Unlocking the deepest mysteries of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom requires navigating intricate storylines that connect the ancient Zonai civilization with the present day. One of the most critical turning points in the main campaign is the investigation into the mysterious structures hovering directly over Kakariko Village. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to initiate, progress, and successfully complete this crucial narrative milestone.
Prerequisites for Starting the Quest
Before you can explore the restricted floating structures, you must complete the main quest titled Crisis at Hyrule Castle. This requires clearing the first four regional phenomena across Hyrule and confronting the phantom menace residing within the royal estate. Once these events settle at Lookout Landing, the game will naturally guide you toward Kakariko Village to investigate the ongoing Zonai research initiatives.
Attempting to access the floating ruins early will result in Sheikah researchers turning Link away due to strict orders left by an imposter. Ensuring your main quest journal is fully updated will guarantee that the key characters are ready to cooperate. Preparing your inventory with stamina-restoring meals or upgrading your Purah Pad camera will also help streamline the initial phases of the investigation.
Investigating the Kakariko Ring Ruins
Upon arriving at Kakariko Village, make your way directly to the northern research site where Paya and Tauro are observing the floating structure. Engaging in conversation with them will reveal that the restrictions have been lifted following your discoveries at the castle. Tauro will express an intense desire to see what is written inside the floating ruin, but he requires Link's unique mobility to access it.
You can climb straight up to the floating Ring Ruins using the ladders located just in front of the primary research tents. Once you reach the opening, utilize the camera feature on the Purah Pad to snap a clear photograph of the hidden stone slab inside the chamber. Return to the ground and show the image to the researchers to translate the ancient text, which hints at a hidden armor set located elsewhere in Hyrule.
Tracking the Charged Armor Set
The translated message directs the group toward the Popla Foothills Skyview Tower region, where Tauro has already set up a secondary base camp. Traveling to this area will lead you to a series of riverside ruins located along the Dracozu River in the Faron province. Inside the first prominent cave structure, you will discover Tauro examining a chest that contains the first piece of the specialized Charged Armor set.
To progress further, you must explore the neighboring ruins along the winding riverbank to secure the remaining two pieces of the ceremonial gear. Each location features simple navigation puzzles that require careful observation of the surrounding stone architecture. Equipping all three pieces of this armor set will grant Link a powerful stormy weather attack boost, which is essential for triggering the final mechanism.
Solving the Final Zonai Riddle
With the complete Charged Armor set equipped, follow the river to its southern terminus where a final hidden chamber awaits your arrival. Inside this ancient room, you will find a prominent Zonai altar designed to receive a specific offering from the hero. Place a Large Zonai Charge directly onto the pedestal while wearing the full ceremonial outfit to initiate a dramatic reaction.
This action triggers a massive cutscene that clears the persistent thunderstorms hovering over the southern sky, revealing the hidden Thunderhead Isles high above the clouds. Successfully opening this path marks the official conclusion of the questline and seamlessly transitions into the search for the missing fifth sage. The newfound visibility allows you to comfortably navigate the sky islands and continue your ultimate journey to save Hyrule.
