To beat Bongo Bongo, the boss of the Shadow Temple in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, you must first disable its hands, then stun its eye, and finally strike its eye with your sword.
Understanding Bongo Bongo's Attack Patterns
Bongo Bongo primarily attacks with its two detached hands, which hover around the central vibrating drum platform. These hands will attempt to slam down on Link, grab him, or push him towards the edge of the arena. The entire drum platform also vibrates, making precise movement challenging.
Essential Equipment for Victory
Before facing Bongo Bongo, ensure you have the following key items:
- Fairy Bow: Critical for targeting Bongo Bongo's hands and eye from a distance.
- Lens of Truth: Absolutely necessary to reveal Bongo Bongo's invisible body and eye.
- Master Sword (or Biggoron's Sword): Your primary weapon for dealing damage to the eye.
- Longshot (or Hookshot): Can be used to stun the eye in a pinch, but the Bow is generally more effective.
- Bottled Fairies/Potions: For healing during the fight.
Phase 1: Disabling the Hands
The initial step involves neutralizing Bongo Bongo's aggressive hands:
- Stay Mobile: Continuously move around the vibrating drum platform to avoid being hit or grabbed by the hands. Keep your distance as much as possible.
- Target and Shoot: Lock on to one of Bongo Bongo's hands with your Fairy Bow and fire an arrow.
- Quick Follow-Up: Once hit, the hand will turn blue and become temporarily incapacitated. Immediately target the other hand and shoot it with an arrow as well.
- If you get bumped or switch to manual targeting, aim carefully and shoot the second hand to disable it.
- Hands Down: With both hands stunned, Bongo Bongo's main body will become vulnerable, and its large eye will drop to the platform.
Phase 2: Attacking the Eye
Once both hands are disabled, it's time to focus on Bongo Bongo's eye:
- Activate Lens of Truth: Immediately switch to and use the Lens of Truth. This will reveal Bongo Bongo's invisible body and its eye, which is now on the drum platform.
- Stun the Eye: While the eye is visible, quickly fire an arrow from your Fairy Bow directly into the eye. This will temporarily stun it.
- Alternatively, you can use the Longshot/Hookshot to stun the eye, but the Bow typically offers a safer distance.
- Sword Attack: Once the eye is stunned, run up to it and unleash a flurry of attacks with your Master Sword (or Biggoron's Sword). Perform spin attacks or jump attacks for maximum damage.
- Repeat: After a few hits, Bongo Bongo will recover, its hands will reactivate, and you'll need to repeat Phase 1 and Phase 2 until it is defeated.
Arena Hazards and Staying Safe
The vibrating drum platform is a constant threat. Keep the following in mind:
- Edge Awareness: Always be mindful of your position on the platform. If you're pushed off, you'll take damage and have to climb back up.
- Rolling Attack: Bongo Bongo's hands sometimes roll across the platform. Jump over them or quickly move out of the way.
- Grab Attack: If a hand grabs Link, quickly mash buttons to break free, or you'll be slammed for heavy damage.
Recommended Strategy Summary
| Phase | Action | Key Item(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Disable Left Hand | Fairy Bow |
| Disable Right Hand | Fairy Bow | |
| Phase 2 | Reveal Invisible Body | Lens of Truth |
| Stun Eye | Fairy Bow | |
| Attack Stunned Eye | Master Sword | |
| Repeat | Continue until defeated |
Tips for Success
- Conserve Magic: The Lens of Truth consumes magic. Use it strategically only when Bongo Bongo's eye is vulnerable.
- Keep Moving: Remaining stationary is a death sentence. Constantly strafe and roll to avoid attacks.
- Health Management: Don't hesitate to use a Bottled Fairy or potion if your health gets low. Having a fairy will automatically revive you if you fall.
- Practice Timing: The key to this fight is quickly disabling both hands and then swiftly stunning and attacking the eye. Practice your targeting and timing.
By following these steps, you will successfully defeat Bongo Bongo and progress through the Shadow Temple.
