and . Farore is the keeper of Link's secrets. When an item is obtained through "password-linking", Link also receives another password that allow him to bring said item back to the land opposite the one he is in (i.e., bringing an item obtained in Labrynna in using a password from a Linked Game in , and using the return password to bring it back to Holodrum, and vice-versa). This password is presented to Farore in the opposite world in which the item is obtained. Farore will then transfer the item from Holodrum into Labrynna, or Labrynna into Holodrum. The secrets are recorded in Farore's Memory, available to Link at any time.
==Hero's Game==
At the end of a Linked Game, the Hero's Secret is received. Inputting the Hero's Secret at the start of a new game (the same one that was played with a Linked Game) allows Link to experience the game without the Linked Game's altered plot (the Secret can also be used in opposite game, but most of its advantages are lost). Link starts with four Heart Containers instead of three, and rings from the two previous playthroughs can be transferred to this game file. At the end of the "Hero's Game", the Holodrum Secret or Labrynna Secret (depending on the game) will be obtained, allowing Link to experience another Linked Game for whichever game left. Therefore, the Hero's Secret allows the player to experience both games with the original and altered storylines. 
On the File Selection Screen, a Hero's Game is identified by a Triforce in the upper-right. Furthermore, the Triforce will also appear on any Linked Games files created using the Holodrum or Labrynna Secrets obtained from a Hero's Game. Completing such a "Hero's Linked Game" will not yield any new Hero's Secret upon completion. 
==Trivia==
* Linked Games are essential for the 100% Completion of and .
* As a Linked Game would be much more complex with three games, the development of the third Oracle game was cancelled.IGN Article on the Third Oracle
* A Linked Game in is the only way to access the Black Tower in the present. As well, there is one screen of the overworld, within the present day Sea of Storms, that can only be reached in a Linked Game.
* If the player links from , Onox will have a distinct reaction to Link, recognizing him as the one who defeated Veran while boasting that he is stronger before abducting Din. If the player links from , however, Veran has no distinct reactions to Link's presence.
* If the player links from , Impa will recognize Link from their encounter in Labrynna, and Din's performing troupe has new dialogue revealing them to be Hyrulean Knights. However, if the player links from , Impa begins the game possessed by Veran and has no dialogue indicating that she recognizes Link from Holodrum.
==Nomenclature==
==Gallery==
File:LabrynnaSecret.png|The Secret to Labrynna that starts a Linked Game in 
File:HolodrumSecret.png|The Secret to Holodrum that starts a Linked Game in 
File:Hero'sSecret.png|The Hero's Secret
File:LinkedStartMenu (OoA).png|A Linked Game file on the File Selection Screen in , identified by the Harp of Ages
File:LinkedStartMenu (OoS).png|A Linked Game file on the File Selection Screen in , identified by the Rod of Seasons
File:OoX HeroStartMenu.png|A Hero's game file on the File Selection Screen, identified by the Triforce symbol
==See Also==
* Second Quest
* Secrets