Do You Sometimes Always Or Never Use Walkthroughs

[Kenology]

I never use walkthroughs. I will never rob myself of that incredibly rewarding feeling of figuring something out on my own.

I remember being stuck in the Forest Temple's basement in Ocarina of Time back and 1998 for three days. I also remember not being able to find that 4th carpenter in the Gerudo Fortress. When I finally figured out what to do/where to go, the endorphins flowed... I love that feeling!

Now, I will use guides after I've beaten the game, but I find myself not even doing that anymore. Now, I play through a game again and discover more than I did the first time through. It's fun that way.

I like what Miyamoto suggested back in 1998 too, when OoT released - he said not to use a guide, but instead, trade hints with friends. That works a lot better I think. Instead of having a guide spell it out for you, have a friend who has played through it give you a small, cryptic hint. That helps a lot and you still get the satisfaction of solving the puzzle or making your way through on your own.