After completing the Champions’ Ballad, we go to the Gerudo Plateau. The mountain range has only been touched upon on our route so far: the Sho Dantu shrine in the Kalzer Valley has already been completed, but the actual snow fields to the west of it have not yet been completed. Here lie the Gerudo Tower, several shrines, the statue of the Eighth Warrior and her lost sword. At the same time, we can collect some Koroks directly along our route.
For this section, Link requires cold protection level 2. The complete Rito set is the most convenient solution. Frost medicine also works, but based on how we’ve played so far it would be unnecessary. Also take a firearm or some Fire Arrows. For the Kuh Takkar Shrine, large blocks of ice must be melted. Revalis Sturm+ is extremely useful in this steep terrain.
The Side Quest “The Eighth Warrior” accepted by Bozai should still be in the diary. That’s why you currently have his borrowed snow boots. They prevent Link from slowing down in deep snow. After completing this task we must return it; A little later we bring it permanently into the inventory with “The Forgotten Sword”.
To Gerudo Tower
Anyone who has played the Champions’ Ballad can start from the Kihiro Moh Shrine or the Yiga Hideout area. Without DLC, the already activated Sho Dantu Shrine in Kalzer Valley is suitable. Our destination is southeast of it in the Biridin Highlands.
The Gerudo Tower stands in an unusually deep circular gorge. Don’t try to jump down to the base of the tower. The abyss is so deep that there is no meaningful access there. The tower’s first resting platforms are also far too high to comfortably start from below.
Instead, climb one of the surrounding high rocks. This can be done quickly with Revalis Sturm+. From there, glide to the Gerudo Tower and, if possible, land on one of its upper resting platforms. If you skipped the DLC, you can reach the same position via the surrounding rock walls and the Paraglider.
Climb up the last sections and activate the guide stone. The northern part of the Gerudo Plateau becomes visible on the map and Gerudo Tower is now available as a fast travel point.
Kass is also waiting at the top. Speak to him and hear his song. This begins the Shrine Quest “What the Shadow Points to”. You can also find an overview of the six shrines in this map area in the existing ZeldaCollection guide to the Gerudo Tower shrines.
Sign of the Shadow – Sasa Kai Shrine
Kass’s verse leads to an ancient platform southeast of the tower. Jump from the top and slide down to the round pedestal. It is located so that the shadow of the Gerudo Tower moves directly over it in the afternoon.
The easiest time is approximately between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.. If you arrived early, put down a bundle of wood, light it and wait by the campfire until midday. After that, it only takes a few minutes of play until the base starts to glow orange.
Stand on the glowing platform and look at the Gerudo Tower. The sun is now behind or above its tip. Draw a normal bow and shoot an arrow towards the skylight above the tower. You don’t have to hit a specific object. The decisive factors are the right time, Link’s position on the base and the direction of the shot.
If everything was correct, the platform turns blue and the Sasa Kai Shrine rises from the ground.
Sasa Kai Shrine – Trial of Strength (Medium)
A Guardian Scout III is waiting inside. Based on how we’ve played the game so far, a medium test of strength is no longer a major obstacle. Nevertheless, take the opportunity to practice clean evasive maneuvers. A backflip works for side blows, and a sideways jump works for straight attacks. Correct timing starts a slow-motion counterattack.
When the guard begins his rotation attack, stand behind one of the stone pillars. He crashes into it and is briefly stunned. Towards the end of the fight he charges up a powerful laser. You can attack quickly in this phase and defeat him before the shot is finished, or reflect the beam with a shield.
After the fight, the path to the priest opens. Open the Treasure Chest beforehand. Inside is a ice sword. You will then receive the next Spirit Orb.
Through the Olpa Highlands to Kuh Takkar Shrine
From the Sasa Kai Shrine our route leads west or southwest deeper into the snowy Gerudo plateau. Put on two levels of cold protection now at the latest. On the higher snowfields, a single piece of clothing is no longer enough.
Work your way across the high rocky areas towards Olpa Highlands and Vatorsa Snowfield. Revalis Sturm+ shortens the steeper climbs. Wild berries also regularly grow in this part of the plateau. If, contrary to expectations, you haven’t finished “The Environmental Polluter” from Gerudo Town, you can collect missing copies along the way.
Optional: Korok in the ice east of the Olpa Highlands
Optional – Korok: East of the Olpa Highlands or on the edge of the snowy plateau, a large block of ice stands out. Such ice blocks often contain small secrets in the Gerudo Plateau.
Light a campfire right next to it or hold a firearm nearby. Fire Arrows also work, but consumes ammunition unnecessarily. Wait until the ice block has completely melted. Then examine the exposed sparkling leaves and take the Korok seed with you.
Optional: Korok west of Kuh Takkar Shrine
Optional – Korok: Just before the shrine there is another large block of ice in the snow. Melts this completely too. There is another Korok hidden inside. Both seeds lie almost exactly on our line through the Vatorsa snowfield and do not cause any significant detour.
Free Kuh Takkar Shrine from the ice
Kuh Takkar Shrine lies at the foot of the Olpa Highlands and is itself completely enclosed by a huge block of ice. Two ice pyromancers are in the area. The easiest way to kill them is with a fire arrow: fire defeats ice enemies of this type immediately.
Afterwards you have to thaw the shrine. Place several bundles of wood right next to the ice and light them on fire, or stand in the immediate vicinity with a fire greatsword or other firearm. Several campfires at the same time significantly accelerate melting.
As soon as the entrance is exposed, activate the shrine and enter it.
Kuh Takkar Shrine – Melting Ice
The test is based on a simple problem: Link must transport a large block of ice to the end of the shrine, despite there being numerous fire traps along the way. The block may become smaller, but may not melt completely.
Axyl up the ice block at the beginning and go up the ramp. For the first pillars of fire it is enough to walk close to the opposite wall. Keep the ice block as far away from the fire as possible.
When the fire beam rotates, you briefly place the ice on the ground. Wait for a clear gap, pick it up again and run through it quickly.
In the next area, several horizontal flames shoot across the path. First put the ice block out of their reach and walk alone under the flames. In the lava behind lies a large metal cube. Get him out with the magnetic module.
Carry the metal cube back and place it between the fire nozzles and the walkway. The cube blocks multiple flames at the same time. Axyl up the ice block again and pass under the protection of the metal block.
Ice sword in Kuh Takkar Shrine
Optional – Treasure Chest: In the middle area you can see a small side platform behind vertical fire columns. Before you move on to the ice, use the metal cube.
Place it on or over the fire nozzles so that the flames are blocked. Then slide onto the platform behind and open the chest. Inside is a ice sword.
Return to the ice block. At the next gap you can place the metal cube in the lava and use it as a stepping surface. First throw the ice block to the other side, then jump over it yourself and, if necessary, pull the metal cube behind it with magnesis.
There are several options before the last pillars of fire. The easiest way is to hold the metal cube like a large shield between the fire and the ice block. Slowly go forward and push the protection with the magnetic module further bit by bit.
Bring the remaining ice block to the last gate. As soon as you approach it, the entrance to the priest opens. You will receive another Spirit Orb.
More Koroks on the Olpa Highlands
After the Kuh Takkar Shrine we continue west. Two Korok puzzles lie close to our route north of the Olpa Highlands.
Optional – Korok: North of the plateau you can see three oval stone formations on the map. A formation is missing a stone. Look for the loose stone in the neighboring formation, pick it up and complete the incomplete pattern.
Optional – Korok: To the northwest of it, a narrow natural rock bridge juts out to the west. There are two figures made of metal cubes on it. A construction is missing a block. The single metal cube is a little further on the bridge. Get it with the magnetic module and complete the incomplete figure as a mirror image of the other one.
From here we continue across the snow-covered areas towards the Beryl snowfield.
Kema Kosassa Shrine in Beryl Snowfield
On the western edge of the Beryl Snowfield lies the Kema Kosassa Shrine. Be sure to activate it before moving on to the eighth warrior. His fast travel point is immediately crucial because after visiting the statue for the first time we briefly return to Bozai and then have to go to the Gerudo Plateau again.
Kema Kosassa Shrine – A Major Test of Strength
A Guardian Scout IV with three powerful guardian weapons is waiting in the shrine. With four freed Titans, Master Sword and improved combat skills, the fight is much easier than if this shrine was discovered early.
First adjust to the direction of the guard’s attack and use perfect evasive maneuvers. During his rotation attack, you hide behind a pillar. The guard crashes into it and remains momentarily unable to move.
When he begins the circular laser attack, the heat creates an updraft. Open the Paraglider, let yourself be carried up and shoot the eye in slow motion mode. Afterwards you can land multiple melee hits.
In its final phase, the Nano Guardian charges several powerful laser shots. Urbosa’s Fury+ ends the fight particularly quickly at this point. Alternatively, attack offensively before the first shot is fired.
After the victory you can take his guard weapons++ with you. Also open the chest in front of the priest. It contains a Silver Rupee worth 100 Rupees.
Find the eighth warrior
Leave Kema Kosassa and put on the borrowed Snow Boots. They are much more comfortable than normal shoes in this deep snow. Move north from the Beryl Snowfield towards the Hema Highlands.
The statue is not on top of a peak. It is set into a massive rock face at the northern end of the snowfield. If you just look at the ridge, you can walk right past it. Stick to the foot of the high western and northern rock walls.
From a distance you can finally see the huge stone upper body eighth warrior. The statue is so large that it almost looks like part of the mountains.
Activate the Camera Rune and stand back far enough so that the upper body including the head can be completely seen in the image. Wait for the red exclamation mark before saving the photo. Only then will the Side Quest recognize the recording as valid.
Optional: Korok on the Mystathi’s Shelf
Optional – Korok: To the east or northeast of the statue is the Tosmedia plateau. There is an incomplete stone circle on a small hill.
The missing stone lies on a higher ledge northeast of the pattern. The problem is less the distance than the difference in height. Carry the stone under the plateau and throw it up from the southern side. Alternatively, attach an Octorok balloon to it or use stasis to raise it to the required height.
Then places the stone in the free position of the circle.
Bozai sand boots get
Now teleport to the Daqo Chisay Shrine in front of Gerudo Town and equip the full women’s set. Looking for Bozai. After completing the first part, he often stays under the small sunshade near the entrance to the city during the day.
Show him the photo of the eighth warrior. Bozai keeps his promise and gives you the sand boots. In return he demands his borrowed snow boots back.
The sand boots significantly increase Link’s movement speed in deep sand and are very useful for the remaining routes through the Gerudo Desert. They can also be improved with the Great Fairies.
Immediately speak to Bozai again, still in the Gerudo women’s set. Now he says that the eighth warrior originally had a huge sword. This starts the Side Quest “The Forgotten Sword”. This time he promises his snow boots permanently as a reward.
Unlike the first task, Bozai no longer lends out the snow boots. That hardly matters to us: With the Rito set, Revalis Sturm+ and the Kema Kosassa shrine already activated, we can still get back to the mountain quickly.
Back to Gerudo Summit
Teleports you directly to Kema Kosassa Shrine. This saves us the entire climb from the edge of the desert. Put on the Rito set for two-stage cold protection and walk from the Beryl snowfield east or southeast to the steep edge of Gerudo Peak.
One of the most interesting Korok routes in the region begins here.
Optional: Korok Flowers from Beryl Snowfield to Summit
Optional – Korok: A single yellow flower grows on the eastern edge of the Beryl Snowfield, just below the high wall of Gerudo Peak. Touch her.
The next flower appears further up the rock wall. Follow the line. This puzzle does not lead horizontally across the floor, but rather Step by step up the steep mountain. Don’t lose sight of the next flower.
Revalis Sturm+ makes the route much easier. But only use the updraft to such an extent that you don’t jump over any intermediate flowers. An omitted flower interrupts the puzzle.
After several stops you reach the upper edge of the Gerudo peak. The last white flower reveals the Korok.
Optional: Magnetic cube on the western peak
Optional – Korok: Stay on the western edge of the peak. On an elevated rock step are two block formations, one of which is incomplete. The missing metal cube lies further west on a lower area and is guarded by Bokoblins.
Kill the enemies or ignore them and grab the cube with the magnetic module. Return it to the block formation and place it so that both structures have the same shape.
Optional: Korok Race at the northwest peak
Optional – Korok: A few meters further northwest there is a small tree stump with a leaf symbol on the ground. Step on it. A yellow target circle appears to the southwest.
Immediately jumps off the edge and opens the Paraglider. A natural updraft rises nearby. Use it to maintain altitude and speed and glide through the target circle before time runs out.
These three Koroks are practically one behind the other on our climb to the summit and therefore belong in the same tour.
The forgotten sword on Gerudo Peak
There is a Lynel patrolling Gerudo Peak. Which color variant you encounter depends on the progress of the game. After four Titans and the completed DLC, a strong variant can be expected.
Combat is not required for the Side Quest. If you don’t have the Lynels in the Hyrule Compendium yet, you should at least take a photo of it. If you want to fight, perfect dodges and headshots are still the safest method. Urbosa’s Fury+ and Daruk’s Protection+ now make the encounter much easier.
The sword you are looking for is so large that it could easily be mistaken for a natural rock. It is stuck in the ground in the southeastern or central area of Gerudo Peak and protrudes far beyond Link.
At the foot of the huge stone sword there is one Moblin on. It also gets stuck in the snow Gerudo two-handed sword. Take the weapon with you if you have room. Gerudo weapons are required, among other things, for the manufacture of certain pieces of equipment and are separate entries in the Hyrule handbook.
Then stand far enough away from the monumental sword so that a large part of it fits into the picture. Activates the Camera Rune. As soon as the red exclamation mark appears, save the photo for “The Forgotten Sword”.
Optional: Buried chests on Gerudo Peak
Optional – Treasure Chests: Activate the magnetic module once on the Gerudo summit and look at the snow areas. In the region, numerous metal chests are hidden under snow or in the ground. Content ranges from Gerudo weapons to knight gear and arrows to gems and Rupees.
A complete systematic chest search across the entire summit plateau would unnecessarily extend the tour because these normal world chests do not count towards the map rating and some contain scaling weapons. But pull out every metal chest that becomes clearly visible on the direct path to the stone sword. Gerudo weapons, bomb arrows and gems in particular are still useful.
From Gerudo Peak to Morgana Mountain
After the photo we don’t teleport to Bozai yet. South of the Gerudo peak, the Suma Sahma Shrine is another shrine almost on our further line. Although it belongs to the Wasteland Tower map section, geographically it clearly belongs to the snowy Gerudo plateau.
From the summit, move southeast across the snowfields to Morgana Mountain. Revalis Sturm+ allows you to cross several rocky ridges directly.
Optional: Korok on Morgana Mountain
Optional – Korok: In the central area of Morgana Mountain, a single tall stone pillar rises from the snow. Climb to its top. There is a small stone there. Lift it and the Korok appears.
Optional – Korok: There is also a large block of ice stuck in the snow south of nearby Mordaba Mountain. If you pass it on the way to the dilapidated hut, melt it with fire. Another Korok is waiting inside.
Secret of the Snowy Peaks – Unlock Suma Sahma Shrine
At the southern end of Morgana Mountain you will find the remains of an abandoned hut. An old diary lies on a stone. Read it and the shrine quest “The Old Diary” begins.
The text describes a mysterious pedestal, in the middle of which “round darkness” must be cast once it glows. What is meant is not an object, but the shadow of a snowball.
The ancient base is located a few meters south on the rock face of Mordaba Mountain. It begins to glow orange at approximately 4:00 p.m.. There are several snowballs next to the hut.
If it is still early in the day, light the existing campfire and wait until midday. Then pick up a snowball and stand between the sun and the base. You have to hold the ball above Link’s head and slowly move until its round shadow fills the exact center of the glowing base.
The correct position depends on the time. The time slot begins at 4 p.m.; a little later the shadow moves higher. If the circle is not completely filled, move forward or back a few steps instead of putting the snowball down.
Do not carry a firearm on your back and do not stand directly next to the campfire. Heat causes the snowball to shrink.
As soon as the shadow is correctly positioned, the base turns blue and the Suma Sahma Shrine appears. You can find more shrines in this map area in the ZeldaCollection guide to the shrines at the Wasteland Tower.
Suma Sahma Shrine – Suma Sahma’s Blessing
After the shrine task, there is no further puzzle inside. Go directly to Treasure Chest and open it. Inside is a moon saber.
Photograph him for the Hyrule Compendium if you are still missing the entry. The Moon Saber is a fast one-handed Gerudo weapon and is well suited for fights where a heavy two-handed sword would be too slow.
Then talk to Suma Sahma and take the Spirit Orb.
snow boots permanently preserved
The mountain excursion is now over. Teleport back to the Daqo Chisay Shrine in front of Gerudo Town, put on the women’s set and look for Bozai under his sun protection.
Show him the photo of the massive stone sword on Gerudo Peak. Bozai has to admit that Link has confirmed the legend again and finally gives you the Snow Boots permanently.
This means Link now has both sand boots and snow boots. The sand boots prevent the usual slowing down in desert sand, the snow boots serve the same purpose in deep snow. Both pieces of armor can be improved with the Great Fairies.
The snow boots are much more comfortable than normal shoes, especially for the still open areas in Hebra and the last snowy sections of the Gerudo plateau. However, they do not provide protection from the cold. Therefore, in icy areas, combine it with two other pieces of armor that together provide sufficient cold resistance, or use appropriate food.
State of the Gerudo Plateau
This tour covers the Gerudo Tower and four important shrines in the mountainous region: Sasa Kai, Kuh Takkar, Kema Kosassa and Suma Sahma. There are also several Koroks along the direct route as well as the two Side Quests “The Eighth Warrior” and “The Forgotten Sword”. Sand Boots and Snow Boots are now permanently part of Link’s gear.
The Gerudo Tower map section is not completely empty yet. The Keeha Yoog Shrine with the “Mural Painting” task and the Joloo Nah Shrine remain open. Both are inconvenient for our current route: Mural begins at the Tabanta Bridge stable and connects much better with the later Tabanta route; Joloo Nah lies further east and merges with the open highland targets there. The already completed Sho Dantu Shrine from the Kalzer Valley completes another part of the map section.
The remaining Koroks of the Gerudo plateau are also not individually accessed from here. Several are located on the northern cliffs, on the Sapphia’s Table and at crossings to Tabantha and the Hyrule Plains. These Locations fit better with the adjacent routes and are collected there instead of climbing the same rock faces multiple times.
Next up is the still open southern Gerudo Desert. There, “The Seven Warriors”, the Dako Tah Shrine, Tho Kayu, Misae Suma, the other Molduga and the southern maze can be connected to form a coherent circuit.