I don’t think it’s intended to be played without that tip. It is technically possible to miss, but you’re very likely to learn about that before the game even tells you how to save…
(Mind you, I’ve only played the N64 version. They might have changed things in a re-release.)
Majora's Mask (how that tip is usually learned)
The game offers to tell you about that any time you talk to the scarecrow, which people usually do on the way to the observatory for the first time.
The trickier bit is that they tell you about it before you’re capable of using songs, so you have to remember that you can actually use it once it’s possible to do.
Majora’s Mask! Intimidated by the time limit, but also excited to figure everything out
I believe the game is intended to be played without it, but there is a little secret that can give you more time.
I don't remember if the game ever actually tells you this, but maybe you pick it up somewhere
Play the Song of Time backwards to make time move at half speed
I don’t think it’s intended to be played without that tip. It is technically possible to miss, but you’re very likely to learn about that before the game even tells you how to save…
(Mind you, I’ve only played the N64 version. They might have changed things in a re-release.)
Majora's Mask (how that tip is usually learned)
The game offers to tell you about that any time you talk to the scarecrow, which people usually do on the way to the observatory for the first time.
The trickier bit is that they tell you about it before you’re capable of using songs, so you have to remember that you can actually use it once it’s possible to do.
Thank you for the spoiler mark, I’ll come back and check it if I’m struggling. I’m still at the beginning right now.