When Should You Brave the Depths in Tears of the Kingdom? A Comprehensive Guide
The Depths in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are a sprawling, mysterious, and often perilous underworld, a stark contrast to the sunlit surface of Hyrule. Venturing into this darkness is a significant part of the game, but knowing when to take the plunge is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. So, when should you explore the Depths?
The short answer is: after completing at least one “Regional Phenomenon” quest and possessing a minimum of 5 hearts and 1.5 stamina wheels. This combination provides a good foundation for navigating the dangers and complexities of the Depths without being overwhelmed. However, a more nuanced answer lies in understanding the challenges the Depths present and how your preparedness affects your journey.
Initial Forays: Setting Foot in the Darkness
Your first introduction to the Depths will be guided by Josha in Lookout Landing, who will send you on an investigation. This initial quest serves as a tutorial, acquainting you with some basic mechanics and the unique atmosphere. This early exploration is manageable, with the immediate area being relatively safe. It’s crucial to complete this initial quest to unlock essential game mechanics tied to the Depths, such as Lightroots and Poes.
Why Wait to Fully Explore?
While you can technically access the Depths at any point after unlocking it, there’s a significant difference between dipping your toes in and truly exploring. Here’s why you should wait before making a deep dive:
- Gloom: The Depths are heavily saturated with Gloom, a dark substance that damages your maximum hearts. Starting with a lower number of hearts will make the Depths significantly more difficult, potentially leading to early deaths and frustration. Having at least 5 hearts provides a buffer against Gloom’s effects.
- Environmental Hazards: The Depths are filled with environmental hazards like Gloom pools, toxic enemies, and sheer drops. Adequate stamina is necessary for climbing, gliding, and avoiding these dangers effectively. 1.5 stamina wheels allows you to navigate more freely without constantly running out of energy.
- Enemy Strength: While the early encounters in the Depths are relatively manageable, the deeper you go, the tougher the enemies become. Having sufficient hearts, upgraded armor, and effective weapons will help you survive encounters with formidable foes.
- Resource Gathering: The Depths are also a valuable source of specific materials, particularly Poes, used to purchase armor and other useful items. Gearing up adequately on the surface will assist in these gathering expeditions.
Mid-Game Exploration
As you progress through the main story, complete more Shrines to acquire more Heart Containers or Stamina Vessels, and upgrade your armor, you’ll feel more confident in exploring further. After completing two or three main dungeons, you can begin to push further into the Depths, focusing on activating Lightroots, the equivalent of shrines in the depths, and uncovering more of the hidden map.
Late-Game Completion
Once you’re significantly leveled and have gathered the best gear available, then you can focus on completely mapping the Depths. That includes finding all 120 Lightroots, battling powerful bosses, and completing all of the optional activities in the depths.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Exploring the Depths
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will further help you understand when and how to explore the Depths:
1. What is the point of the Depths in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Depths significantly expand the game’s lore and offer insights into Hyrule’s history. It’s an enormous, underground map filled with new challenges, rewards, and hidden lore. You also use the depths as a Poes currency source as well as for armor.
2. What happens when you complete the Depths map?
Activating all 120 Lightroots rewards you with the Dispelling Darkness Medal, a key item that offers no gameplay benefit but is more of a completionist badge of honor.
3. How many shrines are in the Depths Tears of the Kingdom?
There are no actual shrines in the Depths; instead, there are 120 Lightroots that function as fast travel points and will help illuminate the map. There are a total of 152 Shrines in the game, but 32 are located in the Sky Islands.
4. What is the best armor for exploring the Depths?
The two best armor sets are the Depths Set which provides strong resistance to Gloom and the Miner’s Set that illuminates the surrounding area. Both are invaluable when exploring. The Depths Set is purchasable with Poes from Bargainer Statues.
5. How many Lightroots are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are 120 Lightroots in total, matching the 120 surface shrines, and each corresponds with one on the surface above.
6. Do I have to explore the Depths in Tears of the Kingdom?
You are required to enter the Depths for certain main quests, but much of it is optional. There are many items, resources, and lore you will miss by not exploring this area.
7. What are Bargainer Statues, and what do they do?
Bargainer Statues are large statues found throughout the Depths, allowing you to trade Poes for various items, including the Depths Set armor, seeds, and other unique items. They are essential for those wanting to gear up for exploring the depths.
8. Is the Hyrule map smaller in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the map in Tears of the Kingdom is significantly bigger. There are three separate layers: the surface, the sky islands, and the Depths, making the game twice as large in terms of content. The Depths’ map is nearly as big as the surface.
9. What is hidden in the Depths?
The Depths conceal powerful enemies, rare resources, unique armor, and intriguing lore. They are also a place to find Treasure Hunts that can lead to great rewards.
10. How many hearts should I have before exploring the Depths?
A minimum of 5 hearts is recommended before venturing too far into the Depths. However, the more hearts, the better to handle the Gloom damage.
11. Is stamina or health better to upgrade for exploring the Depths?
While both are important, stamina is generally more critical for navigating the Depths. It allows you to climb out of dangerous pits and quickly move across dangerous areas. Prioritize stamina in the beginning, focusing on a minimum of 1.5 to 2 full stamina wheels.
12. Can you max out hearts and stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, you can’t max both. You can have 38 hearts and 3 full stamina wheels, or 40 hearts and 2.5 stamina wheels. You’ll have to choose which resource you want to max out.
13. Is there Gloom armor in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Depths Set offers significant resistance to Gloom and can be purchased at Bargainer Statues for Poes. It is important to obtain this set for prolonged exploration.
14. What is the reward for completing all the shrines in Tears of the Kingdom?
Completing all 152 shrines will unlock the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, a powerful armor set. To obtain it, you’ll be asked to visit the Temple of Time.
15. How many hearts should I have to fight Ganon in Tears of the Kingdom?
It’s generally recommended to have at least 20 hearts, a good supply of gloom-healing food, and well-upgraded armor before facing Ganon. The more, the better!
Conclusion
Exploring the Depths in Tears of the Kingdom is a rewarding and integral part of the experience. By waiting until you have acquired enough hearts, stamina, and gear, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges and uncover the secrets that lie beneath Hyrule. So, take your time, prepare diligently, and embrace the darkness. Happy exploring!