The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom uses the map of Hyrule established in Breath of the Wild, but expands on it by using familiar locations and changing them to give you a new experience, even if you spent hundreds of hours playing the previous game.
If you played Breath of the Wild, you’ll definitely have favorite locations that you’ll want to see again, but there may be some places you may not have thought about revisiting. It’s well worth visiting these areas to see how they’ve changed since you last saw them and find something new to enjoy in these places.
8 Rito Flight Range
If you’re wondering where Kaneli from Breath of the Wild is now that Teba is the Rito elder, you’ll find him at the Flight Range northwest of Rito Village, just by the Rospro Pass Skyview Tower. If you speak to Kaneli, he’ll challenge you to his flight training course, mentioning that it has now changed from the archery course it originally was.
Kaneli’s flight training involves diving and using the paraglider to pass through rings around the course. Although Breath of the Wild’s archery course was a good way to test your skills with a bow, now you can refine your gliding ability.
7 Temple Of Time
In Breath of the Wild, the Temple of Time is one of the first places you visit after waking up in the Shrine of Resurrection. The temple is in ruins, though the Goddess Statue stands strong, and it’s much the same in Tears of the Kingdom, despite the lack of decayed Guardians surrounding it.
If you climb to the top of the Temple of Time, there’s a chest containing the Nostalgic fabric, which has the same design as the paraglider Link used in Breath of the Wild. You also find it in the same room where the King of Hyrule previously gave Link the paraglider, making it all the more nostalgic.
6 Hyrule Castle Sanctum
Breath of the Wild’s Hyrule Castle was imposing, with the castle’s Sanctum being the location where you initiate the final boss fight with Ganon. In Tears of the Kingdom, Hyrule Castle’s Sanctum is decidedly less dangerous, but still ominous thanks to the music and lingering Gloom.
Although Hyrule Castle hasn’t been fully restored, you can explore the Sanctum, which you never had the chance to in Breath of the Wild because of Ganon’s presence. There are lots of details here that help you to imagine what Hyrule Castle’s throne room looked like in its former glory, such as various depictions of the Triforce. If you read Zelda’s diary in Hateno Village, you’d also know to light the two torches and discover the Champion’s Leathers behind the throne.
5 Yiga Clan Hideout
To retrieve the Thunder Helm in Breath of the Wild, you have to sneak into the Yiga Clan’s Hideout and avoid being noticed by any guards, eventually facing off against their leader, Master Kohga. If you visit the Yiga Clan Hideout in Tears of the Kingdom, the door will be locked, and you’ll be told to retrieve the full Yiga outfit to gain entry.
Once you’ve infiltrated the other Yiga strongholds and found the full armor set, you’ll be able to ‘join’ the Yiga and explore the inside without worrying about them attacking you as long as you’re disguised. You’ll also have the chance to win some prizes if you complete their training regime.
4 The Labyrinths
In Breath of the Wild, the three labyrinths were one of the more interesting challenges, with Link having to navigate the maze to find the shrine in the center while avoiding the ire of wandering Guardians.
The goal is the same for each labyrinth in Tears of the Kingdom, but the concept is greatly expanded upon. Once you reach the labyrinth’s shrine on the ground, a door is opened so you can enter the corresponding sky labyrinth. It doesn’t end there, though - once the sky labyrinth is completed, you will be prompted to dive into the depths for your final challenge.
3 Tarrey Town
Tarrey Town is one of Breath of the Wild’s most beloved locations, so it’s heartwarming to see how it’s developed in Tears of the Kingdom. Despite the Upheaval and the unrest in other areas of Hyrule, Tarrey Town is continuing to flourish, with Hudson’s Construction having expanded beyond what it was in Breath of the Wild.
The NPCs that Link recruited in Breath of the Wild are still here, too, continuing their respective businesses. If you speak to Rhondson after completing Mattison’s Independence, you’re able to start building your own dream house just outside of Tarrey Town. You have the freedom to customize the house using Ultrahand to arrange the rooms as well.
2 The Shrine Of Resurrection
The Shrine of Resurrection is where Link first awakens in Breath of the Wild, beginning his journey across Hyrule to stop the Calamity. The iconic shot of Link standing on a cliff and looking out at Hyrule takes place just outside of here, making it one of the most memorable places in the game.
Because of its significance, it’s a must-see location in Tears of the Kingdom just for nostalgia. Unfortunately, the shrine has been taken over by the Yiga Clan and is now used for their storeroom, changing its appearance quite drastically. Thankfully though, you can still take in the magnificent view when you leave through the cave entrance.
1 Link’s House In Hateno Village
In Breath of the Wild, as part of the Hylian Homeowner quest, Link could buy and renovate a house in Hateno Village. After becoming a homeowner, Link could then decorate his house with various items, such as mounts to display shields and weapons.
If you visit Hateno Village in Tears of the Kingdom, you’re able to see Link’s House; however, it has changed slightly since you were last there. Zelda has also taken up residence there, as her photographs can be seen on the walls, and you’re able to read Zelda’s journal in the house, which details her thoughts after the Calamity. If you completed Breath of the Wild’s Champion’s Ballad DLC, you’ll also see the photograph of the Champions still displayed in the bedroom.