Everything You Need to Know About the Runes in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) is an expansive and immersive open-world adventure game that captured the hearts of players worldwide. It offers a vast array of gameplay mechanics, including puzzles, combat, exploration, and creative problem-solving. One crucial element that adds depth and complexity to the game is the presence of runes. In this article, we will delve into the world of runes in BOTW, exploring their functions, locations, and how they enhance the gameplay experience.

What Are Runes?

Runes in BOTW are magical abilities in the form of Sheikah Slate powers. The Sheikah Slate is a prominent item in the game, given to Link by an ancient tribe known as the Sheikah. It serves as a versatile tool, capable of performing various functions through the use of these runes.

The Sheikah Slate initially has a limited number of runes that act as Link’s primary abilities. However, as the player progresses through the game and completes specific quests, four additional runes can be obtained, expanding Link’s capabilities even further.

The Basic Runes

Let’s start by exploring the primary runes that Link receives at the beginning of his journey:

1. Bomb Rune: The Bomb Rune allows Link to create and detonate bombs, which can be used for combat, puzzle-solving, and at times, even environmental manipulation.
2. Magnesis Rune: With the Magnesis Rune, Link gains the power to manipulate metal objects. This ability comes in handy when solving puzzles that involve moving large metal blocks or retrieving metal objects from bodies of water.
3. Stasis Rune: The Stasis Rune enables Link to freeze objects in time. This ability proves essential for solving puzzles, stopping moving objects, and temporarily incapacitating enemies.
4. Cryonis Rune: The Cryonis Rune allows Link to create ice pillars in bodies of water. This ability is particularly useful for reaching far-off places, traversing bodies of water, and solving puzzles that require manipulating water currents.

The basic runes provide Link with a solid foundation and are crucial throughout the game. However, it is the additional runes that significantly expand the game’s possibilities and further enhance the gameplay experience.

Unlocking Additional Runes

As players progress in BOTW, they have the opportunity to obtain four additional runes for the Sheikah Slate.

1. Camera Rune: The Camera Rune lets Link take pictures of the flora, fauna, and enemies he encounters. It helps players fulfill the task of cataloging the game’s extensive range of creatures and capturing beautiful moments in the vast wilderness.
2. amiibo Rune: With the amiibo Rune, players can use specific amiibo figures to summon various in-game items, weapons, and resources, adding an extra layer of interaction with the physical amiibo collectibles.
3. Master Cycle Zero Rune: This rune, obtained upon completing the game’s second DLC pack, grants Link the ability to summon his trusty motorbike, the Master Cycle Zero. The Master Cycle Zero offers speedy transportation, making traversing the vast open world a breeze.
4. Champion’s Ballad Runes: The Champion’s Ballad DLC introduces four additional runes, corresponding to the four champions of BOTW. Each champion’s rune provides Link with unique abilities related to their respective power and relationship to the Divine Beasts.

These additional runes provide players with exciting new gameplay mechanics and expand the already vast possibilities within the game world.

Finding Rune-Upgrading Pedestals

Upgrading runes in BOTW provides enhanced features and increased usability. To upgrade runes, Link must find and interact with specific rune-upgrading pedestals scattered throughout Hyrule.

These pedestals are generally found in ancient shrines, dungeons, or at specific locations tied to the main questline. Once at a pedestal, Link can upgrade the corresponding rune by exchanging certain collectible items.

Runes can be upgraded multiple times, increasing their power, range, or granting additional effects. Upgrading runes offers players more flexibility and strategic options in combat and puzzle-solving, encouraging experimentation and creativity.

Rune Interactions and Combinations

A significant aspect of runes in BOTW is their interaction with each other, allowing players to discover innovative solutions to puzzles and achieve unique combat strategies.

For example, combining the Stasis Rune and the Bomb Rune grants players the ability to store kinetic energy within a frozen object, causing a significant explosion when the Stasis effect wears off. This combination is incredibly useful both in combat scenarios and for solving puzzles involving blocked pathways or hidden entrances.

Another powerful interaction is using the Magnesis Rune to lift and manipulate metallic objects while having the Stasis Rune activated. By freezing the manipulated object with Stasis, players can store its kinetic potential energy, similar to the Stasis and Bomb Rune combination.

The versatility and diversity of rune interactions in BOTW contribute to the game’s puzzle-solving depth and allow players to approach challenges in creative and unconventional ways.

Conclusion

The runes in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are vital gameplay components that enhance Link’s abilities, expand puzzle-solving possibilities, and open up new strategic options in combat. From the initial set of primary runes to the additional powers obtained throughout the game, each rune provides a unique ability that adds depth and complexity to the overall gameplay experience.

Exploring the world of BOTW and uncovering the potential rune interactions is a thrilling and rewarding aspect of the game, showcasing the attention to detail and the intricacies that make the series beloved by millions. Whether you’re using the runes to demolish enemy fortresses, solve complex puzzles, or navigate the vast open world, the rune system in BOTW offers unparalleled gameplay opportunities that keep players engaged and invested in their journey through Hyrule.