Puzzle

Puzzles reoccur often in The Legend of Zelda games, particularly in dungeons. They are some of the Zelda series' main trademarks, and some of the more basic ones are repeated throughout the series. Some of the more common puzzles are the Torch, Enemy, Block, Arrow, Return and Switch Puzzles.

Torch Puzzle
The Torch Puzzle is that which involves having to find a way of lighting one or more torches. This could be from using Fire Arrows, Din's Fire, shooting an arrow through fire, lighting a Deku Stick on another source of flame, or using the Lantern, depending on which game.

Enemy Puzzle
Not unique to the Zelda series, as many other video games use the Enemy Puzzle. This puzzle involves a room or area in which several enemies must be killed to move on. In The Legend of Zelda series, this puzzle takes three forms: the first is multiple weak enemies which band together and attack Link. Next is the Mini-boss puzzle. A single, strong enemy that usually guards a dungeon item or needs to be defeated to open a door. Finally is the Boss puzzle, a large, strong monster that holds a Heart Container, and prevents Link from moving on to the next dungeon until it is defeated. There are also a few enemy based puzzles in which the enemies in a room must be defeated in a certain order to move on.

Block Puzzle
The Block Puzzle involves moving a block into a certain position. This may be to press a switch, or to create a step which can be used to gain high ground, etc. A variation of this puzzle, as seen in Oracle of Ages, is to push a block in a way that a certain color is on top, and the block itsself in a hole, igniting a flame.

Arrow Puzzle
The Arrow Puzzle, simply involves shooting a target, usually to open a door. For example, shooting a golden eye above a door can open that door. Sometimes the target moves, or Link is on a moving platform, making this puzzle more difficult.

Return Puzzle
One of the most commonly reoccurring puzzles is the Return Puzzle; a puzzle in which a player must leave a room and return later with an extra item or key. The return puzzle most often happens in rooms with many exits.

Switch Puzzle
Switches in the form of levers and buttons are prevalent in the series.
 * Lever- Needs to be pushed or pulled. Some inaccessible levers require use of Hookshot (pull), Seed Shooter (push), or Bombs (when timing is needed).
 * Button- Many varieties exist, but can be broken down to positive and negative actions. Positive activated buttons require a weight to be added. Negative activated buttons require a weight to be removed.