Are There Koroks in the Depths of Tears of the Kingdom? Unveiling the Underground Truth
The burning question on every Tears of the Kingdom explorer’s mind: are there Koroks hiding in the perilous Depths? The answer, unequivocally, is no. Despite the vast, interconnected world of Hyrule in Tears of the Kingdom, these tiny, leaf-covered creatures remain firmly above ground. You’ll find them scattered across the surface and dotting the sky islands, but the dark and dangerous underground realm is strictly off-limits for these little wanderers. This guide will explain everything you need to know about Koroks and their absence from the Depths.
Koroks: The Sky and Surface Dwellers
Koroks, the evolved forms of the Kokiri from Ocarina of Time, are whimsical spirits of the forest known for their love of puzzles and hiding places. In Tears of the Kingdom, they maintain this tradition, but their habitat is limited to the surface of Hyrule and the sky islands floating above. These areas are filled with numerous Korok-related challenges, from simple rock formations to elaborate puzzles involving moving parts.
Why No Koroks in the Depths?
The absence of Koroks in the Depths is likely a design choice that reflects the overall atmosphere and challenges of this underground area. The Depths are intended to be a dark, dangerous, and resource-scarce environment. Introducing the lighthearted and often whimsical presence of Koroks could undermine this intended tone and make this part of the map less immersive. The Depths are filled with formidable enemies and Gloom, a substance that diminishes Link’s maximum health. Surviving in this region requires careful planning, resource management, and combat skills. The lack of Koroks reinforces the feeling of isolation and danger.
The Korok Mask: A Misleading Clue
While you won’t find Koroks themselves in the Depths, there is a Korok-related item hidden underground: the Korok Mask. This mask, found in the Forest Coliseum, alerts Link to the presence of hidden Koroks nearby by shaking and making a distinctive sound. The fact that it is found in the depths can be confusing, but it does not indicate that Koroks are also present in the Depths. The mask can be helpful for players who are trying to find them on the surface or in the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Koroks in Tears of the Kingdom
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Koroks in Tears of the Kingdom, covering their locations, rewards, and more.
1. How many Korok Seeds are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 1,000 Korok Seeds to be found in Tears of the Kingdom. This includes the seeds you receive from completing Korok puzzles in the overworld and the seeds you get from helping two Koroks reunite with their friend.
2. What is the reward for collecting all 1,000 Korok Seeds?
For collecting all 1,000 Korok Seeds and returning them to Hestu, you’ll receive Hestu’s Gift. It’s a golden pile of…well, let’s just say it resembles poop. It’s purely a gag item with no practical use, but it does unlock a special dance animation from Hestu whenever you interact with him.
3. How many Korok Seeds do I need to max out my inventory?
You need 441 Korok Seeds to fully expand all of your weapon, bow, and shield slots. Collecting any beyond this point only contributes toward the final reward of Hestu’s Gift.
4. Is it worth collecting all 1,000 Korok Seeds?
That depends on your definition of “worth it”. If you’re a completionist and enjoy the challenge, then yes. However, if you’re solely concerned with gameplay benefits, collecting beyond the amount needed to max out your inventory is unnecessary. It’s all for the novelty of Hestu’s Gift.
5. Where can I find Koroks on the Sky Islands?
Great Sky Island contains 19 Korok Seeds, while other sky islands also have a fair number of Koroks to find. Explore these locations thoroughly, looking for suspicious rock formations, pinwheels, and other environmental cues that indicate a hidden Korok puzzle.
6. What happens if I drop a Korok down a chasm?
Dropping a Korok down a chasm is generally not recommended. The Korok will express dismay, and you’ll likely have to retrieve it. It doesn’t have any special effect, and the Korok will simply continue its journey once you help it reunite with its friend.
7. Is there a Korok Village in Tears of the Kingdom?
While there isn’t a dedicated “Korok Village” in the traditional sense, Korok Forest exists in Tears of the Kingdom, although it’s heavily affected by the Gloom and requires specific steps to restore. It acts as a central hub for the Koroks and the Great Deku Tree.
8. What is the hardest Korok Seed to find?
The difficulty of finding Korok Seeds is subjective, depending on the individual player’s observation skills and puzzle-solving abilities. Many consider the Lurelin Village Hidden Apple Korok Seed as among the hardest due to its subtlety and obscurity. Others may have trouble with more complex puzzles, such as those involving timed sequences or environmental manipulation.
9. Are the Koroks related to the Kokiri?
Yes, the Koroks are the evolved form of the Kokiri from Ocarina of Time. This transformation occurs in the Adult Timeline of the Zelda series’ chronology, where the Kokiri adapted to survive on the Great Sea by evolving into the flying, tree-like Koroks.
10. Can I sell Korok Seeds?
No, you cannot sell Korok Seeds for Rupees or other in-game currency. Their only purpose is to be exchanged with Hestu for inventory upgrades.
11. Do I need Korok Seeds to achieve 100% completion?
Whether or not you need the Korok Seeds to 100% the game is up to your own definition. Some consider 100% game completion to mean completing all story events and side quests, while others might consider all Korok Seeds as mandatory.
12. What is the purpose of Hestu?
Hestu is a large, dancing Korok who plays a crucial role in Link’s journey by expanding his inventory space. He travels between different locations in Hyrule, offering upgrades in exchange for Korok Seeds. His unique dance and cheerful demeanor make him a memorable character in the game.
13. Where can I find Hestu?
Hestu initially appears on the road to Kakariko Village. After providing a few inventory upgrades, he moves to Lookout Landing and eventually settles near the Korok Forest. His final location makes it easier for players to access him throughout their adventure.
14. Is it possible to miss any Korok Seeds?
It is possible to miss certain Korok Seeds if you are not thorough in your exploration. However, most Korok puzzles are repeatable, so you can always return to a location later to find any seeds you might have missed. Some puzzles may require specific items or abilities that you unlock later in the game, so revisiting areas is always a good idea.
15. What are some tips for finding Korok Seeds?
Here are a few tips to help you in your Korok Seed hunt:
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Look for anything out of the ordinary, such as suspicious rock formations, unusual patterns, or lone objects in unexpected places.
- Use the Korok Mask: The Korok Mask can be a valuable tool for detecting hidden Koroks, especially in areas where they are difficult to spot.
- Experiment: Try interacting with objects in the environment to see if they trigger a Korok puzzle. This might involve throwing rocks into a circle, shooting a target, or completing a pattern.
- Consult Guides: If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to consult online guides or videos for hints. There are many resources available to help you find even the most elusive Korok Seeds.
Conclusion: Embrace the Hunt!
While the Depths remain Korok-free in Tears of the Kingdom, there are still plenty of these adorable creatures to discover on the surface and in the sky. The quest to find all 1,000 Korok Seeds can be a challenging but rewarding experience, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule. The gameplay aspects, puzzles, and problem-solving used to uncover Koroks aligns with the educational principles discussed by organizations such as the GamesLearningSociety.org.
So, grab your paraglider, sharpen your senses, and embark on your Korok Seed hunt! Just remember, while the Depths may be dark and dangerous, they offer their own unique challenges and rewards, even without the presence of these little forest spirits. Happy exploring!