By Melania 
Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK) is filled with breathtaking landscapes, intricate puzzles, and hidden secrets that keep players engaged for countless hours. Among the most intriguing mysteries in the game are the geoglyphs, large-scale symbols scattered across Hyrule’s landscape. These enigmatic markings serve as key storytelling elements, offering glimpses into the game’s lore while guiding players toward hidden memories and discoveries.
What Are Geoglyphs in Tears of the Kingdom?
Geoglyphs in TOTK are massive, ancient symbols etched into Hyrule’s terrain. They resemble intricate designs, depicting key figures, artifacts, and elements from the game’s rich lore. Unlike traditional carvings or ruins, geoglyphs can only be fully appreciated from above, making them easier to spot when gliding through the sky.
These geoglyphs serve a critical function in the game’s story, leading players to Dragon’s Tears, a series of hidden memory fragments that unravel the past and provide deeper insight into Zelda’s fate and Hyrule’s history.
The Importance of Geoglyphs in TOTK
The Geoglyphs TOTK mechanic is not just a visual spectacle; it plays a crucial role in advancing the narrative. By locating and activating the geoglyphs, players unlock cinematic memory sequences that provide background on the kingdom’s fall, Zelda’s mysterious journey, and the rise of powerful entities shaping the game’s events.
Each geoglyph corresponds to a Dragon’s Tear, an item that, when interacted with, reveals an important cutscene. Finding all the geoglyphs is essential for understanding the complete story of TOTK and Zelda’s transformation.
Additionally, the geoglyphs align with the larger Zelda mythology, reminiscent of ancient hieroglyphs and celestial markings from past titles, reinforcing the series’ deep connection to forgotten civilizations and lost knowledge.
How to Find and Unlock Geoglyphs in TOTK
Finding geoglyphs in Tears of the Kingdom requires exploration, observation, and sometimes the use of aerial traversal. Here’s how you can efficiently locate and interact with them:
1. Use Skyview Towers
Skyview Towers provide a high vantage point, making it easier to identify geoglyphs. Since these markings are vast, launching into the sky can reveal their full shape, guiding you toward their locations.
2. Look for Bright Tear Drops
Each geoglyph features a Dragon’s Tear, which is usually placed near a lighter-colored teardrop shape within the symbol. Interacting with this tear unlocks the associated memory cutscene.
3. Use the Purah Pad
The Purah Pad’s map and zoom function help pinpoint geoglyph locations more accurately. If you’re struggling to locate one, zooming in on likely areas can be beneficial.
4. Explore via Zonai Devices or Tulin’s Gust Ability
If you don’t have access to Skyview Towers, using Zonai-powered flying devices or Tulin’s wind ability can help you gain enough altitude to spot geoglyphs from above.
5. Pay Attention to Story Progression
Some geoglyphs appear earlier in the game, while others are unlocked as you progress through key quests. Completing main story arcs often leads to new geoglyph discoveries.
All Geoglyph Locations in Tears of the Kingdom
There are eleven geoglyphs scattered throughout Hyrule, each revealing crucial memories. Below is a list of the geoglyphs in TOTK and their approximate locations:
| Geoglyph Number | Depiction | Region | Coordinates (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Master Sword | Hyrule Ridge | -1410, 0970, 0940 |
| 2 | The Demon King | Eldin Canyon | 1865, 1167, 1320 |
| 3 | The Zelda Statue | Lanayru Wetlands | 2415, -2765, 0420 |
| 4 | The Sage’s Symbol | Gerudo Highlands | -2950, -1700, 0200 |
| 5 | The Blood Moon | Faron Grasslands | 0825, -3720, 0140 |
| 6 | The Triforce | Central Hyrule | 0380, 0600, 1030 |
| 7 | The Forgotten Temple | Hebra Mountains | -1800, 2500, 0450 |
| 8 | The Goddess Hylia | West Necluda | 1695, -2185, 0180 |
| 9 | The Tear of the Dragon | Akkala Highlands | 3750, 1250, 0860 |
| 10 | The Final Memory | The Great Plateau | -0750, -1550, 0080 |
| 11 | The Final Secret | Rist Peninsula | 3300, -0150, 0010 |
Each of these geoglyphs contains a Dragon’s Tear, which you must interact with to unlock Zelda’s memories and fully comprehend the events leading up to TOTK‘s storyline.
The Connection Between Geoglyphs and Zelda’s Transformation
One of the most intriguing elements of the geoglyphs TOTK mystery is their link to Zelda’s transformation into the Light Dragon. As players uncover the Dragon’s Tears, they learn how Zelda sacrifices her humanity to become an eternal protector of Hyrule. The geoglyphs act as a visual record of her journey, cementing their importance in the game’s overarching mythos.
The final geoglyph, which holds the last Dragon’s Tear, unveils a poignant and emotional moment, solidifying the connection between Zelda, the dragons, and the fate of Hyrule.
Why You Should Seek Out All Geoglyphs in TOTK
While some players may bypass optional content, the geoglyphs TOTK side quest is worth completing for several reasons:
- Unlock the Full Story – Discover all of Zelda’s memories and gain deeper insights into TOTK‘s lore.
- Earn Rewards – Completing all geoglyph-related memories grants unique in-game rewards, including special dialogues and access to hidden cutscenes.
- Immerse Yourself in the Mystery – The geoglyphs add an extra layer of world-building, making Hyrule feel richer and more interconnected.
Conclusion
The geoglyphs in TOTK are one of the most captivating mysteries in Tears of the Kingdom, offering players a blend of history, lore, and adventure. As massive, ancient symbols scattered across Hyrule, they guide players through Zelda’s story while enriching the game’s world-building.
By seeking out all geoglyphs TOTK, you not only unlock essential memories but also experience the emotional depth of Zelda’s sacrifice and transformation. Whether you’re a lore enthusiast or an explorer aiming for 100% completion, these geoglyphs are a must-discover element of the game.