Unleashing the Power of Shrine Sensor in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the Shrine Sensor proves to be a valuable enhancement to Link's Purah Pad, serving the same purpose as the Sheikah Sensor from Breath of the Wild. With this upgrade, players can easily track the location of nearby Shrines that have yet to be discovered, thanks to the tracking function displayed on the bottom right of the map and overworld UI. To acquire this essential upgrade, players must complete quests for Josha and Robbie, who can be found in Lookout Landing and Hateno Village respectively. By unlocking the Shrine Sensor, players can also help Robbie unleash the full potential of the Purah Pad by acquiring additional upgrades that are equally beneficial. If you're looking to unlock the Shrine Sensor on your Purah Pad, check out our helpful guide below.

How to unlock the Shrine Sensor in Tears of the Kingdom

To access the Shrine Sensor in Tears of the Kingdom, players must first finish the quest "Hateno Village Research Lab," which is unlocked after completing the main quest "A Mystery in the Depths." This quest is available early on in the game, but players need to have completed one of the four Regional Phenomena temples before attempting it. If players have not met this requirement, they can refer to a full walkthrough to complete "A Mystery in the Depths" and obtain the Autobuild ability. However, Robbie will not offer the "Hateno Village Research Lab" quest until Link has defeated Master Kohga, learned Autobuild, and reported back to Josha about his journey in the Depths.

Upon successfully defeating the leader, Josha will reward Link with a schema stone that teaches him the Autobuild ability, enabling him to build a Hot-Air Balloon. With this new skill at his disposal, Link sets out to rebuild Robbie's damaged hot-air balloon. Robbie, in turn, offers Link an exciting new quest called the "Hateno Village Research Lab," which sets him on a path toward unlocking the coveted Shrine Sensor.

How to Complete “Hateno Village Research Lab” Quest

After finishing "A Mystery in the Depths," players will encounter Robbie outside Lookout Landing, next to his newly-fixed balloon. Robbie will ask them to visit his research lab in Hateno Village for the "Hateno Village Research Lab" side quest. At the lab, players can receive significant upgrades for TOTK's Purah Pad, which includes the highly advantageous Shrine Sensor.

To access Hateno Village, players must head to coordinates (3281, 2142, 0102), which are located to the far north of Ebon Mountain in the East Necluda region. The closest shrine is Zanmik Shrine, but those who have already unlocked Mount Lanayru Skyview Tower or Rabella Wetlands Skyview Tower can fast travel to either of these locations instead. While gliding directly south from Mount Lanayru Skyview Tower is the most straightforward way to reach the village, players should come prepared with appropriate gear to protect themselves from the cold climate.

Upon reaching the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab situated atop the hill in Hateno Village at coordinates (3779, -2111, 0250), players are advised to converse with Robbie. He offers to improve the Purah Pad by adding the Sensor ability, which tracks unidentified Shrines of Light in the vicinity. However, he requests Link to conduct a relatively simple yet frustrating task to test the sensor's efficiency.

Slowly approach the cluttered desk on the wall near the alcove with bookshelves, while keeping the door on the far right and the alcove immediately to the left. It is important to walk instead of run in order to properly test the Shrine Sensor. The sensor will emit a beeping sound, indicating the correct direction. Upon reaching the desk, Robbie will inform Link that the sensor is leading to a shrine located outside.

Link can leave the laboratory and track the Shrine Sensor's beeping as it leads him down the hill towards a cave entrance located at coordinates (3755, -2076, 0212). Unfortunately, the cave entrance is obscured by breakable rocks, and it is up to the player to break them in order to reveal the Retsam Forest Cave.

Follow the path illuminated by the Shrine Sensor located at the bottom right of the screen. It will guide Link to the Mayahisik Shrine, where he can easily acquire a Magic Scepter and the Light of Blessing, both part of Rauru's Blessing.

After leaving the shrine, Link can utilize the Ascend ability to return to the surface and follow the path leading back to the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. Engaging in a conversation with Robbie will bring the “Hateno Village Research Lab” quest to a close and unlock a new quest line aimed at unlocking additional upgrades for the Purah Pad. These upgrades include the Travel Medallion, Hero’s Path Mode, and an updated Sensor + that can assist Link in locating more than just shrines.

After finishing the “Hateno Village Research Lab,” it is recommended to consult with Robbie once more. By accepting his Purah Pad upgrade quests, players will be able to access the fast travel point located at the lab. Moreover, Robbie will provide instructions on how to use the devices, which will be displayed on the walls behind him should players need a quick reminder. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is only accessible on the Nintendo Switch platform.