The Ultimate Guide to Bubbul Gems in Tears of the Kingdom
There are a total of 147 Bubbul Gems hidden throughout the world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. These unique gems are not just shiny collectibles; they’re the key to unlocking a range of exclusive items and a heartwarming transformation courtesy of the quirky character, Koltin.
What Are Bubbul Gems and Why Should You Care?
Bubbul Gems are crystalline treasures dropped by Bubbulfrogs, the spectral amphibians residing in the numerous caves and wells scattered across Hyrule’s surface and its Depths. Each cave typically houses one Bubbulfrog, and defeating it guarantees a single Bubbul Gem.
Why go to all the trouble of exploring every damp crevice for these gems? Because they are the currency Koltin accepts in exchange for a variety of valuable and amusing rewards. Koltin, the brother of Kilton from Breath of the Wild, has dedicated his life to a rather unusual dream: to transform into a Satori, a being of pure enlightenment symbolized by a glowing, mystical creature. While his initial intentions aren’t exactly realized, the rewards he offers along the way are well worth your time.
Koltin’s Rewards: Masks, Armor, and a Sweet Surprise
Koltin offers a tiered reward system, granting you progressively better items as you deliver more Bubbul Gems. These rewards include:
- Monster Masks: Mimic Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos to blend in with enemy camps and observe their behavior.
- Mystic Armor Set: Three pieces (Robe, Trousers, Headpiece) each granting a unique effect (but with a costly side-effect!).
- Koltin’s Fabric: A unique paraglider design as a very special reward for collecting all 147 gems!
- Other unique items.
The Allure of the Mystic Armor Set
The Mystic Armor Set is of particular interest to many players. While it might seem tempting to spend your hard-earned rupees (or, more accurately, avoid spending them), the Mystic Armor offers a trade-off: instead of losing health when taking damage, you lose rupees. While this may sound like a good deal for experienced players who are good at dodging and can keep their health in check, remember that getting hit by stronger enemies will cause you to lose a substantial amount of money.
The number of gems required for each piece of the Mystic armor are:
- Mystic Robe: 8 Bubbul Gems
- Mystic Trousers: 21 Bubbul Gems
- Mystic Headpiece: 46 Bubbul Gems
Therefore, acquiring the entire Mystic set will require 46 Bubbul Gems total.
The Final Reward: Transformation and Koltin’s Fabric
The real payoff, however, comes when you collect all 147 Bubbul Gems. After initially only wanting 47 Bubbul gems to complete The Search for Koltin, a sweet story surprise awaits you. After you give Koltin all the gems that you’ve found, Koltin gives you his Koltin’s Fabric, can become a beautiful glowing paraglider design, and then he transforms into a Blupee. This quest is a testament to the depth and character-driven storytelling that Tears of the Kingdom offers.
Finding the Bubbulfrogs: A Hunter’s Guide
Locating the 147 Bubbulfrogs requires patience, exploration, and a keen eye. Here are some tips to aid your search:
- Look for Cave Entrances: Caves are typically marked by a glowing blue substance near the entrance when viewed from a distance.
- Listen for Their Calls: Bubbulfrogs emit a distinct, echoing croak. Use headphones to pinpoint their location within the cave.
- Utilize Sensor+: If you’ve unlocked the Sensor+ ability on your Purah Pad, you can set it to track Bubbulfrogs. However, this requires first encountering one to register it in your Hyrule Compendium.
- Explore Wells: Don’t forget to check the various wells scattered across Hyrule. While not all contain Bubbulfrogs, many do.
- Check Maps Online: Numerous online resources and interactive maps pinpoint the locations of caves and their respective Bubbulfrogs. Use these as a reference, but remember that exploration is half the fun!
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Bubbul Gems
How many Bubbul Gems do I need to complete Koltin’s quest?
To finish the questline “The Search for Koltin” and get all of the rewards from Koltin’s store, you only need 47 Bubbul Gems. However, collecting and giving him all 147 Bubbul gems unlocks a special final reward.
Where can I find Koltin?
The initial encounter with Koltin takes place near Woodland Stable at the southwestern corner of Eldin Canyon. Head northeast of the stable to find Koltin’s brother, Kilton, near the mouth of a cave by the small Pico Pond at coordinates 1208, 1214, 0020.
What are the benefits of using the Monster Masks?
Monster Masks allow you to blend in with specific enemy types, observing their behavior and, in some cases, avoiding unwanted confrontations. Be warned, this is not always the case and stealth can be broken easily with loud noises or being too close to enemies.
Is the Mystic Armor set worth getting?
The Mystic Armor Set can be useful, it’s a mixed bag. Its ability to convert damage into rupee loss is intriguing, it may be useful for experienced players who want to avoid using healing items, but keep in mind that higher level monsters may cause you to lose hundreds of rupees with each hit. It is best to use the armor strategically and not rely on it at all times.
Can Bubbul Gems be used for anything else besides trading with Koltin?
No. Bubbul Gems are exclusively used for trading with Koltin in exchange for his unique rewards.
Are Bubbulfrogs only found in caves?
While most Bubbulfrogs are found in caves, they can also be found in wells. Always check every underground location you come across.
Does every cave have a Bubbulfrog?
Nearly every cave in Tears of the Kingdom houses a Bubbulfrog. If you find a cave, it’s highly likely there’s a gem waiting for you inside.
Can I track Bubbulfrogs with the Sensor+ ability?
Yes, if you’ve unlocked the Sensor+ ability, you can set it to track Bubbulfrogs. However, you need to encounter and register one in your Hyrule Compendium first.
Do Bubbulfrogs respawn?
No, Bubbulfrogs do not respawn. Once you’ve defeated a Bubbulfrog and collected its Bubbul Gem, it’s gone for good.
What happens after I collect all 147 Bubbul Gems?
Once you collect and give Koltin all 147 gems, he achieves his long-sought transformation. He will give you the Koltin’s Fabric as a gift and then will transform into a Blupee.
Is there a way to duplicate Bubbul Gems?
While there are item duplication glitches in Tears of the Kingdom, they are often patched out with game updates. Keep an eye on online communities for current methods, but remember that using glitches might detract from the intended game experience. As of the most recent patch, there are no current item duplication glitches that have been reported to work as of October 2024.
Is there a limit to how many Bubbul Gems I can carry?
No, there is no known limit to how many Bubbul Gems you can carry.
Can I sell Bubbul Gems for rupees?
No, Bubbul Gems cannot be sold for rupees. Their only purpose is to be traded with Koltin.
Does the time of day affect Bubbulfrog spawns?
No, the time of day does not affect Bubbulfrog spawns. They can be found in caves at any time.
Are there any specific items that make finding Bubbulfrogs easier?
The Sensor+ ability is the most helpful tool for finding Bubbulfrogs. Using headphones to better hear their distinct calls can also aid in your search.
Beyond the Gems: Embracing the Spirit of Exploration
Collecting the 147 Bubbul Gems in Tears of the Kingdom is more than just a completionist task; it’s a journey of discovery. It encourages you to explore every nook and cranny of Hyrule, uncovering hidden caves, solving environmental puzzles, and encountering a diverse cast of creatures and characters.
Remember, the true reward isn’t just the items you acquire from Koltin, but the memories and experiences you create along the way. Happy hunting, and may your adventures be filled with wonder and delight.
Interested in learning more about the educational value of games? Visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.