How to Activate Sage Powers in Tears of the Kingdom: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide details the process of activating powerful Sage powers in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, explaining how to unlock, upgrade, and effectively utilize these crucial abilities to enhance your gameplay. You must first locate and complete specific regional phenomena quests to acquire the Sage Vows, then summon and manage them strategically in combat and exploration.
Understanding Sage Powers in TotK
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom introduces a novel mechanic: Sage Powers. These abilities, tied to the game’s narrative and progression, grant Link access to extraordinary elemental powers. Unlike previous games, these powers are not simply items to equip; they are companions, each with unique abilities and quirks. Mastering their activation and utilization is paramount to successfully navigating Hyrule and defeating Ganondorf.
Benefits of Sage Powers
Activating Sage Powers significantly boosts your capabilities. Each Sage offers a distinct advantage:
- Tulin, Sage of Wind: Provides gusts of wind for increased gliding distance and speed, essential for traversal.
- Yunobo, Sage of Fire: Encases Link in a fiery ball, allowing him to roll across terrain and break obstacles.
- Sidon, Sage of Water: Grants Link a water shield for protection and water-based attacks.
- Riju, Sage of Lightning: Empowers Link with the ability to create localized lightning strikes.
- Mineru, Sage of Spirit: Enables Link to control a construct with powerful melee attacks and resource gathering capabilities.
These powers are not just offensive; they are integral to puzzle solving, exploration, and resource gathering. They offer dynamic solutions to challenges, allowing for creative and adaptable gameplay.
The Activation Process: Obtaining the Sage Vows
To activate a Sage Power, you must first obtain the corresponding Sage’s Vow. This involves completing a specific regional phenomena questline:
- Tulin (Wind Temple): Journey to Rito Village and solve the crisis affecting the Hebra region. Defeat Colgera within the Wind Temple.
- Yunobo (Fire Temple): Investigate the problems plaguing Goron City and clear the Fire Temple. Defeat Marbled Gohma within the Fire Temple.
- Sidon (Water Temple): Resolve the crisis in the Zora Domain and cleanse the Water Temple. Defeat Mucktorok within the Water Temple.
- Riju (Lightning Temple): Aid the Gerudo Town in addressing the sand shroud and complete the Lightning Temple. Defeat Queen Gibdo within the Lightning Temple.
- Mineru (Spirit Temple): Assist in locating and repairing the Zonai Construct and cleanse the Spirit Temple. Defeat the Seized Construct in the Depths.
Upon completing each temple, you will receive the corresponding Sage’s Vow. This vow allows you to summon the Sage to your side.
Summoning and Dismissing Sages
Once you possess a Sage’s Vow, summoning them is straightforward:
- Press the Up Directional Button: This brings up the Sage selection wheel.
- Select the Desired Sage: Use the right stick to highlight the Sage you wish to summon.
- Release the Up Directional Button: The Sage will appear near Link.
To dismiss a Sage, simply select them again using the same method, choosing the “Dismiss” option.
Utilizing Sage Powers Effectively
The real challenge lies in effectively utilizing each Sage’s power. While each Sage follows Link automatically, activating their abilities requires specific inputs.
| Sage | Power Activation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tulin | Press ‘A’ while gliding | Generates a powerful gust of wind, propelling Link forward. |
| Yunobo | Press ‘A’ | Rolls in a fiery ball, damaging enemies and breaking obstacles. Press ‘A’ again to stop. |
| Sidon | Press ‘A’ | Creates a water shield around Link. Press ‘A’ again to launch a water-based attack. |
| Riju | Press ‘A’ | Summons a lightning strike at the target reticle. You must aim her bow before pressing the button. |
| Mineru | Press ‘A’ | Enters the construct, granting access to powerful melee attacks and improved mobility. Press ‘A’ again to exit. |
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
- Forgetting to Summon: Remember to summon the Sage after obtaining their Vow. They won’t automatically appear.
- Ignoring the Sage’s Position: Sages have limited range. Ensure they are close enough to Link for their powers to function effectively.
- Misunderstanding Activation Triggers: Each Sage has a unique activation method. Pay attention to the prompts.
- Conflicting Sage Powers: Some powers may interfere with each other. Experiment to find the optimal combinations for different situations.
- Accidental Dismissal: Be mindful of the directional pad, as accidentally pressing up can dismiss a Sage unintentionally.
Upgrading Sage Powers
Once you have obtained all Sage’s Vows, you can unlock upgrades for their avatars by using Sage’s Wills that can be found throughout Hyrule. Take four Sage’s Wills to a Goddess Statue to upgrade a Sage of your choosing. This allows you to increase the amount of damage that the Sage’s avatars inflict on enemies and overall make them more reliable combat companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the Wind Temple?
The Wind Temple is located in the Hebra region, high in the sky. You’ll need to progress through the main story quest involving Tulin to unlock it. Gliding with Tulin’s assistance is crucial for reaching the temple.
What is the best way to use Yunobo’s fire power?
Yunobo’s fire power is best used for breaking through rock formations and destroying enemy defenses. Aim strategically, as his rolling can be difficult to control in tight spaces.
How can I make the most of Sidon’s water shield?
Sidon’s water shield offers excellent protection from elemental attacks and allows you to create water projectiles. Use it proactively to mitigate damage and gain a tactical advantage.
How do I aim Riju’s lightning attack?
First you must aim Riju’s bow to your target by holding ‘A’ to activate, before pressing the button again to release a powerful shock arrow from her bow.
How to unlock the fifth Sage Power?
To unlock the fifth Sage Power, which involves the Spirit Temple, you must first complete the four regional phenomena quests. Afterward, follow the main story questline to locate and repair the Zonai Construct.
Can I use Sage Powers in the Depths?
Yes, all Sage Powers can be used in the Depths, though their effectiveness may vary depending on the environment and enemies you encounter. Tulin’s wind power is particularly useful for navigating the vast, dark spaces.
Do Sage Powers consume stamina?
No, Sage Powers do not directly consume stamina. However, activities like gliding with Tulin’s assistance or maintaining Sidon’s water shield will still drain stamina as normal.
Are Sage Powers affected by armor buffs?
Generally, Sage Powers are not directly affected by armor buffs. However, certain armor sets may enhance the effectiveness of specific elemental attacks related to a Sage’s power.
Can I upgrade all of the Sages powers at once?
No, you must upgrade each Sage Avatar individually, taking four Sage’s Wills to a Goddess Statue each time.
What happens if a Sage is defeated in battle?
If a Sage is defeated, they will temporarily disappear and be unavailable for a short period. They will eventually reappear, ready to assist you once again.
Can Sage Powers be used for puzzle solving?
Yes, Sage Powers are essential for solving many puzzles throughout Hyrule. Each Sage’s unique abilities offer creative solutions to environmental challenges.
How do I switch between Sage Powers quickly?
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with the directional pad and selection wheel to quickly switch between Sages as needed during combat and exploration.