The Water Temple in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is known for its winding layout, changing water levels and frequent equipment changes. Nintendo has adjusted the dungeon for the game’s remake on Nintendo Switch 2, aiming to make exploration clearer without changing its core design.
In a new installment of Nintendo’s “Ask the Developer” interview series, Eiji Aonuma, who was responsible for the original Water Temple’s design, said he wanted to revisit the dungeon he created 28 years ago. He acknowledged that it became known for its difficulty and said he asked the team to make some adjustments.
Aonuma said his original goal was to capture the enjoyment of exploring underwater, inspired by his interest in freediving. But navigating the complex environment and repeatedly opening menus to change equipment could interrupt the experience.
In the remake, switching items is more convenient. Nintendo has also changed parts of the dungeon’s architecture: some walls that made it harder to find your way have been replaced with grates that let players see into adjacent rooms.
The changes are part of a wider review of Ocarina of Time’s dungeons. Nintendo says it has kept their original mechanisms, while slightly adjusting the placement of some elements to make it easier to identify the right route. The stated aim is to reduce confusion, rather than simplify the puzzles or redesign the Water Temple from scratch.
Sources: Vandal.