How to Solve the Mysteries of Hyrule in Breath of the Wild

2 April 2025

The world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) is magical, vast, and filled with secrets waiting to be uncovered. It’s almost like stepping into a giant puzzle box, where every corner of Hyrule holds a surprise. From shrines and Korok seeds to ancient ruins and mysterious NPCs, it’s easy to feel both amazed and a little overwhelmed. But don’t worry—this guide will help you tackle Hyrule’s mysteries like a pro adventurer. Grab your Sheikah Slate, sharpen your Master Sword (or whatever weapon hasn’t broken yet), and let’s dive in!

The Sheikah Slate: Your Best Friend

Think of the Sheikah Slate as your smartphone in Hyrule. It’s not just a map or a camera; it’s your all-in-one tool to uncover secrets. Missing a shrine? Use the Shrine Sensor! Struggling to solve a puzzle? Experiment with runes like Magnesis, Stasis, Cryonis, or Bombs.

One trick I swear by? Magnesis is the ultimate “find hidden loot” tool. Think of it as a metal detector. Sweep it across rivers, ruins, and random fields—you’d be surprised how many treasure chests are hiding in plain sight.

Also, don’t forget to take photos of EVERYTHING. The Hyrule Compendium might seem optional, but it’s surprisingly helpful. You can track items or creatures you’ve photographed, making tasks like hunting Lynels (gulp) or finding rare materials much easier.

Shrines: More Than Just Fast-Travel Points

Shrines are the bread and butter of BotW. There are a whopping 120 shrines, and solving them can be as straightforward as walking in—or as tricky as deciphering a riddle.

Look for Environmental Clues

Some shrines are hidden, but Hyrule loves to drop hints. If you see something odd—a suspicious rock formation, a glowing platform, or a single tree in the middle of nowhere—it might lead to a shrine.

For example, in the Gerudo region, there’s a shrine involving massive glowing statues that align with constellations. The lesson here? Be curious and patient. It’s like playing detective in a giant sandbox.

Pay Attention to Shrine Quests

Certain shrines require completing a quest first. NPCs in villages, stables, or even random travelers often hint at nearby mysteries. Listen to their dialogue, because NPCs are basically walking tutorials in disguise.

Take the "Cursed Statue" shrine, for instance. A villager in Kakariko Village casually mentions a statue glaring at him. Track down that creepy statue, and voilà! A shrine will reveal itself.

Korok Seeds: A Laughably Big Mystery

Let’s address the golden poop in the room: Korok Seeds. There are 900 of these suckers scattered around Hyrule, and finding them isn’t just about expanding inventory slots; it’s about embracing Hyrule’s quirks.

Spot the Peculiar

Koroks love to hide in oddities. A lone boulder in a field? Move it. A circle of lily pads in a pond? Jump into it. A random tree with an apple missing? Place one there. Solving these tiny puzzles feels like being a treasure hunter who really, REALLY likes nature.

While collecting all 900 might be a pipe dream (seriously, who has that kind of time?), I suggest aiming for at least 300. Hestu’s inventory upgrades are game-changers, especially if you love hoarding weapons like I do.

Ancient Ruins: History Lesson or Hidden Treasure?

Hyrule’s ruins aren’t there for decoration. Most have secrets, whether it’s a hidden shrine, some lore-filled wall carvings, or a chest with ancient components for Guardian-smashing weapons.

Read the Environmental Storytelling

Places like the Temple of Time or Akkala Citadel have layers of history baked into their design. Want to know what happened 100 years ago? Pay attention to these spots. Ancient ruins often have clues tied to Hyrule’s timeline, offering moments of awe for lore-loving gamers.

Also, don’t skip on scavenging! Ancient parts like screws, gears, and cores are essential for crafting Guardian weapons or upgrading Sheikah tech.

Mysterious NPCs: Don’t Ignore Them

Not every random character wandering Hyrule is just there for flavor. Some hide quests, trade rare items, or even lead you to hidden treasures.

Pay Attention to Their Behavior

For example, Kilton (the monster parts merchant) only sets up shop at night, and you’ll first find him near Skull Lake. He sells unique items, like the Dark Link set, but you need to track him down first.

Another example? That suspicious guy loitering near Dueling Peaks Stable—he’s not just a random dude; he’s part of a mini-quest! Keep your eyes peeled for NPCs who seem out of place.

The Blood Moon: A Spooky Mystery

Ah, the Blood Moon. Every so often, a crimson light bathes Hyrule, resurrecting all the enemies you’ve defeated. But did you know it’s also tied to weird, spooky mysteries?

Use It for Rare Encounters

Some quests and events only happen during the Blood Moon. For instance, there’s the creepy "Under a Red Moon" shrine quest, where you’ll need to stand on a platform wearing nothing but your skivvies under the Blood Moon’s light. Yeah, it’s weird, but that’s Hyrule for you.

Pro tip: If you’re farming rare items from tough enemies, the Blood Moon is your friend. It resets enemy spawns, which means you can revisit areas like Lynel stomping grounds for another crack at their loot.

Eventide Island: The Ultimate Test

If you’re up for a real challenge, make your way to Eventide Island. It’s an isolated landmass in the southeast that strips you of all your gear and forces you to survive with nothing but your wits.

Think Strategically

Eventide is basically Hyrule’s version of Survivor. You’ll need to scavenge weapons, cook meals, and outsmart enemies to finish its trial. The key? Use the environment. Knock Bokoblins off cliffs, set grass on fire to create updrafts, and use Magnesis to turn metal crates into weapons.

Secrets of the Dragons: Naydra, Farosh, and Dinraal

Hyrule’s dragons are stunning, majestic, and... kinda mysterious. These spirit-like creatures aren’t just there to look pretty—they drop rare materials used for armor upgrades and selling for Rupees.

How to Farm Dragon Parts

Each dragon has a specific route and time of day when it appears:

- Naydra: Found in the Lanayru region, usually around Mount Lanayru.
- Farosh: Circles Lake Hylia, particularly at night.
- Dinraal: Flies over the Tabantha Frontier in the early morning.

To farm their parts, shoot them with an arrow while they’re flying (aim for specific parts like their horn, claw, or scale). The material will fall to the ground, so don’t forget to grab it!

Experimentation: Hyrule Rewards Creativity

If there’s one thing you take away from this guide, it’s this: Breath of the Wild rewards creativity. Use the tools at your disposal, think outside the box, and don’t be afraid to fail.

Can’t figure out how to cross a river? Build an ice bridge! Trying to defeat a tough enemy? Use a metal weapon and a thunderstorm to electrify the battlefield. Hyrule is like a giant playground, and the more playful you are, the richer your experience will be.

Final Thoughts

Hyrule’s mysteries are what make Breath of the Wild such a delight to play. It’s not just about completing objectives; it’s about getting lost, making discoveries, and carving your own path through this beautifully chaotic world. So go out there, embrace your inner explorer, and remember: no puzzle is unsolvable with a little patience and a lot of curiosity.