Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom — Sky Islands Opening Walkthrough

Tears of the Kingdom begins on the Great Sky Island, an extended tutorial area that introduces all four of Link's new abilities: Ultrahand, Fuse, Ascend, and Recall. This walkthrough covers every step from waking up to reaching Hyrule's surface, including all four shrines and the Temple of Time.

Step 1: Waking Up in the Pit

After the opening cutscene, you'll find yourself in a dark cave with no inventory. Follow the glowing light forward. This section is entirely linear — just keep moving. You'll find:

  • Your first weapon: a Rusty Claymore on the ground
  • Basic tutorial prompts for movement and combat
  • The first Purah Pad — your map and ability device

Exit the cave to arrive on the Great Sky Island proper.

Step 2: The Ukouh Shrine — Learning Ultrahand

Head toward the glowing shrine icon on your map. Inside the Ukouh Shrine:

  1. Use Ultrahand (L button) to grab the stone slab and create a bridge across the gap.
  2. In the second room, attach the hook to the rail using Ultrahand, then ride it across.
  3. Combine two slabs to create a longer bridge for the final gap.
  4. Collect the Light of Blessing at the altar.

Tip: You can rotate objects while holding them with Ultrahand by moving the right stick. Getting comfortable with this here will save you a lot of frustration later.

Step 3: Reaching the In-isa Shrine — Learning Fuse

From Ukouh Shrine, you need to cross a flooded area. Build a raft using the logs near the water's edge — attach them together with Ultrahand and use a leaf fan to propel yourself.

Inside the In-isa Shrine:

  1. Use Fuse (Y button while near an object) to attach a boulder to your weapon, increasing its power.
  2. Smash the cracked wall with your fused weapon to proceed.
  3. In the final room, fuse a fire fruit to an arrow to burn the vines blocking the chest.
  4. Collect the Light of Blessing.

Step 4: The Gutanbac Shrine — Learning Ascend

This shrine is at a higher elevation. Look for climbing paths or build a structure to reach it. Inside:

  1. Stand under the low ceiling and activate Ascend (X button) to phase up through solid surfaces.
  2. Use Ascend to climb through the ceiling into the upper room.
  3. In the trickier section, position yourself under a moving platform and Ascend at the right moment.
  4. Collect the Light of Blessing.

Note: Ascend only works through surfaces you're directly beneath — the cursor turns green when it's valid.

Step 5: The Nachoyah Shrine — Learning Recall

Located near a waterfall area. To reach it, build a platform and use the updraft to paraglide up. Inside:

  1. Activate Recall (ZL then R) on the spinning stone platforms to reverse their movement.
  2. Stand on a platform, Recall it, and ride it backward upstream to cross gaps.
  3. The final puzzle requires reversing a large stone to create a staircase.
  4. Collect the Light of Blessing.

Step 6: The Temple of Time

With all four Lights of Blessing collected, return to the Temple of Time (visible from nearly anywhere on the island). Inside:

  • Exchange your 4 Lights for a Heart Container or Stamina upgrade at the Goddess Statue.
  • Speak to Rauru's spirit to unlock the paraglider — essential for descending to Hyrule.

Step 7: Descending to Hyrule

Head to the edge of the Great Sky Island and leap off. Use your paraglider (X button in mid-air) to glide down toward Central Hyrule. Aim for the large green area — this is Hyrule Field, and it's where the main adventure truly begins.

Pro tip: Before you leave the sky island, gather as many mushrooms, apples, and raw materials as possible. They'll be invaluable for crafting early meals.