Trading Souls: A Comprehensive Guide to Poes and Bargainer Statues in Tears of the Kingdom
So, you’ve been venturing into the abyss beneath Hyrule, braving the Gloom and collecting those ethereal wisps called Poes. But what do you do with them? The answer is simple: you trade them with the Bargainer Statues scattered throughout Hyrule and the Depths. These colossal, enigmatic figures are your key to unlocking powerful items, armor, and resources that will aid you in your journey through Tears of the Kingdom.
Unveiling the Bargainer Statues
Bargainer Statues are not your typical merchants. They’re ancient, imposing structures with a mysterious connection to the Depths and the spirits that linger there. They crave Poes, those glowing remnants of lost souls, and in exchange, they offer invaluable items that will empower you in your exploration of the underworld and beyond.
These statues are found in various locations, both above ground and deep within the Depths. Each statue offers a slightly different inventory, expanding as you discover more of them. Finding and interacting with all the Bargainer Statues is crucial to unlocking the full range of goods they offer.
Where to Find Bargainer Statues
Locating these statues is a journey in itself. Here’s a rundown of where you can find them:
- Lookout Landing: This is the first Bargainer Statue you’re likely to encounter. It’s a small statue located near Josha, readily accessible as you progress through the main story. This serves as an introduction to the Poe trading system.
- Great Abandoned Central Mine: Located deep within the Depths, this statue is associated with the “Call from the Depths” side quest. You’ll need to retrieve several eye fragments and return them to the statue to complete the quest and unlock its services. The coordinates are -0782, -1905, -0565.
- Plains Bargainer Statue: This statue is in the Central Hyrule Depths at coordinates 0458, -0801, -0474, northeast of Stakijat Lightroot (0343, -1008, -0468).
- Under the Temple of Time: Look in the Depths map just south of Nogukoyk Lightroot for the entrance to a mine where you will find this statue. This location can be reached by paragliding from the Hyrule Field Skyview Tower.
- Other Locations: There are a total of seven Bargainer Statues, so keep exploring the Depths to uncover the remaining ones. Each discovery will expand the collective inventory offered by all statues.
What Can You Buy with Poes?
The Bargainer Statues offer a diverse range of items, many of which are geared towards surviving and thriving in the Depths:
- Consumables: This includes essential resources like Bomb Flowers, Muddle Buds, Puffshrooms, and Dark Clumps. These items are incredibly valuable for combat and navigation in the dark, monster-infested Depths.
- Armor: Arguably the most sought-after items are the unique armor sets that provide valuable benefits. This includes the Dark Tunic, Tunic of the Depths, Gaiters of the Depths, Hood of the Depths, and more. The Gloom-resistant armor is particularly important, as it protects you from the debilitating effects of Gloom.
- Weapons: You can purchase rare weapons from past Legend of Zelda games. These weapons include items like the Biggoron’s Sword and the Fierce Deity Sword.
- Other Items: You can also purchase unique armor from the Ocarina of Time game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Poes and Bargainer Statues
Here are some frequently asked questions that players often have about Poes and Bargainer Statues in Tears of the Kingdom:
1. What exactly are Poes?
Poes are essentially lost souls or fragments of spirits that linger in the Depths. They appear as glowing blue orbs and can be collected by simply walking near them. Think of them as a unique form of currency used specifically for trading with the Bargainer Statues.
2. How do I collect Poes efficiently?
Explore the Depths thoroughly! Poes tend to be found in clusters near landmarks, abandoned settlements, and areas with heavy monster activity. Keep an eye out for their distinctive glow, especially in the darker regions.
3. Do Poes respawn?
Yes, Poes do respawn over time. This makes farming them a viable strategy for acquiring the items you need from the Bargainer Statues. The respawn rate isn’t precisely known, but it’s generally accepted that they reappear after a few in-game days.
4. What’s the best way to reach the Depths?
There are numerous chasms scattered across Hyrule that lead down into the Depths. Skyview Towers can launch you towards nearby chasms. Look for large, swirling vortexes on the surface map to identify chasm entrances. The East Akkala Plains Chasm, accessed via the Ulri Mountain Skyview Tower, is a good early option.
5. Do all Bargainer Statues sell the same items?
Initially, no. Each Bargainer Statue starts with a limited inventory. However, as you discover more statues, their inventories expand, and eventually, all statues will offer the same selection of goods. This encourages you to explore the Depths and find all the hidden statues.
6. How many Bargainer Statues are there in total?
There are a total of seven Bargainer Statues in Tears of the Kingdom. Six are located in the Depths, and one is above ground in Lookout Landing.
7. What is the best armor to buy from the Bargainer Statues?
The “best” armor depends on your priorities. The Gloom-resistant armor is invaluable for exploring the Depths, as it mitigates the damage caused by Gloom. The Dark Tunic, Tunic of the Depths, Gaiters of the Depths, and Hood of the Depths are also excellent choices, offering various defensive and utility bonuses.
8. Can I sell other items to the Bargainer Statues?
No, Bargainer Statues only accept Poes as currency. You can’t trade them other materials, weapons, or armor.
9. What happens if I lose an eye during the “Call from the Depths” quest?
If you misplace one of the eye fragments, don’t worry! It will respawn near its original location on the surface, close to where you initially found it.
10. Is there a map showing the locations of all the Bargainer Statues?
While there isn’t an in-game map marking all the Bargainer Statue locations, many online resources and guides provide maps and coordinates to help you find them.
11. Can I max out both hearts and stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
Similar to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom doesn’t allow you to maximize both hearts and stamina. You’ll have to choose which stat to prioritize, as there aren’t enough Shrines and opportunities to acquire enough upgrades for both.
12. How much stamina do I need to pull the Master Sword?
You need two full Stamina Wheels to pull the Master Sword. Since you start with only one, you’ll need to acquire five additional Stamina Vessels through Shrine completions or by trading with the Horned Statue.
13. What is the Horned Statue deal?
The Horned Statue, found in the Emergency Shelter in Lookout Landing, allows you to exchange a Heart Container or Stamina Vessel for 100 Rupees and then buy it back for 120 Rupees. While seemingly pointless, it allows you to reallocate points between hearts and stamina if you change your mind.
14. What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society is a professional and academic society dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of learning and engagement through games. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Is exploring the Depths worth it just for the Poes and Bargainer Statue items?
Absolutely! While the Depths can be a challenging and dangerous environment, the rewards offered by the Bargainer Statues are well worth the effort. The armor, resources, and unique items they provide can significantly enhance your gameplay experience and help you overcome the challenges that Hyrule throws your way.
By understanding the importance of Poes, the locations of the Bargainer Statues, and the valuable items they offer, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the dark depths of Tears of the Kingdom and emerge victorious. Happy adventuring!