Navigating the Lost Woods in TOTK is like stepping into a familiar yet entirely revamped labyrinth. Gone are the familiar cues from “Breath of the Wild,” replaced by a set of fresh challenges and unexpected twists. This guide unfurls the map for you, turning every enigma into a stepping stone that leads you right into the heart of the Korok Forest and the grandeur of the Deku Tree.
Differences between Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild
Navigating the Lost Woods has always been a daunting task, even for the most seasoned Zelda players. However, if you’re expecting the Tears of the Kingdom Lost Woods to be a rehash of the labyrinth from “Breath of the Wild,” you’re in for a surprise. The familiar fog and smoke are still there, but the mechanics have changed substantially.
In “Breath of the Wild,” players had to follow a path illuminated by flickering torchlights, guided by subtle breezes. In contrast, Tears of the Kingdom has revamped the experience, and traditional methods like following torchlights or even skydiving into the area won’t work. In this new installment, the key to successfully traversing the Lost Woods lies in an entirely different approach: coming from below.
Your Starting Point: The Minshi Woods Chasm
When attempting to navigate the Lost Woods Tears of the Kingdom, forget what you know about coming in from above or following a forest path. The game-changing aspect of Tears of the Kingdom is the “Ascend” ability, which allows players to approach the Lost Woods from below. The journey begins at the Minshi Woods Chasm, located just up the road from the entrance to the Lost Woods.
Before embarking on your subterranean adventure, it’s advisable to stock up on Brightbloom seeds. These magical seeds light up the dark environment, making it easier to find your way.
Navigating the Depths: Brightblooms, Ogre Trees, and Poes
Once you’re in the Depths, the goal is straightforward: aim for the center of the Korok Forest. To guide your way, place a pin on the center of the forest using your in-game map. Start heading in the northwest direction while utilizing your Brightbloom seeds to illuminate the path and fend off the dark, oil-like substance known as gloom.
As you get closer to your pin, you’ll encounter ogre trees, which are trees with faces, similar to those found in the Lost Woods. These trees are more than just landmarks; they serve as a guidance system. Each ogre tree will have a large “poe,” a ghastly teardrop, on top. These poes guide you from treetop to treetop, eventually leading you to a Lightroot in the distance.
The Final Ascent: Using the Ascend Ability and Encountering the Deku Tree
After you’ve successfully navigated through the Depths and followed the ogre trees and poes, you’ll find yourself near a large stone platform with a Lightroot on location (0408, 2133, 0144). This is your gateway to the Korok Forest. Stand on top of the mound on the stone platform and use the “Ascend” ability. You’ll rise up and find yourself in the Korok Forest, right in front of the Great Deku Tree.
However, your journey doesn’t end here. The Korok Forest is covered in a purple haze, indicating the presence of gloom, and even the Deku Tree seems to be under its influence. Your next task is to cleanse the Korok Forest, which involves confronting Gloom Hands and Phantom Ganon.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully navigated the Lost Woods TOTK and reached the Korok Forest, ready for the next set of challenges.
Conclusion: Conquering the Lost Woods TOTK and What Lies Ahead
Navigating through the Lost Woods in Tears of the Kingdom may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right strategy, it becomes a manageable, even enjoyable, challenge. By descending into the Depths, utilizing Brightbloom seeds, following the ogre trees and poes, and using the Ascend ability, you can bypass the confounding maze of fog and smoke to reach your destination: the Korok Forest.
Once there, however, a new set of challenges await. From purging the gloom to awakening the Great Deku Tree, your adventure is far from over. Yet, overcoming the Lost Woods is a significant milestone, and you’re well on your way to acquiring the legendary Master Sword.
The journey through the Lost Woods Tears of the Kingdom is a testament to the game’s complexity and depth, offering multiple layers of gameplay that require ingenuity, preparation, and courage. So equip yourself well, and may your path be clear.
