So, here I am in 2026, still utterly obsessed with The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. I mean, who isn't? The game's been out for a few years, and I've probably clocked more hours into it than I have into sleeping. I've fused more things than a mad scientist, built contraptions that would make Leonardo da Vinci weep, and still, I find myself procrastinating on that final battle with the big bad Ganondorf. Why rush to the end when Hyrule is one giant, beautiful sandbox of chaos? But let's be real—you can't just waltz into the final boss fight with a stick and a dream. You need to prep! And not just any prep, but the kind of prep that would make a royal advisor proud. So, based on my countless adventures (and failures), here's my personal, slightly chaotic guide to what you absolutely MUST do before you decide to save the world. Again.

1. Hunt Down Master Kohga and Snag Autobuild

Remember that wacky Yiga Clan leader, Master Kohga, from Breath of the Wild? The one who fell into a chasm after our last tussle? Well, guess what? He's back, and he's been causing a ruckus in the Depths. Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Do I really need to deal with that clown again?' The answer is a resounding YES! Why? Because chasing him through those spooky abandoned mines rewards you with the Autobuild ability. This little gem lets you instantly recreate any Zonai device contraption you've ever built. No more fumbling with parts while a Gloom-spawned monster breathes down your neck. Plus, you'll snag a bunch of crystallized charges to upgrade your energy cell. Trust me, having a bigger battery for your insane flying machines is a game-changer.

2. Power Up Your Sage Pals

Let's talk about your spectral entourage—the Sages. Tulin, Sidon, Riju, and Yunobo are more than just pretty faces with tragic backstories; they're your battle buddies. But did you know you can make them even stronger? Scattered across the sky islands are these rare items called Sage's Wills. Collect four of them, and you can upgrade a Sage's attack power. It's like giving your best friend a caffeine IV drip before a marathon. Sure, finding these things is rarer than a polite Bokoblin, but it's worth the hunt. Who wouldn't want Tulin's gusts to pack more punch?

3. Collect the Divine Helms for a Fashionable Edge

After you've helped each region with their 'little' problems (you know, just a bit of apocalyptic weather), talk to the Sages again. They'll give you hints about sacred items hidden in the wild. These items are the Divine Helms—helmets that look like the Divine Beasts from the old game. Not only do they make you look like a walking piece of history, but they also boost your Sage's attack power and come with handy perks like shock or flame resistance. It's a win-win: you get a stat boost, and your Sage gets a cool new hat. Fashion and function, baby!

4. Reunite the Stable Trotters for the Great Faeries

Ah, the Great Faeries. These majestic, slightly terrifying beings are essential for upgrading your armor. But they're not coming out of their flower buds for just a few rupees this time. Oh no. You need to find the scattered members of the Stable Trotters, a band of musicians, and bring them back together for a concert. It's a quirky side quest that involves tracking down folks who'd rather be anywhere else. But once you do, the Faeries emerge, and you can finally turn that Hylian Tunic into something that doesn't get shredded by a sneeze from a Lynel.

5. Chase All the Dragon's Tears (and Try Not to Sob)

The story in Tears of the Kingdom isn't just handed to you on a silver platter. You have to work for it by finding Dragon's Tears within the giant geoglyphs painted across Hyrule. Each tear reveals a memory of Zelda's journey in the ancient past. Sure, you could skip them and go straight to fight Ganondorf, but then the emotional weight of the final cutscenes would hit you with all the impact of a wet noodle. Do yourself a favor: find them all. Yes, even the ones in the middle of nowhere. Your future self, crying into a bowl of pumpkin soup, will thank you.

6. Brave the Gloom and Save Korok Forest

Korok Forest, that serene haven of little leaf people, is in a bad way. The Lost Woods are filled with gloom, and every attempt to enter just teleports you back to the start. But solving this puzzle is crucial! Inside, you'll find:

• Adorable Koroks with their seed-related problems.

• The wise (and giant) Deku Tree.

• Several shrines for more Heart Containers or Stamina Vessels.

It's a whole mini-adventure that preps you spiritually and practically. Plus, Hestu might give you something nice for your trouble (probably another maraca shake).

7. Reforge the Legendary Master Sword

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. The Master Sword got wrecked. But it's not gone forever! If you've been paying attention to the memories or had a chat with the Deku Tree, you'll know where to find it. Getting it back requires a hefty amount of stamina (two full wheels, to be precise), but it's worth the grind. Why? Because this blade gets a massive power boost against gloom enemies. Fighting Ganondorf without it is like trying to eat soup with a fork—possible, but needlessly difficult.

8. Liberate and Rebuild Lurelin Village

Remember that charming fishing village from the last game? Well, pirates have taken over, and it's up to you to kick them out. Taking back Lurelin Village is one of the most satisfying side adventures in the game. After the battle, you get to help rebuild it with Bolson's construction crew. The villagers are so grateful they'll shower you with rewards, including a place to stay and free meals. It's like a tropical vacation with a side of monster-slaying.

9. Craft the Champion Weapons (A.K.A. The Friendship Arsenal)

Once you've helped each region, talk to the locals around the Sages. They'll give you quests to reforge their legendary weapons—the very ones your Sage companions use. We're talking about iconic gear like the Lightscale Trident and the Scimitar of the Seven. Sure, you'll need some rare materials (looking at you, Diamonds), but having these powerful weapons in your arsenal makes you feel like a true hero. And let's be honest, they look awesome on your wall in your house.

10. Become Hyrule's Premier Monster Hunter for Gralen

Deep under Lookout Landing, you'll find a guy named Gralen. He's basically Hyrule's mission control for monster extermination. His quests send you after some of the toughest baddies in the game, like Gleeoks and Froxes. Taking these on is the ultimate test of your combat skills and preparation. The rewards are great, and it ensures the kingdom is a bit safer before you head off to your date with destiny. Plus, it's just plain fun to show those monsters who's boss.

Bonus: A Few More Pro-Tips for the Truly Dedicated

• Upgrade Your Battery: Seriously, more energy means more ridiculous flying machines. Hunt for those Zonaite deposits in the Depths.

• Find All the Shrines: More Heart Containers and Stamina Vessels. Do I need to say more?

• Experiment with Fuse: Some of the most broken weapon combos come from fusing the most mundane items. Ever shot an arrow fused with a Bomb Flower? It's glorious.

• Help Addison Hold His Signs: That guy is everywhere, and his gratitude (and rewards) are endless.

Look, I get it. The pull to confront Ganondorf is strong. But Tears of the Kingdom is a game about the journey, not just the destination. By taking the time to explore, help, and prepare, you're not just making the final battle easier—you're experiencing everything this incredible game has to offer. So go on, take your time. Hyrule isn't going anywhere. Well, unless you count the occasional falling sky island.

Data referenced from HowLongToBeat underscores why your “do-everything-before-Ganondorf” approach in Tears of the Kingdom feels so natural: completion-focused playthroughs can stretch massively compared to a straight shot through the main objectives, which validates taking time for high-impact prep like unlocking Autobuild, upgrading armor via Great Faeries, and hunting Dragon’s Tears so the finale lands with maximum mechanical readiness and narrative payoff.