FAQ

What is Zelda Randomizer?

Zelda Randomizer is an attempt to refresh the Legend of Zelda (from the NES), by enabling players to be able to explore the game as if playing for the first time. It patches a Zelda ROM to create a new ROM. By shuffling various things in the game, it creates a brand new game that requires some of the exploration that experienced players no longer need.

How can I play this?

The output of the Randomizer is a patched ROM which normally is played on emulator. Testers have been able to run this on an FCEU emulator on XBox, and a flash card can be used to play a randomized ROM on original hardware.

Does the Randomizer change the game every time I play it?

No. Each ROM produced by the Randomizer produces a single game, which is guaranteed to be the same each time you play. To create a new file, you need to patch the ROM with a new seed.

Is every seed beatable?

In the process of shuffling the game, Zelda Randomizer puts the game through a number of algorithms and simulations, designed to confirm that all items and dungeon caves can be reached. There may be a very small subset of games that cannot be beaten, but so far we believe that all games generated by the Randomizer will be beatable. See Guarantees for more information.

How do I get this program?

To download, please visit the Download and Installation page.

What can be randomized using the Randomizer?

Check out the Features link for more information on the options you can select.

Do I have to use all of the options available?

No! Depending on your preferences, you can select the check boxes that you want to get a unique experience for yourself. Pre-configured buttons are made available as suggestions (for example, Total Chaos and Anarchy), but you can always check/uncheck boxes as needed.

Is it possible to race this?

Yes! In order to have a race, each participant should have a copy of the same version of Zelda Randomizer. By selecting the same seed and same options, each participant will generate the same ROM, allowing them to then run a race through SpeedRunsLive, or through any other method the racers would like to start their race.

What items are required to finish a Randomized game?

Technically, there may be no required items to beat a randomized game, depending on the selected options. As seen on the Guarantees page, you are guaranteed to be able to obtain the Ladder, Recorder, Bow, Power Bracelet, and Raft prior to level 9 (the items required normally to be able to clear all 8 levels and explore all areas of the overworld). You may also need the silver arrows to beat Gannon.

Note that if you select "Unlock Level 9" and "Allow Important Items in 9", this guarantee may not be true.

Swordless? How do you play without a sword?

It is possible to complete almost the entire game of Zelda, failing only to kill Gannon when playing swordless. To do so, you use a combination of bombs, candles, bow/arrows, and the wand to kill most enemies. It is certainly not easy to do, but some players are able to do so. In this mode, a wooden sword is placed in level 9, so that you can kill Gannon if you get to him. Note that this version is NOT easy, and thus feel a great amount of pride if you manage to beat the game this way!

Any tips for playing Randomizer?

First of all, you will need to take notes. If you forget notes, you'll often wander around asking "Where was Level X again?". So grab a post-it, piece of paper, or laminated map, and don't be afraid to take notes.

Secondly, when playing Zelda, pressing Up+A on the second controller while the game is on the Item Select screen allows you to Continue/Save/Retry. Although I have tried, there will be times where you enter a room you can't beat, and a shutter locked behind you. In that case, go to the item select screen by pressing Start, and then hit up+A and choose Continue to restart the level. Thus, as a tip, you should map Up and A on 2nd controller to keys / controller buttons prior to starting.

Third, there are some pro tips at redcandle.us. You shouldn't need tricks like screen scrolling to beat the game, but they can definitely be used.