In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Link’s bow is one of the most important tools for both combat and puzzle-solving. However, its effectiveness is tied closely to how many arrows he can carry at once. This is where quiver upgrades become essential. These upgrades increase Link’s arrow capacity, allowing him to tackle longer dungeons, face tougher enemies, and solve puzzles that require precision shooting without worrying about running out of ammo. Whether you’re a new player or returning for a nostalgic playthrough, understanding how to get every quiver upgrade in Ocarina of Time is vital for enhancing your gameplay experience.
What Are Quiver Upgrades?
Base Quiver Capacity
When Link first obtains the Fairy Bow as an adult in the Forest Temple, he starts with a quiver that can hold up to 30 arrows. This default capacity is enough for basic encounters, but it quickly becomes limiting in later dungeons and boss fights that demand frequent use of the bow.
To make the most of your ranged combat abilities, you’ll need to find two quiver upgrades that increase your arrow capacity to 40 and then to 50 arrows. These upgrades are not automatically given through the main story, so players must go out of their way to earn them through mini-games.
How Many Quiver Upgrades Are There?
In total, there are two quiver upgrades available in Ocarina of Time, bringing the full arrow capacity to a maximum of 50 arrows. These upgrades are obtained by completing mini-games in specific locations as adult Link. Both require skill and patience but are well worth the effort.
- Big Quiver Increases capacity to 40 arrows
- Biggest Quiver Increases capacity to 50 arrows
How to Get the Big Quiver (40 Arrows)
Kakariko Village Shooting Gallery
The first quiver upgrade, which increases your arrow capacity from 30 to 40, can be obtained from the shooting gallery in Kakariko Village. However, this mini-game is only available to adult Link, so you’ll need to have completed the Forest Temple and gained access to the bow before attempting it.
Steps:
- Travel to Kakariko Village as adult Link.
- Enter the shooting gallery located near the center of the village.
- Pay the fee (20 Rupees) to start the game.
- Shoot all the red, blue, and green rupee-shaped targets that pop up on the screen.
The key to winning this game is accuracy and speed. You need to hit every target in the sequence without missing a single one. Some targets move quickly, so timing and anticipation are crucial. Once you complete the mini-game perfectly, the owner will reward you with the Big Quiver, boosting your capacity to 40 arrows.
How to Get the Biggest Quiver (50 Arrows)
Horseback Archery at Gerudo Fortress
The second and final quiver upgrade is obtained from the Horseback Archery Range located near the Gerudo Fortress. This mini-game is only accessible after you gain access to the Gerudo area and get the Gerudo Membership Card by rescuing the carpenters.
Requirements:
- Have Epona (obtained after winning the race at Lon Lon Ranch).
- Complete the Gerudo Fortress quest to access the archery range.
Steps to Upgrade:
- Ride Epona to the Gerudo Fortress and enter the archery range.
- Pay the entry fee (20 Rupees) and begin the challenge.
- While riding Epona, shoot targets and pots along the track to earn points.
- Score at least 1000 points to win a piece of heart.
- Score at least 1500 points in one session to receive the Biggest Quiver.
This mini-game is more challenging than the one in Kakariko Village due to the added complexity of aiming while moving. To succeed, make sure to practice beforehand and conserve arrows. Focus on hitting the large pots and bullseye targets for maximum points. Once you hit the 1500-point mark, the Gerudo trainer will reward you with the final quiver upgrade, raising your arrow limit to 50.
Tips for Mastering the Mini-Games
General Accuracy Tips
- Practice your aim before attempting the mini-games seriously.
- Use the first few rounds of each game to study the pattern and speed of the targets.
- Stay calm and don’t rush precision is more important than speed in most cases.
Horseback Archery Tips
- Use all the arrows efficiently; you only get 20 per session.
- Aim for the 100-point targets and clay pots that give bonus points.
- Don’t panic if you miss a few there’s usually still enough room to score 1500 points if you stay focused.
- Try both left and right sides while riding to maximize shot coverage.
Why Quiver Upgrades Are Important
These upgrades may seem like minor bonuses at first, but they make a significant difference in gameplay. Many of the later temples, such as the Spirit Temple and Shadow Temple, feature enemies and puzzles that require frequent arrow usage. Not having enough arrows can lead to frustrating backtracking and limited combat options.
Additionally, some side quests, such as the Poe Hunt in Hyrule Field, also benefit from having more arrows on hand. Whether you’re sniping enemies from a distance or solving light-reflection puzzles with fire arrows, extra ammo makes your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Optional Tricks and Glitches
Some players have found ways to manipulate the mini-games to make them slightly easier. While not officially intended, these tricks can help those struggling with the challenges:
- Use soft resets between runs to reload without traveling back and forth.
- On emulators or certain versions, input lag may vary adjust sensitivity accordingly.
- During Horseback Archery, some versions allow you to turn Epona slightly before starting to get better alignment.
While not necessary for most players, these tricks can reduce frustration for those who find the timing mechanics difficult or inconsistent.
Quiver upgrades in Ocarina of Time offer not just improved utility for Link’s bow but also a chance to engage in two fun and rewarding mini-games. Whether you’re exploring dungeons or preparing for high-stakes boss battles, having the maximum arrow capacity gives you a significant edge. The Big Quiver from Kakariko Village and the Biggest Quiver from the Gerudo Horseback Archery Range are essential steps in upgrading your toolkit as adult Link. With practice, patience, and a steady aim, you’ll secure both upgrades and be fully equipped to conquer the challenges of Hyrule.