Innovative Build in Zelda: TOTK Tackles Exploration Challenges

One of the standout features in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is its modular building system, which allows players to craft a variety of devices using items and Zonai Devices found throughout Hyrule. This innovative system is a brilliant extension of Breath of the Wild’s sandbox gameplay, providing a playground limited only by the player’s creativity. Even more than a year after its release, fans continue to come up with clever and practical designs to address persistent problems in the game.

While it might seem minor, the introduction of caves in Tears of the Kingdom marked another key difference from Breath of the Wild. Resulting from the Upheaval, these caves appeared across Hyrule’s landscape, offering new exploration opportunities and becoming a primary source for collecting Bubbul Gems. These gems can be traded to Koltin for various items. However, exploring these caves often requires tedious work, such as clearing out destructible rocks that block the way.

Ingenious Rock-Breaking Device in TOTK

A clever solution for quickly breaking through these rocks was shared by Reddit user evanthebouncy, who designed a simple yet effective contraption. The device is composed of just three parts: two Big Wheels and a Stake. By attaching one Big Wheel to the Stake and then connecting the second wheel to the first, activating the setup causes the second wheel to spin around, smashing through any rocks in its path. This design is efficient, using minimal battery power and easy to relocate when needed.

One commenter on the Reddit post, user Professional-Pool832, suggested a further improvement to conserve Zonai Devices: "Use a Hover Stone instead of a Stake. That way you can place it suspended in the air, and then fuse the Hover Stone back on a spear." This tweak would help players save valuable Zonaite, making it an ideal setup for those using Link’s Autobuild ability in Tears of the Kingdom. Even without Autobuild, having a Hover Stone on a spear means players onlyneed to deploy two Big Wheels from their capsules to make the device work.

Rock-Breaking Tediousness in Zelda: TOTK

While using Bomb Flowers to blast through rock walls can be satisfying, the abundance of caves and Shrines in Tears of the Kingdom that feature this obstacle can make the process repetitive. Most of these areas provide the necessary tools—rusty weapons and nearby rocks to fuse with—but smashing through repeatedly can become time-consuming. Moreover, if suitable materials for a makeshift hammer aren't immediately available, it can strain resources, especially in the game’s early stages when Bomb Flowers are scarce and precious.

Yunobo’s Power of Fire ability, once unlocked, offers a resource-free way to clear rocks, although it does require recharging between uses.

For those looking to speed up rock clearing, the Big Wheel contraption offers a great alternative, particularly in later playthroughs. Players who have advanced far enough will find the Zonaite cost to summon it via Autobuild manageable, given the resources they’ve likely accumulated. The efficiency of this tool not only justifies its cost but also helps mine Zonaite in the Depths. An added benefit is its ability to destroy Stone Pebblits, minor cave enemies that can be an annoyance during exploration.

Practical Builds Prove Best in TOTK

Simplicity often wins when it comes to Tears of the Kingdom, much like the popular three-component hoverbike. Since the game tends to de-spawn objects that Link leaves behind, having quick and easy builds that can be summoned using Autobuild is incredibly useful. While elaborate creations like warplanes or combat mechs offer entertainment, it’s the practical use of fewer materials that often proves most valuable in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.