The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BotW) offers one of the most expansive and secret-filled open worlds in gaming history. From hidden shrines to obscure side-quests and cleverly placed Easter-eggs, this guide reveals all the hidden content you shouldn’t miss while exploring Hyrule.
Introduction
BotW rewards curiosity like few other games. Many shrines, NPC quests, and Easter-eggs are completely optional or triggered only under specific conditions. Completing these hidden objectives unlocks rare rewards, unique weapons, armor upgrades, and deep lore moments. This guide details every secret shrine, Easter-egg, and side-quest to help you uncover Hyrule’s hidden treasures.
Hidden Shrines You Should Not Miss
1. Owa Daim Shrine (Hateno Village)
- Accessed via a hidden path behind rocks on the village outskirts.
- Contains a time-sensitive puzzle with a rare Spirit Orb reward.
2. Tena Ko Shrine (Lanayru Region)
- Requires careful environmental manipulation using Cryonis and Stasis to reach.
- Hidden behind a waterfall and easy to miss on casual exploration.
3. Hidden Shrine in Korok Forest
- Only appears after completing a specific Korok seed puzzle sequence.
- Offers a unique weapon and Spirit Orb.
4. The Korgu Chideh Shrine (Akkala)
- Requires triggering a chain of events with NPCs and environmental clues.
- Missable if you progress the main quest too far before discovering it.
Secret Side-Quests
The Luminous Stone Quest
- An optional quest unlocked in Gerudo Desert.
- Involves stealth and environmental puzzles with rewards including rare gemstones.
Hateno Lab Side Puzzle
- Hidden tech puzzle that unlocks exclusive Sheikah Slate upgrades.
- Requires full exploration and interaction with NPCs in the lab vicinity.
The Lost Traveler NPC Chain
- Hidden character who offers lore insights and rare armor upgrades.
- Must be found at specific locations at certain times of day.
Forgotten Shrine Map Puzzle
- Leads to a previously inaccessible shrine with upgraded treasure.
- Activates only after completing several main and side quests.
Easter-Eggs & Hidden References
Classic Zelda Items
- Scattered references to older Zelda games, such as the Ocarina of Time and Wind Waker items.
Majora’s Mask Reference
- A hidden mask displayed in a temple hints at the darker lore of Hyrule.
NPC Dialogue Easter-Eggs
- Talking to certain NPCs at night triggers rare dialogues referencing Hyrule history.
Environmental Easter-Eggs
- Unusual rock formations, shrine patterns, and Korok puzzles serve as subtle nods to past Zelda titles.
Hidden Weapons, Armor & Collectibles
Ancient Gear & Weapons
- Found in secret shrine chests and rare side-quests.
- Essential for late-game combat and boss strategies.
Master Sword Upgrades
- Some hidden side-challenges unlock special upgrades for the Master Sword.
Rare Food & Elixirs
- Certain hidden regions contain ingredients not found elsewhere, essential for crafting powerful elixirs.
Tips for Exploring Hidden Content
- Check every cliff, cave, and ruin—BotW hides many shrines in plain sight or behind puzzles.
- Interact with NPCs multiple times—rare dialogues often trigger hidden quests.
- Use all Sheikah Slate powers—some shrines are only reachable with precise abilities.
- Time-sensitive exploration—certain events occur only at day, night, or during specific weather.
Conclusion
Breath of the Wild offers endless secrets for those willing to explore. From hidden shrines to obscure side-quests, rare weapons, and clever Easter-eggs, uncovering Hyrule’s mysteries adds depth, rewards, and hours of extra gameplay to an already massive adventure. Use this guide to experience every hidden corner of the kingdom.
GGC