With the vast expanse of the Hyrule map in Tears of the Kingdom, players are bound to overlook certain locations during their initial playthrough. Nevertheless, these hidden areas often hold valuable items and weaponry that can greatly aid Link in his adventure.
Some of these areas may be familiar to players of Breath of the Wild, albeit with new and intriguing variations. Meanwhile, there are entirely fresh locations that present formidable challenges to the player, but also offer enticing rewards. It is absolutely worthwhile to thoroughly explore every corner of the land to ensure no hidden gems go unnoticed.
9 East Gerudo Ruins Cave
In Tears of the Kingdom, players are advised to steer clear of whirlpools to avoid losing the game. However, in the East Gerudo Ruins, there is a unique whirlpool that leads to a secret cave.
Upon entering the cave, players will immediately spot a Bubbulfrog clinging to the walls. If they manage to catch it, the frog will drop a valuable gem that can be exchanged for powerful weapons and armor. However, players can only sell these items after they have successfully completed the "The Hunt for Bubbul Gems" quest.
8 Shrine Of Resurrection
No Zelda fan can ever forget the moment they first exit the Shrine of Resurrection in the game Breath of the Wild. Locating this area in Tears of the Kingdom is a challenge as the entrance is concealed by foliage. However, for players lucky enough to discover it, they will be rewarded with valuable resources and the exceptional Eightfold Longblade hidden behind the prominent Yiga banner.
Situated just south of Hyrule Fields, it is wise for players to equip themselves with a robust weapon and sturdy armor before entering the shrine. Inside, Link will encounter relentless Yiga soldiers who possess incredible speed and can inflict significant damage with a single strike.
7 Lon Lon Ranch
Fans of Zelda who have been following the series for a long time may recall the Lon Lon Ranch from Ocarina of Time. In that game, the ranch was owned by a friendly farmer named Malon and her father, Talon. Unfortunately, in Tears of the Kingdom, the ranch has been damaged as a result of Ganon's destruction of the land.
However, observant players will notice the presence of a small outhouse on the outskirts of the ranch. They will also see that the once-accessible giant temple is now mostly buried beneath rubble. Located just a few miles southwest of Central Hyrule, the ranch serves as a delightful Easter egg that pays homage to one of the most beloved entries in the Zelda series.
6 Gerudo Jail Cell
Approaching the large Gerudo guard at the front gate of the Gerudo Jail may give the impression that the prison is off limits. However, there is a way for Link to enter. Turning left of the guard, Link will come across a room with a bottle above the door. By breaking the two white jars near the bottom of the shelf unit, a small opening will be created for Link to crawl through. Once at the end, players can use Ascend to jump into the cell. Inside the cell, they will find a man who talks about his wife and daughter who are missing.
5 North Tabantha Snowfield
As part of a quest from The Lucky Clover Gazette, players must visit the Snowfield Stable. Their objective is to travel north towards the North Tabantha Snowfield, where Link can discover and tame Princess Zelda's golden horse. Despite the challenging weather in this region, some players may overlook the journey due to the need for additional resources to survive the cold climate. However, it is important not to miss out on this area, as it is home to the most exceptional horse in the game.
4 Temple Of Time
The Temple of Time in Breath of the Wild, visible from the Great Plateau, is located in the same spot in Tears of the Kingdom. However, it has lost its former grandeur and is now on the brink of collapse. It is also harder to locate. Venturing inside, players will discover a Goddess Statue that offers the "Call From the Depths" quest. Completing this quest rewards Link with a stamina or health container. Not only is it worth traveling southeast from The Great Plateau to receive the quest, but also to indulge in nostalgia by visiting one of the most unforgettable locations from the previous game.
3 Forest Coliseum
The Forest Coliseum is the most elusive arena that Link will encounter on his journey. It is hidden in the depths of the Great Hyrule Forest, just west of the Ramobnukas Lightroot. While a trail of bananas may lead him to the entrance, it is actually a trap set up by the cunning Yiga clan. It is important for Link to be well-prepared before venturing inside.
Within the arena, Link will face the daunting challenge of defeating a Black Hinox draped in darkness. This formidable enemy poses a great challenge for players who have not taken the time to strengthen their weapons and armor. Upon emerging victorious, Link will be rewarded with the Korok Mask, a reminiscent item resembling the Korok Makar from The Wind Waker.
2 Gerudo Secret Club
Gaining entry to the Gerudo Secret Club can be challenging, but Link can find a way in by discreetly searching for openings that appear in the marketplace. These openings will lead to an underground passage beneath the club's structure.
Once inside the club, players should prioritize destroying the crate blocking the entrance before engaging in any shopping. This will guarantee a simple return route. The club offers a variety of exclusive items such as the Desert Voe armor set, which enhances heat resistance, and the Sand Boots, which make navigating the Gerudo Desert effortless.
1 Eventide Island
The Eventide Island off the coast of Cape Kales often goes unnoticed, especially when there are more pressing matters in the main story. However, this area is brimming with valuable resources, tools, and weapons. The good news is that reaching the island has become much simpler thanks to Link's newfound abilities. By creatively using Zonai devices, players can either sail or glide over to the shore.
Not only does the island house the Marari-in Shrine, but there is also a quest given by Sesami. This quest leads Link to an abandoned pirate ship concealed within the Eventide Island Cave, which holds a treasure trove of items for plunder. While the developers purposely made Eventide Island easy to overlook, it unfortunately means that many individuals miss out on the exhilaration of exploring its wonders.
Tears of the Kingdom is available now on Nintendo Switch.