Map


 * Not to be confused with Dungeon Map.

are recurring items in. They often show detailed representations of places Link can explore. There are mainly World and Dungeon Maps used for exploring their respective areas, but certain Maps exist that serve other purposes.

Location and Uses
Maps are obviously used for navigation, but their uses have become increasingly elaborate as The Legend of Zelda series has progressed. They have been used in every game with the exception of and. Maps detail the layout of the Overworld or a Dungeon and often show Link's current location. As with Dungeon Maps, World Maps are often blank until an area is explored or a full Map of an area is obtained. In many Legend of Zelda titles, Maps can only be viewed on a subscreen, but in, a very simplistic mini-map could be viewed in the HUD. This is similar to the Map used during gameplay of. The mini-map mechanic did not return until, in which it only shows the area Link is currently traveling and his position in accordance to the Map, as well as where he entered from. The mini-map returned in every console title until SS undefined. and displayed Maps on the top screen of the Nintendo DS with the ability to move them to the touchscreen to write notes and draw paths. Despite their similarities, World Maps and Dungeon Maps often have distinct differences.

World Map
The Legend of Zelda only displayed a plain gray square on screen, which represented the Overworld. A flashing red rectangle indicated Link's location. Full World Maps have been available during gameplay since. Oftentimes, key locations will be marked on World Maps, such as Towns and Link’s next destination. In and every game since, it often possible to magnify an area of the World Map to get a keener look at the layout. When Warping is possible, some of the titles in the series would display the World Map to show where Link can warp to. The World Map is not always used only for navigation; in and, the World Map is used for selection different stages. The World Map of SS - allowed Link to place light Beacons to guide the way to a chosen destination. There are diverse methods of obtaining and using World Maps throughout the series.

Sometimes, Link begins an adventure with a full World Map. In, the World Maps are available in their entirety from the start. 's World Map starts out blank, but an atlas in Mabe Village's Library reveals every location on Koholint. Though only a level select screen, ' Map can also be wholly viewed from the start, with a few minor additions as the game progresses.

Most commonly, the areas of the World Map must be filled in. Link’s Awakening includes a World Map with a grid, and is the first game in the series where each location on the World Map is labeled. Each section of the grid is obscured until explored. and use the same mapping system. Similarly, the World Map of shows only places that have been visited, though a grid is not in place. Similarly,, , and SS - also mark new regions on the Map when Link first enters them. New Islands and Train Stations in and  can also be viewed through the World Map only after they are discovered.

Sometimes, parts of the World Map can only be viewed by buying or otherwise earning them first. Maps for each region in must be purchased from Tingle, even if a region has already been explored. The Sea Chart in can only be updated with images of islands by tossing Fishmen All-Purpose Bait. Smith gives Link a World Map early in, though its regions on the Map must be uncovered as described earlier.

While useful, the World Map was not necessary to move forward in most Zelda games. However, Maps were crucial for exploration in both and. No region of the Overworld in could be explored until Link had a Sea Chart for that area, each of which could be found in the Temple of the Ocean King. Together, the World Map was separated into quadrants. This is much like the Rail Map in, which had also had four parts, one for each of the four realms. A part of the Rail Map must be attained from the Spirit Tower to visit the Realm detailed on it. To travel across either of these Overworlds, a course must be charted on the Maps themselves.

Dungeon Map
Dungeon Maps are found in Treasure Chests inside Dungeons. Once obtained, a Dungeon Map will allow Link to see every room of every floor in the Dungeon it was found in.