The Great Deku Seed Mystery: Unveiling a BotW Enigma
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The quick answer is there are zero DEKU seeds in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW). You might be thinking of Korok Seeds, the 900 collectable items scattered across Hyrule. These seeds are acquired by solving little puzzles and are given to the Korok Hestu to expand your inventory space.
Dissecting the Deku/Korok Confusion
So, why the confusion? Well, “Deku” is a term often associated with trees and forests in the Zelda universe, most notably the Great Deku Tree. Koroks, on the other hand, are forest spirits closely tied to the Great Deku Tree himself. They are the evolved form of the Kokiri, as seen in Ocarina of Time. This connection to nature, trees, and forests likely leads to the occasional mix-up between “Deku” and “Korok”.
Understanding Korok Seeds and Hestu’s Quest
Instead of Deku Seeds, Breath of the Wild features Korok Seeds. These are obtained by interacting with environmental puzzles found all over Hyrule. These puzzles range from placing a rock in a specific spot, shooting a target, following a series of lights, or offering fruit to statues.
Once you have a seed, you need to find Hestu. Initially, he’s found along the road between the Dueling Peaks Stable and Kakariko Village. He’s easily recognizable by his enormous size and musical instruments. After a few inventory upgrades, Hestu moves to Korok Forest. Talking to Hestu allows you to trade in Korok Seeds in exchange for inventory expansion slots. The more slots you purchase, the more Korok Seeds are needed.
The Infamous Hestu’s Gift
Many players embark on the long journey of finding all 900 Korok Seeds, but the reward for doing so is a bit… underwhelming. After handing over all 900 seeds, Hestu gives you Hestu’s Gift, which is essentially a golden, poo-shaped item. It has no practical use and simply smells bad. It’s more of a gag reward for completionists.
Why Collect All Those Seeds Anyway?
While Hestu’s Gift might seem like a letdown, the primary reason to collect Korok Seeds is to increase your inventory space. More inventory slots mean you can carry more weapons, shields, and bows. This becomes increasingly crucial as you progress through the game and encounter stronger enemies. By upgrading your inventory, you are able to be more prepared for future encounters. 441 seeds are all that are needed to completely max out the inventory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Korok Seeds
Here are some frequently asked questions about Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild to address common queries and clarify misconceptions:
1. How many Korok Seeds are there in Breath of the Wild?
There are a total of 900 Korok Seeds scattered throughout Hyrule in Breath of the Wild.
2. What do Korok Seeds do?
Korok Seeds are used to expand your inventory slots for weapons, shields, and bows by trading them with Hestu.
3. Where can I find Hestu?
Hestu is initially located on the road between the Dueling Peaks Stable and Kakariko Village. After upgrading your inventory a few times, he moves to Korok Forest.
4. What is Hestu’s Gift?
Hestu’s Gift is the reward for collecting all 900 Korok Seeds. It’s a golden, poo-shaped item with no practical use. It is a token of friendship from Hestu.
5. Do I need all 900 Korok Seeds to max out my inventory?
No, you only need 441 Korok Seeds to completely max out all your inventory slots.
6. Do Korok Seeds count towards 100% completion of the game?
No, collecting Korok Seeds does not contribute to the map’s 100% completion rate. It is tied only to completing the main quest, DLC, shrines, and named locations.
7. How do I find Korok Seeds?
Korok Seeds are hidden in various locations around Hyrule and are obtained by completing puzzles, such as placing rocks in specific spots, shooting targets, or offering items to statues.
8. Is there a way to track how many Korok Seeds I have collected?
Yes, you can see how many Korok Seeds you’ve collected on the loading screen when you fast travel or reload the game. The number is displayed in the top right corner, along with other statistics.
9. What is the hardest Korok Seed to find?
The difficulty of finding a Korok Seed depends on personal preference and playstyle. Some commonly cited difficult Korok Seeds involve metal structures in Cora Lake, rock formations in Lurelin Village, or boulder patterns in Damel Forest.
10. What happens if I miss Hestu?
If you can’t find Hestu in Lookout Landing, search for him either on the road to Kakariko Village or in Korok Forest.
11. Can I use a guide to find all the Korok Seeds?
Yes, many online guides and interactive maps can help you locate all 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild. Using a guide can significantly reduce the time and effort required to find them all.
12. Are Korok Seeds in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Korok Seeds return in Tears of the Kingdom, and there are even more to find – 1000 in total. The reward for collecting them all, however, is similar to that in Breath of the Wild.
13. What species is Hestu?
Hestu is a large Korok, specifically described as the most celebrated musician of Korok Forest.
14. Are DLC shrines required for 100% completion?
No, DLC shrines do not count toward the in-game 100% completion. Only the 120 base game shrines are required.
15. Where does the word “Deku” come from in the Zelda universe?
The word “Deku” is associated with trees and forests in the Zelda universe. The most notable example is the Great Deku Tree, a wise and ancient guardian of the forest. You can learn about Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, while “Deku Seeds” are not a feature of Breath of the Wild, the Korok Seeds provide an extensive and challenging collectible quest within the game. Whether you aim for the inventory upgrades or the notorious Hestu’s Gift, hunting down these hidden seeds offers a unique way to explore the vast world of Hyrule.