There are 152 shrines scattered across the vast world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Unveiling Hyrule's Sacred Sites
The world of Hyrule in Tears of the Kingdom is teeming with ancient challenges known as shrines. These sacred structures serve as miniature dungeons, testing players' wit, combat prowess, and environmental manipulation skills using Link's unique abilities like Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, and Recall. Discovering and completing all of them is a significant undertaking that offers both tangible rewards and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Distribution of Shrines
These 152 shrines are strategically placed across the game's three main layers:
- The Sky Islands: Floating high above Hyrule, these islands often house shrines that challenge players with gravity-defying puzzles and aerial traversal.
- The Surface of Hyrule: The familiar landscape of Hyrule's surface contains numerous shrines, sometimes hidden in plain sight, other times requiring clever exploration to uncover.
- The Depths: A new, subterranean realm introduced in Tears of the Kingdom, the Depths also conceals a portion of these mysterious shrines, adding an extra layer of discovery.
The Ultimate Reward: Ancient Hero's Aspect
Completing all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom is a monumental achievement that culminates in a special reward. Upon clearing every shrine, players will unlock the Ancient Hero's Aspect. This unique armor item is not just a piece of headgear, body armor, or leg gear; it's a comprehensive set that spans all three, transforming Link into the likeness of a legendary hero. It’s a coveted prize for those dedicated enough to master every challenge presented by the shrines.
Why Shrines Matter
Shrines are integral to the Tears of the Kingdom experience for several reasons:
- Light Blessings: Each completed shrine grants a Light Blessing. Collecting four Light Blessings allows Link to pray at a Goddess Statue to increase his heart containers or stamina wheel.
- Fast Travel Points: Once activated, shrines serve as convenient fast travel points, making navigation across Hyrule much more efficient.
- Skill Development: The diverse puzzles and combat encounters within shrines hone the player's understanding and application of Link's abilities, preparing them for the greater challenges of the game.
- Lore and Atmosphere: Many shrines offer glimpses into the ancient history and advanced technology of Hyrule, enriching the game's lore.
Exploring every nook and cranny of Hyrule to find and complete all 152 shrines is a core part of the adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, promising both challenging gameplay and rewarding progression.
