The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom introduces players to a massive subterranean world filled with unique challenges, valuable items, and mysterious phenomena. Among the early narrative milestones that guide adventurers into this pitch-black realm is the critical main quest focusing on ancient secrets hidden beneath the surface of Hyrule. Successfully unlocking the potential of this mission requires a calculated balance of proper equipment preparation, spatial awareness, and careful resource management.
Prerequisites and Unlocking the Mission
Before you can embark on this specific investigation, you must first complete the introductory camera quest provided by Robbie at Lookout Landing. Once the initial underground photography task is finished and you have progressed through at least one major regional phenomenon, Josha will offer the next assignment. Speaking to her triggers the journey back into the chasms to find out where the statues are ultimately pointing.
Preparing for the harsh environment of the subterranean zone is crucial for survival before diving back down. Players should gather plenty of Brightbloom Seeds to light up the dark pathways and prepare meals containing sundelions to cure gloom damage. Entering the chasm without these basic defensive items can quickly result in permanent health loss during early-game exploration.
Following the Statue Trail
The core objective involves tracking a series of massive stone structures that stretch deep across the underground map. Beginning at the Iayusus Lightroot, adventurers must carefully observe the direction each humanoid figure is facing. Following their line of sight naturally leads you through hazardous terrain populated by aggressive monsters and corrupted vegetation.
As you move deeper along this path, lighting up the local area using arrows fused with seeds ensures you stay on the correct trajectory. Eventually, the trail of towering figures will lead you to a massive architectural landmark known as the Great Abandoned Central Mine. Activating the Zonai terminal located inside this structure serves as the primary turning point for the narrative progression.
Acquiring Autobuild and Confronting Kohga
Interacting with the ancient mechanical device rewards Link with the highly useful Autobuild ability, which instantly recreates saved vehicular designs. Testing this new tool on the nearby broken transport models triggers an unexpected ambush by a recurring villain group. The infamous leader of the Yiga Clan, Master Kohga, will challenge you to a dynamic boss battle inside the mine structure.
Defeating this opponent requires utilizing your newly acquired crafting skills to counter his heavy vehicular assaults. Striking him down with well-timed arrow shots exposes him to direct melee attacks, allowing you to quickly drain his health bar. Conquering this encounter unlocks a special schematic reward and marks the successful conclusion of the primary investigation phase.
Returning to Josha and Claiming Rewards
With the threat neutralized and the ancient building power secured, players need to teleport back to the surface settlement to update the research team. Speaking with Josha allows you to demonstrate the functionality of your new ability by repairing her broken hot-air balloon. Fulfilling this final request officially completes the questline and sets up future narrative links regarding the Yiga Clan locations.
As a final reward for your archaeological efforts, you will receive a specialized schema stone containing pre-built schematics for immediate deployment. Additionally, completing this storyline opens up further upgrades for your Purah Pad device through Robbie's ongoing research workshop. Utilizing these new mechanical advantages significantly streamlines the rest of your open-world exploration across Hyrule.
