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Where is Hestu in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom? A Comprehensive Guide

Hestu, the lovable, maraca-shaking Korok, returns in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but his location isn’t as static as it was in Breath of the Wild. Initially, you’ll find Hestu on the road heading northwest from Lookout Landing. He’s close to Lindor’s Brow Skyview Tower. He’s easily recognizable; just listen for the unmistakable rhythm of his maracas and look for the giant, swaying Korok. After you’ve expanded your inventory a few times, Hestu decides he’s tired of the dangers near Lookout Landing and heads to the east, and it is quite the trek. You can find him residing near Riverside Stable. Once you have upgraded your inventory a few more times, he’ll move to his permanent location. Hestu’s final and permanent location is at the Korok Forest, located at the center of Hyrule and north of Hyrule Field. However, to access the Korok Forest, you must first dispel the gloom that has overtaken it by completing the “Hylian Tomato Shortage” side quest and delving into the depths of the Great Deku Tree. Once the forest is restored, Hestu will be there, ready to help you expand your inventory in exchange for those precious Korok Seeds.

Finding Hestu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Locating Hestu involves a mini-adventure in itself. Here’s a breakdown:

Initial Location: Head northwest from Lookout Landing. The path toward Lindor’s Brow Skyview Tower is your starting point. Keep your ears open for the maracas!
Second Location: After expanding your inventory a few times, Hestu will mention moving to a safer location. Look for him near Riverside Stable in the east.
Permanent Location: Korok Forest is Hestu’s final destination. However, the forest is shrouded in gloom and requires completing a quest to unlock it. You must first tackle the “Hylian Tomato Shortage” side quest.

Korok Forest: Restoring the Heart of Hyrule

The Korok Forest is more than just Hestu’s home; it’s a vital location with its own challenges. Clearing the gloom involves a multi-step process:

Start the Quest: Speak to the Koroks around the Great Deku Tree. They’ll point you towards the problem.
The Great Deku Tree: The Great Deku Tree isn’t feeling well and to find out why, you’ll have to jump into the swirling darkness below.
Battle the Gloom: You’ll need to face enemies within the Great Deku Tree’s depths, ultimately culminating in a boss fight. Be prepared with healing items and powerful weapons.
Restore the Forest: Once the gloom is cleared, the Korok Forest will return to its vibrant self, and Hestu will be waiting.

Why is Hestu Important? Inventory Expansion

Hestu’s primary function is to expand your weapon, bow, and shield inventory slots in exchange for Korok Seeds. These seeds are collected by solving the small puzzles scattered throughout Hyrule. Finding these Koroks hiding throughout the land of Hyrule provides essential inventory upgrades that are invaluable. Without Hestu, you’ll be stuck with a limited inventory, making combat and exploration significantly more challenging. Each inventory upgrade costs an increasing number of Korok Seeds, so collecting them becomes a persistent side quest throughout your adventure.

Korok Seeds: The Currency of Expansion

Korok Seeds are the key to unlocking your full potential in Tears of the Kingdom. To gain these precious seeds, you’ll need to interact with different types of puzzles found across Hyrule, such as:

Offering fruit: Places where an offering of fruit is required.
Plugging holes: Places where a cork with a chain needs to be plugged into a hole.
Rock Puzzles: Completing stone circles.
Flower Trails: Following trails of flowers.
Timed Challenges: Reaching a destination before time runs out.
Moving the Rock: Places where a rock needs to be put in a specific place.

Pay attention to your surroundings and be observant. Koroks often hide in plain sight, waiting for you to solve their clever riddles.

Alternative Methods for Inventory Management

While Hestu provides the most direct way to increase your inventory, there are alternative methods to consider:

Strategic Weapon Usage: Be mindful of the weapons you carry. Don’t hoard weaker weapons; use them and replace them with stronger finds.
Fuse Weapons: The Fuse ability allows you to create powerful and versatile weapons. This can reduce the number of weapons you need to carry.
Shield Surfing: Save your shield durability by using shield surfing strategically.
Stashing Weapons at Home: Link’s house allows you to store some weapons if needed.
Creative Solutions: Think outside the box! Sometimes, unconventional approaches can help you overcome challenges without relying on a massive arsenal.

Remember, resource management is a crucial skill in Tears of the Kingdom. Learning to adapt and make the most of your available resources is just as important as expanding your inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hestu

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address common concerns about Hestu and inventory management in Tears of the Kingdom:

What happens if I run out of inventory space? If your inventory is full, you’ll need to drop a weapon, shield, or bow to pick up a new one. Be careful not to drop anything valuable!
How many times can I upgrade my inventory with Hestu? There’s a limit to the number of times you can expand each inventory category (weapons, bows, shields). After a certain point, Hestu will say he can’t expand it any further.
Is it worth collecting all 900 Korok Seeds? Collecting all 900 Korok Seeds is a completionist challenge. The reward for doing so is… unique, but not necessarily practical. It’s more about the journey than the destination.
Can I track Korok Seeds on the map? No, the game doesn’t offer an in-game way to track Korok Seed locations. However, you can use online resources and interactive maps to help you find them.
Does the Master Sword take up inventory space? The Master Sword has its own dedicated slot and does not take up space in your weapon inventory.
What is the “Hylian Tomato Shortage” quest? The “Hylian Tomato Shortage” quest is a side quest that must be completed to dispel the gloom surrounding the Korok Forest.
How many Korok Seeds are needed for the maximum inventory upgrade? The amount varies for each inventory category, but you’ll need a significant number of Korok Seeds to reach the maximum expansion.
Is Hestu missable? Hestu is not missable. Even if you bypass his initial locations, you can always find him at the Korok Forest after restoring it.
Are there any new items or mechanics related to inventory in Tears of the Kingdom? Yes, the Fuse ability allows you to combine weapons and shields, creating powerful variations. This can help manage inventory space.
Does Hestu move if I don’t upgrade my inventory? Hestu will eventually move from his initial location near Lookout Landing, even if you don’t upgrade your inventory.
Can I sell weapons to free up inventory space? You can sell weapons to merchants in various towns and settlements to earn rupees and free up inventory space.
Where can I find interactive maps of the Korok seed locations? Numerous online fan sites provide interactive maps showing Korok Seed locations, such as Zelda Dungeon and IGN. Always be mindful and use reputable websites!
Is there a way to reset Hestu’s upgrade prices? No, there’s no way to reset the prices. The cost of each inventory upgrade increases as you expand your slots.
What if I accidentally drop a valuable weapon? If you accidentally drop a valuable weapon, try to remember where you dropped it or retrace your steps. If you can’t find it, unfortunately, it’s gone. However, many powerful weapons can be found repeatedly throughout Hyrule.
Are there any communities discussing inventory management and Korok seed hunting? Yes! Dedicated online communities, forums, and social media groups discuss Tears of the Kingdom, including inventory management strategies and Korok Seed locations. Consider joining a community to exchange tips and ask questions. You can also check out academic articles, such as those published by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, to understand the broader context of game mechanics.

Finding Hestu and expanding your inventory are crucial steps in your Tears of the Kingdom adventure. Happy hunting!