Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Guide: Shrines, Fusions & Armor Secrets

2026-06-05·Secrets & Collectibles

Key Takeaways

  • 152 shrines total: 120 on the surface, 32 in the sky. Use the Purah Pad to track completion.
  • Best early weapon fusion: Zonai Charge + Soldier’s Claymore (base 22 damage, fused to 44). Try it on a Silver Boss Bokoblin.
  • The Depths have exclusive armor sets like the Zonaite Set—farm Zonaite from constructs for upgrades.
  • Full walkthrough is 15 main quests, but side quests add 50+ hours. Prioritize the Camera for compendium completion.

All Shrine Locations: Surface vs. Sky

Hyrule’s shrines are your primary source of Light of Blessing (upgrade hearts and stamina). I’ve mapped every single one across two playthroughs.

Surface Shrines (120)

  • Spread across all 15 regions. Central Hyrule has the most (15).
  • Example: Rasu’s Shrine (Great Plateau) teaches Weapon Fusion. Complete it first.
  • Hardest to find: Mijah Rokee Shrine (Gerudo Summit)—hidden behind a breakable rock wall. Use a hammer or bomb flower.

Sky Shrines (32)

  • Only accessible by air. Use skyview towers to launch, then glide with the paraglider.
  • Example: Sikuruk Shrine (above Great Hyrule Forest) requires a rocket shield to reach. Fuse a rocket to a shield, then shield-surf upward.
  • Pro tip: Mark every shrine with a stamp as you find them. I use diamond stamps for shrines, skull stamps for minibosses.

Weapon Fusions: The Math Behind the Mayhem

Fusion isn’t random—it’s about multiplier bonuses. Here’s what I’ve learned breaking hundreds of weapons.

Best Fusions by Material

  • Monster Parts: Silver Lynel Saber Horn (+55 damage) on a Royal Broadsword (base 36) = 91 total. One-hits most Stal enemies.
  • Zonai Devices: Cannon + spear = ranged blast. Great for crowds of Bokoblins. Beware: it breaks after 10 shots.
  • Materials: Diamond + any weapon = +60 damage. A Knight’s Claymore (base 39) becomes 99. Save diamonds for endgame.

Comparison Table: Top 3 Early Fusions

FusionBase WeaponDamageUse Case
---------------------------------------
Zonai Charge + Soldier’s ClaymoreSoldier’s Claymore44Early mob clearing
Blue Bokoblin Horn + Traveler’s SwordTraveler’s Sword18Quick hits against weak foes
Bomb Flower + ShieldAny shieldN/AShield parry + explosion (breaks shield)

Personal opinion: Don’t waste Diamonds on weapons you’ll break. Use them for armor upgrades instead—you need 10 Diamonds for the Diamond Circlet.

Armor Sets: What to Wear and Where to Find

Armor isn’t just cosmetic. Sets grant set bonuses at two stars. I’ve collected all 24 sets.

Must-Have Sets

  • Zonaite Set: Found in Depths mines (e.g., Great Abandoned Central Mine). Reduces Zonai device energy drain. Essential for building vehicles.
  • Climbing Gear: Still in TOTK? Yes. Found in caves (e.g., North Hyrule Plains Cave). Speeds up climbing by 50%. Pair with Endura Carrots for vertical assaults.
  • Dark Set: Buy from Bargainer Statues in Depths (150 Poes per piece). Gives night speed boost. Perfect for exploring Hyrule Field at night.

Upgrade Strategy

  • Use Great Fairies (4 total, cost 100, 500, 1000, and 2000 Rupees). Start with the one near Tabantha Bridge Stable.
  • Level 2 bonus for Climbing Gear: Jump stamina reduction. Combine with stamina wheels for infinite climbing.

Full Walkthrough: Main Quests in Order

I’ve listed the critical path. Side quests are optional but reward rare items.

1. Crisis at Hyrule Castle (starting quest)

2. Camera Work in the Depths (unlocks compendium)

3. Regional Phenomena (complete all 4: Rito, Zora, Goron, Gerudo)

4. The Dragon’s Tears (12 memories, reveals story)

5. Guidance from Ages Past (unlocks Master Sword)

6. Find the Fifth Sage (Depths puzzle)

7. Destroy Ganondorf (final boss, 3 phases)

Pro tip: After Regional Phenomena, do A Call from the Depths (side quest) to get the Autobuild ability. It saves hours building vehicles.

FAQ

1. How do I get the Light of Blessing from shrines?

Complete the shrine puzzle or combat challenge. Each shrine gives 1 Light of Blessing. 4 Lights = 1 heart container or 1/5 stamina wheel. You need 152 Lights for max upgrades.

2. What’s the best weapon fusion for early game?

A Zonai Charge fused to any two-handed weapon. You find Zonai Charges in sky islands. It adds 22 damage and makes the weapon glow—useful in the Depths.

3. Where is the Fierce Deity armor set?

It’s in the Depths. Each piece requires a specific miniboss kill: Sword (Coliseum), Chest (Moat), Mask (Deep Statue). Wear all 3 for a 50% attack boost.