With Rumors About an Ocarina of Time Remake, What Things Should Be Changed?

Ocarina of Time remains one of the most popular titles in the Legend of Zelda franchise, with its fan base as strong as ever. The game was a massive hit at the time, with many players having bought the Nintendo 64 just to try it out. The latest rumor that the Ocarina of Time may be getting an official remake has fans thinking about what changes their beloved game will have. 

What We Know About the Ocarina of Time Remake Rumor

Rumors about Ocarina of Time being remastered or remade are as old as time itself. The game has been out for more than two decades, and still has a massively loyal fan following, whose wishful thinking wants the game to be released with a modern touch. Multiple PC ports of the game have also been made, offering gameplay cheats and graphical improvements. However, that isn’t the same as Nintendo releasing their N64’s crown jewel with modern improvements. 

NateTheHate is a known leaker in the gaming industry and was the one who broke the news of when Nintendo would announce the Switch 2. He alleges that Ocarina of Time is currently in development and will be announced in June 2026. Another rumor has been circulating since NateTheHate made his claims, suggesting that the game may have been in development since as early as 2022, but it still remains unverified by Nintendo.

Fans are overjoyed with the hope of being able to play the Ocarina of Time again. The leak suggests that the game will release near the holidays, and on the Switch 2. Some fans are wary and want Nintendo to be cautious, as the game has a massive fan following, and releasing something subpar would dishearten them substantially. 

What Should Change in the Ocarina of Time Remake?

There is a consistent debate in the gaming scene about whether Ocarina of Time is the greatest game ever made or the most overrated title. While this debate is almost impossible to settle, there is now a chance for both fans and critics to revisit the game and give their takes on what should be modified in a modern remake of the classic masterpiece, Ocarina of Time.

Ocarina of Time revolutionized 3D games at the time, but technology has come a long way since. Modern titles have many things that weren’t possible when Nintendo was making Ocarina of Time. A remake could keep the original’s feel but modernize things that can make the experience even more immersive. 

Combat

Ocarina of Time’s Z-targeting system may be the best thing since sliced bread, and it has influenced many games that came years after the Zelda title’s release. However, modern combat is significantly different from how Link fights. Instead of linear systems, modern games rely on timing, whether it be for blocking, attacking, or parrying. 

Even modern Zelda games have adapted to this, introducing more combat mechanics while still keeping a targeting system. Ocarina of Time should definitely keep the nostalgic Z-targeting, but add modern mechanics such as timing-based dodges, and more aware enemies.

A large open-world

There is no doubt that Ocarina of Time had some amazing locations, whether you frequented Zora’s Domain or visited Lon Lon Ranch. The game delivered the maximum possible at the time. Characters had backstories, the locations were diverse, with you questing in multiple areas. 

However, modern games feel more alive, with a plethora of side quests and an immersive environment. An Ocarina of Time remake would need to change these elements, especially its NPC interaction system. The world needs to react to Link more rather than being a background for the Hero of Time’s actions. 

Dungeon design

Ocarina of Time’s dungeons are classic, and who can forget about how easy it is to get lost in the Water Temple? However, the dungeons are too linear, with players not being given autonomy over the choices they make or having different options for solving puzzles. This worked in the original because of the time period, but it should change in a remake.

The dungeons can keep their look, albeit with some modernization, but should offer more flexibility in traveling within them or completing the puzzles. The enemies should also be unique in each dungeon, with them not being found outside while traveling in Hyrule, making them stand out. 

Graphics

Some fans of the original Ocarina of Time may find this to be controversial, but the remake should definitely change the visuals. It’s understandable if the main theme and feel are kept the same, but almost all the areas need to be modified to become modern and resonate with new players. 

Ganon’s Castle and Water Temple may be something you cherish in the original game, but if they aren’t revamped, the game feels outdated. Changing the lighting or minor details can still make a big difference, while maintaining the soul of the locations. 

Quality-of-Life Improvements

These may seem minor, but they can change a game completely, whether it’s streamlining the game’s inventory, making the map more efficient, or just cleaning the user interface. A remake should definitely rework these elements, making them more modern and convenient. 

An important quality-of-life improvement is fast travel. This was introduced in Majora’s Mask as warping to Owl Statues using the Song of Soaring. However, if Nintendo expands Hyrule in an Ocarina of Time remake, fast traveling would become a necessity.