New Ocarina of Time Glitch Could Aid Speedrunners

A recently discovered glitch in the 1998 game Ocarina of Time could let speedrunners defeat bosses without the usual items, potentially shaving minutes off their runs. First reported by GameRadar and shared by speedrunner ZFG, the glitch uses a bottled item at the precise moment a hitbox disappears to overwrite damage values. Two main applications have emerged: defeating Volvagia without the Megaton Hammer and taking down Ganondorf without Light Arrows.

The glitch relies on loading and unloading memory data, so specific setups and prior actions may be required depending on the situation. Consistently, combining the Magic Spin Attack with a bottled fairy works reliably. It also functions in Majora’s Mask; using the Magic Spin Attack followed by spring water causes powder keg damage that helps players reach the Goron Racetrack and Romani Ranch faster, although preparation is needed.

The discovery could influence several speedrunning categories, though not all. In the No Wrong Warp category, the glitch might cut the lengthy magic‑obtaining sequence to just a Slingshot, saving minutes. Randomizer runs stand to benefit most, as the glitch can defeat Volvagia without the Megaton Hammer. However, the All Dungeons category skips the Slingshot and magic, so one of those is still needed for the glitch to work, prompting experimentation to acquire the Slingshot.

Despite its limited impact on casual play, the glitch shows that new exploits can surface decades after a game's release. Players can try it on the Switch Online version and the original cartridge. Meanwhile, Nintendo unveiled a new trailer for the remake, which launches on Switch 2 on November 5.