Uncovering the Hidden Secrets of Zelda's Lost Woods

The highly anticipated release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has not disappointed fans. While the game's map resembles that of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, it offers a plethora of new activities to engage in. The arm abilities in Tears of the Kingdom add a unique twist to the game with its building challenges and multiple solutions for the new Zonai Shrines. The dungeons offer a classic feel while still incorporating the Divine Beast structure, and even the smallest of wells or holes in the ground present mini dungeons to explore. Warning: spoilers ahead.

Zelda’s Lost Woods Have Never Let Travelers Walk Straight In

Undoubtedly, the most significant additions to Hyrule in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are the sky islands and the Depths. These new areas offer countless hours of gameplay and mastering the mechanics of transitioning between the three major layers of content is a thrilling experience. Additionally, players can explore familiar areas from Zelda: Breath of the Wild in new ways, with locations like the Lost Woods incorporating these new maps particularly well.

The Lost Woods is undeniably one of the most iconic locations in The Legend of Zelda franchise. It has been present since the original NES Zelda game, alongside Death Mountain, and still maintains its original purpose. Once you enter The Lost Woods, you will be transported back to the start repeatedly, making progress seemingly impossible. However, the solution to each unique Lost Woods lies in either following an environmental cue or traveling in a specific series of directions.

Following the torch to find safety in the Lost Woods is a mechanic introduced in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. While it leads Link to the Korok Forest, Deku Tree, and Master Sword, players won't have the same experience in Tears of the Kingdom. The Deku Tree still provides information on the Master Sword, but the Lost Woods will require a different solution.

Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Takes Advantage of The Lost Woods’ Geography

Instead of allowing players to navigate through a maze, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes a different approach by completely blocking access to the Lost Woods with an ominous purple mist, similar to the Gloom Malice variant. Despite there being no apparent solution, those who are determined to explore the Master Sword's usual resting place will have to abandon their quest. However, the more inquisitive adventurers may question if the fog barrier extends beneath the forest, only to find that while it envelopes the tree line, players can freely enter the Depths without any obstructions.

Players are presented with one of the most ingenious environmental puzzles in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, culminating in a thrilling experience. To progress, players must locate pillars that extend to the surface and ascend through them, utilizing ogre trees adorned with Large Poe flames to identify the correct one. Upon reaching the top, they will come face-to-face with the Deku Tree, who guards his own small chasm housing a Phantom Ganon.

Once players have successfully overcome this challenge, the forest is restored to its former state, and they are rewarded with access to the remainder of the Lost Woods. The incorporation of Ascending from the Depths, which players may have previously imagined to be a solution, into an actual puzzle is a stroke of brilliance. This innovative approach ensures that the legend of the tricky Lost Woods lives on.

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