Does the Dispelling the Darkness Medal Do Anything in Tears of the Kingdom?
The burning question on every completionist’s mind: does the Dispelling Darkness Medal, awarded for activating all 120 Lightroots in The Depths of Tears of the Kingdom, actually do anything? The straightforward answer, sadly, is no, not really. While the in-game description suggests it “slightly illuminates The Depths and provides a clear view of the surroundings,” many players report that the medal has no discernible effect on the game. It serves primarily as a trophy, a testament to your dedication in conquering one of the game’s most significant completion challenges.
Think of it as a digital pat on the back. You’ve plumbed the deepest, darkest corners of Hyrule, meticulously lit every Lightroot, and synchronized your surface map with the subterranean world. That’s an achievement worth celebrating, even if the reward is purely symbolic.
This might be disappointing for some, especially considering the time and effort required to activate all 120 Lightroots. However, the benefits of exploring The Depths extend far beyond a simple medal. The journey itself is rewarding, offering unique resources, challenging encounters, and a deeper understanding of the game’s lore. Plus, the illumination provided by activating the Lightroots themselves is invaluable for navigation and survival.
So, while the Dispelling Darkness Medal may not have a tangible in-game effect, the experience of earning it and the knowledge gained along the way are rewards in their own right. And, of course, there’s always the possibility of a future update adding functionality to the medal. Nintendo has surprised us before!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Dispelling Darkness Medal and Lightroots
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the purpose, acquisition, and benefits of the Dispelling Darkness Medal and Lightroots in Tears of the Kingdom:
What exactly is the Dispelling Darkness Medal?
The Dispelling Darkness Medal is a key item awarded to Link in Tears of the Kingdom after activating all 120 Lightroots located in The Depths. It appears in your inventory as a memento of your accomplishment.
How do I get the Dispelling Darkness Medal?
The medal is obtained automatically after activating the 120th Lightroot. No special dialogue or quest completion is required. Simply light that final root, and the medal will appear!
Does the Dispelling Darkness Medal provide any passive bonuses?
Currently, there is no confirmed passive bonus associated with the Dispelling Darkness Medal. Despite the description, most players have not observed any significant difference in visibility within The Depths after obtaining the medal.
Is it worth finding all 120 Lightroots?
While the medal itself might be underwhelming, exploring The Depths is absolutely worth it. You’ll find valuable resources like Poes, which can be exchanged for unique armor and items, as well as discover powerful equipment and engage in challenging combat encounters. The increased visibility from the Lightroots themselves also significantly improves navigation and survivability.
Are Lightroots linked to Shrines on the surface?
Yes! This is a crucial piece of information. Each Lightroot corresponds directly to a Shrine on the surface of Hyrule. Not only are they located beneath their surface counterparts, but their names are also the same, only spelled backwards. This makes it much easier to find any missing Lightroots!
How many Shrines are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. 120 are located on the surface of Hyrule, and 32 are scattered among the Sky Islands.
Is there a reward for completing all Shrines?
Yes! Completing all 152 Shrines unlocks the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a unique armor item that covers the head, body, and legs. This armor set offers excellent defense and a distinct Zonai appearance. You can claim it from a chest inside the Temple of Time.
How can I find my missing Lightroots?
The easiest way is to compare your Depths map to your surface map. Look for Shrines that you’ve activated but don’t have a corresponding Lightroot beneath them. The names, being spelled backwards, make it easy to identify matches. Focus on areas of the Depths that remain dark on your map. Anything that isn’t a mountain and is black on map is a missing lightroot for you.
What are Poes and why are they important in The Depths?
Poes are glowing, ethereal spirits found throughout The Depths. They serve as a form of currency and can be exchanged at Bargainer Statues for unique armor, weapon schematics, and other valuable items. Collecting Poes is a key part of exploring The Depths.
Is there DLC planned for Tears of the Kingdom?
As of the latest information from Nintendo, there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. The development team feels they have fully realized their vision for the game within its current scope.
Can you max out both Hearts and Stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you cannot max out both Hearts and Stamina. Similar to Breath of the Wild, there’s a limit on how many Heart Containers and Stamina Vessels you can acquire. You’ll need to choose which stat you prioritize. The maximum amount of both resources Link can hold at one time is 40 Hearts and 2 and a half full Stamina Wheels or 38 Hearts and 3 full Stamina Wheels.
What is the Temple of Time and where can I find it?
The Temple of Time is a recurring location in the Legend of Zelda series, and it plays a significant role in Tears of the Kingdom. The Temple of Time is on the Great Sky Island, where the game starts. Also, there is a Temple of Time on the surface of Hyrule, but the Ancient Hero’s Aspect will be located in the Temple of Time in the Great Sky Island.
Do Lightroots count as Shrines?
While Lightroots serve a similar purpose in The Depths to Shrines on the surface (providing fast travel points and illuminating the area), they do not directly count as Shrines for the purpose of increasing your health or stamina. Shrines reward you with Lights of Blessing, which can then be exchanged for Heart Containers or Stamina Vessels.
Can roots grow in light?
While this may seem like a strange question in the context of a video game, it touches on real-world botany. In reality, roots illuminated with blue light are shorter and present fewer lateral roots than roots grown in darkness. The game doesn’t explicitly adhere to this scientific principle, but it’s an interesting detail to consider when exploring the relationship between the surface and The Depths.
How do I get to Camobatures Lightroot?
To get to Camobatures Lightroot, find Serutabomac Shrine in the northeastern corner of Hyrule Castle (on the surface) and find the Hyrule Castle Chasm nearby. Descend to land in the enclosed area and activate the Lightroot to bring light to the dark.
The Enduring Appeal of Completion
Even without a significant in-game effect, the Dispelling Darkness Medal represents something important: the satisfaction of completion. Many players find joy in exploring every corner of a game world, uncovering its secrets, and mastering its challenges. The Games Learning Society explores the motivational and educational aspects of games, including the drive for completion and the cognitive skills developed through problem-solving in virtual environments (see more at GamesLearningSociety.org).
Ultimately, the value of the Dispelling Darkness Medal is subjective. If you’re a completionist who enjoys the process of exploration and discovery, then the medal serves as a tangible reminder of your dedication. If you’re only interested in tangible rewards, then you might find it less appealing. But regardless, the journey through The Depths is an unforgettable experience in Tears of the Kingdom.