Ocarina of Time remake datamine suggests Master Quest is on the way
The notoriously difficult Master Quest mode from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time might be making a comeback in the recent remake. Recent datamining efforts have uncovered strings in the game files that strongly suggest the inclusion of this remixed mode, potentially as a separate piece of downloadable content.
Dataminer MrCheeze shared a list of strings discovered within the remake's files on Bluesky, several of which link the tag "MQ" to specific locations, such as Dodongo's Cavern. Subsequent findings, also noted by TheGamer, highlighted additional entries including "HasMQ", "IsMQModeExist", "NewGameMQ", and "ReleaseMQ", further supporting the theory of a dedicated Master Quest implementation.
According to dataminer OatmealDome, this mode would likely be unlocked by owning DLC rather than being delivered through a free update. While noting that the data remains incomplete, OatmealDome confirmed that the mode features a mirrored world and modified dungeons—specifically mentioning the presence of cows in Jabu-Jabu's Belly.
Master Quest is a remixed version of the original game characterized by rearranged dungeons, tougher puzzles, and a mirrored world layout. It first appeared as a bonus disc for the GameCube and later in the 2011 3DS version, Ocarina of Time 3D, where it was unlocked after completing the main campaign. In that version, enemies also dealt double damage to the player.
As with all datamining discoveries, there is no guarantee that this content will be officially released. Nintendo has not announced any DLC for the remake, and it remains unclear whether Master Quest would be provided for free, as it was on the 3DS, or as a paid expansion. The Ocarina of Time remake launched on Switch 2 on November 5th.