Spiked Floors

From Zelda Wiki.org

Spiked Floors are a common obstacle in Zelda games. They are more prevalent in the 2D games. The spikes typically hurt Link by a few hearts. There are two types of spiked floors. The first type is static and is always up. The second type rises up and down in a regular pattern. The static Spiked Floors are the more common type.

In select few cases Spiked Floors can be used to Link's advantage. In the image to the right, the Dodongo is thrown onto the spiked floors. Just about any other enemy is not affected by them. Many other floor-based obstacles and enemies perform a similar function as Spiked Floors. Among those are Bombarossa, Goponga Flower, Sea Urchin, and the Tile Worm. All of these can be seen beforehand, but must be circumvented.

In A Link to the Past, there is a way to avoid Spiked Floors. By using the Magic Cape, Link could walk right over Spiked Floors with no harm done. This actually necessary (or at least highly recommended) to obtain the Cane of Byrna. It also make progressing through the later dungeons far easier.

In Ocarina of Time Spiked Floors are far less common. Many on them are in the Water Temple and typically block passage until the water level rises. Spiked Floors are nearly non-existent in the other 3D games, and play a very small role.