Exploring the New Great Plateau in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

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Breath of the Wild fans are already familiar with the Great Plateau, the iconic location that serves as the game's starting point. But in the latest installment, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Great Plateau has undergone some changes that players may not expect. While still recognizable, the area now offers new surprises to discover and explore.

Where Is The Great Plateau in Tears of the Kingdom?

While players may not be able to access Link's old abilities at the Great Plateau in the sequel to Breath of the Wild, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the location. Not only is there a unique new quest chain and new Shrines to explore, but players will also encounter a certain Clan who have a vendetta against Link and serve as formidable foes. So, while nostalgia may not be a factor, there is still much to discover at the Great Plateau.

In TOTK, players are initially placed on the Great Sky Island before being transported to Hyrule Field near Lookout Landing. Interestingly, this area was once considered high-level in Breath of the Wild. However, players must travel a bit to reach the Great Plateau, which is situated in southwest Hyrule between the Gerudo, Faron, and Hyrule Field regions.

For players who are new to Breath of the Wild, attempting to reach the Great Plateau from the beginning of the game may not be the easiest route. However, for those who are determined, they can start from Lookout Landing, take the road southwest through a Chasm, and continue to follow that road without taking any of the forks. The road should eventually turn south and connect to the middle of a road that spans the northern cliffs of the Great Plateau.

Alternatively, players can reach the Great Plateau by heading to the Hyrule Field Skyview Tower, located on the road south of Lookout Landing at coordinates (-0754, -1019, 0064). From the Skyview Tower, jump out and aim directly south to spot the recognizable Temple of Time and Mount Hylia. After completing a short quest to drain a lake, Link can also access the Great Plateau via a shortcut.

Everything That Has Changed on The Great Plateau

Since Link first emerged from the Shrine of Resurrection, the Great Plateau has undergone significant transformations. While its general layout remains the same, players can now discover an array of fresh points of interest, questlines, and both sky and depths areas to explore.

The Call from the Depths questline and resurgence of the Yiga Clan in unexpected places such as the Shrine of Resurrection and the Old Man's Cabin are the most prominent additions. Although new enemies, Shrines, and Korok seeds are also present, these two changes stand out the most.

The Yiga Clan at the Shrine of Resurrection & Shack

The Yiga Clan has made a return in Tears of the Kingdom and can be located in two areas on the Great Plateau: the Shrine of Resurrection and the Woodcutter's House, also known as the Old Man's House. The Shrine of Resurrection can be found up the hill from the Temple of Time through an overgrown entrance, while the Woodcutter's House is situated on the southeast of the Great Plateau below the cliffs. At the Shrine of Resurrection, players can discover a new schematic that resembles a motorcycle, potentially referencing the Breath of the Wild DLC's Master Cycle. Meanwhile, in the Old Man's House, players can encounter one of Cece's passionate fashion designers who will grant them a Yiga Mask. This mask is part of the Yiga Clan armor set, and when all three pieces are worn, it allows players to blend in with these enemies.

A Call From The Depths at the Temple of Time

Players can embark on a thrilling multi-branching questline that spans the entirety of the Great Plateau, including its once-tutorial area. Upon arriving at the Temple of Time, players can speak to the statue of the Goddess Hylia, who directs them towards a submerged statue in need of its eyes. After draining the water and returning to the statue, players are tasked with throwing the eyes down four ominous chasms.

The Depths beneath the Great Plateau are shrouded in mystery and eerie vibes, making this questline a spine-tingling experience for players. However, the reward for answering the Call From The Depths and returning the eyes to the real statue is definitely worth the effort. So, brace yourselves for an exciting adventure as you embark on a quest to reunite a giant Poe statue with its eyes. Simply head to the Temple of Time and speak to the bust of the Goddess Hylia to begin.

New Shrines, Sky Islands, and Enemies, – and No Guardians

The Great Plateau boasts a range of new Shrines, including one concealed behind a waterfall, another hidden in the side of a cliff, and a third situated in the snowy south. Additionally, players must contend with fresh foes like the Yiga Clan and Battle Talus, and navigate their way around the Sky Islands via the Skyview Tower or alternative methods. Meanwhile, the Depths primarily revolve around the Call From The Depths questline. Notably, Link need not worry about pesky Guardians with their precise laser targeting, nor can he acquire new abilities here. However, some players have reported encountering a Yiga Clan member posing as Zelda near the Shrine of Resurrection.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available on the Nintendo Switch.