The adventure in Tears of the Kingdom begins with Link awakening in the mysterious Room of Awakening, his familiar arm now replaced by a new, intriguing one, and the legendary Master Sword appearing worn and damaged. Following a straightforward path, the initial moments involve navigating through linear corridors by slashing through obstructing vines. An examination of a glowing green circle reveals a warp portal, simultaneously causing the door ahead to open, signifying the start of a new journey. Progressing further requires Link to dive down through a series of three rooms. Within this initial area, a treasure chest holds the Archaic Legwear, providing Link with his first piece of armor and a hint at the progression system where even basic protection is found early in the adventure. Finally, diving down to the surface of the Great Sky Island triggers the game’s opening cinematic, fully immersing the player in the new setting. This initial sequence serves as a guided introduction to the game’s basic mechanics and narrative setup.
Upon reaching the Great Sky Island, the main quest, “The Closed Door,” commences. The first challenge involves a combat encounter with a Soldier Construct I, where a simple Tree Branch serves as the initial weapon. Shortly after this, Link encounters a Steward Construct, who provides the Purah Pad. This device appears to be a crucial early game item, suggesting its importance for navigation and accessing various game features as the adventure unfolds. The initial combat encounter serves as a gentle introduction to the types of enemies that inhabit the Great Sky Island.
The Journey to the Temple of Time
The next objective is to ascend to the imposing Temple of Time. Upon reaching its entrance and examining the door, the game triggers a cutscene that introduces the character Rauru. Rauru reveals that the temple door cannot be opened in its current state and sets a new task for Link: to acquire essential abilities from several shrines located across the Great Sky Island. Therefore, the Temple of Time acts as a central point for the initial tutorial phase of the game, and the inability to immediately enter highlights the significance of obtaining the new powers. Early in the exploration of the Great Sky Island, Link will encounter various obstacles, such as broken bridges, which require him to learn to interact with the environment to progress.
Acquiring the First Ability: Ultrahand (Ukouh Shrine)
To begin acquiring the necessary abilities, Link must locate the Ukouh Shrine. This first shrine is situated to the west of the Temple of Time. Following the path, Link needs to head down the broken stairs on the western side of the temple. The shrine itself is located on its own island area, further to the west. The precise coordinates for the Ukouh Shrine are 0274, -0913, 1460. Reaching the shrine entrance requires climbing along a section of the wall, indicating that even reaching the first challenge involves a small degree of environmental interaction. The immediate direction towards a shrine after the initial Temple of Time encounter emphasizes the importance of the Ultrahand ability for subsequent progression. Inside the Ukouh Shrine, also known as “The Ability to Create,” Link will learn the Ultrahand ability. The shrine presents a series of puzzles designed to teach the core functionalities of this power.
The first puzzle involves a gap that can be crossed by using Ultrahand to pick up a stone slab located to the right and placing it to form a bridge. The next challenge requires creating a longer platform by using Ultrahand to attach two stone slabs together and then placing this combined platform across a wider gap. In this area, an optional treasure chest can be found on an upper ledge. By using the long platform created earlier as a ramp, Link can reach the chest and obtain Amber. This encourages players to explore their surroundings and rewards them with a valuable early-game material. The final puzzle within the Ukouh Shrine involves a railway. To proceed, Link must first place a square wooden plank flat on the ground.
Then, using Ultrahand, a metal hook needs to be attached to the center of this plank. By grabbing the newly created device, the hook can be attached to the rail, allowing Link to jump onto the wooden platform and ride it across the gap to the inner shrine. Upon reaching the end of the shrine, interacting with the green circle grants the first Light of Blessing and permanently unlocks the Ultrahand ability. The structure of the Ukouh Shrine clearly serves as a tutorial, progressively introducing the grab, move, rotate, and attach functions of Ultrahand.
Acquiring the Second Ability: Fuse (In-isa Shrine)
The journey to acquire the second essential ability leads to the In-isa Shrine. From the Ukouh Shrine, the path takes Link west and then south. This shrine is located on the western side of the Great Sky Island, specifically south-west of the Temple of Time. The precise coordinates for the In-isa Shrine are 0027, -1503, 1408. The route involves utilizing the Ultrahand ability learned in the previous shrine. Initially, Link needs to travel along a rail by attaching a hook to a plank and then attaching that device to the rail. Further progression requires crossing a broken bridge, which can be achieved by attaching logs together using Ultrahand. Continuing towards a lake, Link must then construct a raft by attaching three logs and adding a sail to cross the water. This sequence of traversal challenges reinforces the practical application of the Ultrahand ability and introduces the concept of crafting for navigation.
Upon entering the In-isa Shrine, also known as “The Ability to Combine,” Link receives the Fuse ability. The shrine’s puzzles are designed to familiarize the player with this new power. The first task involves grabbing the Rusty Claymore found in the room and using Fuse to attach it to a boulder, creating a Broadsword Hammer. This newly fused weapon is then used to break through cracked stone pillars blocking the path. In the next room, the same boulder-fused weapon is used to knock down four more pillars. One of these pillars has a treasure chest on top, containing 5 Arrows. To obtain a Small Key, Link needs to collect Fire Fruit from trees in the area. Fusing a Fire Fruit to an arrow and shooting it at the leaves surrounding a chest on a high wooden platform will cause the chest to fall, revealing the key.
The Small Key is then used to open a locked door, leading to an arena where Link faces a Soldier Construct Captain. This more advanced enemy also utilizes the Fuse ability. Players can defeat it by using fused weapons themselves or by igniting the dried leaves on the ground with a Fire Fruit arrow. Finally, after defeating the Construct, Link can smash the last gate using a weapon fused with a rock or boulder to claim the second Light of Blessing. The puzzles within the In-isa Shrine clearly demonstrate the versatility of the Fuse ability for both combat and puzzle-solving, including enhancing weapon power and creating new effects.
Acquiring the Third Ability: Ascend (Gutanbac Shrine)
The path to the third essential ability leads Link eastward from the In-isa Shrine. The Gutanbac Shrine is situated on the eastern side of the Great Sky Island, south-east of the Temple of Time, in a region characterized by a snowy and cold environment. The coordinates for this shrine are either 0709, -1381, 1584 or 0708, -1385, 1584. Before venturing into this cold region, it is crucial to prepare for the harsh conditions. Along the path, Spicy Peppers can be found, which can be cooked at a Cooking Pot to create Spicy Sauteed Peppers, providing Link with temporary Cold Resistance. Reaching the shrine might also involve constructing a boat with a Zonai Fan to cross a lake, showcasing the continued need for creative problem-solving. The journey may also take Link through mines, where the Zonaite material and the functionality of Energy Cells are introduced, hinting at their importance for later gameplay. The environmental challenge of the cold region emphasizes the need for resourcefulness and preparation. Upon entering the Gutanbac Shrine, known as “The Ability to Rise,” Link gains the Ascend ability. The puzzles within this shrine focus on mastering this new power, which allows Link to pass through solid objects above him.
The first obstacle involves using Ascend to pass through the platform directly overhead. In the next area, there are two high platforms. By using Ascend through the column on the left, Link can reach a chest containing a Stone Axe. Ascending through the other column leads to a platform where a Soldier Construct awaits. After dealing with the Construct, a wall to the right has two crates at the bottom. Pushing these crates back reveals a small alcove from where Link can use Ascend to reach a platform above, containing another chest with a Construct Bow.
Further on, a raised platform is held up by two ropes. Slashing both ropes will cause the platform to fall, creating a bridge. Link can then use Ascend to go up through this lowered bridge. The final puzzle involves a high platform that is too far to reach directly with Ascend. The solution is to wait for a lower moving platform to pass by and then use Ascend to go through it, reaching the final platform leading to the third Light of Blessing.
Outside the Gutanbac Shrine, near the exit, players can find a hollow tree. Using Ascend on the remains of this tree leads to a chest containing the Archaic Warm Greaves, which provide crucial Cold Resistance for the snowy region. A Zonai Device Dispenser is also located nearby, offering access to valuable Zonai devices. The Gutanbac Shrine effectively teaches the player how to utilize the Ascend ability for vertical movement and accessing hidden areas, with the reward of cold-resistant armor directly addressing the environmental challenges of the surrounding area.
Acquiring the Fourth Ability: Recall (Nachoyah Shrine)
The final essential ability is acquired at the Nachoyah Shrine. This shrine is located just above the Room of Awakening, where Link first began his adventure. To reach it, Link can use the Purah Pad’s warp function to travel back to the Room of Awakening. The Nachoyah Shrine is situated in the southwest corner of the room that contains massive turning gears. The placement of this shrine near the starting point suggests that the Recall ability is fundamental and might be useful for revisiting earlier areas or solving puzzles related to time manipulation.
The acquisition of the Recall ability begins within the Temple of Time itself. By running ahead and examining the large Tear, a cutscene with Princess Zelda is triggered, and she bestows the Recall ability upon Link. The initial application of this ability involves a puzzle within the Temple of Time. On each side of the temple, there are two large turning wheels. Using Recall on one of the large wheels will temporarily reverse its direction, allowing Link to jump on and ride it up to a ledge in the center of the room. Then, using Recall again on the smaller wheel enables further ascent.
To reach the Nachoyah Shrine itself, Link needs to return to the Room of Awakening. In the room with the massive gears, using Ascend to reach a higher platform near the gears and then using Recall on the gears allows Link to jump across to the southwest corner, where a corridor leads to the Nachoyah Shrine. Inside the Nachoyah Shrine, the puzzles further explore the use of Recall. One puzzle involves using Recall on a raft to ride it back up a waterfall, and then using it again on a second raft to ascend another waterfall. An optional chest can be reached by using Recall on a gear on the left side, granting 10 Arrows.
The final puzzle within the Nachoyah Shrine features two hands spinning in different directions, resembling a clock. The door will open temporarily when the hands cross. By waiting until the hands are on top of each other and then using Recall, the hands will stay synchronized, allowing Link to run up to the altar and claim the fourth Light of Blessing. The sequence of puzzles leading to and within the Nachoyah Shrine clearly demonstrates how the Recall ability can be used to manipulate time and reverse the movement of objects for traversal and puzzle-solving.
Returning to the Temple of Time
With all four essential abilities now acquired, the next step is to return to the Temple of Time. This can be accomplished by gliding from the Nachoyah Shrine using a Wing Zonai device or by warping to the Ukouh Shrine using the Purah Pad and then walking to the Temple of Time. The game’s design emphasizes revisiting this central location after obtaining all the core powers, indicating the completion of the initial tutorial phase and the readiness to progress further in the main quest. Upon re-entering the Temple of Time, if the cutscene with Princess Zelda and the acquisition of Recall was not triggered earlier, Link should run ahead and examine the large Tear to initiate this sequence.
The primary task within the Temple of Time at this stage involves using the newly acquired Recall ability to navigate to the upper area where the Goddess Statue is located. This is achieved by using Recall on the large turning wheels on either side of the temple, as described earlier. The incorporation of puzzles within the Temple of Time that require the use of the recently learned abilities serves as a final test of the player’s understanding before they leave the Great Sky Island. The gear wheel puzzle specifically requires the application of the Recall ability for vertical traversal.
Temple of Time Walkthrough
Enter the Temple of Time: The initial action is straightforward: approach the grand, imposing doors of the Temple of Time and interact with them to step inside. This simple act marks the beginning of the unique challenges that await within this ancient structure.
Solve the First Gear Wheel Puzzle (Right Side):
- Locate the two large turning wheels: Once the cutscene concludes, turn your attention to the right side of the temple’s main chamber. Here, you will find two substantial gear wheels actively rotating. These prominent mechanical structures are key to navigating this section of the temple.
- Use the Recall ability on the lower of the two large wheels: Focus on the gear wheel positioned lower than the other. Activate your Recall ability while targeting this wheel. This action will temporarily reverse the direction in which the wheel is turning. The Recall ability essentially allows you to manipulate the flow of time for a specific object, causing it to retrace its recent movements. In this instance, it’s not just rewinding time but specifically reversing the rotational motion of the wheel.
- Quickly jump onto the reversed wheel and ride it upwards to the central ledge: As the lower gear wheel begins to rotate in the opposite direction, swiftly jump onto one of its platforms. The reversed motion will carry you upwards, allowing you to reach a central ledge within the temple. The temporary nature of the Recall effect necessitates a prompt action to successfully utilize the reversed wheel as a means of ascent. This puzzle element tests not only your understanding of the Recall ability but also your timing and ability to react swiftly to the changing environment.
Solve the Second Gear Wheel Puzzle (Right Side):
- From the central ledge, locate the smaller turning wheel above: Having reached the central ledge, your next objective is to identify the smaller gear wheel situated above your current position. This secondary wheel is part of the mechanism that will allow you to ascend further within the temple.
- Use the Recall ability on this smaller wheel to reverse its direction: Once you have located the smaller wheel, target it with your Recall ability. Similar to the previous step, this will cause the smaller wheel to temporarily rotate in the opposite direction of its original movement. This repeated application of the Recall ability in a slightly different context reinforces its functionality and versatility in solving environmental puzzles.
- Jump onto the reversed smaller wheel and ride it upwards to the platform where the Goddess Statue is located: With the smaller gear wheel now rotating in reverse, quickly jump onto one of its platforms. The upward motion will transport you to the next level, which is the platform where the majestic Goddess Statue is enshrined. Successfully navigating this second gear wheel puzzle marks the culmination of this particular challenge and grants you access to the next significant interaction within the Temple of Time.
Offer the Lights of Blessing:
- Approach the Goddess Statue and interact with it: Upon reaching the platform, make your way towards the imposing Goddess Statue and interact with it. This interaction is key to progressing your character’s strength and vitality.
- Select the option to offer the four Lights of Blessing you have collected from the Ukouh, In-isa, Gutanbac, and Nachoyah Shrines: When prompted, choose the option to offer the four Lights of Blessing that you have diligently gathered by completing the challenges within the Ukouh Shrine, In-isa Shrine, Gutanbac Shrine, and Nachoyah Shrine. The Great Sky Island is home to these four distinct shrines, each rewarding you with a Light of Blessing upon successful completion. These blessings serve as a testament to your mastery of the newly acquired abilities.
- You will receive a Heart Container in exchange, increasing your maximum health: As a reward for your offering, the Goddess Statue will grant you a valuable Heart Container. This permanent upgrade will increase your maximum health, making you more resilient to the dangers that lie ahead in your adventure. While later in the game, Goddess Statues offer a choice between increasing health or stamina , this initial offering on the Great Sky Island specifically rewards you with a Heart Container, providing a crucial boost to your survivability in the early stages of the game. This system of rewarding players for completing shrine challenges underscores the importance of these trials in character progression.
Open the Large Door:
- Turn away from the Goddess Statue and head towards the back of the temple: With your newly acquired Heart Container, turn your attention away from the Goddess Statue and proceed towards the rear of the temple. Your next objective lies beyond the massive door located there.
- You will see a massive door. Approach it and interact with it to push it open: As you reach the back of the temple, you will encounter a massive, imposing door. Approach this formidable barrier and interact with it to exert the necessary force and push it open. This action signifies your progress beyond the initial chamber of the Temple of Time and unlocks the path to the next stage of your quest.
Proceed Through the Opening: Having successfully pushed open the large door, step through the newly created opening and into the area beyond. This transition marks your departure from the main hall of the Temple of Time and leads you onto a more linear and narratively focused section of the game. Navigate the Path: Follow the path that unfolds before you. As you progress, you will encounter sections where you will need to carefully drop down to lower levels. Pay close attention to your surroundings to identify safe landing spots as you navigate these changes in elevation. Use Ascend: As you continue along the path, you will encounter areas where the way forward appears to be broken or blocked by solid structures above. In these instances, look for surfaces that exhibit a subtle glowing green aura, indicating that they can be passed through using the Ascend ability. Activating Ascend will allow Link to phase through these solid objects, transporting him upwards to the level above and enabling you to continue along the intended path. This ability is crucial for overcoming these specific environmental obstacles within the Temple of Time. Interact with the Ball of Light: Continue to follow the path until you reach its end, where a mysterious ball of light awaits. Approach this enigmatic sphere and examine or interact with it. This interaction will trigger a significant cutscene that provides further context to the unfolding narrative. Importantly, this event marks the completion of “The Closed Door” quest, signifying the successful navigation of the Temple of Time’s challenges, and immediately initiates the next main quest in your adventure: “To the Kingdom of Hyrule”. This transition signifies the official end of the tutorial phase on the Great Sky Island and prepares you for the grand exploration of Hyrule below.
Leaving the Great Sky Island
Following the significant cutscene, prepare yourself for a dramatic departure from the Great Sky Island. At the edge of the island, you will need to take a leap of faith, diving off the precipice to descend towards the vast expanse of Hyrule that lies below. This act of skydiving marks your official entry into the main game world, where countless adventures and discoveries await. Your initial landing point in Hyrule will be Lookout Landing, which serves as an early hub for quests and exploration. The final steps on the Great Sky Island involve returning to the Goddess Statue within the Temple of Time after collecting all four Lights of Blessing. By offering these four Lights of Blessing to the Goddess Statue, Link receives a crucial reward: a Heart Container, which increases his maximum health. This exchange reinforces the reward system associated with completing the shrines.