Zelda II: The Adventure of Link Guide - Great Palace

Once you've placed all six crystals, acquired every spell, item and Container and raised all three levels to eight, you're ready to take on the Great Palace.

Before you head out, now is the time to pick up all those Link Dolls you located throughout the world. If you waited and can get them all now, you should have at least seven lives as you head for the final palace.

The palace is within the system of lava-like roads to the west of Three-Eye Rock and Old Kasuto. Cut through the cemetery and enter the gap at the south end. You'll have to pass through another scene where Lizalfos will throw rocks down from behind a fence. There are two ways to get rid of them if you want to. Thunder magic will destroy them instantly, but it costs four containers of Magic. You can also use Spell magic to turn them into Bots.

Not only will monster sprites appear on these lave roads, but there are three segments of treacherous lava leaps you must pass through. If you can time it to where you hit an enemy sprite at the same time that you hit the spot for one of these scenes, you'll pick up the easier battle scene and have a better time crossing through.

The strongest monsters you'll face at this point are the Blue Lizalfos, which throw clubs at you. You'll face them whenever you hit a large sprite, and in each of the two caves you must pass through. Since your levels are already maximized, it may be best to run and avoid combat when you can.

Once you make it through the treacherous lava paths and both caves, you'll reach the Great Palace. With all six crystals placed, the forcefield surrounding the palace will vanish and you can enter. The mazes and monsters in here will be tougher than ever, but there is one bright spot - should you run out of lives in this place and choose to continue, you will start at the Great Palace entrance instead of all the way back at North Castle.

Go left once you go down the elevator. You'll encounter the Firebird for the first time. It's difficult to get past the fire he throws and it will sometimes bounce toward you. Even the Bots here are stronger, but fight them anyway, as every sixth one should leave a jar.