The structure of the building is 3 floors of pathways north, west, south, and east. Making a point to checking all four paths before changing water levels is key, while only keeping TWO tasks in mind (one in the remake, but they will be covered when the time comes to see to their completion). Following this rule will result in an almost effortless clearing of the temple. Do keep in mind, for absolute completion's sake, of where you spot Gold Skulltulas, as there are a couple you will not be able to claim without the temple's special upgrade.
~~~
Entering the Water Temple, immediately head for the floor-level torched path to rendezvous with Ruto. Follow her up, drain the water, and enter the adjacent room for the dungeon map.
Backtracking to the temple center, check the three other paths for what you are able to complete, then head into the pillar room door.
Hookshot to the water level mechanism and raise the water. THIS is the only part that demands special attention: the platform you see that is raised with the water level uncovered a pathway leading to a chest (which 3D kindly makes apparent with a cutscene), and the bottom floor room where you met Ruto has a platform above with a destructible wall to a chest which can ONLY be accessed with this water level. Seeing as the latter only requires that some amount of water be occupying the temple lobby for the plugged age to be revealed, ing this one alone will save you a substantial amount of anguish.
Clear all four paths, saving the wooden door for last, as it leads to the max water level mechanism. Once the paths have been cleared as far as possible, head through the door to the final water mechanism and trigger it.
The usual drill applies with the paths; complete what can be done, saving our wooden door for last. Once the trials awaiting our hero beyond said door are completed, you will find yourself back in the lobby. Check your map for a path on the bottom floor you have yet to explore because of your previously inadequate hookshot. Head down to said path and follow it to the boss key chest.
~~~
Sigh. That should cover it. It has been a while since my last dance with this temple, but that is my general engrained strategy of tackling it, and I can usually have it completed 100% in about a half hour to 45 minutes tops. I hope it helps at least a few of you to master Ocarina of Time's most infamous dungeon.
Feel free to point out any mistakes or lack of clarity/information presented here.
The structure of the building is 3 floors of pathways north, west, south, and east. Making a point to checking all four paths before changing water levels is key, while only keeping TWO tasks in mind (one in the remake, but they will be covered when the time comes to see to their completion). Following this rule will result in an almost effortless clearing of the temple. Do keep in mind, for absolute completion's sake, of where you spot Gold Skulltulas, as there are a couple you will not be able to claim without the temple's special upgrade.
~~~
Entering the Water Temple, immediately head for the floor-level torched path to rendezvous with Ruto. Follow her up, drain the water, and enter the adjacent room for the dungeon map.
Backtracking to the temple center, check the three other paths for what you are able to complete, then head into the pillar room door.
Hookshot to the water level mechanism and raise the water. THIS is the only part that demands special attention: the platform you see that is raised with the water level uncovered a pathway leading to a chest (which 3D kindly makes apparent with a cutscene), and the bottom floor room where you met Ruto has a platform above with a destructible wall to a chest which can ONLY be accessed with this water level. Seeing as the latter only requires that some amount of water be occupying the temple lobby for the plugged age to be revealed, ing this one alone will save you a substantial amount of anguish.
Clear all four paths, saving the wooden door for last, as it leads to the max water level mechanism. Once the paths have been cleared as far as possible, head through the door to the final water mechanism and trigger it.
The usual drill applies with the paths; complete what can be done, saving our wooden door for last. Once the trials awaiting our hero beyond said door are completed, you will find yourself back in the lobby. Check your map for a path on the bottom floor you have yet to explore because of your previously inadequate hookshot. Head down to said path and follow it to the boss key chest.
~~~
Sigh. That should cover it. It has been a while since my last dance with this temple, but that is my general engrained strategy of tackling it, and I can usually have it completed 100% in about a half hour to 45 minutes tops. I hope it helps at least a few of you to master Ocarina of Time's most infamous dungeon.
Feel free to point out any mistakes or lack of clarity/information presented here.