Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Which Region Should I Visit First?

With multiple paths to choose from in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, newcomers might find themselves unsure of where to begin their adventure. In this article, we will guide you through the decision-making process, highlighting the best regions to visit first in Tears of the Kingdom.

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From the Start of the Game, Go to the Temple of Time

Upon starting the game, players find themselves on the Great Sky Island, an enigmatic location where Link discovers the changes that have occurred in the world below. While the island is ripe for exploration, it is advisable to head straight to the Temple of Time since it will help you unlock Link’s abilities. Acquiring the abilities found within these shrines will significantly enhance Link’s mobility, making subsequent exploration more efficient.

After Arriving in Hyrule, Head for Lookout Landing

After completing all necessary tasks on the Great Sky Island, players will eventually descend to Hyrule. To optimise progression, head towards Lookout Landing, an area to the east featuring a towering structure similar to those seen in Breath of the Wild.

Here, players reunite with Purah in her adult form, who guides Link on the main quest. Additionally, players can rest, obtain a local area map, and gather valuable information from this place before embarking on their next destination.

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The Best Area to Visit First in Natural Phenomenon

Once players have repaired the Skyview Tower and completed the quest leading up to Hyrule Castle, Purah reveals the existence of mysterious phenomena throughout the kingdom. These phenomena are concentrated in four regions: Hebra (Rito), Eldin (Goron), Lanayru (Zora), and Gerudo Desert (Gerudo). Although many NPCs in Lookout Landing may recommend different areas, the Hebra Mountains and Rito Village emerge as the optimal starting point.

Tears of the Kingdom features four main missions centred around natural phenomena. These missions combine boss battles and dungeon puzzles, offering players a diverse and engaging gameplay experience. Unlike linear progression, players have the freedom to tackle these missions in any order they prefer. Understanding the significance of each phenomenon and the rewards they offer will help players plan their journey effectively.

Recommended Starting Point: Rito Village in Hebra (Sage of Wind)

Among the four natural phenomena missions, we suggest starting with Rito Village in Hebra. This choice provides several advantages for players embarking on their adventure. 

Journeying to Rito Village leads players on the Impa and the Geoglyphs main mission, introducing them to Dragon Tears and the geoglyph memory locations. This detour serves as a valuable introduction to key elements found throughout the game world. Additionally, the Sage of Wind, unlocked in Rito Village, grants players the ability to boost their flight speed, making exploration more efficient.

The Natural Phenomena Order and Sages

While players can tackle the natural phenomena missions in any order, following a suggested route can enhance their overall gameplay experience. Our recommended order is to proceed clockwise, starting with Rito Village and moving on to Goron City, Zora’s Domain, and finally, Gerudo Town. 

Each natural phenomenon unlocks a corresponding Sage, providing unique powers to aid players in combat. Collecting the Sages in a specific order can offer strategic advantages based on their abilities. For example, the Sage of Fire provides a powerful cannonball attack, while the Sage of Wind enhances the paraglider with a mid-air speed boost.

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Conclusion

In Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, choosing which region to visit first is pivotal in shaping the player experience. By prioritising the Temple of Time, Lookout Landing, Hebra and Rito, players can optimise their progression, acquire essential abilities, and uncover the mysteries of Hyrule in an efficient and rewarding manner. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Will Happen If I Don’t Go to the Temple of Time First?

While you’re still able to play the game, not going to the Temple of Time first won’t let you unlock your abilities, which will make exploring the game cumbersome and, in the end, eventually make you return to the Temple of Time. 

Why Are Impa and Geoglyphs an Important Mission?

The Impa and Geoglyphs mission provides you with the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom, which is also considered the most powerful weapon in the game. While it is broken at first, it can be repaired later in the game. 

Why Is Going to the Rito Village First More Beneficial?

Hebra offers a balanced difficulty level and introduces players to an ability that proves invaluable for efficient exploration. Not only does this area grant access to the Lucky Clover Gazette, a significant resource, but it also provides a game-changing ability that enhances traversal, especially in the sky.