Where Do You Trade Korok Seeds? A Comprehensive Guide
Korok Seeds are traded to Hestu, a large, musical Korok, who offers inventory upgrades for Link’s weapon, bow, and shield pouches in exchange for these seeds. He initially resides near the Road to Fort Hateno and eventually moves to Korok Forest.
The Curious Case of the Korok Seed
Ah, Korok Seeds! Those delightful, if slightly pungent, rewards for solving the myriad puzzles scattered across Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. But what exactly are they for? Are they simply collectibles to fill a menu, or do they serve a more practical purpose? Thankfully, they are far more useful than a mere trophy.
Hestu: The Musical Merchant
The key to unlocking the power of the Korok Seed lies with Hestu, a towering Korok musician with a penchant for maracas. He’s easily recognizable by his enormous size, his distinctive maraca playing, and his… let’s just say unique sense of style. Hestu serves as the primary (and only) merchant for Korok Seeds, offering a valuable service: expanding Link’s inventory.
The Allure of Expanded Inventory
Why is inventory expansion so important? Imagine being constantly forced to discard valuable weapons, bows, or shields because your pouches are full. Frustrating, right? Expanded inventory allows Link to carry a wider array of tools, giving him greater flexibility in combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. It’s a game-changer that drastically improves the overall playing experience.
Hestu’s Travels: A Journey Across Hyrule
Finding Hestu can be a bit of a scavenger hunt in itself. His location isn’t static.
- Initial Location: Hestu is first encountered on the Road to Fort Hateno, just east of the Dueling Peaks Stable.
- Second Location: After the initial encounter, Hestu moves to a location near Riverside Stable in Central Hyrule.
- Final Destination: Ultimately, Hestu makes his home in Korok Forest, within the Great Hyrule Forest. This is where he remains for the rest of the game.
The Seed Exchange: A Breakdown
Trading Korok Seeds with Hestu is straightforward:
- Find Hestu: Locate Hestu at his current location.
- Speak to Hestu: Interact with him to initiate the trade dialogue.
- Select a Pouch: Choose which pouch you want to upgrade (Weapons, Bows, or Shields).
- Pay the Seed Cost: Hand over the required number of Korok Seeds.
- Enjoy Your Expanded Inventory: Bask in the glory of having more space for your gear!
Seed Costs: A Growing Investment
The number of Korok Seeds required for each pouch upgrade increases as you expand them further. This escalating cost encourages players to explore more and collect as many seeds as possible.
| Pouch | First Upgrade | Second Upgrade | Third Upgrade | Fourth Upgrade | Fifth Upgrade | … |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weapons | 1 Seed | 2 Seeds | 3 Seeds | 5 Seeds | 8 Seeds | … |
| Bows | 1 Seed | 2 Seeds | 3 Seeds | 4 Seeds | 5 Seeds | … |
| Shields | 1 Seed | 2 Seeds | 3 Seeds | 4 Seeds | 5 Seeds | … |
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Forgetting Hestu’s Location: Keep track of Hestu’s location, especially after the initial encounters. Use the Adventure Log to mark his last known location.
- Ignoring Early Inventory Upgrades: Don’t wait until you’re desperate for space. Early inventory upgrades make a significant difference.
- Over-Focusing on Korok Seed Collection: While important, don’t let Korok Seed hunting overshadow other aspects of the game. Balance exploration with story progression and combat.
- Listen for the Music: Hestu’s distinctive music will help you locate him when you’re nearby.
Trading Post for Tears of the Kingdom
While many of the features and gameplay mechanics carried over from Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom, Hestu serves in the same function. All the locations and seed upgrade prices are identical in the sequel. Therefore, all the tips and guidance above apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Hestu ultimately settle down?
Hestu eventually resides in Korok Forest, located deep within the Great Hyrule Forest. This is his permanent location for the remainder of the game after reaching this location.
Can I complete the game without expanding my inventory?
While technically possible, completing the game without expanding your inventory is extremely challenging. The limited space makes resource management and combat significantly more difficult. Expanding your inventory makes the game considerably more manageable and enjoyable.
What happens if I give Hestu all 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild?
Upon giving Hestu all 900 Korok Seeds in Breath of the Wild, he rewards you with Hestu’s Gift, a golden poop. Its primary function is purely comedic. It has no practical use beyond being a unique item.
Does Hestu give different rewards in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Hestu gives the same item for all 900 Korok seeds in Tears of the Kingdom. It is the same item as Breath of the Wild, which is, again, essentially golden poop.
Can I sell Korok Seeds for Rupees?
No, Korok Seeds cannot be sold for Rupees. They have no monetary value and can only be traded to Hestu for inventory upgrades.
Is there a limit to how much I can expand my inventory?
Yes, there is a limit to how much you can expand your inventory. Each pouch (Weapons, Bows, and Shields) has a maximum number of slots it can hold. In Breath of the Wild, weapons can be expanded to 20 slots, bows to 13 slots, and shields to 20 slots. Tears of the Kingdom has the same upgrade caps.
Does Hestu’s location reset after the Blood Moon?
No, Hestu’s location does not reset after a Blood Moon. Once he moves to a new location, he remains there until you trigger the next stage of his journey, regardless of the Blood Moon cycle.
Can I track which Korok Seeds I’ve already collected?
Unfortunately, the game does not provide an in-game method for tracking which specific Korok Seeds you’ve already found. Players often resort to using online maps and guides to keep track of their progress.
What is the best strategy for collecting Korok Seeds?
A good strategy is to combine Korok Seed hunting with your regular exploration. As you travel through Hyrule, keep an eye out for Korok puzzles and solve them as you encounter them. This prevents the task from becoming too monotonous.
Does the order in which I upgrade my pouches matter?
The order in which you upgrade your pouches is largely a matter of personal preference. However, many players prioritize upgrading their weapon pouch first, as this allows them to carry a wider variety of weapons for different combat situations.
Can I use Korok Seeds in crafting recipes?
No, Korok Seeds cannot be used in crafting recipes. Their sole purpose is to be traded to Hestu for inventory upgrades.
Is it worth collecting all 900 Korok Seeds?
That depends on your level of commitment and completionist tendencies. While Hestu’s Gift isn’t particularly useful, the sense of accomplishment and the fully upgraded inventory can be rewarding for some players. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.