In the map section around the Akkala Tower are located in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in total 8 regular shrines. The extensive region in the northeast Hyrule’s takes you from the stable of South Akkala and the later Tarrey Town to the Akkala Institute, the Skull Pool, the Spring of Power and the Lomei Labyrinth Island Labyrinth Island far off the coast. The tests are correspondingly different: You play a game of ancient minigolf with motion control, complete light, medium and heavy strength tests, sacrifice an Dinraal scale, transport an ancient ball through a spiral peninsula and cross one of the three large labyrinths Hyrule’s.
For our 100% walkthrough for Breath of the Wild, Akkala is particularly interesting because several other important objectives are right next to the shrines: Dah Hesho is an excellent teleport point for Tarrey Town, Katosa Aug is located at the stable of East Akkala and the path to the Akkala Institute, Tutsuwa Nima is located at the Spring of Power and at the same time at a memorial place, Zuna-Kai takes you to Skull Pond and Tu Ka’loh rewards you with the Barbarian Mask. Unlike Eldin, Lanayru, Hebra or Tabantha, “The Champions’ Ballad” does not add any additional DLC shrines in this tower region.
All 8 shrines at Akkala Tower at a glance
| # | Shrine | Location / Special feature | Important Treasure Chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katosa Aug | At the East Akkala Stable; Mini golf with motion control | Ice Greatsword |
| 2 | Dah Hesho | Kaepora Pass south of Tarrey Town; light test of strength | Giant Ancient Core |
| 3 | Tutsuwa Nima | Spring of Power; Sacrifice Dinraal Scale, then big test of strength | Fire lance |
| 4 | Ze Kasho | At the South Akkala Stable; Motion control and Crystal Switch | Scale lance |
| 5 | Tu Ka’loh | Lomei Labyrinth Island on Labyrinth Island; Shrine Quest “Trial on a Deserted Island” | Barbarian Helm |
| 6 | Zuna Kai | On the high rock pinnacle in Skull Pond | Fire sword |
| 7 | Ritaag Zumo | Marcuse Peninsula; Bring the antique ball to the center of the spiral | Giant Ancient Core |
| 8 | Ke’nai Shakah | Hidden cave in Ulra Gorge; medium strength test | Sapphire |
Preparation for the shrines in Akkala
Akkala is one of the more uncomplicated regions in terms of climate, but thunderstorms are common, so metal weapons and shields can become a problem when exploring. Anyone who already owns the Thunder Helmet can completely ignore this danger. For Tutsuwa Nima, you’ll need a good supply of weapons and healing because there’s a Guardian Scout IV waiting there, while Ke’nai Shakah has a medium strength check and Dah Hesho has a light strength check. Sufficient stamina or Revali’s Gale are very helpful for Zuna-Kai, and we also recommend additional stamina for the Lomei Labyrinth Island labyrinth island because you can significantly shorten the path through the labyrinth by climbing.
It is particularly useful to plan the first meeting with Kilton, the Akkala Institute, the Great Fairy Mija and the construction of Tarrey Town during the Akkala round at the same time, since all goals are relative are close to several shrines in this tower region.
1. Katosa Aug Shrine – Antique Mini Golf
The Katosa Aug Shrine is located directly opposite the East Akkala Stable and should be activated as early as possible because of its location. From here you can reach both the Akkala Institute and the Skull Pond, the source of power and large parts of Inner Akkala, within a short time. The “Katosa Aug’s Apparatus” exam uses the motion controls of the controller and essentially functions like a small game of mini golf.
Examine the control panel and move the controller so that the large mechanical bat hits the ancient ball. The target is the hole on the opposite side. You need a lot less strength than it first appears; a controlled blow is enough. If the ball lands in the hole, the transport platform starts moving and takes you to the priest’s side.
Don’t go to the altar yet, instead run behind Katosa Aug into the second room. A more difficult bonus round awaits you there. This time the ball must be played into the opening via a curved path or using the side wall. Aim the bat slightly diagonally and time the shot so that the ball bounces off the wall and lands in the hole. A second platform then moves to a Treasure Chest with a Ice Greatsword. Only then can you get the Spirit Orb.
2. Dah Hesho Shrine – easy test of strength at Tarrey Town
Dah Hesho Shrine is located on high ground in the Kaepora Pass, east of Akkala Tower and south of Lake Akkala. As soon as you have started the Side Quest “On Expansion Course”, this shrine becomes particularly useful: you can practically slide straight down from its cliff to Tarrey Town and don’t have to take the long overland route every time.
Inside, a light test of strength awaits against a Guardian Scout II with a Guardian Ax. You can use the stone pillars in the room to counter his rotating attack: Position yourself so that the guard hits a pillar during the attack and remains briefly dazed. Normal hits can also be perfectly dodged to trigger a Flurry Rush.
After the victory, the door to the priest opens. Don’t forget the Treasure Chest with a Giant Ancient Core beforehand. Especially in the early and middle game, the Giant Core is much more valuable than the actual challenge, as you will need it later for high-quality ancient equipment and improvements to the Antique Set.
3. Tutsuwa Nima Shrine – The Spring of Power
The Tutsuwa Nima Shrine lies on the Source of strength west of East Akkala Stable. Talk to the residents there or at the stable to get a clue to the source, or visit them directly. In front of the goddess statue you will find out that you are one Scales of the red dragon Dinraal should offer. We explain in detail how you can reliably find Dinraal and farm all dragon parts in our guide Dinraal, Naydra and Farosh.
For an Dinraal Scale, you must hit the dragon’s body with an arrow. Do not aim at the horn, mouth or claw, otherwise you will get another dragon part. You can intercept Dinraal particularly easily at the Tabanta Bridge or in the Kukudja Gorge. Collect the glowing scale and return to the source of power. Place them in the water in front of the goddess statue; The large stone door behind the spring then opens, revealing the entrance to Tutsuwa Nima.
The spring is also one of Zelda’s memory locations. If you already have the main task “Souvenir Photos”, you can activate the memory at the Spring of Power directly during the same visit.
Tutsuwa Nima – big test of strength
After the external test, there is no blessing waiting in the shrine, but a big test of strength against a Guardian Scout IV. He carries Guardian Sword++, Guardian Lance++ and Guardian Shield++, making him one of the strongest variants of the Shrine Guardians. There are no normal pillars in the room, but there is water on the floor. Creates a block of ice between Link and the Guardian during the rotating charge with Cryonis. The opponent collides with it and becomes vulnerable for several seconds.
In the later phase, the Guardian creates a circular laser and thus an updraft. Use the Paraglider, climb up and shoot at his eye in slow motion or land directly at him. With very low health, he charges several powerful laser beams one after the other; now you should either deal maximum damage or avoid the rays from a safe distance.
After the fight you can collect the ++ guard weapons. The Treasure Chest contains a fire lance. In the old overview, a fire sword was incorrectly entered here.
4. Ze Kasho Shrine – Apparatus at South Akkala Stable
The Ze Kasho Shrine is located immediately west of the South Akkala Stable and is therefore hard to miss. The Jizu-Kafuis Apparatus exam combines motion control, Crystal Switch and rotating platforms.
At the first control panel you move a large spike platform. Turn it so that there is a safe path through the spikes and Link can reach the opposite door. In the second section you activate the Crystal Switch, which causes several blocks or platforms to rotate and laser beams to be covered or released. Move to a safe position and then hit the crystal from a distance with an arrow to rotate the platforms to the next position.
On one of the rotating blocks is the optional Treasure Chest with a scale lance. Stand on the construction, activate the switch at the right time and slide or jump to the chest when the platform reaches the appropriate position.
In the last room there is another device with motion control waiting. This time you have to move three balls into the three designated troughs. You should only tilt and rotate the construction slowly so that balls that have already been correctly placed do not fall out again. When all three hollows are occupied, the gate to the priest opens.
5. Tu Ka’loh Shrine – Lomei Labyrinth Island on the Labyrinth Island
The Tu Ka’loh Shrine is located in the extreme northeast of the entire world map on the massive Lomei Labyrinth Island labyrinth island in the Akkala Sea. The easiest way to reach the island from the mainland near the Akkala Institute is by Paraglider. Endurance dishes or Revali’s Gale make crossing much easier. As soon as you enter the labyrinth, the shrine task “Trial on a deserted island” begins automatically.
The intended path leads through the winding corridors of the labyrinth. Various weapons and Treasure Chests lie everywhere while guards monitor the area. However, you can make the task much easier by climbing onto one of the outer walls at a suitable location and moving from above to the central part of the building. Then look for the right entrance or a staircase that leads down to the shrine.
If you want to fully explore the labyrinth, you will find additional weapons in side passages, among other things. You should pay particular attention to the guards outside and inside Lomei Labyrinth Island, as several wrecks are still active.
Obtain Tu Ka’loh – Barbarian Mask
Crossing the labyrinth is the real test, which is why Tu Ka’loh is a blessing shrine. Directly in front of the priest is a Treasure Chest with the Barbarian Mask. It is one of the strongest offensive armor sets in the game and, as a single piece, increases Link’s attack power. You can find the barbarian clothes and barbarian trousers in the other two large labyrinths Hyrule’s.
If the complete Barbarian set is improved to at least two stars with the Great Fairies, the stamina consumption of charged attacks is also reduced. For the improvements you need numerous Lynel materials and dragon parts.
Under the Lomei Labyrinth Island – Diamond Headband and Travel Medallion
After completing Tu Ka’loh, a previously closed shaft opens in front of the shrine. Drop down and you’ll reach a huge underground hall full of Guardian wreckage. Some of them awaken as you approach certain Treasure Chests. In this area you will find a Diamond Headband, which grants Antique Defense.
If you own DLC 1 “The Legendary Trials”, the EX treasure chest with the Travel Medallion is also located in the same hall. This allows you to save Link’s current position as an additional freely selectable fast travel point. We explain the complete additional content in our guide to the Breath of the Wild expansion pass.
6. Zuna Kai Shrine – high above Skull Pond
The Zuna Kai Shrine is located on the top of an extremely high rocky needle in the Skull Pond in the very north of Akkala. The associated shrine task is called “Left Eye of the Skull” and can be started from Jerrin in the Akkala Institute. However, you don’t have to accept the task beforehand to reach the shrine.
Do not attempt to climb the pinnacle all the way from the water level. It is much easier to climb the higher mountains north or northeast of the pond and fly from there with the Paraglider towards the shrine. Although you usually end up a little below the top, you only have to climb a relatively short section afterwards. Additional stamina or Revali’s Gale make the route even easier.
The great effort during the climb is already the test. In Zuna-Kai you don’t have to solve any puzzles or defeat any enemies. Simply open the Treasure Chest with a fire sword and then get the Spirit Orb.
Connect Zuna-Kai and Kilton directly with each other
The Skull Pond is also the place where you first meet Kilton. However, the monster dealer only appears at night on the opposite, low area of the skull. If you have Zuna-Kai activated, you can use the shrine as a handy fast travel point for the pond, then carefully make your way down and visit Kilton after dark.
After the first conversation, he later opens his monster shop near various settlements and sells, among other things, enemy masks and the dark set.
7. Ritaag Zumo Shrine – The Eye of the Whirlpool
The Ritaag Zumo Shrine is located at the center of the striking spiral-shaped Marcuse Peninsula on the east coast of Akkala. South of the beginning of the spiral you will find an ancient sphere and a stone tablet. Examine the tablet to start the Shrine Quest “The Eye of the Vortex”. Your goal is described very simply, but is relatively lengthy: the ball must be brought into the hollow in the center of the entire spiral.
You can follow the winding land path and eliminate or avoid the numerous monsters. However, it is not absolutely necessary to complete the entire spiral on foot. With Cryonis you can build a shortcut out of ice pillars in shallow water and bring the ball towards the center bit by bit. A nearby raft can also be used, but the ball must be transported safely.
Place the ball in the hollow at the end and Ritaag Zumo rises from the ground. Since the long transport task was already the test, it is a blessing shrine. In the only Treasure Chest lies a Giant Ancient Core.
8. Ke’nai Shakah Shrine – hidden showdown in Ulra Gorge
The Ke’nai Shakah Shrine is hidden in the Ulra Gorge in eastern Akkala. Even if the Sheikah sensor hits clearly, you won’t see an entrance at first because a fragile rock wall high in the northern gorge wall blocks access. Look for the noticeable destructible rocks from the opposite side.
The most convenient method is a bomb dart. Shoot it directly at the fragile wall, then glide with the Paraglider to the exposed cave and land on the narrow ledge. Alternatively, you can hurl a boulder across the chasm using Stasis, or carefully glide to the wall and use a ranged bomb.
Inside you can expect a medium strength test against a Guardian Scout III with Guardian Sword+ and Ancient Battle Axe+. Use perfect evasive maneuvers and the well-known test of strength strategies. During the rotating charge, the room’s pillars help stop the Guardian. After his victory, you can collect his weapons and open the Treasure Chest with a Sapphire.
Three shows of strength in the Akkala region
Akkala offers three different difficulty levels of the same combat test with Dah Hesho, Ke’nai Shakah and Tutsuwa Nima. This makes the region ideal for gradually mastering the mechanics of the Nano Guardians. Dah Hesho contains a Guardian Scout II, Ke’nai Shakah a Guardian Scout III and Tutsuwa Nima finally the heaviest 4.0 variant.
| Shrine | exam | opponent | Chest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dah Hesho | Test of strength – light | Guardian Scout II | Giant Ancient Core |
| Ke’nai Shakah | Test of strength – medium | Guardian Scout III | Sapphire |
| Tutsuwa Nima | Test of strength – difficult | Guardian Scout IV | Fire lance |
Which Akkala shrines are particularly easy to miss?
The most likely candidates are Ke’nai Shakah, Ritaag Zumo and Zuna-Kai. Ke’nai Shakah lies completely behind a rock wall high above the Ulra Gorge, Ritaag Zumo only appears after the ancient ball has been transported through the entire Marcuse spiral and Zuna-Kai stands on its rock needle, visible from afar, but initially appears almost inaccessible from the ground. Tu Ka’loh can also be missed if you have not yet visited the labyrinth island far off the coast.
Katosa Aug and Ze Kasho, on the other hand, are hard to miss, as both are located right next to important stables, while Dah Hesho becomes a very practical fast travel point when you build Tarrey Town.
Barbarian mask for the complete armor collection
The main armor reward from Akkala Shrines is the Tu Ka’loh Barbarian Mask. Together with the barbarian clothes from Dila Maag and the barbarian pants from Qaza Tokki, it forms the complete barbarian set. All three parts increase Link’s attack power, making the set particularly interesting against Lynels, Hinoxes, Guardians and other strong opponents.
If you want to maximally improve all parts of the Great Fairies, you will need numerous Lynel horns, hooves and hearts as well as dragon parts. We have therefore linked all materials in our armor and enemy guides.
Are there DLC shrines at Akkala Tower?
No. The Champions’ Ballad does not add additional shrines to the Akkala Tower map section. Even with the expansion pass installed, the eight regular exams remain: Katosa Aug, Dah Hesho, Tutsuwa Nima, Ze Kasho, Tu Ka’loh, Zuna-Kai, Ritaag Zumo and Ke’nai Shakah.
The DLC still expands the region with an important find: Under the Lomei Labyrinth Island labyrinth island you can find the teleport medallion with DLC 1. However, this item belongs to an EX Treasure Hunt and not to an additional shrine.
Akkala Tower 100% Shrine Checklist
| # | Shrine | For full score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Katosa Aug | Both rounds of mini golf + ice greatsword |
| 2 | Dah Hesho | Light Test of Strength + Giant Ancient Core |
| 3 | Tutsuwa Nima | Sacrifice Dinraal Scale + Great Test of Strength + Fire Lance |
| 4 | Ze Kasho | loosening devices + scale lance |
| 5 | Tu Ka’loh | Crossing Lomei Labyrinth Island + Barbarian Mask |
| 6 | Zuna Kai | Climb Rock Needle + Fire Sword |
| 7 | Ritaag Zumo | Bring ball through Marcuse spiral + Giant Ancient Core |
| 8 | Ke’nai Shakah | Blast the cave + medium test of strength + sapphire |
| Extra | Lomei Labyrinth Island Underground | Diamond Headband and with DLC Travel Medallion |
Completed all 8 Akkala Tower shrines
Once you have completed Katosa Aug, Dah Hesho, Tutsuwa Nima, Ze Kasho, Tu Ka’loh, Zuna-Kai, Ritaag Zumo and Ke’nai Shakah, all of them are complete eight regular shrines in the Akkala Tower map section mastered. You now have eight more Spirit Orb, have completed all three difficulty levels of the Nano-Guardian power tests, integrated Dinraal at the source of power, crossed the Great Lomei Labyrinth Island and collected one of the most important offensive pieces of armor with the Barbarian Mask.
For our complete Breath of the Wild Walkthrough there are still numerous Koroks and map locations waiting in Akkala, the Akkala Institute, Tarrey Town, Mija’s fairy source, the monster dealer Kilton, the memory of the source of power and other enemy and collection targets. With the eight shrines activated, you already have excellent fast travel points across practically the entire region.