Players exploit loading zone reset to farm infinite Gold Skulltulas in Ocarina of Time remake

Key points

• Reddit users discovered that Gold Skulltulas can be farmed infinitely by resetting loading zones, a method similar to a glitch in the original N64 game.
• The exploit requires swapping between child and adult Link or warping to different areas to force the game to reload the grotto outside Hyrule Castle.
• The game’s new Echo Gem item and free Zelda Notes app help players locate the 100 Gold Skulltulas without needing to exploit the game.
• The remake has sold over 5.2 million copies in its first four days, making it the fastest-selling Nintendo-published title on the Switch 2.
• Nintendo has a history of leaving in certain bugs from previous games if they are considered fun or harmless, which may explain why this glitch persists.

Background

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake launched on November 5, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch 2, selling over 5.2 million copies in its first four days. The game features a complete visual and audio overhaul of the 1998 classic, including orchestral music and voice acting. It is part of the Legend of Zelda 40th Anniversary celebration, which also includes a live-action film set for 2027. The remake has revitalized the Switch 2 platform, which had faced hardware shortages and sales declines earlier in the year.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku highlights the infinite Gold Skulltula exploit, noting that it mirrors a famous glitch from the original game and may have been left in intentionally by Nintendo, as developers have previously kept bugs they found fun. The Verge focuses on the new Zelda Notes app, which helps players locate Gold Skulltulas and other collectibles without needing to exploit the game. Polygon provides a detailed guide to all 100 Gold Skulltula locations, emphasizing the difficulty of finding them without the app or the Echo Gem. KeenGamer explains how to get the Echo Gem, which helps players detect nearby Gold Skulltulas, and notes that the remake’s rewards differ from the original, such as the 100-token reward now giving 200 Rupees per visit instead of a Huge Rupee.

Why it matters

The discovery of the infinite Gold Skulltula exploit shows that players are still finding ways to bypass the game’s intended mechanics, even with new tools like the Zelda Notes app and Echo Gem. This highlights the ongoing challenge for developers to balance accessibility with challenge, as well as the community’s tendency to uncover and share exploits. The remake’s massive sales and the continued interest in its mechanics suggest that it will remain a focal point for players and developers alike in the coming months.

What to watch

Nintendo may address the infinite Gold Skulltula exploit in a future update, though it is unlikely to be a priority given its harmless nature. The company may also update the Zelda Notes app or the Echo Gem to further assist players in collecting the 100 tokens. The remake’s success may lead to further updates or expansions, and the 40th Anniversary celebration may include additional content or events related to the game.