Surviving Your First Hour in ‘Cadence of Hyrule’

With so many fantastic indie games readily available on the Nintendo Switch, it might seem like quite the statement to say that Cadence of Hyrule is already one of the top ten indie games on the console. However, the addictive simplicity of the gameplay and the nostalgic Legend of Zelda theme has created a winning formula that keeps you hooked.

For those familiar with Crypt of the NecroDancer, it might come as no surprise to find out that Cadence of Hyrule is rather difficult at the beginning. Fortunately, I have a few tips to help get you started in this wonderful game.

Use Headphones

Finding the beat is incredibly important. Missing a beat is the equivalent of missing a turn, and at the beginning, you’re susceptible to many different enemies. With a pair of headphones, you’ll be able to hear the beat much clearer, allowing you to find your rhythm before a Lynel tracks you down.

Each enemy has its own rhythm and beat, often in an array of different movements that need to be learned before engaging. Dancing with flat feet and a deaf ear will get you hurt, Cadence of Hyrule is no different.

Explore the Map First

The map is randomly generated so each new game you start is a unique experience. Unfortunately, that means it’s possible to start adjacent to a room with a Stone Talus pacing around. Moving from room to room without engaging any of the enemies will allow you to explore the map first and find the best starting point to start shaking at.

The map conveys a lot of information, showing which rooms that you’ve visited have heart pieces and where all the dungeons and treasure chests are. This allows you to be selective and go about your dancing methodically. As a loose rule, grasslands often have the easiest enemies, followed by forests, mountains, and then deserts. It’s also advisable to find Kakariko Village and other ‘safe havens’ which often have a heart piece and other valuable items.

Find the Lute

Finding Sheikah slates is essential while exploring in Cadence of Hyrule. They act as warp points to allow you to travel across the map much quicker. While this is incredibly useful, without the lute they’re a little more pedestrian. The lute will allow you to warp to one of these Sheikah slates no matter where you are on the map; highly valuable.

You can find the lute in a cave at Lake Hyrule. I can’t tell you where Lake Hyrule is as each game is different, but when you see some menacing looking Zora then you’re in the right place, just keep moving and exploring until you’re plucking them strings.

Collect Diamonds

Diamonds are an essential currency in Cadence of Hyrule and you keep them even after you perish. They can be exchanged for some of the best items in the game, including heart pieces. You will find diamonds in various places, especially dungeons, but also after defeating all the enemies in one room.

To begin finding diamonds, I recommend starting in coastal or grassland areas as they offer the easiest enemies, typically Lizalfos. This also allows you to farm them, which by the end game, you’ll have more than you’ll ever need.

Try to Find a Flail and Bow

The flail is the best weapon in the game, in my opinion. It can attack enemies in diagonal squares which allows you to begin wiping out enemies at an alarming rate. Broadswords are also good for a similar reason but I find they’re much rarer.

The bow is also essential for certain enemies, particularly Deku Shrubs. Being able to attack at a distance eliminates much of the need for prancing around, which helps to clear a room much sooner. Arrows aren’t too rare either, often found smashing pots or slicing the long grass. You’re probably now equipped to hit a dungeon which will offer more valuable rewards.

Don’t Attack the Cuccos

I made that mistake once and instantly regretted. Upset a Cucco enough and you’ll get a barrage of attacks from multiple Cuccos that seem to ignore all beat and rhythm that you’ve finally become accustomed to. The only way to stop the attack is to leave the room, that’s if you make it out upon the unrelenting swarms of chickens. Probably best to leave the Cuccos to their own groove.

With all that said, getting through the first hour will be the hardest part of the game. Once you’ve found enough hearts and wielded better weapons, the difficulty tapers off and you stop dancing like your drunk uncle. Cadence of Hyrule is a fantastic game so don’t be put off by the initial high difficulty, you soon find your rhythm!