I'm playing through this for the first time, and I don't think I understand the time mechanic. Early on in the game, I brought a potion to the witch Koume in a Lost Woods-y area. I got to the next section, but had to stop playing, so I saved with the Song of Time and quit. When I got back, all my progress was lost and I had to do the whole sequence again. Later on in the first dungeon, my time was running out, so I played the song again and the same thing happened. I retained the bow, map and compass but otherwise, my progress was lost. Is the whole point of the game to make little bits of progress and unlock shortcuts as you go? Thematically, this is pretty cool because it's like you are setting up the perfect run, but from a gameplay standpoint I don't see how it's anything other than a hassle. Am I doing something wrong?
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Can someone explain Majora's Mask to me?
- Thread starter LGom09
- Start date
Spring-Loaded
Member
Watch Groundhog Day with Bill Murray.
And_Gignac
Member
You only keep key items and events (songs, notebooks) after saving with the song of time. Rupees, potions, nuts, etc all get lost after going back in time.
I suggest you to use the owl statues to save and try to finish the dungeon you are currently in during a 3 days run. It is also of help to learn the back wards song of time so you can have double the time.
I suggest you to use the owl statues to save and try to finish the dungeon you are currently in during a 3 days run. It is also of help to learn the back wards song of time so you can have double the time.
First of all I hope you are using the inverted song of time to slow down time, second make sure to do a song of time save before you start a dungeon, third if you need to hold on to something like the potion/anything in a bottle but you need to stop, do an owl quick save so you don't lose your progress.
Unfortunately yeah sometimes you do have to reset time cause you went to slow, but now that you know you should be able to do it faster.
Unfortunately yeah sometimes you do have to reset time cause you went to slow, but now that you know you should be able to do it faster.
Nintentoast
Banned
Things you do in each if the game's four sections (Woodfall, Snowhead, Great Bay, and Ikana) reset when you go back in time. So you essentially have three days to do the preliminary quest and beat the temple in each area before going back in time to make progress.
Edit: But actually, as people have said, you can use owl statues to warp to the dungeons' entrances at the beginning of a cycle, so that's not exactly true. It's all about time management. (Which is way this game is so genius and one of the best games ever made)
Edit: But actually, as people have said, you can use owl statues to warp to the dungeons' entrances at the beginning of a cycle, so that's not exactly true. It's all about time management. (Which is way this game is so genius and one of the best games ever made)
EmCeeGramr
Member
Majora's Mask is about understanding what you specifically want to do in each 3 day period (rather than trying to do whatever you can and running out of time), and understanding what counts as a "checkpoint" where you can safely rewind time while still retaining the reward and/or progress that you achieved in that cycle.
fredrancour
Member
You keep weapons and masks and major items like that after resetting.
Your bank account doesn't empty even though your wallet does.
If you beat a dungeon you retain credit for beating it as far as final-dungeon-unlocking progress goes, but the world and boss reset. So if a thing depends on a boss being dead you have to do it all in one go. I believe you unlock a permanent straight-to-boss shortcut the first time you kill it.
Sidequests stay recorded in the notebook after completing them, although characters go back to square one.
There's a song that slows time, hidden as an easter egg. I think it"s just the song of time backwards. Halves the speed of the clock, though the world behaves normally.
Owl statues are temporary saves so you can suspend the game without groundhog-daying.
Edit: I guess you have to play it in a more focused manner than a game like oblivion or skyrim. Identify a goal that is permanent and see if you can make it before the world ends.
Your bank account doesn't empty even though your wallet does.
If you beat a dungeon you retain credit for beating it as far as final-dungeon-unlocking progress goes, but the world and boss reset. So if a thing depends on a boss being dead you have to do it all in one go. I believe you unlock a permanent straight-to-boss shortcut the first time you kill it.
Sidequests stay recorded in the notebook after completing them, although characters go back to square one.
There's a song that slows time, hidden as an easter egg. I think it"s just the song of time backwards. Halves the speed of the clock, though the world behaves normally.
Owl statues are temporary saves so you can suspend the game without groundhog-daying.
Edit: I guess you have to play it in a more focused manner than a game like oblivion or skyrim. Identify a goal that is permanent and see if you can make it before the world ends.
Whenever you go back in time, almost all of the story content is reset. Even the dungeons are reset. However, that doesn't mean you are not making progress. There are many things that you get to keep.
For example, any masks you acquire will remain yours, and the quests where you earned them remember that. Equip-able Tools received from dungeons or other quests are kept as well. Using the right masks and tools, you can take a lot of short-cuts.
However, you don't need to do everything in a single go in order to beat the game! Most quests only need to be done once. You don't need to do everything in a single span of three days, merely accomplish a single quest. Once you have accomplished that quest, you can spend the next time loop working on a different quest. As long as you have the rewards, you can safely ignore the stuff you previously accomplished.
There is only one requirement to beating Majora's Mask: confront the Skull Kid when you have what it takes to stop him. You don't need to do anything else that set of three days. Everything you need is carried over between time loops.
For example, any masks you acquire will remain yours, and the quests where you earned them remember that. Equip-able Tools received from dungeons or other quests are kept as well. Using the right masks and tools, you can take a lot of short-cuts.
However, you don't need to do everything in a single go in order to beat the game! Most quests only need to be done once. You don't need to do everything in a single span of three days, merely accomplish a single quest. Once you have accomplished that quest, you can spend the next time loop working on a different quest. As long as you have the rewards, you can safely ignore the stuff you previously accomplished.
There is only one requirement to beating Majora's Mask: confront the Skull Kid when you have what it takes to stop him. You don't need to do anything else that set of three days. Everything you need is carried over between time loops.
It's about knowing how to manage each three-day cycle, and using that time to focus on certain events. For example, leading up to that swamp temple, you spend those three days getting through the swamp, dealing with the Deku Kingdom, all until you reach the owl statue in-front of the temple. Once you do, reset the days, then teleport back to the owl statue, ignoring all that stuff that led you up to getting here, and now complete the temple with a full three days.
There are very few instances where you have to redo any quests you've done and been rewarded for. You'll keep masks, weapons, bottles, heart pieces, etc.
There are very few instances where you have to redo any quests you've done and been rewarded for. You'll keep masks, weapons, bottles, heart pieces, etc.
Suzushiiro
Banned
Knowing what resets and what doesn't and planning your resets around that is key. If you gain access to a dungeon but don't have time to actually do it, reset and then fast travel to the entrance, etc.
The inverted song of time (play the song of time backwards) slows time down, so generally you want to use that the moment you start a cycle. Song of double time (play song of time but do each note twice) fast-forwards to the next morning/night.
The inverted song of time (play the song of time backwards) slows time down, so generally you want to use that the moment you start a cycle. Song of double time (play song of time but do each note twice) fast-forwards to the next morning/night.
As others have said, you're not full utilizing your tools. The song that gives you extra time is essential, and starting dungeons at the beginning of the 3 day cycle makes it so you will mostly always be able to finish a dungeon within the 3 days. Unless you get really stuck. And deposit rupees into the bank. You will have to refill arrows and such every time, and while that can be a little annoying, it's not too bad.
But the most beneficial thing regarding the 3 day limit is how it affects npc's and side quests. The main quest is really just a foundation for all the great side quests. Which is what many people would say the game is all about.
But the most beneficial thing regarding the 3 day limit is how it affects npc's and side quests. The main quest is really just a foundation for all the great side quests. Which is what many people would say the game is all about.
exactly this. Go on and experiment, make a mental note about what returns the next day and what doesn't, and plan your moves accordingly. It won't be hard once you know what to use, and how. Game is one giant strategy exercise
Banjotanooki
Member
Once you get to the temple, you'll be able to teleport to that dungeon from the first day and beat it in those 3 days. Playing the song of time backwards helps you to finish everything on time and without a hassle.
And jealous! I wish I could experience Majora's Mask once again, I was stuck just like you and about to give up, lol.
And jealous! I wish I could experience Majora's Mask once again, I was stuck just like you and about to give up, lol.
Linkstrikesback
Member
While it is quite possible to unlock any of the 4 dungeons and beat it in a single 3 day loop, I wouldn't recommend it on a first playthrough.
As has already been said a bunch of times: Spend however long you need to unlock each dungeon, get to the owl statue just outside each dungeons entrance, play the song of time, then use the song of soaring to instantly teleport there.
As has already been said, you should be playing the song of inverted time immediately at the start of each cycle. It more than triples the amount of time you have (from about 55 minutes per cycle to 3 hours)
As has already been said a bunch of times: Spend however long you need to unlock each dungeon, get to the owl statue just outside each dungeons entrance, play the song of time, then use the song of soaring to instantly teleport there.
As has already been said, you should be playing the song of inverted time immediately at the start of each cycle. It more than triples the amount of time you have (from about 55 minutes per cycle to 3 hours)
I want to go into some detail as to why I think the 3 day cycle is genius.
Characterisation
- Characters act realistically in their environment, they have scripted sequences like any other NPC in any other game, but in other games NPCs repeating the same thing over and over are rarely realistic. It works within the limits of programmable video game characters and makes them believable because a character re-living the same 3 days would act like a video game character.
- In many parts of the game, your actions can influence characters in that 3 day cycle. As a result you can see many sides of the same character. "What will doing A to character X do? What if I don't do A?" Giving characters depth you don't see. The three day cycle also allowed the developers to hide specific scenes with characters at specific times. There's a very well hidden scene in the game that I didn't find out about till around 10 years after beating the game that gives context to another character's actions.
- Link himself is more believable. It's always struck me as a little odd that Link will stop on his mission to save the world to collect chickens for a young lady. Since he has unlimited time it's far more believable that he might try to help a couple, or cheer some people up.
Story/Atmosphere
-Nothing super specific to say about this. Just that the whole 3 day cycle gives a very unique and unnerving feeling to the entire game. The clock is ticking and while you can stop it temporarily, the sense of inevitable doom is always lingering. It adds a sense of urgency.
Gameplay
- Punishment/reward. In RPGs, dying often means going back to the last save point. This is often BS as if you can save anywhere and die, you're literally being punished for not saving as often as possible. Most other Zeldas, on the other hand, are a little more lenient. They simply send you back to a preset point, but you don't lose items and progress. This is perhaps too lenient. Majora's Mask's time limit in itself adds to the punishment of failing. You don't lose items, but you waste time. This gives you further incentives not to die, as you need to use your limited time well.
- The dungeons are designed in a way that will allow you to basically get the item and be at the half way mark. Not losing items means that, in the first dungeon, you can get the bow and if you're running low on time, save and basically return to the same spot (because the item often blows the dungeon wide open.) The owl statues give you plenty of opportunities to essentially choose to go back in time and start from that owl without penalty. If you find yourself being a slower player, definitely take advantage of this as often as possible. Managing your time, for me, added a huge layer of depth to the game.
Characterisation
- Characters act realistically in their environment, they have scripted sequences like any other NPC in any other game, but in other games NPCs repeating the same thing over and over are rarely realistic. It works within the limits of programmable video game characters and makes them believable because a character re-living the same 3 days would act like a video game character.
- In many parts of the game, your actions can influence characters in that 3 day cycle. As a result you can see many sides of the same character. "What will doing A to character X do? What if I don't do A?" Giving characters depth you don't see. The three day cycle also allowed the developers to hide specific scenes with characters at specific times. There's a very well hidden scene in the game that I didn't find out about till around 10 years after beating the game that gives context to another character's actions.
- Link himself is more believable. It's always struck me as a little odd that Link will stop on his mission to save the world to collect chickens for a young lady. Since he has unlimited time it's far more believable that he might try to help a couple, or cheer some people up.
Story/Atmosphere
-Nothing super specific to say about this. Just that the whole 3 day cycle gives a very unique and unnerving feeling to the entire game. The clock is ticking and while you can stop it temporarily, the sense of inevitable doom is always lingering. It adds a sense of urgency.
Gameplay
- Punishment/reward. In RPGs, dying often means going back to the last save point. This is often BS as if you can save anywhere and die, you're literally being punished for not saving as often as possible. Most other Zeldas, on the other hand, are a little more lenient. They simply send you back to a preset point, but you don't lose items and progress. This is perhaps too lenient. Majora's Mask's time limit in itself adds to the punishment of failing. You don't lose items, but you waste time. This gives you further incentives not to die, as you need to use your limited time well.
- The dungeons are designed in a way that will allow you to basically get the item and be at the half way mark. Not losing items means that, in the first dungeon, you can get the bow and if you're running low on time, save and basically return to the same spot (because the item often blows the dungeon wide open.) The owl statues give you plenty of opportunities to essentially choose to go back in time and start from that owl without penalty. If you find yourself being a slower player, definitely take advantage of this as often as possible. Managing your time, for me, added a huge layer of depth to the game.
MvmntInGrn
Member
Yep. When Link receives an item or song it is usually a checkpoint. Keep an eye out for that.
Love this game
There are two types of saves in Majora's Mask.
Saving at an owl statue is a temporary save. It will save your progress, exactly as it is, at that point in time. You can save at an owl statue and then turn off the game, and when you come back, you'll be at that owl statue with all of your current progress. However, if you then turn off the game without saving at an owl statue, you'll revert back to the last time you saved by traveling back in time. In other words, always save at an owl statue before turning off the game!
Now the progress you save by traveling back in time is always permanent, regardless of whether you use owl statues. However, when you travel back in time, all events reset (including progress on dungeons), and all ammunition (arrows, bombs, rupees) are lost. You can save rupees by dropping them off with the bank in West Clock Town before traveling back in time. YOU WILL KEEP ALL MASKS AND KEY DUNGEON ITEMS. This is how progress is made -- you dedicate each three-day cycle to getting whatever items and masks you can acquire.
So play the game like this:
- At the start of a three-day cycle, SLOW DOWN TIME by playing the Song of Time backwards. This will make each in-game hour (real-life minute) last twice as long. (The Scarecrow in West Clock Town teaches you this.)
- Next, try to reach a dungeon. When you get to the dungeon, you'll find a new owl statue. Activate it so you can warp to it later.
- Go back to Clock Town. Drop off your rupees at the bank. Reset time, saving all of your progress.
- Now it's a new three-day cycle. Slow down time again by playing the Song of Time backwards. Go out into Termina Field to stock up on arrows and bombs. And then use the Song of Soaring (taught to you by the owl in Woodfall) to warp to the owl statue at the next dungeon you'll attempt.
- With several real-life hours to complete it, you now have more than enough time to complete the dungeon. Even if you only get halfway through, and acquire the key item, it'll be quicker working through it on the next three-day cycle, since you keep that item.
- Beat the dungeon, return to Clock Town, deposit your rupees, and restart the three-day cycle to permanently save your progress and give yourself another 72 hours.
- IF AT ANY POINT YOU WANT TO SAVE AND QUIT, find an Owl Statue and save. Always save at an owl statue.
Saving at an owl statue is a temporary save. It will save your progress, exactly as it is, at that point in time. You can save at an owl statue and then turn off the game, and when you come back, you'll be at that owl statue with all of your current progress. However, if you then turn off the game without saving at an owl statue, you'll revert back to the last time you saved by traveling back in time. In other words, always save at an owl statue before turning off the game!
Now the progress you save by traveling back in time is always permanent, regardless of whether you use owl statues. However, when you travel back in time, all events reset (including progress on dungeons), and all ammunition (arrows, bombs, rupees) are lost. You can save rupees by dropping them off with the bank in West Clock Town before traveling back in time. YOU WILL KEEP ALL MASKS AND KEY DUNGEON ITEMS. This is how progress is made -- you dedicate each three-day cycle to getting whatever items and masks you can acquire.
So play the game like this:
- At the start of a three-day cycle, SLOW DOWN TIME by playing the Song of Time backwards. This will make each in-game hour (real-life minute) last twice as long. (The Scarecrow in West Clock Town teaches you this.)
- Next, try to reach a dungeon. When you get to the dungeon, you'll find a new owl statue. Activate it so you can warp to it later.
- Go back to Clock Town. Drop off your rupees at the bank. Reset time, saving all of your progress.
- Now it's a new three-day cycle. Slow down time again by playing the Song of Time backwards. Go out into Termina Field to stock up on arrows and bombs. And then use the Song of Soaring (taught to you by the owl in Woodfall) to warp to the owl statue at the next dungeon you'll attempt.
- With several real-life hours to complete it, you now have more than enough time to complete the dungeon. Even if you only get halfway through, and acquire the key item, it'll be quicker working through it on the next three-day cycle, since you keep that item.
- Beat the dungeon, return to Clock Town, deposit your rupees, and restart the three-day cycle to permanently save your progress and give yourself another 72 hours.
- IF AT ANY POINT YOU WANT TO SAVE AND QUIT, find an Owl Statue and save. Always save at an owl statue.
Added the bolded steps, everything else is spot-on.
Whenever you play the song of time, you're basically putting a reset on the progress outside of dungeon exploration. When you reset, you lose everything that's collectible; bombs, arrows, rupees, Deku nuts/sticks etc. However, the game will keep track of what you've collected (See above) so it wont act like collecting them again in the new cycle is something new.
My best advice for a first time player is play the Song of Time backwards, you're supposed to learn this from the scarecrow in your first cycle when you're a Deku scrub, but not everyone learns it. The SoT backwards slows it down about a third, so you'll have much more time to complete an area.
The owl statues are also very important as they act as side save points for when you don't want to reset and they are good for quick travel to dungeons/Clock Town.
Also, for keeping rupees (Although I find them entirely useless outside of a heartpiece) go to the bank in West Clock Town and it'll save all rupees from the reset.
My best advice for a first time player is play the Song of Time backwards, you're supposed to learn this from the scarecrow in your first cycle when you're a Deku scrub, but not everyone learns it. The SoT backwards slows it down about a third, so you'll have much more time to complete an area.
The owl statues are also very important as they act as side save points for when you don't want to reset and they are good for quick travel to dungeons/Clock Town.
Also, for keeping rupees (Although I find them entirely useless outside of a heartpiece) go to the bank in West Clock Town and it'll save all rupees from the reset.
