Map: Difference between revisions

'''Maps''' are recurring items in {{LZS|Series}}. 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.

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 {{TAoL}} and {{TFH}}. Maps detail the layout of the [[Overworld]] or a [[Dungeon]] and often show Link's current location.<ref>{{Cite|You got the Map! You can use it to see your current position and the rest of the dungeon (Press X).|N/A|ALttP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite manual|quote=Using the Map Screen, you can view the entire overworld of Koholint Island and check your current location.|game=Link's Awakening|page=11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|quote=These maps show you a general overview of your current location, such as a dungeon floor or a quadrant of the sea.|book=Phantom Hourglass Official Game Guide |publisher= Prima Games |page=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|quote= The tiny Link head on the map indicates your current position.|book=Phantom Hourglass Official Game Guide |publisher= Prima Games |page=9}}</ref> 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 {{TLoZ}}, a very simplistic mini-map could be viewed in the [[HUD]].<ref>{{Cite manual|quote=Once Link steps inside the underground labyrinths the above ground radar at the top left of the screen turns into the radar of the labyrinths. What's more, if Link has the map of the labyrinths, then the map also will be displayed on the radar.|game= The Legend of Zelda|page= 32}}</ref> This is similar to the Map used during gameplay of {{FS}}. The mini-map mechanic did not return until {{OoT}}, 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.<ref>{{Cite|There is a map displayed at the bottom right of the screen. The yellow arrow shows your current position and direction you are facing. The red mark shows where you entered the area from.|Know-It-All Brother|OoT}}</ref> The mini-map returned in every console title until {{SS}}. {{PH}} and {{ST}} 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.<ref>{{Cite|How about we write it on our map? To do that, tap the Map icon, then scribble to your heart's content!|Ciela|PH}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|quote= When you want to make notes on the map, tap the Menu tab and choose Map. This moves the map to the bottom screen on the Nintendo DS. You can now draw directly on the map.|book=Phantom Hourglass Official Game Guide |publisher= Prima Games |page=9}}</ref> Despite their similarities, World Maps and Dungeon Maps often have distinct differences.

Dungeon Maps have been used in nearly every game of the ''Legend of Zelda'' series aside from ''The Adventure of Link'', ''Four Swords'', ''Four Swords Adventures'', ''A Link Between Worlds'' and ''Tri Force Heroes''. They are usually found in [[Treasure Chest]]s. Once obtained, a Dungeon Map will allow Link to see every room of every floor in the dungeon it was found in, with the illuminated rooms showing where he has already visited and blank ones to show where he has not been.<ref>{{Cite|You found the Dungeon Map! [..] Blue chambers are places you have already visited. Your current location is the flashing room. Move [the control stick] up and down to select a floor to view.|N/A|OoT}}</ref> This gives clues on where Link should go next and where hidden rooms might be found. For a Map to show all of a Dungeon's contents, it should often be used in conjunction with a [[Compass]], which will reveal locations of a Dungeon's [[Boss]]; since ''Link's Awakening'', it has also revealed the location of Treasure Chests.<ref>{{Cite|You've got the Compass! Now, you can see where the chests and Nightmare are hidden!|N/A|LA}}</ref> Before the Dungeon Map is obtained, a makeshift Map can be used to show rooms Link has already seen. This is the only way to receive Dungeon Maps in ''Phantom Hourglass'' and ''Spirit Tracks''. The Dungeon Map was not an Item in these titles, but the Map of an entire floor is available upon entering it, so each floor had to be explored to view the full Map.<ref>{{Cite book|quote=You can only look at maps of the floors you have visited. After you visit a floor for the first time, you can always view the map. |book=Phantom Hourglass Official Game Guide |publisher= Prima Games |page=9}}</ref> These games also lacked the Compass, so Treasure Chests could not be found by using one; Link instead had to pay [[Gossip Stone]]s to reveal the treasures on each floor of Dungeon for the cost of twenty [[Rupees]].<ref>{{Cite|The number of treasure chests left here...is... [var]! It'll cost you 20 Rupees to see where treasure lies.|Gossip Stone|PH}}</ref> In ''Skyward Sword'', as there was no Compass in its Dungeons either, finding a Dungeon Map would reveal the location of all Treasure Chests and the Boss.