Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Guide: Shrines, Fusions & Full Walkthrough Tips
Key Takeaways
- Shrines are essential: 152 shrines total; prioritize ones that upgrade your stamina or give you the Autobuild ability early.
- Weapon fusions: Attach monster parts (e.g., Lynel Horn) to base weapons for 3x damage—don't waste gems on early-game sticks.
- Armor sets: The Glide Set is a game-saver for traversing the Sky Islands; upgrade it at Great Fairies for fall damage immunity.
- Walkthrough secret: Tackle the Depths first (after the first sky temple) to unlock Lightroots, which mark shrine locations above ground.
Shrine Locations and Strategy
There are 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom—120 on the surface, 32 in the sky. Unlike Breath of the Wild, shrines are split into two types: Blessing Shrines (free reward, no puzzle) and Proving Grounds (survival challenges). My advice? Don't brute force every shrine. Use your Sensor+ upgrade from Robbie (at Lookout Landing) to track ones you missed.
Sky Shrines (Hard to Reach)
- Most are on small islands above Hyrule. You'll need the Zonai Wing or Hot-Air Balloon to reach them. Build a simple flying machine: 2 fans + 1 steering stick. Takes 3 minutes to craft, saves an hour of climbing.
- Example: Shrine of Resurrection (sky, near Great Plateau) requires a rocket shield to launch upward.
Surface Shrines (Easier to Find)
- Check the Depths map—each Lightroot corresponds to a shrine directly above. I discovered this after 40 hours. Use it.
- Pro Tip: The Rauru's Blessing shrines (like the one in Gerudo Canyon) often hide behind breakable walls or require a specific Zonai device.
Best Weapon Fusions (Damage Numbers)
Forget the Master Sword for early-game—it's only 30 damage base. Fusion is where the real power lies. Here's a comparison based on my testing:
| Fusion Combo | Base Weapon | Fuse Material | Damage | Special Effect |
| -------------- | ------------- | --------------- | -------- | ---------------- |
| Lynel Horn + Royal Broadsword | Royal Broadsword (20) | Lynel Horn (30) | 50 | Strong, no durability penalty |
| Gibdo Bone + Knight's Claymore | Knight's Claymore (16) | Gibdo Bone (20) | 36 | Breaks easily but high burst |
| Ruby + Spear | Any Spear (10) | Ruby (10) | 20 | AOE fire damage on hit |
| Zonai Cannon + Boulder Breaker | Boulder Breaker (38) | Cannon (15) | 53 | Explosive, destroys rocks |
My verdict: The Lynel Horn combo is the most reliable. Hunt Lynels in the Depths (they drop 3-5 horns each). Avoid fusing gems to weapons unless you have hundreds—they're better used for armor upgrades.
Armor Sets and Where to Find Them
There are 14 armor sets in TOTK. I'll rank the top 3 for general gameplay:
1. Glide Set (Sky Islands)
- Where: Find all three pieces in the Great Sky Island (starting area). First piece in a chest near the Temple of Time; second under a waterfall; third in a cave behind a Zonai blockade.
- Why: At level 2, it gives fall damage immunity. Essential for the Sky Islands—you'll fall from heights constantly.
- Upgrade cost: 20 Keese Eyes, 10 Zonaite, 5 Star Fragments total.
2. Zora Set (Zora's Domain)
- Where: Buy from the armor shop in Zora's Domain (after completing the main quest there).
- Why: Makes you swim faster and boosts attack when wet. Pairs perfectly with Sidon's ability.
- Secret: Use a Splash Fruit on yourself to stay wet anywhere.
3. Fierce Deity Set (Endgame)
- Where: Complete all three labyrinths (Akala, Gerudo, Hebra) and then the final one in the Depths.
- Why: +50% attack boost at level 2. Best damage set in the game, but requires late-game resources.
Full Walkthrough: The Efficient Path
I've played through TOTK three times. Here's the optimized route:
1. Great Sky Island (2 hours): Get Paraglider, complete first temple. Don't leave without finding the Glide Set pieces.
2. Lookout Landing (30 min): Meet Purah, start regional phenomena quests. Crucial: Unlock the Sensor+ upgrade immediately.
3. Depths Exploration (5 hours): Head to the Depths via the chasm near Lookout Landing. Lightroots reveal shrine locations on the surface map. I found 50+ shrines this way.
4. Regional Temples: Do Rito (wind) first—it's the easiest. Then Zora (water), Gerudo (fire), Goron (earth). Each gives a Sage ability.
5. Master Sword (after 15+ hearts): Head to the Light Dragon in the sky. Use a Skyview Tower to launch up, then paraglide to the dragon's head.
6. Final Boss (50+ hours): Fight Ganondorf in the Depths. Use the Fierce Deity Set, Lynel Horn weapons, and plenty of Sundelions (for gloom recovery).
Personal opinion: Don't rush the story. The Depths are the most rewarding area—explore every corner for Zonaite and armor sets. I wasted 20 hours on the surface before realizing the Depths make everything easier.
FAQ
How many shrines are in Tears of the Kingdom?
152 total: 120 on the surface, 32 in the Sky Islands. Each gives a Light of Blessing (4 needed for a heart or stamina upgrade). Use the Sensor+ to track missing ones.
What is the best weapon fusion for early game?
Attach a Bokoblin Horn to a Tree Branch (8 damage total) for the first few hours. Then switch to Lizalfos Tail + Soldier's Broadsword (20+ damage). Avoid wasting rare parts like Lynel Horns until you have a decent base weapon.
How do I get the Glide Set in TOTK?
All three pieces are in the Great Sky Island. Look for chests: one near the Temple of Time (inside a pond), one under a waterfall at the north edge, and one behind a Zonai gate (use a rocket shield to break it). Upgrade at the Great Fairy for fall damage immunity.