What Happened to the Sheikah Slate? Unraveling the Mystery in Tears of the Kingdom
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The Sheikah Slate, a crucial piece of technology in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, undergoes a significant transformation in its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. The simple answer to what happened to the Sheikah Slate is that it’s effectively decommissioned as the primary tool for Link. While it’s not entirely absent, it’s no longer the center of Link’s abilities. The runes it provided are absent, and its core functionalities are replaced by Link’s new right arm and the newly introduced Purah Pad. The Sheikah Slate is briefly returned to Link only in the context of the DLC for Breath of the Wild, to access the One-Hit Obliterator trial. After the Calamity was defeated and the Sheikah tech had served its purpose, it seems that the Sheikah Slate, along with the towers, shrines, and guardians, retreated into dormancy or, according to Nintendo, simply disappeared, their time having passed.
The Demise of Sheikah Technology
The removal of the Sheikah Slate isn’t just an arbitrary plot point; it’s intricately tied to the narrative of Tears of the Kingdom. The very purpose of the Sheikah technology in Breath of the Wild was to combat Calamity Ganon. Once that objective was achieved, it appears that the ancient Sheikah tech, including the slate itself, recognized that its work was done. According to Zelda director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, the Sheikah Towers, Guardians, and Divine Beasts vanished. This isn’t a case of simple disrepair, but rather an intentional, perhaps magical, fade-out of the tech that had been awakened after a long dormancy.
The Purah Pad Takes Over
In Tears of the Kingdom, the functionalities previously offered by the Sheikah Slate are largely integrated into the Purah Pad. This device seems to be the successor to the Sheikah Slate, representing an evolution in Sheikah technology. The Purah Pad, developed by Purah and Robbie, retains some basic functions of the slate, like the map and camera, while adding new capabilities. Link’s new arm, imbued with Zonai power, also replaces many of the powers the slate provided in Breath of the Wild.
Thematic Shift
The absence of the Sheikah Slate and its associated tech signals a thematic shift in Tears of the Kingdom. The game moves away from the emphasis on ancient Sheikah technology and instead focuses on the mysterious Zonai civilization. This change introduces new mechanics and story elements, allowing for fresh gameplay and exploration. The game now centers around Link’s new abilities and the exploration of sky islands rather than activation of Sheikah tech.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the fate of the Sheikah Slate and related matters, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Does Link Still Have the Sheikah Slate in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Link does not have the Sheikah Slate for the majority of Tears of the Kingdom. While the Purah Pad is inspired by it, the Slate itself is absent from regular gameplay. Its temporary return is in relation to the One-Hit Obliterator challenge in Breath of the Wild‘s DLC.
2. Why Did the Sheikah Towers and Guardians Disappear?
Nintendo’s official explanation is that these creations disappeared once their purpose of sealing Calamity Ganon was fulfilled. They went dormant or retreated, possibly acknowledging their role in Hyrule’s history was complete.
3. What Is the Purah Pad?
The Purah Pad is a new device in Tears of the Kingdom created by Purah and Robbie. It functions as a successor to the Sheikah Slate, retaining some features like the map and camera while incorporating new abilities.
4. What Happened to the Runes Provided by the Sheikah Slate?
The runes tied to the Sheikah Slate are absent in Tears of the Kingdom. Link’s new Zonai-powered arm provides new abilities that replace those runes, moving the gameplay in a new direction.
5. Is There Any Connection Between the Sheikah and Zonai?
While many theories exist regarding the nature of the Zonai and their relationship with the Sheikah, the game heavily implies that the Zonai are a separate and earlier civilization. The Zonai tech is different from Sheikah tech in both function and aesthetic.
6. What Is Link’s New Arm in Tears of the Kingdom?
Link’s new arm is a result of a traumatic encounter with Ganondorf. The arm is imbued with Zonai magic and provides him with new powers, replacing the functionality of the Sheikah runes.
7. What Role Does Impa Play in Tears of the Kingdom?
In Tears of the Kingdom, Impa is no longer the main guide for Link. While she is still alive and present, she has passed her title to Paya, and no longer takes on the more active role she played in Breath of the Wild.
8. Are the Sheikah a Subrace of Hylians?
The Sheikah are considered a subrace of Hylians, sharing similar physical traits and magical potential. However, they are distinct by their often white hair and distinct cultural practices.
9. Where Did the Divine Beasts Go in Tears of the Kingdom?
Similar to the other Sheikah tech, the Divine Beasts are buried underground in Tears of the Kingdom, possibly to prevent their power from being misused. They no longer play an active role in the game.
10. Is Ganondorf Voiced by Matt Mercer in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Matthew Mercer from Critical Role voices Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom, adding a captivating and sinister presence to the villain.
11. How Old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Based on the timeline and a five year gap, Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom.
12. Why Didn’t Zelda Age in Breath of the Wild?
Zelda’s agelessness is attributed to her creating a magical barrier around Hyrule Castle, which may have separated that region from the normal flow of time in the Breath of the Wild universe.
13. Is Paya in Love with Link?
Yes, Paya is in love with Link, a fact revealed in Breath of the Wild. However, it appears that this is not returned by Link.
14. Is the Barbarian Armor of Zonai Origin?
While it was previously theorized, the Barbarian Armor does not belong to the Zonai, as its aesthetic is vastly different from the known Zonai style.
15. Did the Zonai Worship Ganondorf?
It is hypothesized by some that there may be evidence that the Zonai allied with or worshipped Ganondorf, based on specific design elements, but this is not officially confirmed.
Conclusion
The Sheikah Slate’s transition in Tears of the Kingdom is a pivotal change, reflecting the game’s narrative and thematic shift toward the Zonai civilization. While the slate is gone, its legacy continues to influence the world of Hyrule. This makes the game feel both familiar and completely fresh and new. The introduction of the Purah Pad and Link’s new Zonai abilities opens exciting gameplay possibilities. By understanding the fate of the Sheikah Slate, we gain a deeper appreciation for the worldbuilding and storytelling of Tears of the Kingdom.