The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom features a massive underground world, just as big as the surface world of Hyrule, known as the Depths. This vast system of ruins, caves, and otherworldly landscapes can be accessed by Link very early in the game, though navigating it may prove tricky. Because it exists underground, when Link first enters the Depths he will not be able to see much of anything. To solve this issue, Tears of the Kingdom introduces a mechanic known as Lightroots.
Lightroots are individual waypoints that reveal a small portion of the underground map when interacted with. They are intermittently spread throughout the Depths, ensuring Link will never have to travel far to find the next Lightroot's location. This guide will explain everything players will need to know about Lightroots, helping to illuminate their time in the Depths of Hyrule.
Every Lightroot in Tears of the Kingdom
Reaching every available Lightroot will require Link to cover practically every inch of the Depths, as is seen in the above image of all available Lightroots in Tears of the Kingdom.
How Many Lightroots Are In Tears of the Kingdom?
All together, Tears of the Kingdom features 120 Lightroots, spread throughout the Depths. When Link first begins to explore the underground area, it may feel as though the placement of each Lightroot is completely random. However, as Link makes progress, he'll begin to notice a pattern begin to form with the placement of shrines on the surface, and Lightroots in the Depths. In fact, all 120 Lightroots match up perfectly with a surface shrine.
If Link is having trouble locating Lightroots, make sure to check the surface for any of TotK's shrines that are not matched up with their corresponding Lightroot. This same process can help Link find missing surface shrines.
How Do Lightroots Work?
Whether Link uses the above method to locate a Lightroot, or simply stumbles across one while exploring, the method of interacting with them will be the same. When Link spots the distinctive orange glow of a Lightroot, he must head to the base of the large, orange 'core,' where he will find a familiar Zonai green-hand prompt overhead.
When Link interacts with the Lightroot, several things will happen. First, a brief cutscene will play that demonstrates exactly how the Lightroot functions. Once the light makes its way through the various roots, Link will pull up his Purah Pad, and access the map of the Depths. The amount of the map that each Lightroot reveals can vary significantly. Some reveal huge sections of the map, while others barely reveal the direct area around them.
When the process of revealing the map is complete, the Lightroot will then fix any of Link's hearts that have been affected by Gloom. Link will still be required to refill the hearts with food or rest, as the process does not heal Link.
The final perk of completing a Lightroot will be Link's ability to use it as a fast-travel gate for the rest of Tears of the Kingdom.
Dispelling Darkness Medal:
When Link has completed all 120 of the Lightroots in Tears of the Kingdom, he will receive the Dispelling Darkness Medal. At the moment, this item appears to have no use beyond the pride it gives Link for having received it.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available now on Nintendo Switch.