Unlocking the Secrets of Korok Gear in Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom
The Korok weapon set refers to a collection of weaponry thematically linked to the Koroks, the diminutive forest spirits dwelling primarily in the Great Hyrule Forest. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, these weapons are characterized by their unique aesthetic, often incorporating natural materials like wood and leaves, and are specifically designed, according to in-game lore, for use by Hylians. While not the most powerful weapons in the game, they offer a distinct visual flair and a specific gameplay niche, particularly in early to mid-game scenarios. The primary weapons associated with the Korok set are the Forest Dweller’s Sword, Forest Dweller’s Spear, Forest Dweller’s Shield, and the Korok Bow. It’s important to note that the Korok Leaf is an outlier, as it’s a naturally occurring item, not crafted weaponry.
Deeper Dive into Korok Gear
Defining the Korok Aesthetic
Korok weapons stand out due to their wooden construction and natural ornamentation. Unlike the metal weapons of Hylian soldiers or the more ornate weapons of the Zora, the Korok set emphasizes simplicity and a connection to the forest. This design philosophy extends to their stats, with moderate attack power and durability, making them reliable but not overwhelmingly powerful. The Korok Bow, however, is particularly notable for its excellent draw speed.
Acquiring Korok Gear
Finding the Korok weapons often involves engaging with the Koroks themselves or exploring areas closely associated with them. The Korok Forest, particularly, is a prime location for discovering this gear. The Test of Wood shrine quest, for example, directly rewards the player with a set of Korok weapons (sword, bow, and shield). Other Korok weapons can be found within chests scattered throughout the world, especially in and around the Great Hyrule Forest and Hyrule Field. Some specific locations include above the Great Deku Tree, requiring puzzle-solving or exploration skills to reach them.
Usage and Benefits
While not the strongest weapons individually, the Korok set offers strategic advantages. Their lightweight nature makes them ideal for players prioritizing speed and agility in combat. The Forest Dweller’s Spear, with its Fuse Recycling passive ability, allows for potential resource conservation. Furthermore, the Korok Bow’s rapid draw speed is valuable in situations demanding quick shots. The weapons are primarily intended to assist in navigating and clearing paths through forests, as suggested by their in-game descriptions.
Limitations
The wooden construction of Korok gear renders them vulnerable to fire damage. Players should exercise caution when using them near flames or against fire-based enemies. Their durability, while reasonable, is not exceptionally high, meaning they will eventually break with sustained use. Compared to end-game weapons like the Master Sword or weapons crafted from powerful monster parts, the Korok set’s attack power is comparatively lower.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Korok Gear
1. Is the Forest Dweller’s Sword rare?
Yes, the Forest Dweller’s Sword is considered one of the rarer swords in the game. Limited numbers are found in chests and earned through quests, making each find valuable. Specifically, only 3 are found in chests, 1 is given at the Test of Wood, and an extra one is available in Master Mode.
2. What is the Forest Dweller’s Sword used for?
The Forest Dweller’s Sword is a weapon made by the Koroks for Hylians. It’s likely intended for clearing paths through forests. It belongs to the Korok Gear equipment archetype and is commonly found in Hyrule Field and the Great Hyrule Forest.
3. Can the Hylian Shield break?
Yes, even the legendary Hylian Shield has durability and can break if abused. However, there’s a guaranteed method to reacquire it, though it might be challenging and costly.
4. Where is the Master Sword located?
The Master Sword is found on a stone platform in front of the Great Deku Tree in the Great Hyrule Forest. Players need 13 full heart containers to pull it.
5. Where can I find the Forest Dweller’s Spear?
The Forest Dweller’s Spear is hidden just across from Walton, behind a piece of the Deku Tree. Both the spear and the sword are located above the Deku Tree’s face.
6. Where can I find the Forest Dweller’s Shield?
The Forest Dweller’s Shield is found above the doorway of the Deku Tree’s entrance. Glide down to the entrance to easily locate it.
7. Is the Forest Dweller’s Spear a good weapon?
While the Forest Dweller’s Spear has an average base damage of 13, its Fuse Recycling passive ability makes it worthwhile. This ability can conserve resources by allowing for a chance to recover fused materials.
8. Are the Koroks related to the Kokiri?
Yes, the Koroks are the transformed forms of the Kokiri following the Great Flood, as seen in The Wind Waker. They are spirits watched over by the Great Deku Tree and protectors of the forest.
9. What kind of weapons do Hinox carry?
Hinox often have a bow, sword, club, or spear tied around their necks like a necklace. Each Hinox carries three items, sometimes including special items needed for quests.
10. How many hearts do I need to pull the Master Sword?
Players need a total of 13 full heart containers to pull the Master Sword in Breath of the Wild. This requires completing shrines or defeating Divine Beasts.
11. What killed the Great Deku Tree?
According to the Ocarina of Time manga, Ganondorf’s power killed the Great Deku Tree. In the game itself, Ganondorf places a curse on him.
12. Who cursed the Great Deku Tree?
Ganondorf cursed the Great Deku Tree after the tree refused to give him the Kokiri’s Emerald, one of the Spiritual Stones.
13. How do I get 13 hearts for the Master Sword?
You can gain hearts by defeating Divine Beasts and completing shrines. Additionally, you can exchange stamina for hearts and vice versa at the suspicious statue in Hateno Village.
14. What are the different names for the Master Sword?
The Master Sword is also referred to as the Blade of Evil’s Bane, the legendary sword that seals the darkness, and the Master Sword of Resurrection.
15. What happens when you max out the Master Sword?
If you upgrade the Master Sword to damage 60, it becomes unbreakable, but it still requires recharging after extended use. Even without maxing it out, it never permanently breaks.
Educational Value of Gaming and Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series, including Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, offers more than just entertainment. These games promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and spatial reasoning skills. Exploring the world, solving puzzles, and managing resources all contribute to cognitive development. The narrative elements of the game also encourage empathy and moral decision-making. Organizations like the Games Learning Society explore the potential of games for educational purposes. By studying how players interact with game worlds, researchers can develop new strategies for learning and teaching. For further information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.