Hidden Gems and Easter Eggs in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has captivated players since its release in May 2023, building on the foundation laid by its predecessor, Breath of the Wild. This sequel, which is exclusively available on the Nintendo Switch, expands the vast and intricate world of Hyrule, inviting players to explore its many secrets and surprises, including a plethora of Easter eggs scattered throughout the expansive map.
Players can enjoy The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the go with the handheld mode of the Nintendo Switch, allowing for portable gaming experiences anywhere. Additionally, the Switch can be connected via an HDMI cable to high-quality screens like Acer's 31.5" Nitro XV2 Gaming Monitor. This way, players can appreciate the stunning visuals and immersive gameplay of Tears of the Kingdom on a larger display, making their adventures in Hyrule even more entertaining.
What Are Easter Eggs?
In popular culture, Easter eggs refer to hidden messages, inside jokes, or secret features intentionally inserted into various media forms. These clever inclusions are often subtle nods to fans, cultural references, or playful additions by creators, typically requiring attentive observation or specific actions to discover. Easter eggs can range from visual cues and hidden text to more complex interactive elements, depending on the medium.
Examples of Easter eggs span across different forms of media and time periods. In literature, Vladimir Nabokov's “Pale Fire” contains hidden poems and references within its structure. Modern films like Marvel's superhero movies frequently include cameos and hints at past or future plotlines. Easter eggs also abound in TV shows. "The Simpsons," for example, is known for its recurring background gags and prophetic jokes. In the realm of video games, the Konami Code, famous in Nintendo titles such as Contra, has become a widely recognized cheat code implemented in numerous games as a nod to gaming history. These hidden gems enhance the experience for observant audiences, rewarding their attention to detail and cultural knowledge.
Unique Locations in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom
Among the most intriguing aspects of Tears of the Kingdom are its unique locations, many of which are hidden from the casual player. For instance, the Shrine of Resurrection, a pivotal area from Breath of the Wild, returns with new secrets. Players can explore this location further, uncovering lore and items that deepen their understanding of the game's narrative.
Certain locations in the surface world correspond to specific points in the depths below. Typically, Lynels in the depths are found beneath stables on the surface. Rock piles containing pristine weapons in the depths are often under memorials on the surface. Additionally, Lightroots in the depths are positioned directly beneath shrines on the surface, with their names being reversed versions of the shrine names. For example, Kyononis Shrine in Hyrule Field sits directly above the Sinonoyk Lightroot in the depths.
Other notable hidden locations are the Yiga Clan hideouts, which are cleverly concealed throughout Hyrule. These areas not only provide players with a chance to engage in stealth gameplay, but also reward them with unique items that enhance their abilities. Discovering these locations often requires keen observation and a willingness to explore off the beaten path.
Special Items and Weapons
The Legend of Zelda series is known for its iconic weapons and armor, and Tears of the Kingdom does not disappoint. Players can find hidden weapons and armor sets that offer significant advantages in combat. For example, a secret chamber in the Gerudo Desert contains the mighty Scimitar of the Seven and other powerful weapons. These items improve gameplay and serve as nostalgic callbacks to previous franchise titles.
Additionally, players can uncover rare materials and crafting components that are essential for upgrading their gear. These can be obtained from tough enemies like Lynels and Gleeoks, and from elements like gemstones and fruits. The thrill of finding a unique weapon or piece of armor adds an exciting layer to the gameplay experience.
Musical Easter Eggs
Throughout Hyrule, players can find hidden musical sequences that play iconic tunes from past Zelda games. One example is in Zora's Domain, where activating a specific sequence of water fountains will play "Zelda's Lullaby." Another can be found by climbing to the peak of Death Mountain and playing the Fire Temple theme from Ocarina of Time on the Spirit Flute at sunrise. Finally, Link hums various classic Zelda tunes, including "Saria's Song," while cooking. These types of Easter eggs not only add a lighthearted touch to the gameplay, but also serve as a nod to the franchise's rich musical history. Players familiar with the series will appreciate these subtle references that evoke nostalgia.
Hints of the Past
The game is filled with references to previous titles in the Zelda series. Players may encounter familiar characters, such as Riju or the Great Deku Tree, who offer insights or quests that hark back to earlier games.
Players can unlock several iconic pieces of clothing from past Zelda games. These include Tingle's armor set from Majora's Mask, the Island Lobster Shirt from The Wind Waker, the Armor of Twilight from Twilight Princess, the Champion's Tunic from Breath of the Wild, and the Armor of Awakening from Link's Awakening. Each outfit provides unique bonuses and nostalgic value for long-time fans.
Pop Culture and Developer References
In addition to references within the Zelda universe, Tears of the Kingdom includes Easter eggs that pay homage to Nintendo's broader legacy. Players may discover quirky interactions or hidden dialogues that reference other Nintendo games or even the company's history.
One notable example is Link's Ultrahand ability, which allows him to manipulate and combine objects in the environment. This power enables players to lift, move, and attach various items to create structures and solve puzzles. The ability's name and function bear a resemblance to Nintendo's Ultra Hand toy from the 1960s, which featured a mechanical arm for grasping and moving objects, suggesting a nostalgic nod to Nintendo's history.
These Easter eggs are just a few examples of how Tears of the Kingdom pays homage to the series' rich history and delights long-time Zelda fans. They enhance the gameplay experience, add to the game's replayability, and contribute to the enduring legacy of the Zelda franchise. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, there’s always something new to discover in Hyrule.
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About Lalaine Capucion: Lalaine has been working as a freelance writer and editor for more than 12 years, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and wellness. When she isn’t writing, she's most likely curled up with a good book or trying out a new recipe in the kitchen. She lives in Metro Manila, Philippines.
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