Since its release over three years ago, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has continued to captivate players with its vast, multi-layered world. While the Sky Islands and the Depths offer endless opportunities for discovery, they can also be overwhelming. Navigating this expanded Hyrule requires more than just courage; it demands the right tools and protection. From legendary armor sets hidden in ancient ruins to rare materials that fall from the heavens, certain items are non-negotiable for any adventurer aiming to master the kingdom's deepest secrets. What are the must-have treasures that separate a casual explorer from a true hero of Hyrule?

⭐ Farming the Elusive Star Fragments

Star Fragments remain one of the most sought-after and frustratingly rare materials in Tears of the Kingdom. These celestial items are crucial for upgrading some of the game's most powerful armor sets, yet they only appear randomly, falling from the sky as beams of light during the night. The race against the in-game clock to reach one before 5 AM is a familiar struggle for many. However, veterans have perfected a reliable farming method. By diving from the various Skyview Towers at night, players can frequently cause a Star Fragment to spawn and fall alongside Link, providing a much more controlled way to collect this precious resource. Remember, patience is key, as the game limits players to acquiring only one Star Fragment per in-game day.

🐉 Harvesting Dragon Parts for Upgrades

If mastering the skies for Star Fragments wasn't challenging enough, upgrading top-tier armor often requires materials from Hyrule's majestic, elemental dragons: Farosh, Naydra, Dinraal, and the Light Dragon. Engaging these creatures is no simple task. Players must take to the skies, get dangerously close, and accurately shoot arrows at specific body parts to harvest scales, horns, fangs, or claws. A pro tip? Fusing arrows with monster eyeballs guarantees a homing shot, though controlling the exact point of impact is tricky. Once a part is obtained, players must wait a full 10 minutes before another will drop. This process demands not only combat skill but also endurance to withstand the harsh elemental environments that surround each dragon.

👑 Reclaiming Link's Legacy: The Champion's Leathers

Link's iconic blue tunic, the Champion's Leathers, is a direct callback to his legacy, but obtaining it in this adventure is a true test of mettle. The chest containing this prized armor is hidden deep within the foreboding Hyrule Castle. Reaching it early in the game requires significant stamina reserves for gliding and climbing, not to mention the combat prowess to survive the castle's monstrous inhabitants. The final puzzle lies in the Throne Room, where lighting two ancient braziers with a torch or fire arrow reveals a hidden compartment. Inside awaits the Champion's Leathers. Its upgrade path, however, ties directly back to the dragons, requiring materials from the enigmatic Light Dragon, weaving these essential items together in a cycle of high-risk, high-reward gameplay.

💡 Illuminating the Depths: The Miner's Armor Set

Venturing into the pitch-black Depths is a daunting prospect. While Brightbloom Seeds are a handy temporary light source, the Miner's Armor set provides a permanent and defensive solution. This glowing ensemble is scattered across three different mines in the Depths, requiring dedicated exploration to assemble. The pieces can be found in the following locations:

• Miner's Mask: Abandoned Kara Kara Mines

• Miner's Top: Daphne's Canyon Mines

• Miner's Trousers: Hylia Canyon Mine

The closest entry point is the Hyrule Field Chasm. Once collected, the set not only provides a constant source of light but also offers solid defense. Its upgrade materials—primarily Brightbloom Seeds and Zonaite—are plentiful in the Depths, making it one of the most practical and attainable specialized armor sets for underground exploration.

⚔️ The Ultimate Reward: The Ancient Hero's Aspect

For the most dedicated players who complete the Herculean task of conquering all 152 Shrines, a unique and powerful reward awaits. Returning to the Temple of Time on the Great Sky Island, the Goddess Statue bestows the Ancient Hero's Aspect. This full-body armor transforms Link's appearance to that of an ancient Zonai warrior. Its stats are nothing short of legendary:

• Max Defense: 84 points

• Special Ability: Master Sword Beam Up (enhances beam attack at full health)

Fully upgrading this armor is the true endgame challenge, as it requires materials from some of Hyrule's most fearsome foes, including the mighty Silver Lynel. Yet, with the immense defense the armor provides, that very battle becomes significantly more manageable. Is there any better symbol of mastery than facing the game's toughest monster while clad in the armor earned from completing every shrine?

😈 Unleashing the Fierce Deity

A nostalgic callback for long-time fans, the Fierce Deity armor set and its accompanying sword are hidden across Hyrule, waiting to be rediscovered. Each piece of the armor is located via "Misko's Treasure" quests, leading to caves like the Ancient Stump Cave and Skull Lake Cave. Once the full set is equipped, players must return to the cave near Foothill Stable to unlock a secret passage. This reveals the mighty Fierce Deity Sword, a weapon boasting a formidable 38 attack power. It's a weapon best saved for critical battles, as obtaining a new one after it breaks is a notoriously difficult endeavor.

🛡️ The Legendary Hylian Shield

No hero's arsenal is complete without the iconic Hylian Shield. While the Master Sword is acquired through the main story, its legendary counterpart requires a separate quest within Hyrule Castle. Near the Hyrule Castle Docks, players encounter a series of flame-based puzzles. For those seasoned in Zelda's classic torch-lighting challenges, it's a straightforward test. Success reveals a chest containing the Hylian Shield, which boasts the highest defensive rating in the game at a staggering 90 points. The only caveat? If this legendary shield ever breaks, purchasing a replacement from Cece's shop in Hateno Village will cost a princely sum of 3,000 Rupees.

🎁 Hestu's "Priceless" Gift

Finally, for those with almost unimaginable dedication, there is the quest to find all 1000 Korok Seeds. This monumental task, involving countless puzzles and reuniting lost Korok friends, culminates in a meeting with the beloved maraca-shaker, Hestu, in Korok Forest. His reward for this herculean effort? "Hestu's Gift." The item itself is... visually questionable and has no practical function. However, it unlocks the ability to watch Hestu's joyful dance anytime. In a game about exploration and personal achievement, this purely celebratory reward—a testament to a player's complete dedication—is, in its own way, perhaps the most priceless treasure of all.

In 2026, Tears of the Kingdom continues to be a game defined by its secrets. These essential items represent more than just statistical upgrades; they are milestones in a personal journey through Hyrule. From the practical glow of the Miner's Armor to the legendary status of the Ancient Hero's Aspect, each piece tells a story of challenge, exploration, and triumph. The question for every player remains: which legacy will you forge?