Unearthing Hyrule’s Hidden Gems: A Shrine Seeker’s Guide to BOTW and TOTK
You have decided to embark on a grand Hyrule adventure. Smart choice. But let’s be honest, galloping across vast landscapes and battling foes is only part of the fun. The real meat of Zelda? Those brain-teasing, spirit-orb-yielding shrines.
Whether you’re a seasoned hero returning or a fresh-faced adventurer, understanding shrines is key. Think of them as mini-dungeons. They are bite-sized puzzles packed with ancient Sheikah technology. They promise upgrades too.
Let’s dive into the shrine situation in Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). Knowing your shrines means knowing Hyrule.
Shrine Shenanigans in Breath of the Wild (BOTW)
BOTW redefined open-world adventures. It spoiled us with 120 shrines across its map. If you thought that was enough, think again. Nintendo added 17 shrines with the DLC. That totals 137 chances to test your wits and collect spirit orbs. It’s Hyrulean brain boot camp.
The Mystery of the Hidden Shrines
Not all shrines in BOTW wait for discovery. Forty-two shrines are cleverly hidden, needing Shrine Quests to access. These quests often take the form of riddles or environmental puzzles. They require detective work and a dash of Hylian ingenuity. It’s like a scavenger hunt, but instead of an egg, you get a portal to a divine challenge.
Shrine Spotting 101: Green Means Go (or Not Yet)
Navigating Hyrule’s vastness can be daunting. Luckily, the Sheikah Slate provides visual cues. Shrines are marked on your map. Green icons mean you’ve found shrines but haven’t conquered them yet. These are open invitations to prove your puzzle-solving skills. Clear a shrine, and the icon changes, marking your victory and spirit orb acquisition.
The Ultimate Shrine Goal: Forgotten Temple and Beyond
For completionists, a special reward awaits when you conquer all 120 base game shrines. Head to the Forgotten Temple in the Hebra Tower region, far west of the Great Hyrule Forest. This temple isn’t just any temple; it’s home to the Rona Kachta Shrine. Completing it leads to a secret side quest unlocked after showing your shrine-clearing skills.
Beware the Cursed Shrine!
Speaking of quests, “The Cursed Statue” Shrine Quest is one not to miss. Located in the Hateno region, it leads to a hidden shrine. Solve the mystery of the cursed statue, and you’ll reveal the Kam Urog Shrine. Just don’t get spooked by eerie statues; they are part of Hyrulean charm.
Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) Shrine Extravaganza
If you thought 137 shrines were enough, TOTK offers 152 shrines! That’s right; Hyrule overflows with ancient test chambers now.
Surface, Sky, and… Depths? Shrines in TOTK
In TOTK, shrines are spread across Hyrule’s expanded world of surface and skies. There are 120 surface shrines for BOTW veterans. Explorers can find 32 Sky Shrines floating among clouds. It’s a new dimension of shrine hunting.
Lightroots: Your Underground Shrine Compass
But wait, there’s more! TOTK introduces the Depths, an underworld beneath Hyrule. Down here, Lightroots shine! There are 120 Lightroots, each marking a surface shrine above. Finding a Lightroot lights up dark depths and points you to a shrine you missed on the surface.
Specific Shrine Spotlights: Kurakat, Chichim, and Bamitok
Let’s zoom in on notable shrines in TOTK:
- Kurakat Shrine: Located in Lanayru Great Spring region, northeast of Quatta’s Shelf. Initially hidden, it requires solving the “Dyeing to Find It” Shrine Quest involving a stone shadow puzzle.
- Chichim Shrine: Venture into Gerudo Desert, southwest of Gerudo Canyon Skyview Tower. Deep within Ancient Prison Ruins lies Chichim Shrine. You’ll need Ultrahand skills to open the gate with a handle inside.
- Bamitok Shrine: While exploring Lurelin Village, check for Bamitok Shrine. The cave entrance is east of Lurelin Village, southeast of Mount Dunsel, and north of Gama Cove. Bring torches for cave exploration!
The Ultimate Shrine Reward: Ancient Hero’s Aspect
Just like BOTW, TOTK rewards shrine conquerors. Complete all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom and unlock the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. This armor set covers head, body, and legs. It symbolizes your shrine mastery and likely looks cool too.
Essential Gear and Stats for Shrine Domination
Shrines test your puzzle skills but preparation helps. Here are some mechanics to consider:
- Hearts: Not directly shrine-related, but hearts help you survive in Hyrule. Using the Master Sword requires 13 hearts.
- Stamina: Again not shrine-specific but crucial for exploration and battles. Pulling the Master Sword from a dragon’s head requires two full stamina wheels.
- Korok Seeds: Korok Seeds may seem unrelated to shrines but help with inventory space. There are 900 hidden in Hyrule; collecting them upgrades Link’s inventory pouches for more options against shrine challenges.
This is your guide to shrine seeking in BOTW and TOTK. Go explore Hyrule, sharpen your wits, and become a shrine master. If you get stuck, consult a guide or stare at the puzzle until inspiration hits. Happy shrine hunting!
