Secret Seashells

Secret Seashells are optional quest items in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. Link can perform a side quest to find them; they are hidden all over Koholint Island. In order to find them, Link must frequently dig with the shovel, cut down flowers or bushes, lift up a boulder, or open the Treasure Chest in a hidden room. Some of the shells, however, require more complex actions in order to locate them.

There are twenty-six shells in all. If Link manages to acquire at least twenty, he can travel to the Seashell Mansion and his sword, which is identified as being of "L1" strength, will be replaced with one which is "L2." This is stronger and more powerful than the sword with which he starts the game.

It is possible to collect all twenty-six shells, though only twenty are needed to improve the sword. If Link has more than twenty shells in his possession when he goes to the Seashell Mansion, the extra shells will be changed into Rupees.