Unleashing Zephyr: A Definitive Ranking of Zelda's Ultimate Boomerangs

The boomerang has been a valuable tool for Link in previous Legend of Zelda games. It was used to activate switches that were out of reach or retrieve distant items. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, boomerangs are categorized as close-quarters weapons.

Although they may not be the most powerful melee weapons, combining them with a strong monster part can unlock their full potential. Additionally, using Recall on a thrown boomerang allows it to follow its original path, potentially hitting its target before returning to Link. With six different types of boomerangs in Tears of the Kingdom, it is important to know which ones are worth keeping in the inventory.

6 Boomerang

Attack:

7

Type:

One-handed

Location:

Lanayru Wetlands (Linebeck Island)

The Boomerang found on The Surface is in a decayed state compared to its pristine counterparts in The Depths, resulting in lower attack power and durability. Consequently, the regular Boomerang ranks last due to these limitations. Its wooden material makes it unsuitable for use in extremely hot areas; however, it can still be effective against enemies if thrown through flames. Link just needs to extinguish the fire (B button) when the Boomerang returns to him.

Boomerangs are commonly wielded by the green Lizalfos. The Lanayru Wetlands is a good location to search for them, particularly on Linebeck Island (east of Wetland Stable). The Lizalfos may have attached something to the Boomerang, but once retrieved, it can be replaced with a stronger attachment if desired.

5 Lizal Boomerang

Attack:

8

Type:

One-handed

Location:

Hyrule Castle, common drop by Lizalfos

The Lizal Boomerangs, despite their lack of durability and low base attack of 8, surprisingly do not decay in areas with intense heat. However, they should not be equipped during thunderstorms as they have the potential to attract lightning towards Link. Being a one-handed metal melee weapon, they share the same properties as most boomerangs.

True to their name, Lizal Boomerangs are commonly wielded by Lizalfos. There is a specific location near the edges of Hyrule Castle where the Lizal Boomerang will respawn. To obtain it, Link will require a bomb flower (or Vow of Yunobo) or a melee weapon fused with a rock or boulder, as the Lizal Boomerang is hidden beneath a breakable wall.

4 Boomerang (Pristine)

Attack:

8

Type:

One-handed

Location:

The Depths

Content without explanation or notes:

Once Link discovers and shatters a weapon on The Surface, its impeccable version will manifest in The Depths. Immaculate weapons are free from decay and feature a sparkling symbol beside their name. The Pristine Boomerang possesses the same offensive prowess as an unfused Lizal Boomerang (i.e., 8), but its superiority lies in its heightened durability. Similar to the deteriorated Boomerang, the Pristine Boomerang is constructed from wood, rendering it susceptible to combustion when exposed to intense heat.

Shadow Soldiers in The Depths bear the responsibility of carrying Pristine weapons. These ethereal beings perch atop a pile of stones, vanishing once Link claims their weapon. Should TotK players desire to add the Pristine Boomerang to their arsenal, they must first unearth its decayed counterpart. Pristine Weapons will reappear during every Blood Moon.

3 Giant Boomerang

Attack:

11

Type:

Two-handed

Location:

Observation Room (Hyrule Castle)

The Giant Boomerang is a two-handed weapon that has a base attack of 11, preventing Link from using his shield while wielding it. Made of metal, this weapon can be used in hot areas. Despite having weaker attack power compared to other melee weapons, Link can enhance its strength by fusing it with a material.

Located in the Observation Room of Hyrule Castle, there is a Giant Boomerang that Link can access by leaping over the wall he encountered with Captain Hoz and Princess Zelda. Within the Observation Room, there is a ledge leading to a grate that grants entrance to the Royal Hidden Passage. On the staircase, players will encounter a Blue Lizalfos armed with a Giant Boomerang.

2 Sea-Breeze Boomerang

Attack:

16

Type:

One-handed

Location:

Hebra Canyon Mine (The Depths)

The Sea-Breeze Boomerang can be acquired in two ways: either by looting it from a chest in the Hebra Canyon Mine or by scanning the Toon Link amiibo (Smash Bros. or Legend of Zelda). While Hebra does not offer many chasms, players can enter the Hyrule Ridge Chasm near the Runakit Shrine and the Lindor's Brow Skyview Tower. As Link ventures into The Depths, they will come across the nearby Tikanur Lightroot. From there, heading north towards the Mu-ufatur Lightroot, which corresponds to the Rutafu-um Shrine on The Surface, will lead to the Hebra Canyon Mine located right next to this Lightroot.

1 Giant Boomerang (Pristine)

Attack:

23

Type:

Two-handed

Location:

The Depths

The Pristine Giant Boomerang is considered the best boomerang in Tears of the Kingdom. Unlike other boomerangs, it has remained untouched by The Upheaval and can exclusively be discovered in The Depths. This two-handed weapon does not allow the use of shields, but its base attack of 23 is expected to compensate for this limitation.

Locating a Pristine Giant Boomerang in The Depths can prove to be challenging. Shadow Soldiers carry them, but the specific weapons carried vary across different regions in The Depths. Link may have some luck finding a Pristine Giant Boomerang near the path leading to the Drena Canyon Bargainer Statue (equivalent to the Forgotten Temple on The Surface). However, there is no guarantee that it will spawn in this location. Also, bear in mind that Link must have previously discovered and broken a decayed Giant Boomerang on The Surface in order for the pristine version to appear.

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