Unlocking the Secrets of Mido Skip in Ocarina of Time
For many fans of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a particularly frustrating roadblock can appear early in the game: Mido’s stubborn refusal to let Link pass into Hyrule Castle Town. Normally, you’d have to complete a series of tasks to gain his trust. However, speedrunners and dedicated players have discovered a clever maneuver known as the “Mido Skip” that bypasses this requirement entirely. This guide will break down exactly how to perform this glitch, allowing you to progress through Kokiri Forest without Mido’s permission.
Understanding the Mido Skip
The Mido Skip isn't a magical item or a secret button combination. It's a glitch that exploits the game's collision detection and animation system. Essentially, you’re tricking the game into thinking you’ve already spoken to Mido by performing a very specific sequence of actions right as you enter his house.
Prerequisites: What You Need Before Attempting the Skip
Before you even think about trying the Mido Skip, ensure you have the following:
- You must be playing as young Link.
- You need to be at the point in the game where Mido initially blocks your path. This is after you’ve acquired the Kokiri Sword and are ready to head to Hyrule Castle.
- A basic understanding of Link’s movement and camera control is helpful.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Mido Skip
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps precisely:
Step 1: Approach Mido’s House
From the central area of Kokiri Forest, head towards Mido’s house. It’s the one with the distinct red roof and is typically located to your left as you face the path leading out of the village. Approach the entrance. You should see Mido standing there, ready to give you his usual speech about not being a "real" Kokiri.
Step 2: The Crucial Turn and Roll
This is the most critical part. As soon as you see Mido appear in the doorway and trigger his dialogue (or just before he finishes his initial lines), you need to perform a specific maneuver. You want to:
- Turn away from Mido: Immediately after the dialogue starts, use the analog stick to turn Link slightly away from Mido and the doorway. You don’t need to turn completely around, just enough to break the direct line of sight.
- Perform a Roll: While still holding the analog stick in that slightly away direction, press the “A” button to initiate a roll. The timing is everything here. You want to start the roll as Mido is in the middle of his dialogue.
Step 3: The "Soft Lock" and Entrance
If you’ve timed it correctly, Link will attempt to roll into Mido’s house. Due to the glitch, instead of being blocked by Mido, Link will enter the house as if he had spoken to him. You might notice a slight stutter or a brief pause in the game’s animation – this is often referred to as a “soft lock” or a brief moment where the game is processing the unexpected input.
Step 4: Confirmation
Once inside Mido’s house, you’ll see Mido himself. However, he will no longer be blocking you. He will be standing by his fireplace, and you can freely walk past him. You can even talk to him, and he will acknowledge you as if you’ve completed his requests, offering you access to Hyrule Castle Town.
Troubleshooting: What if it Doesn’t Work?
The Mido Skip can be a bit finicky. If you’re struggling, here are some common issues and solutions:
- Timing is off: This is the most frequent problem. Practice the roll timing. Try starting the roll a little earlier or a little later in Mido’s dialogue.
- Angle is incorrect: Make sure you’re turning away from Mido just enough, but not too much. Too much of a turn might make you miss the interaction window.
- Camera control: Ensure your camera isn’t stuck in an awkward position that prevents Link from initiating the roll correctly.
- Game version: While this glitch generally works across most versions of Ocarina of Time (N64, 3DS, Virtual Console), very specific emulator settings or rare game patches might behave differently.
Don't get discouraged! Many players take several attempts to nail the Mido Skip. Persistence is key.
Why is the Mido Skip Useful?
The Mido Skip is primarily used by speedrunners to save valuable time early in the game. By skipping the dialogue and the subsequent fetch quests required to gain Mido’s trust, players can move on to Hyrule Castle and progress the main story much faster. For casual players, it’s a fun little trick to show off or to simply bypass an early-game annoyance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mido Skip
How long does it take to learn the Mido Skip?
The time it takes to learn the Mido Skip varies greatly from player to player. Some people get it on their first or second try, while others might spend 10-15 minutes practicing. Consistent practice with the precise timing and movement is the fastest way to master it.
Why does Mido block Link in the first place?
Mido is the leader of the Kokiri children and is a bit of a gatekeeper. He believes that only those who have proven themselves by acquiring the Kokiri Sword should be allowed to leave Kokiri Forest and venture into the wider world of Hyrule. He’s initially skeptical of Link and wants to ensure he's ready for the dangers outside.
Can I still talk to Mido after performing the skip?
Yes! Once you successfully perform the Mido Skip and enter his house, Mido will acknowledge you as if you had spoken to him and completed the necessary tasks. You can interact with him, and he will give you permission to leave Kokiri Forest.
Is the Mido Skip a cheat or a glitch?
The Mido Skip is considered a glitch. It’s an unintended behavior of the game’s code that players have discovered and exploited. It’s not a cheat code that you input, but rather a sequence of actions that manipulates the game’s mechanics.
