Hyrule Castle. It's an iconic location that has appeared many times throughout the Legend of Zelda series. Throughout most of its appearances, the enigmatic and beautiful structure oftentimes only exists to get destroyed or taken over by Ganon. The same happens in the critically beloved Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. However, instead of presenting a limited and linear final dungeon, the iconic location takes on a new form.
It's a massive labyrinth of passages and traps that house some of the best gear players can get in the game. Since the game allows players to enter it as soon as they leave the Great Plateau, it isn't a bad idea to sneak inside to find some valuable supplies or secrets.
10 Find The Backdoor (Shrine)
The first thing a player will need to loot Hyrule Castle is a way to sneak in. The front gate is heavily guarded so players will most likely want to look for a back way in.
If players look along the back of Hyrule Castle they'll eventually be able to find a small cave that will lead them to a shrine they can teleport to anytime they want once the player activates it.If they have a map of the area it should be around the docks. Its a bit hard to spot from the land so the best option is to find a boat up the river and navigate it down towards the castle.
9 Bring The Master Sword
The Master Sword is one of the most powerful weapons in the Zelda universe and its inclusion in Breath of the Wild is no different. Unlike other weapons in the game, the Master Sword cannot break as it only needs time to replenish its energy.
When the Master Sword is brought into Hyrule Castle its power will double from 30 to 60. In addition, it will last for way longer than it normally does outside. Its essential for taking out all of the Guardians and other enemies inside.
8 The Secret Rollercoaster
There are many ways inside Hyrule Castle, but there's only one that's this much fun. To the left of the main gate (marked on the map in the image above), players can find a small cavern. After fighting some Frost Pebblits players will find a rail car.
Blast forward using either the bomb or stasis rune (However, if players choose to use the stasis rune be careful not to go too fast and fall off the track). They'll arrive at one of the most dangerous (but rewarding) areas in the entire castle. Lockup.
7 Find The Hylian Shield
Besides the Master Sword, the Hylian Shield is one of Link's most iconic weapons. At first, it may seem like it didn't make it into Breath of the Wild. However, a trip to Lockup will prove otherwise.
Lockup is a jail-like area within the castle that houses some of the game's most dangerous enemies. Hidden at the back of Lockup is a large arena. When players enter they'll be trapped inside with a giant Stalnox. If players are able to defeat it they'll be rewarded with their coveted Hylian Shield.
6 Go To The Hearty Durian Forest
Hearty Durians are one of the most useful items in the game. Cooking just one of them will make a meal capable of fully healing a player's wounds and then some. However, they are hard to find unless a player knows where to look. Teleport to Faron Tower and look at a nearby cliff. There a player will likely find two Lizstalfos prancing around a pile of Heary Durians. Surrounding them is an entire forest of rare fruit.
Cut down the trees with bombs, and collect the durians. Then, cook each one individually. This will take a while, but once the cooking is completed the player will have more than enough meals to keep them alive on their dangerous trek into the castle.
5 Acquire Ancient Weaponry And Armor
Guardians are some of the most powerful enemies in the entire Zelda series. Most weapons will be next to useless against them and most armor is no better than paper. However, there is a place where players can get armor and weapons that can help them get the best of guardians.
Hidden within the Akala Region is a research center belonging to the inventor Robbie. In exchange for Rupees and various parts, players can get equipment specially made to deal with Guardians. The most valuable are Ancient Arrows that can instantly kill Guardians, or any enemy, in one hit.
4 Beware The Arenas
If players travel on the outside of Hyrule Castle they may try to find shelter in one of the many arenas. However, they'll quickly realize that isn't a good idea.
The gates will lock and they'll suddenly come under attack by one of the mighty Lynels. After a long battle, the Lynels won't even drop their weapons when they're defeated. However, players will be awarded a treasure chest for their efforts. If players want to avoid the conflict altogether they can climb to the top of the building and climb out of one of the windows.
3 Avoid The Calamity
While exploring Hyrule Castle players should be careful not to enter the wrong room and suddenly find themselves facing off against the final boss of the game.
It isn't too hard to miss. The Sanctum, where Calamity Ganon calls home, is located at the very top of the castle. There's even a prominent dot on the map marking it. However, unless players are careful they could accidentally end their run too soon. Though it is possible to climb around and then over the throne room. Players may even find a korok if they climb high enough.
2 Dive Into The Dining Hall
Find this room to get Link some last-minute grub and even find some powerful weapons. Players just need to survive a pack of Silver Moblins.
The three of them easily be overwhelming, but if the player has any ice arrows or weapons on hand they can freeze one while they deal with the others. To easily see where the food and weapons are, use the stasis rune to highlight anything a player needs on their journey. In order to cook the meat players can use a flint or Red Chuchu Jelly.
1 Salvage The Salvaging Armor
The castle is surrounded by a moat that's fed by crashing waterfalls. Even players with full stamina rings could still run into trouble if they fall into the rushing waters.
Having the Zora Chestplate is one of the most important pieces of armor since it will allow the player to swim up waterfalls. However, another great set of gear is the Salvager set of armor. Thanks to a promotion with the RPG Xenoblade Chronicles 2 players can complete a quest to find three items of clothing that allow them to swim while only using a minuscule amount of stamina.