The Cucco Ranch minigame, also known as Cucco Dash, in “The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds,” presents a fun yet challenging avoidance gameplay experience. Set in a fenced pen, the objective is to evade the oncoming cuccos—both flying and running—without making contact for a designated time period. Here’s a detailed overview of the game’s mechanics, including the various levels of difficulty and their respective rewards.

Gameplay Overview

In Cucco Dash, players must navigate through the chaos of cuccos for a set duration, which varies depending on the difficulty selected. The game is structured into four distinct difficulty levels, each introducing an increased challenge and offering different rewards.

Difficulty Levels and Payouts

The minigame features four levels of difficulty, each with its own entry cost and rewards:

1. Egg
– Cost: 20 rupees
– Goal: Survive for 30 seconds
– Reward: 40 rupees (doubling your bet)

2. Chick
– Cost: 30 rupees
– Goal: Survive for 30 seconds
– Reward: 60 rupees (doubling your bet)

3. Rooster
– Cost: 50 rupees
– Goal: Survive for 30 seconds
– Reward: 150 rupees (3x your bet)
– Additional Reward: Piece of Heart (awarded on the first successful attempt)

4. Endless Mode
– Cost: 10 rupees
– Goal: Survive for as long as possible
– Rewards: Progressive rupee bonuses at key survival milestones (100, 300, 500, and 800 seconds).
– Bonus: Surviving for 999 seconds grants an additional 3,000 rupees and unlocks a Large Cucco that can fully restore your hearts when interacted with.

Game Location

The Cucco Ranch minigame can be found just south of Kakariko Village, making it easily accessible for players exploring the area.

Gameplay Challenges

The challenge is amplified particularly at higher difficulty levels and in Endless mode. The unpredictable nature of cuccos’ movements—attacking and flying from various angles—demands sharp reflexes and strategic dodging skills from players. As a result, many players find the game to be quite demanding, especially once they progress to the more challenging Rooster and Endless modes.

Summary Table

A summary of the minigame’s structure is outlined below:

| Difficulty | Cost (rupees) | Reward | Additional Reward |
|————–|—————|————————————-|————————-|
| Egg | 20 | 40 rupees | None |
| Chick | 30 | 60 rupees | None |
| Rooster | 50 | 150 rupees | Piece of Heart (1st win)|
| Endless | 10 | Progressive rupees (100/300/500/800) | Large Cucco & 3,000 rupees (999 sec survival) |

In conclusion, the Cucco Ranch minigame serves as a delightful yet challenging distraction for players, integrating elements of strategy, skill, and reward in the beloved setting of “A Link Between Worlds.”