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Thyphlo Ruins Skyview Tower

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, base game

Importancemajor

Key takeaways

  • The tower’s map region is broad Activating it reveals the Great Hyrule Forest and Great Hyrule Forest Sky map areas, not just the tower clearing.
  • The tower puzzle uses Ultrahand, rockets and Hover Stones A large Hover Stone blocks the launch platform, and nearby devices allow you to move it away.
  • The main ruins quest is progression-gated You can begin investigating after completing at least one part of Regional Phenomena, but all four Sage-related puzzles and the final reward require the four regional temples to be completed.
  • Four named sub-adventures take place inside the ruins The Owl Protected by Dragons, The Corridor between Two Dragons, The Six Dragons and The Long Dragon.
  • The final ruins reward is the Dusk Claymore The completed investigation also provides a Large Zonai Charge, a Big Battery and a Diamond.
  • The tower is an excellent launch point for the Master Sword geoglyph The geoglyph lies east or south-east of the tower in the western Eldin Mountains, depending on the route taken.

About this guide

Spoiler warning: This guide covers the Thyphlo Ruins Skyview Tower, the surrounding Thyphlo Ruins, their major quests, the Great Hyrule Forest connections, and the rewards obtained after completing the ruins’ Sage puzzles. It also discusses story-linked discoveries in the wider region, including the Master Sword geoglyph.

Overview

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, base game

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, base game

Introduction

Thyphlo Ruins Skyview Tower stands on a large Zonai ruin complex in the northern part of Hyrule. It is not merely a tower with a small puzzle attached. The tower belongs to the wider Thyphlo Ruins area, which includes the ruins themselves, surrounding wetlands and bridges, routes towards the Great Hyrule Forest and Korok Forest, nearby shrines, and several important sky and Depths connections.

The ruins are one of the more rewarding Skyview Tower locations in Tears of the Kingdom. Activating the tower reveals the Great Hyrule Forest surface map and its corresponding sky region, while the ruins later become the setting for the multi-stage Investigate the Thyphlo Ruins Side Adventure. Completing that investigation requires the powers of the first four regional Sages and eventually awards the Dusk Claymore, alongside several valuable Zonai and gem rewards.

Unlike Breath of the Wild, the ruins are not permanently covered in the oppressive darkness that defined their earlier appearance. In Tears of the Kingdom, their Zonai architecture is much easier to see, although the area remains remote, spread out and surrounded by difficult terrain.

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The tower island

The tower is built into a large rectangular ruin complex surrounded by waterlogged ground. Several raised stone platforms, broken walls and Zonai structures form the immediate approach. The tower’s launch platform is visible from a distance, but the blocked top makes it impossible to use until the obstruction is cleared.

The ruins are not a conventional settlement. There are no general shops, inns or stable facilities here. Instead, the site consists of:

The ruins’ architecture becomes easier to inspect than in Breath of the Wild, since the permanent darkness from that game is absent. Their layout, however, is still deliberately difficult to read from ground level. The tower is the best orientation point because it rises above the flat wetland and can be used as a fast-travel anchor once activated.

Surrounding wetlands

The outer edges of the ruins are broken by pools, muddy ground and narrow routes between islands. These areas contain several Korok puzzles and scattered materials. Some Koroks require:

The water itself is not usually the main danger, but it makes direct travel awkward and can complicate the use of vehicles. A horse is of limited value inside the ruins. A small raft, floating platform or simple fan-powered vehicle is often more convenient.

Connection with the Great Hyrule Forest

The tower’s revealed region includes the forested territory to the south and south-west. The Great Hyrule Forest and Korok Forest are distinct from the Thyphlo Ruins, but the tower is one of the most useful access points for reaching them.

The forest has its own unusual travel conditions, story progression and named locations. It should not be treated as a mere extension of the ruins. The tower is best understood as the northern gateway to the broader forest map rather than as part of Korok Forest itself.

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Recommended surface approach

A practical approach is to travel north from central Hyrule and then follow the roads towards the forest. The exact route depends on which towers and shrines have already been activated, but the following method is reliable:

The road route from Lindor’s Brow Skyview Tower towards Thyphlo Ruins is one commonly suggested progression path, although a paraglider route from another northern tower is also practical.

Recommended surface approach: steps

  1. 01
    Travel towards the Great Hyrule Forest from central Hyrule.
  2. 02
    Follow the northern road or approach from the direction of the forest.
  3. 03
    Watch for the tower’s four bright guide lights and its tall stone structure.
  4. 04
    Cross the final approach into the ruins.
  5. 05
    Search the ground around the tower for the nearby Zonai devices.
  6. 06
    Solve the Hover Stone obstruction before attempting to use the terminal.

Reaching it by air

The tower is a good destination from nearby sky islands, but reaching it before activating another tower can be awkward. If approaching from above:

The nearby sky region can also be used to reach the Master Sword geoglyph. From the tower, the geoglyph is visible or reachable by gliding towards the Eldin Mountains, depending on the direction of approach and the player’s map state.

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The obstruction

A large Hover Stone is suspended over the top of the tower, blocking access to the launch mechanism. Several smaller Hover Stones and rockets are positioned around the ruin complex.

The intended solution is to use the rockets to move the obstructing Hover Stone away. There is some freedom in how this is done, and the puzzle is more about changing the position of the floating stone than about building a particular machine.

Reliable method

A rocket does not need to be attached perfectly to the centre of the obstruction. What matters is obtaining a useful angle and applying enough force to move the stone away from the tower’s launch path.

Reliable method: steps

  1. 01
    Locate the large Hover Stone above the tower.
  2. 02
    Find one of the nearby Hover Stones equipped with a rocket.
  3. 03
    Attach or activate the rocket so that the smaller platform rises.
  4. 04
    Use the platform to gain a better angle and altitude.
  5. 05
    Position another rocket so its thrust pushes the large obstruction away from the tower.
  6. 06
    If the first attempt is poorly aligned, use another Hover Stone rather than trying to climb directly.
  7. 07
    Once the top is clear, land on the launch platform.
  8. 08
    Activate the terminal.

Alternative approaches

The tower can sometimes be approached using creative vertical movement, including:

These methods may allow access to the upper platform, but the intended and simplest solution is to manipulate the Hover Stones and rockets. The tower puzzle is not locked behind a particular armour set or Sage ability.

What activation provides

Skyview Towers reveal both the surface area and the corresponding sky region above it.

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Kazul

Kazul is a member of the Zonai Survey Team. He establishes a research camp near the tower and studies a series of monoliths found within the ruins.

Speak to Kazul after completing at least one part of the Regional Phenomena storyline. He initially presents the investigation as a research assignment and directs Link towards the inscriptions on four monoliths.

Kazul is best classified as a story-associated researcher rather than a conventional resident. He does not operate a shop or general service, and his camp is primarily a quest location.

The Zonai Survey Team

The Zonai Survey Team is the relevant faction at the ruins. Its members are investigating Zonai remains across Hyrule, and Kazul’s work focuses on the meaning of the Thyphlo monoliths.

No permanent settlement government, guard post or commercial authority is established at the ruins. The area is therefore better described as an archaeological research site than as a staffed outpost.

Faction directory

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Quest requirements

The overall investigation can be started after at least one part of Regional Phenomena has been completed. However, the four component puzzles are tied to the four regional Sage abilities, and the full sequence requires the four regional temples to be completed.

The fifth Sage is not used for the four Thyphlo puzzle activations.

The four sub-adventures

Reading the monoliths gives four named Side Adventures:

Each puzzle is associated with one of the first four Sages. Completing a puzzle causes a nearby reward chest to rise from the ruins. The rewards are gem-based and vary according to the corresponding activity.

6.1 The Owl Protected by Dragons

This puzzle is associated with Tulin.

Find the owl statue surrounded by dragon imagery. Activate Tulin’s Gust in the correct position in front of the statue. When the puzzle registers successfully, a reward chest rises nearby.

The key difficulty is not combat. It is standing in the right place and using the Sage ability while facing the intended statue. If nothing happens, reposition Link rather than repeatedly activating the ability from a distance.

6.2 The Corridor between Two Dragons

This puzzle is associated with Yunobo.

Locate the corridor formed by two dragon statues or dragon-headed structures. Use Yunobo’s rolling charge through the central passage. The charge must pass through the intended line between the structures.

This is easier if you dismiss or reposition other Sage avatars first, since accidental contact with a nearby object can alter Yunobo’s path.

6.3 The Six Dragons

This puzzle is associated with Sidon.

Find the arrangement of six dragon statues. Activate Sidon’s water barrier and then perform the required charged sword attack. The water effect is necessary for the puzzle to recognise the action.

A blunt or one-handed weapon is generally easier to control than a large weapon with a wide swing, although the puzzle is not normally dependent on a particular weapon class.

6.4 The Long Dragon

This puzzle is associated with Riju.

Locate the long dragon-shaped structure. Activate Riju’s lightning field and shoot the relevant target with an arrow. The target must be within the lightning field when struck.

A bow with ordinary arrows is sufficient. Elemental arrow materials are not required for the puzzle itself.

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After all four Sage puzzles are complete, a previously inaccessible structure or stairway opens on the eastern side of the ruins. The opening leads into a Zonai tunnel or underground chamber.

Inside, examine the final monolith. Kazul then interprets the inscription and completes the main investigation.

The Dusk Claymore is a special legacy weapon with a design associated with the Sword of the Six Sages from Twilight Princess. In Tears of the Kingdom, it is obtained from the Thyphlo investigation chest, although it can also be obtained through the Ganondorf Super Smash Bros. amiibo and later purchased from a Bargainer Statue after the weapon has been obtained once.

Important progression note

The final chamber is not available merely because the tower has been activated. You must complete the four Sage puzzles. If one of the monoliths has not appeared, check the Regional Phenomena progression and confirm that the relevant temple has been completed.

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The four sub-adventures

6.4 The Long Dragon: The final rewards are

RewardHow it is obtained
Dusk ClaymoreOpen the chest in the newly revealed chamber
Large Zonai ChargeReward from Kazul after examining the final monolith
Big BatteryReward from Kazul
DiamondReward from Kazul

Great Hyrule Forest

The Great Hyrule Forest is the major southern connection from the tower’s map region. It includes dense woodland, unusual navigation conditions and the route towards Korok Forest.

The forest is a separate broad area, not a sub-room of Thyphlo Ruins. It is included here because the tower reveals its map and is one of the most useful northern approach points.

Korok Forest

Korok Forest is a distinct settlement within the Great Hyrule Forest. It contains Korok characters, services and story content that are not present at the tower or ruins.

The forest’s condition changes during the game, and the Great Deku Tree becomes involved in a major sequence concerning Gloom and the Koroks. That storyline should be treated as forest content rather than as part of the tower’s own quest.

Master Sword geoglyph

A large sword-shaped geoglyph lies to the east or south-east of the tower, in the western Eldin Mountains. Its Dragon’s Tear is associated with the memory A Master Sword in Time. The tower is one of the most convenient launch points for reaching the geoglyph from the surface.

The geoglyph is not physically inside Thyphlo Ruins. It is a nearby connected activity revealed or made easier by the tower.

North Lomei Labyrinth and sky routes

The tower can also support travel towards the northern sky routes and the North Lomei Labyrinth. The labyrinth is a separate named complex with its own surface, sky and Depths progression. It should not be counted as part of the Thyphlo Ruins themselves, even though the tower is a useful launch point for reaching it.

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Regional shrine guides commonly group nine surface shrines with the Thyphlo Ruins map area. This is a map-region grouping, not a claim that every shrine lies within the stone ruins beside the tower.

Surface shrine directory

The available regional list confirms the first eight names above and identifies the region as having nine shrines, while separate labyrinth guides connect Tenbez Shrine with the sky labyrinth route. The grouping therefore spans the wider tower-revealed area rather than the tower clearing alone.

Because shrine-region boundaries vary between guide maps, players should use the in-game map rather than assume that a shrine’s inclusion in a “Thyphlo Ruins region” list means it is physically inside the ruins.

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The ruins contain several fixed Korok puzzles and ordinary overworld resources. The following activities are associated with the ruin complex:

These are fixed environmental puzzles, not random encounters. Their reward is a Korok Seed.

Confirmed local Korok activities

The ruins also contain ordinary materials including Razorshrooms, Silent Shrooms and Sundelions. Their exact availability can depend on whether the player has harvested the local plants, but these are normal fixed-world resources rather than quest rewards.

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Surface shrine directory

Confirmed local enemies

The exact placement of Constructs can be affected by progression and whether the player has already defeated them. They are not all guaranteed to remain active after being cleared.

Environmental hazards

There is no requirement for special cold, heat or flame resistance at the tower itself, although nearby journeys into the Eldin Mountains may introduce different environmental conditions.

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Route A: Tower first

This is the best route for general exploration.

This route makes the tower a useful fast-travel point before committing to the longer quest chain.

Route A: Tower first: steps

  1. 01
    Reach the ruins from central Hyrule or the forest road.
  2. 02
    Activate the tower.
  3. 03
    Use the launch to reveal the surface and sky map.
  4. 04
    Mark nearby shrines and the sword geoglyph.
  5. 05
    Return to the ruins and speak to Kazul if Regional Phenomena requirements are met.
  6. 06
    Clear the local Korok puzzles while the layout is fresh.
  7. 07
    Return later for the four Sage puzzles.

Route B: Quest completion route

Use this if the four regional temples are already complete.

Route B: Quest completion route: steps

  1. 01
    Activate the tower.
  2. 02
    Speak to Kazul.
  3. 03
    Read all available monoliths.
  4. 04
    Complete The Owl Protected by Dragons.
  5. 05
    Complete The Corridor between Two Dragons.
  6. 06
    Complete The Six Dragons.
  7. 07
    Complete The Long Dragon.
  8. 08
    Travel to the newly opened eastern structure.
  9. 09
    Examine the final monolith.
  10. 10
    Collect the Dusk Claymore.
  11. 11
    Accept Kazul’s final rewards after making room in the inventory if necessary.

Route C: Geoglyph route

The geoglyph is outside the ruins, so do not search for it on the tower island itself.

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Route C: Geoglyph route: steps

  1. 01
    Activate the Thyphlo Ruins tower.
  2. 02
    Launch towards the Eldin Mountains.
  3. 03
    Search for the sword-shaped geoglyph.
  4. 04
    Land near the blade or use a nearby shrine if already activated.
  5. 05
    Find the Dragon’s Tear near the sword’s tip.
  6. 06
    View the memory A Master Sword in Time.

At the ruins

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Is the tower in the Great Hyrule Forest?

It is associated with the Great Hyrule Forest map region, but the tower itself stands at the Thyphlo Ruins, north of the main forest area. The forest, Korok Forest and the ruins should be treated as separate named places.

Why can I not start the full Thyphlo quest?

You need to speak with Kazul after progressing Regional Phenomena. Some or all of the monolith puzzles also depend on completing the relevant regional temple. The final sequence requires all four of the first regional temples.

Do I need all five Sages?

No. The four ruins puzzles use Tulin, Yunobo, Sidon and Riju. The fifth Sage is not required for these four activations.

Can I get the Dusk Claymore before completing the ruins quest?

In the normal base-game route, the intended reward is obtained after completing Investigate the Thyphlo Ruins. The Ganondorf Super Smash Bros. amiibo provides an alternative acquisition route, and the weapon can later be purchased from a Bargainer Statue after it has been obtained once.

Is the Master Sword geoglyph inside the ruins?

No. It is a nearby but separate surface landmark in the western Eldin Mountains. Thyphlo Ruins Skyview Tower is simply a convenient launch point for reaching it.

Are the nearby shrines all inside Thyphlo Ruins?

No. Lists describing the “Thyphlo Ruins region” usually cover a broad map area containing the ruins, Great Hyrule Forest, Korok Forest approaches and nearby sky routes. Individual shrines may be far from the tower itself.

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The final monolith identifies the ruins as a memorial connected with the king and sages who defended Hyrule against the Demon King. This gives the site a direct connection with the ancient history revealed throughout Tears of the Kingdom. Kazul’s research therefore changes the ruins from a collection of mysterious architecture into a commemorative site with a specific historical purpose.

The Dusk Claymore is also a deliberate series reference. Its design recalls the Sword of the Six Sages from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, while its presentation in Tears of the Kingdom ties it to the ruins’ memorial imagery and the ancient struggle against the Demon King.

The ruins also continue the series’ interest in ancient civilisations, sealed weapons and locations whose meaning becomes clearer only after the player has gathered context elsewhere. In gameplay terms, this is reflected by the quest’s unusual requirement to return with four Sage abilities rather than solving everything on the first visit.

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Sources