Unlocking Hyrule’s Secrets: What Do You Get for Completing All Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Completing every challenge in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a monumental task, and for those dedicated players who conquer all 152 Shrines, the reward is a truly exceptional piece of armor: the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. This isn’t just any ordinary piece of gear; it’s a full armor set that spans head, body, and leg protection, embodying the spirit of a hero from Hyrule’s past. This formidable armor not only enhances your defense but also carries significant lore significance, making it a coveted item for any true adventurer. Once you conquer the final Shrine, you will be prompted to “make your way to the Temple of Time,” where this “suitable reward” awaits.
The Ancient Hero’s Aspect: More Than Just Armor
The Ancient Hero’s Aspect is more than just a powerful defensive gear set. It’s a symbol of your dedication and mastery over the challenges presented in Tears of the Kingdom. The armor set is unique in its design, emulating a classic version of Link, clad in green. This aesthetic pays homage to the legacy of the hero, making it a visually appealing and rewarding accomplishment.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The Ancient Hero’s Aspect provides solid defensive stats which can be particularly useful in the late game when facing off against formidable foes and challenging boss encounters.
Navigating the Shrine System
Tears of the Kingdom features a complex system of Shrines spread across the surface and sky islands, totaling 152 Shrines. That’s 32 more than in Breath of the Wild. These shrines are not merely combat encounters; they incorporate a range of puzzles, often requiring creative application of your various abilities. Each Shrine you complete contributes to your overall progress, granting you a Light of Blessing. Four Lights of Blessing can be exchanged for an upgrade, either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel. The journey of discovering and conquering all the Shrines is a core part of the gameplay experience in Tears of the Kingdom.
Combining Shrines with Lightroots
It’s also worth mentioning that the number of Shrines on the surface is mirrored by the number of Lightroots in the Depths, totaling 120 for each respectively. These Lightroots also serve as fast travel points and reveal the otherwise darkened map of the Depths. While Lightroots don’t directly grant you any upgrades or equipment, activating all 120 will get you the Dispelling Darkness Medal, and this exploration is key to completing the game’s map.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding the Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom, along with comprehensive answers:
1. How Many Shrines are there in Total in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a grand total of 152 Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. 120 of these are located on the surface of Hyrule, while an additional 32 can be found in the sky.
2. Do Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom Give Heart Containers?
Not directly. Instead, each completed Shrine grants you a Light of Blessing. Collecting four of these Lights of Blessing allows you to exchange them for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel at a Goddess Statue.
3. Can I Max Out Both Hearts and Stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
No. Similar to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom does not allow you to max out both your Heart Containers and Stamina Vessels. Prioritizing one will inevitably leave the other short of the maximum. You can reach a maximum of 38 Heart Containers.
4. How Many Shrines Do I Need to Get 13 Hearts?
You need to complete 40 Shrines to acquire 10 additional Heart Containers, as you start with three. A total of 13 Hearts is required to wield the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild. While 13 Hearts are not the standard requirement to get the Master Sword in Tears of the Kingdom, the 13 hearts is still a notable achievement as a result of 40 Shrine completions, though additional Stamina Vessels are an option.
5. What Happens After Completing All 120 Shrines on the Surface?
Completing all 120 surface Shrines allows you to collect a lot of Lights of Blessing, which you can then exchange for Heart Containers and Stamina Vessels as previously mentioned. Also, with a large number of shrines completed, you may be nearing the completion of the total 152 shrines, and will get the Ancient Hero’s Aspect when completing the final Shrine.
6. Where is the Last Shrine in Tears of the Kingdom?
The last Shrine, Nachoyah Shrine, becomes accessible after you obtain the Recall ability in the Temple of Time. It is, however, not required to be the final Shrine for you to gain the Ancient Hero’s Aspect. Any Shrine can be the final one that you complete.
7. What Do You Get for Finding All the Lightroots?
After activating all 120 Lightroots in the Depths, you receive the Dispelling Darkness Medal. While this medal doesn’t currently serve any in-game function, it signifies the complete illumination of the Depths. In addition, you get a clear map of the Depths, and more fast travel options.
8. How are Shrines Different in Tears of the Kingdom Compared to Breath of the Wild?
While the structure of Shrines remains similar in that they present puzzles and challenges, Tears of the Kingdom features an increase in the number of Shrines (152 compared to 120 in Breath of the Wild) and introduces Shrines found in the Sky Islands. The puzzles also incorporate the new abilities that Link obtains throughout Tears of the Kingdom.
9. What is the Best Armor in the Game, if the Ancient Hero’s Aspect is not?
While the Ancient Hero’s Aspect is exceptional, some players find other armor sets, such as the Barbarian Armor, to be more effective in combat situations. This depends on playstyle. The Ancient Hero’s Aspect is still arguably among the best armor due to its uniqueness.
10. Do Divine Beasts Affect Shrine Completions?
The Divine Beasts from Breath of the Wild are not present in the same way in Tears of the Kingdom. Completion of dungeons in Tears of the Kingdom does not impact the number of Shrines you complete.
11. How Long Does it Take to Complete Tears of the Kingdom?
A typical playthrough focused on the main story takes about 59 hours, while completing all side content, including shrines, will take considerably longer.
12. Can I Break the Master Sword?
The Master Sword does not break in the traditional sense. It will run out of energy after several hits, requiring 10 minutes to recharge. It disappears from your hand, but will remain in your inventory as a faded-out version.
13. How Do You Recharge the Master Sword?
The Master Sword recharges automatically after 10 minutes of not using it.
14. Are there Any Plans for Tears of the Kingdom DLC?
No, Nintendo has stated that there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom as all desired elements were implemented into the base game.
15. Will Tears of the Kingdom be the Last Zelda Game?
Despite the finality of its ending, it is highly unlikely that Tears of the Kingdom will be the last entry in the Legend of Zelda series. The success of the franchise and the game itself implies more Zelda games to be released.
Conclusion
Completing all 152 Shrines in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a significant achievement, rewarding you with the powerful Ancient Hero’s Aspect and a deep sense of accomplishment. This armor is a fitting culmination of the exploration and challenges that form the core of this exceptional game. Beyond this ultimate prize, each Shrine you tackle enhances your abilities, improves your stats, and takes you closer to mastering the diverse landscapes of Hyrule. For dedicated adventurers, completing all Shrines remains one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences in Tears of the Kingdom.