Quick Links
For those who played the previous game, getting to Korok Forest inTears of the Kingdomis likely a big goal. It’s where you found theMaster Sword, where you may reliably find Hestu to expand your inventory in return for Korok Seeds, and also where you can talk to the iconic Great Deku Tree.
RELATED:The Hardest Bosses In The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
While it was tricky to reach in the previous game, it’s even trickier in this one. Trying to enter the forest from any typical angle will end with you being booted back where you came from, whether you’re climbing the sides, entering normally, or gliding to the middle. Instead, there’s an alternative method.
How To Enter Korok Forest
Since you can’t enter from the sides or from the sky, the only option left is to enter from theunderground. That’s right - you’ll need to traverse the depths until you’re right underneath Korok Forest, and then Ascend your way up.
The best way to get to Korok Forest is to enter theMinshi Woods Chasm. You will find this directlynorth of Woodland Stable.
Dive down this chasm, and you’ll be very near the Korok Forest already - consult theoverground mapto see where you have to walk if you need to.
Your task here is tomake your way to the center of Korok Groveand reach alarge constructthere. On the way, you’ll encounter plenty of Poes and various enemies, including a Gloom Hand encounter that you should avoid if you aren’t confident with them yet.
For more information aboutsurvival and navigation in the depths,click here.
Eventually, you’ll see the light of thelarge building in the distance- there will be large roots nearby to climb to reach it. Once underneath, useAscend, and you’ll pop out in Korok Forest.
How To Get Rid Of The Gloom In Korok Forest
When you arrive on the surface, you’ll notice that the place is covered in gloom. The nearby Koroks refuse to speak to you, and there’s not much you can do.
It’s a good idea to grab thefast travel point for the shrinehere before you proceed. If you want a hand withcompleting the shrine,click here.
The source of the gloom can be foundwithin the Great Deku Tree itself- there’s a smallchasmhere that leads to a small arena in the depths. Before you dive down, though, be aware that there is a tough fight waiting for you at the bottom againstGloom Hands and a Phantom Ganon.
Preparing For The Fight In The Depths
Encounters with Gloom Hands and Phantom Ganon are tricky to prepare for since they are very different battles.
To fightPhantom Ganon:
As you’d expect, you’ll also have far more success if you cook up lots ofhigh-healing dishes infused withSundelions, which will counter any gloom damage you take during the fight. There’s a convenient cooking pot near the chasm, if you need to cook before heading in.
In addition, havingmultiple summons from the Regional Phenomena questsis also a very good idea. Not only will they distract Gloom Hands by getting caught, but they can actually damage Phantom Ganon quite well.
Rijuespecially is very good in this fight, as her lightning arrow ability is great for damaging entire packs of Gloom Hands.
When you’re ready to take on the fight, dive into the chasm.
Fighting The Gloom Hands And Phantom Ganon
You’ll have a few seconds before the Gloom Hands spawn to get a good look at your surroundings. Thefloor is covered in gloom, so watch where you’re stepping.
The key to beating Gloom Hands is todeal as much damage as you can in a short period of time. It’s for this reason that we recommend methods of attack that deal area damage while also keeping them in place withfire- when they get close to you, it’s easy to get caught and panic.
If you get caught by a hand,mash buttons on the controllerto get released quicker. If you’re fast, you can avoid gloom damage entirely!
It’s important to spread your damage equally amongst the hands - they will respawn after a short period of time. You have tohave every hand eliminated at onceto proceed to the next phase of the fight.
When Phantom Ganon spawns,block and don’t stop blocking. The best way to deal with him is to keep your distance to bait out his dashing attack, and thendodge to the side, trying to get aFlurry Rush.
If you have any food or elixirs thatboost your attack power, this is the best time to use them.
With enough patience andpractice with Ganon’s moveset, you should have him defeated in no time.
Once you’ve cleared the fight, a trio of Koroks will flutter down from the chasm to tell you that you’ve been successful. Either useAscendto get back up to the surface orfast travel to the shrinefrom earlier.
Now, you’ll be able tochat with the Great Deku Treeto learn about the whereabouts of the Master Sword if you haven’t already acquired it, and you’ll also findHestunearby if you need to trade your Korok Seeds for inventory slots.
NEXT:The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom - Complete Guide To Horses And Pony Points
