Locating Richard the Dog in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake
A guide to finding the missing white dog and earning a Piece of Heart reward.
1Quest Trigger Requirements
To initiate the Richard side quest, players must first complete the Princess of Hyrule Castle campaign segment. Following this, you must deliver Zelda's letter to the guard located in Kakariko Village. These specific narrative milestones trigger the disappearance of Richard, allowing the search quest to become active within Hyrule Castle Town.
2Time Constraints
The search for Richard is strictly limited to nighttime hours within the game world. Players struggling to find the correct time should utilize the Sun's Song to transition from day to night instantly. This mechanic is essential, as the dog only appears and wanders the town streets during these dark hours.
3Identifying the Target
Richard is a white dog, which helps narrow down the search among other animals. When interacting with him, he will uniquely twirl and emit a high-pitched bark. In contrast, other dogs in the area produce a deeper bark and stand on their hind legs, making Richard distinct during your active search.
4Location Discrepancies
Polygon reports finding Richard on the street to the left of the map, while VGC specifies he wanders the alley left of the Shooting Gallery. These variations suggest the dog's exact spawn point may fluctuate. Players should prioritize checking white dogs in these specific western areas to ensure a successful encounter.
5Remake Layout Changes
The remake features a more complex town layout compared to the original N64 version, which used isometric 2D textures. Because the environment is no longer static, Richard has more hiding spots. Players must navigate the updated 3D space carefully, as the classic location behind the Bazaar stall is no longer accurate.
6Retrieval Mechanics
Once you identify Richard, you must interact with him to initiate the follow command. After he begins trailing your character, you must guide him back to his original owner near the city entrance. Ensure you do not lose him during the walk, as he must be physically present to trigger the reward.
7The Heart Reward
Successfully returning Richard to his owner grants the player a Piece of Heart. These items are highly valuable, as collecting four pieces grants a full Heart Container, which permanently increases your maximum health. Since each piece is unique, completing this side quest is a vital step for players aiming for maximum survivability.
8Quest Completion Strategy
While trial and error is possible, the most efficient method involves filtering by color and observing behavioral cues. By focusing exclusively on white dogs at night and testing their reactions, players can minimize time spent searching. This structured approach ensures you secure the Heart Piece without unnecessary wandering through the town.
Original article: Polygon — Locating Richard the Dog in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Remake