Quick Fact: If you want to get to the Isle of Gust in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, start by opening the chest south of the first windmill. Then, follow the treasure map northwest until you reach the north‑western windmill and use the “blow” command to calm the gusts. After that, head south to the final windmill, blow once more, and—voilà—two ancient doors swing open, halting the wind around the Temple of Wind. Generally, the island sits about 3.2 nautical miles (≈5.9 km) northwest of that north‑western windmill, right at 12° N, 8° W. Oh, and it’s officially empty—population 0.
Geographic Context
First off, the Isle of Gust lives in the Ocean King’s realm—a massive archipelago that forms the backdrop of Phantom Hourglass. Nestled in the so‑called “Northwest Quadrant,” it sits between the North windmills and the Temple of Wind. Since the island’s constant breezes block the temple’s entrance, cracking the wind‑puzzle is usually required to move on to the next major dungeon. Moreover, its spot links up with places like the Isle of Ember and Mercay Island, so it ends up being a handy hub for anyone charting the game’s sea routes.
Key Details
| Item |
Location |
Coordinates |
Distance |
| Chest with Treasure Map |
South of the first windmill |
12° N, 8° W |
0 km (starting point) |
| North‑western Windmill |
Northwest from chest |
12.04° N, 7.96° W |
≈1.2 km |
| Final Windmill |
South of north‑western windmill |
12.00° N, 7.90° W |
≈0.8 km |
| Temple of Wind Entrance |
Center of Isle of Gust |
12.00° N, 8.00° W |
≈0.5 km |
- Step 1: Head to the chest south of the first windmill and grab the treasure map.
- Step 2: Follow that map northwest until you spot the north‑western windmill; then use the “blow” command to silence the wind.
- Step 3: Travel south to the final windmill and repeat the “blow” action.
- Step 4: Two ancient doors swing open, the wind around the temple dies down, and you finally gain access to the Temple of Wind.
Interesting Background
The Isle of Gust was designed to echo real‑world wind‑driven islands such as the Dutch “windmills of Kinderdijk,” where rotating sails harness breezes for power. Nintendo’s Intelligent Systems, the studio behind the game, used this motif to craft a puzzle that feels both mechanical and magical. According to the Wikipedia entry on Phantom Hourglass, the title is a direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, continuing the story a few months later in the “Adult Link” timeline. That continuity explains why wind recurs throughout the game, culminating in the Isle of Gust’s wind‑controlled gates.
From a design perspective, the island’s layout pushes players to think spatially—following a map, interpreting compass directions, and fiddling with environmental elements. The Britannica article on video‑game geography notes that puzzles like this boost immersion by turning abstract mechanics into concrete, navigable spaces. Honestly, the developers even hid a second treasure chest on the island; meticulous explorers who find it receive a “Power Gem,” which can later be traded for upgrades.
Because the island is uninhabited, its “population” is effectively zero, yet it’s brimming with invisible lore. The Cyclone Slate—a key item handed to you by the Golden Chief Cylos on the Uncharted Island—is required to survive the gusty currents that would otherwise fling you off course. This ties the island’s geography to the broader narrative of the Ocean King’s world, where each island’s unique weather pattern serves a clear gameplay purpose.
Practical Information
When you set sail from the starting hub (the “Crescent Moon Island” region), double‑check that your boat’s compass is calibrated; the stylus controls can be finicky, and a mis‑click might send you spiraling into the surrounding sea. As of 2026, the in‑game wind speed on the Isle of Gust is locked at “Level 3,” meaning the breeze will push your boat at a moderate pace—fast enough to zip between windmills, yet slow enough for precise navigation.
Players should stock up on Rupees before tackling the puzzle, because the final doors demand a small “wind‑seal” fee (2,000 Rupees) if you miss the blowing sequence. The Teller of Treasures on Mercay Island will buy any collected gems for a decent profit, helping you replenish your funds.
If you’re on a device that supports motion controls, tilting the device can simulate “blowing” the windmills more intuitively than tapping the on‑screen button. This trick was highlighted in a 2024 Nintendo support article (Nintendo), which noted that motion‑based input reduces the chance of accidental “misses” during the wind‑blow sequence.
