Please see the related discussion on this article's talk page for more information concerning its future layout.
The Oxygen Gauge is a gauge that appears whenever Link is underwater without a method allowing him to breathe, and denotes how much time remains before Link takes damage.[1][2][name reference needed] Oxygen Gauges have taken multiple forms in the series, and thus far, they have only appeared in 3D titles.
Overview[]
Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask[]
The underwater timer from Ocarina of Time
The first type of Oxygen Gauge appears in Ocarina of Time and returns in Majora's Mask. It appears as a timer below the Magic Meter, counting down until Link's remaining air supply expires. Once the timer runs out, Link drowns, unless he has a Fairy inside a Bottle. Link can spend an unlimited time underwater if equipped with the Zora Tunic in Ocarina of Time or if in Zora form in Majora's Mask.[3]
The Wind Waker[]
The Wind Waker features the Swim Timer which appears whenever Link enters deep water,[4] appearing as a blue and white orb in the lower right corner of the screen that slowly drains as time passes. As Link is unable to dive underwater, the gauge serves only as a limit to how far he can go from land, likely to prevent him from visiting other islands prematurely. If the gauge depletes, Link will either be returned to land or, if he drowns while on the open sea, he will appear aboard the King of Red Lions close to the nearest island.
Twilight Princess[]
The Oxygen Gauge from Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, the Oxygen Gauge appears as a blue bar under Link's Heart Containers, looking similar to the Magic Meter. The gauge appears when Link is underwater when using the Iron Boots, unless he is wearing the Zora Armor.[5] Unlike previous games, bottled Fairies are incapable of reviving Link if he drowns.
Skyward Sword[]
In Skyward Sword, the Oxygen Gauge appears as a circular meter similar to the Stamina Meter. Using the spin maneuver underwater causes the gauge to deplete faster, and in Hero Mode, it consume twice as much air. Touching a poison gas bubble also depletes the gauge. Unlike previous games, when the gauge is completely empty, Link does not drown instantly; instead, he begins to lose health. By using an Air Potion, the Oxygen Gauge depletes at a slower rate,[6] while the Air Potion + prevents the Oxygen Gauge from depleting entirely.[7]
Breath of the Wild[]
Though no Oxygen Gauge appears in Breath of the Wild, the Stamina Wheel functions similarly to the Oxygen Gauge from The Wind Waker, limiting the amount of time that Link can swim in a body of water. Upon fully depleting the Stamina Wheel, Link will sink below the water and lose one heart. He will reappear back at the last area of solid ground he stood on if he has any hearts left.
Nomenclature[]
 Names in Other Regions 
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 |
FrenchCA | Jauge d'oxygène | Oxygen Gauge |
 |
German | Sauerstoffanzeige | Oxygen Indicator |
 |
SpanishLA | Indicador de oxigeno | Oxygen Indicator |
Gallery[]
The swim timer from The Wind Waker
The Oxygen Gauge from Skyward Sword
References
- ↑ Twilight Princess HD manual, pg. 8
- ↑ "That's Air Potion! If you drink that, your Oxygen Gauge will reduce less quickly when you're underwater for a short time." — Luv (Skyward Sword)
- ↑ "You got a Zora Tunic! This diving suit is adult size, so it won't fit a kid. Wear it, and you won't drown underwater." — N/A (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Sturgeon's One-Point Lessons
Lesson Two
Do Not Underestimate the Sea
It's easy to get swept up by a little success at swimming, but the sea can be fickle! Swimming for too long will drain one's energy, and eventually one will sink. Watch the round icon in the bottom right while in the water. This one's swim timer. One should be sure to get back to shore before one's swim timer runs out. If one doesn't, I can't be responsible for what happens next." — Sturgeon's One-Point Lesson (The Wind Waker HD) - ↑ "Garments made of Zora scales. They let you breathe and swim in water but are weak against fire and ice." — N/A (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "You got an Air Potion! Drink this to make your oxygen gauge deplete at a slower rate. One bottle is effective for three minutes." — N/A (Skyward Sword)
- ↑ "You got an Air Potion +! This wonder potion keeps the oxygen gauge from depleting at all for three minutes!" — N/A (Skyward Sword)