Entering Hyrule in the Ocarina of Time remake comes with several unexpected challenges. Players are already discovering which enemies deserve extra attention and which items prove particularly useful. Thanks to Zelda Notes, newcomers now have a better idea of what awaits them.
The feature, available through the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, has revealed its first global play data. These statistics cover roughly the first week following the remake’s November 5, 2026 launch on Nintendo Switch 2.
The biggest dangers in the Ocarina of Time remake
Boss encounters are not the only moments when players should stay alert. According to data shared by Nintendo Life on November 15, ordinary enemies and environmental hazards deserve attention too.
Interestingly, ReDead and Gibdos lead the Game Over rankings, with 18% of players falling victim to these enemies. Meanwhile, traps represent the most common source of damage.
For newcomers, these figures offer a practical warning. Paying attention to your surroundings could be just as important as preparing for enemy encounters. Consequently, rushing through unfamiliar areas might not always be the best approach.
What global statistics reveal about playing habits
Beyond combat difficulties, Zelda Notes provides an interesting look at the equipment players use throughout their adventures. Exploration tools also feature prominently among the early results.
Here are the leading entries published so far:
- Most common Game Over cause: ReDead and Gibdos (18%).
- Main source of damage: Traps.
- Most defeated enemy: Skulltula.
- Most used consumable: Deku Seeds.
- Most used special item: Hookshot.
- Most used magic: Lens of Truth.
- Average completion time: Over 20 hours.
The popularity of the Hookshot and Lens of Truth highlights the importance of equipment beyond traditional weapons. However, usage figures do not necessarily show which items are the most effective.
Similarly, completion times provide a useful reference rather than a target. Some players may prefer exploring Hyrule thoroughly. Others might experiment with the glitches and speedrunning shortcuts already discovered in the remake.
How Zelda Notes expands the Ocarina of Time remake
Global statistics represent just one aspect of Nintendo’s companion app. Its features for this remake were introduced during the Zelda 40th Anniversary Direct.
As detailed by Zelda Universe on September 10, Zelda Notes includes a daily record of each player’s adventure. It tracks defeated enemies, Game Overs and distance traveled while also collecting automatic screenshots.
Furthermore, fans can test their knowledge through a quiz featuring more than 2,000 questions about the game. Separate quests challenge players to find in-game spots shown in images on their phones. Completing them earns points that help unlock song scores.
There is also an option to play the ocarina directly through the app. Songs can then be shared through QR codes.
The app also includes map, personal play data and global play data sections.
Why the first week cannot tell the whole story
The remake sold more than 5.2 million copies in four days on Nintendo Switch 2. Even so, its global play statistics remain provisional. They will change as more players progress through the adventure.
Additionally, no second or third places have been published. Therefore, it is impossible to tell how closely other enemies or items trail the current leaders.
For now, Zelda Notes offers an early snapshot of how people approach the Ocarina of Time remake. Comparing these initial figures with future results could reveal how playing habits evolve over time.
Creator of the website, Pokemon trainer by nature. Trying to report on everything related to the world of video games, series and movies. Yu-Gi-Oh is my weakness, collecting cards since the dawn of time.
