The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Players control the on-screen character, Link, from a third-person perspective to explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and fight monsters. Players may direct Link to perform basic actions such as walking, running, and context-based jumping using the analog stick , and must use items to navigate the environment. In addition to wielding a sword, Link can block or reflect attacks with a shield, stun enemies by throwing Deku Nuts, attack from a distance with a bow and arrow, and use bombs to destroy obstacles and damage enemies. He can also latch onto objects or paralyze enemies with the Hookshot.

These actions are aided by the "Z-targeting" system introduced in Ocarina of Time , wherein the player may lock the camera onto a particular character, object, or enemy and maintain it in view regardless of Link's motion through the environment. : 15 Similar to other games in the series, Link must progress through a variety of dungeons, which include numerous puzzles that the player must solve. Dungeons also contain optional puzzles that award collectible fairies, which grant Link additional abilities when all are gathered. : 37 The sequel to Ocarina of Time , the first 3D game in the series, Majora's Mask retains its predecessor's gameplay systems and control scheme while introducing elements including character transformations and a three-day cycle.

Masks and transformations Whereas the masks in Ocarina of Time are limited to an optional sidequest , they play a central role in Majora's Mask , which has 24 masks in total. Using the three primary masks, the player can transform Link into different creatures: a Deku Scrub , a Goron , and a Zora . : 24–27 Each form features unique abilities: Deku Link can perform a spin attack, shoot bubbles, skip on water, and fly for a short time by launching from Deku Flowers; Goron Link can roll at high speeds, punch with deadly force, pound the ground with his massive, rock-like body, and walk in lava without taking damage; Zora Link can swim faster, throw boomerang-like fins from his arms, generate an electric force field, and walk on the bottoms of bodies of water. Some areas can only be accessed by use of these abilities.

: 24–27 Link and his three transformations receive different reactions from other characters which is key to solving certain puzzles. : 24 For instance, Goron and Zora Link can exit Clock Town at will, but town guards do not permit Deku Link to leave due to his childlike appearance. Other masks provide situational benefits without transforming Link. For example, the Great Fairy's Mask helps locate stray fairies in the four temples, the Bunny Hood increases Link's movement speed, and the Stone Mask renders Link invisible to most enemies.

Certain masks are involved only in sidequests or specialized situations. Examples include the Postman's Hat, which grants Link access to items in mailboxes, and Kafei's Mask, which initiates a long sidequest to locate a missing person.