How to Use the Raft in the Legend of Zelda

Using Rafts in the 2-D Game Versions

Find a raft. Rafts are not available in all Zelda games. For versions in 2-D environment, it is only available on the following places: The Legend of Zelda (first version) – A raft can be obtained when you play through “Manji,” the third level dungeon. Link’s Awakening – Your main character (Link) can ride a raft at the Rapids Ride found in the eastern side of Koholint island. Oracle of Season – The raft is an item that you will acquire during the “Item Trading” quest where in you need to trade various items with different non-playable characters. When you give the “Cheval Rope” to a man named Rafton on the eastern side of the island of Labrynna, he will give you a raft.

Find a dock. Rafts can’t be used just anywhere; you need to find docks that provide entry to bodies of water. The Legend of Zelda (first version) and Oracle of Season – Docks are found all over the map. Approach bodies of water and see if there are any wooden platforms that extend out into the water. In the Legend of Zelda, you can find docks inside the Manji Dungeon, while docks are found all over the southern area of Labrynna in Oracle of Season. Link’s Awakening – The only dock you can find is in the Rapids Ride shop. Once you pay the cashier 100 Rupees, it will then lead you to the back of the shop where you’ll find both the raft and the dock.

Get on the raft. Once you find the dock, approach it and open your item menu by pressing the Start button. Select the raft from the list of items you have and it will be placed on the water. This applies to both the Legend of Zelda and Oracle of Season. In Link’s Awakening, the raft is already placed in the water. All you need to do is to move on and ride the raft.

Head to your destination. Once you get onboard the raft, press the A button on your controller to move forward, and use the directional arrow keys to move towards the direction you want to go. This applies to both the Legend of Zelda and Oracle of Season. In Link’s Awakening, all you can do is to control the raft using the directional arrow key. The raft is already moving on its own because of the river’s strong current.

Get off the raft. Once you find another dock or get to the end of the Rapids Ride, all you need to do is to hop off the raft by moving towards the land and you’re done.

Using Rafts in Wind Waker

Find a raft. Wind Waker is the only 3-D Zelda version where you’ll be able to ride a raft. Rafts are found almost everywhere in the game. To get one, simply head to the edge of any island you’re in and you’ll see one floating near the shore.

Ride the raft. Simply jump on the raft to get on board. Note that though some rafts are unmanned, some are guarded by Bokoblins or pirate monsters. Kill these enemies first with your sword before boarding the rafts.

Set sail. Once you’re on the raft, press the “A” button on your game controller to set sail and start moving. Use the directional arrow keys or joystick to move towards the direction you’re going.

Get off the raft. Once you get to your destination, jump off or simply walk onto land to safely exit the raft.