- Not to be confused with Dungeon Map or Minimap.
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Maps are recurring Items in The Legend of Zelda series.[1] They often show detailed representations of places Link can explore. There are mainly World and Dungeon Maps used for exploring their respective areas, but certain Maps exist that serve other purposes.
Location and Uses[]
Maps are obviously used for navigation, but their uses have become increasingly elaborate as The Legend of Zelda series has progressed. They have been used in every game with the exception of The Adventure of Link and Tri Force Heroes. Maps detail the layout of the Overworld or a Dungeon and often show Link's current location.[2][3][4] As with Dungeon Maps, World Maps are often blank until an area is explored or a full Map of an area is obtained. In many Legend of Zelda titles, Maps can only be viewed on a subscreen, but in The Legend of Zelda, a very simplistic mini-map could be viewed in the HUD.[5] This is similar to the Map used during gameplay of Four Swords. The mini-map mechanic did not return until Ocarina of Time, in which it only shows the area Link is currently traveling and his position in accordance to the Map, as well as where he entered from.[6] The mini-map returned in every console title until Skyward Sword. Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks displayed Maps on the top screen of the Nintendo DS with the ability to move them to the touchscreen to write notes and draw paths.[7][4] Despite their similarities, World Maps and Dungeon Maps often have distinct differences.
World Map[]
Full World Maps have been available during gameplay since A Link to the Past. Oftentimes, key locations will be marked on World Maps, such as Towns and Link’s next destination.[8][9] In A Link to the Past and every game since The Wind Waker, it often possible to magnify an area of the World Map to get a keener look at the layout. When Warping is possible, some of the titles in the series would display the World Map to show where Link can warp to. The World Map is not always used only for navigation; in Four Swords and Four Swords Adventures, the World Map is used for selection different stages. The World Map of Skyward Sword allowed Link to place light Beacons to guide the way to a chosen destination. There are diverse methods of obtaining and using World Maps throughout the series.
Dungeon Map[]
Dungeon Maps are found in Treasure Chests inside Dungeons. Once obtained, a Dungeon Map will allow Link to see every room of every floor in the Dungeon it was found in.
Nomenclature[]
 Names in other regions  | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 | Japanese | マップ (Mappu) (ALttP)[10] | Same as English. |
 | Russian | Карта (Karta) (BotW) | Map |
| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | |||
Gallery[]
Artwork of Link with a dungeon Map and Compass from A Link to the Past
Artwork of Link and Ezlo reading a Map from The Minish Cap
See Also[]
References
- ↑ "Take a look at the map on your Sheikah Slate." — Old Man (Breath of the Wild)
- ↑ "You got the Map! You can use it to see your current position and the rest of the dungeon (Press X)." — N/A (A Link to the Past)
- ↑ "Using the Map Screen, you can view the entire overworld of Koholint Island and check your current location." (Link's Awakening manual, pg. 11)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass — Prima Official Game Guide, Prima Games, pg. 9
- ↑ "Once Link steps inside the underground labyrinths the above ground radar at the top left of the screen turns into the radar of the labyrinths. What's more, if Link has the map of the labyrinths, then the map also will be displayed on the radar." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 32)
- ↑ "There is a map displayed at the bottom right of the screen. The yellow arrow shows your current position and direction you are facing. The red mark shows where you entered the area from." — Know-It-All Brother (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "How about we write it on our map? To do that, tap the Map icon, then scribble to your heart's content!" — Ciela (Phantom Hourglass)
- ↑ "That mark on your map must be your destination." — Soldier (A Link to the Past)
- ↑ "On the Map Subscreen, you will also see a flashing dot showing you which way you should go next." — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ A Link to the Past manual, pg. 37
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