Embarking on the vast adventure that is The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can feel daunting at first, especially when you’re stuck on the Great Plateau with seemingly endless mountains to climb and valleys to traverse. The key to unlocking true freedom and exploration lies in acquiring the legendary paraglider. This essential tool not only allows you to glide gracefully through the air but also opens up the entire world of Hyrule, enabling you to reach previously inaccessible areas and discover hidden secrets. Learning how to get the paraglider in BotW is paramount to your success in the game. This guide will break down the steps required to claim your wings and begin your journey across Hyrule.
The Great Plateau: Your Starting Point
The game begins on the Great Plateau, a large, isolated area serving as a tutorial. Your initial goal is to awaken and learn the basics of survival; You will encounter the Old Man, who will guide you on your quest.
Awakening and the First Shrine
- Wake up in the Shrine of Resurrection.
- Explore the shrine, collecting the Sheikah Slate.
- Exit the shrine and meet the Old Man.
The Four Shrines: A Trial of Strength
The Old Man will reveal that he can give you the paraglider, but only after you complete the four shrines located on the Great Plateau. These shrines test your abilities in combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management.
- Oman Au Shrine: Teaches you basic combat skills.
- Ja Baij Shrine: Focuses on using the Magnesis rune.
- Owa Daim Shrine: Demonstrates the power of the Stasis rune.
- Rohta Ooh Shrine: Requires you to use Cryonis to create ice platforms.
Claiming Your Reward: The Paraglider
Once you have completed all four shrines, return to the Temple of Time. The Old Man will reveal his true identity and reward you with the paraglider, giving you the power to fly.
The Temple of Time
Head to the Temple of Time, located near the center of the Great Plateau. A cutscene will trigger upon entering the temple.
The Old Man’s True Identity
The Old Man will reveal himself to be King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, the last ruler of Hyrule before the Calamity. He will explain the history of Hyrule and the impending threat of Calamity Ganon.
The Paraglider: Freedom Awaits
King Rhoam will bestow upon you the paraglider, allowing you to leave the Great Plateau and begin your quest to defeat Calamity Ganon. Now you can explore the vast and beautiful world of Hyrule.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Paraglider
Here are some common questions regarding the paraglider in Breath of the Wild:
- Can I lose the paraglider? No, the paraglider is an essential item and cannot be lost or destroyed.
- Can I upgrade the paraglider? No, the paraglider cannot be upgraded.
- Does the paraglider have infinite stamina? No, using the paraglider consumes stamina. Manage your stamina wisely.
- Can I use weapons while gliding? Yes, you can use bows and arrows while gliding.
Mastering the use of the paraglider is crucial for traversing the world of Hyrule and discovering all its secrets. The paraglider is your ticket to freedom. As you explore and learn how to get the paraglider in BotW, remember to take in the breathtaking scenery and enjoy the adventure that awaits you.
Advanced Paragliding Techniques
Once you have the paraglider, the real fun begins! Simple gliding is just the beginning. Mastering advanced techniques will allow you to travel further, reach higher, and avoid danger more effectively.
Utilizing Updrafts
Updrafts are currents of rising air that can be found in various locations, often near mountains or generated by fire. When gliding through an updraft, you’ll gain significant altitude. Look for the swirling wind effects to identify updraft locations. This is key for soaring across large gaps or reaching high plateaus.
Stamina Management is Critical
Gliding consumes stamina. Run out, and Link will plummet! Here are some tips:
- Cook Stamina-Boosting Foods: Meals with ingredients like Stamella Shrooms or Endura Carrots will replenish or even increase your maximum stamina.
- Equip Climbing Gear: While it seems counterintuitive, climbing gear often provides a bonus to stamina consumption while gliding.
- Tap the Glide Button: Instead of holding the glide button constantly, try tapping it rhythmically. This can sometimes conserve stamina, though it requires practice.
Paragliding Combat
The paraglider isn’t just for travel; it can also be used strategically in combat.
- Bullet Time: Draw your bow while gliding to slow down time, allowing you to line up precise shots. This is especially effective against enemies with weak points.
- Aerial Attacks: While you can’t use melee weapons while gliding, you can perform a dive attack by pressing the attack button just before landing. This can surprise enemies and deal significant damage.
- Escape Route: When overwhelmed, use the paraglider to quickly gain distance from enemies and reposition yourself.
Beyond the Great Plateau: Where to Go First?
With the paraglider in hand, Hyrule is your oyster! But where should you head first?
Kakariko Village
Located east of the Great Plateau, Kakariko Village is a peaceful settlement and a great place to start. You can purchase new armor, complete side quests, and learn more about the history of Hyrule. Impa, the village elder, will offer valuable guidance on your quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.
Hateno Village
Southeast of Kakariko Village lies Hateno Village. Here, you can find the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, where you can upgrade your Sheikah Slate runes. You can also purchase a house in Hateno Village and customize it to your liking.
Exploring the Shrines
Don’t neglect the shrines! Each shrine you complete rewards you with a Spirit Orb, which can be exchanged for increased health or stamina. Seek out shrines in different regions to test your skills and gain valuable upgrades;
The paraglider is more than just a tool for travel; it’s a symbol of freedom and the key to unlocking the full potential of Breath of the Wild. With practice and experimentation, you’ll become a master of the skies, soaring through Hyrule with ease. This newfound ability to traverse the map quickly changes how you play the game. Now go forth and explore!
Mastering Environmental Interactions
The paraglider’s utility extends beyond simple transportation and combat. Understanding how it interacts with the environment opens up even more possibilities.
Using Fire to Your Advantage
Fire creates updrafts. This is a fundamental principle to remember. You can set fire to tall grass, wooden structures, or even create a controlled burn in a specific area to generate an updraft. Experiment with different fire sources – flint and metal weapons, fire arrows, or even red chuchu jelly. Just be mindful of the wind direction, as it will affect the updraft’s path.
Exploiting Weather Conditions
Weather plays a significant role in Breath of the Wild, and it affects paragliding. Rain can make surfaces slippery, reducing your climbing speed and potentially causing you to lose your grip while trying to launch. However, strong winds can provide a boost to your gliding speed and distance. Pay attention to the weather forecast and adjust your plans accordingly.
Combining Paragliding with Other Abilities
The Sheikah Slate’s abilities, combined with the paraglider, can create powerful synergies. For example, using Cryonis to create ice pillars can provide a temporary platform from which to launch. Stasis can be used to freeze a falling object, giving you time to paraglide to it and gain a new vantage point. Magnesis can be used to manipulate metal objects to create temporary bridges or obstacles.
Hidden Paragliding Secrets and Easter Eggs
Breath of the Wild is full of hidden secrets, and some of them are related to the paraglider.
Finding Hidden Updrafts
Some updrafts are not immediately obvious. Look for subtle clues, such as fluttering leaves or unusually strong gusts of wind. Experiment with different locations and conditions to discover hidden updrafts that can lead to secret areas or valuable resources.
The Korok Seed Challenge
Many Korok puzzles require creative use of the paraglider. Often, you’ll need to glide to a specific location, land on a small platform, or carry an object across a chasm while airborne. Pay close attention to your surroundings and think outside the box to solve these challenging puzzles.
Exploiting Glitches (Use with Caution!)
Like any large game, Breath of the Wild has a few glitches that can be exploited, some of which involve the paraglider. These glitches can allow you to reach areas that are normally inaccessible or perform actions that are not intended by the developers. However, using glitches can sometimes lead to unintended consequences or even corrupt your save file, so proceed with caution and only if you’re comfortable with the risks.
Paragliding Challenges and Mini-Games
Throughout Hyrule, you’ll find various challenges and mini-games that test your paragliding skills.
Flight Range Challenges
These challenges typically involve gliding through a series of rings or targets within a time limit. They require precise control and skillful use of updrafts. Completing these challenges can reward you with valuable items or rupees.
Target Practice
Some mini-games involve shooting targets while gliding. These challenges require you to accurately aim your bow while maintaining your balance and managing your stamina. They’re a great way to hone your archery skills and earn some extra cash.
Race Against Time
Other challenges involve racing against the clock to reach a specific destination while gliding. These challenges require you to optimize your route, utilize updrafts effectively, and avoid obstacles. They’re a thrilling way to test your paragliding prowess.
Ultimately, mastering the paraglider in Breath of the Wild is an ongoing process. The more you experiment, explore, and practice, the more skilled you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. With the paraglider as your wings, the possibilities are endless. As you further your adventures, remember that the paraglider is a vital part of your journey. So, spread your wings and embrace the freedom that awaits you in the skies of Hyrule!