The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom’s world is split into eight main regions that differ significantly from each other, whether it’s due to their climate, settlements, and the people who live there. Every region has its own distinct atmosphere that helps Hyrule to feel varied and alive.
While each region does bring its own qualities to your adventure through the world, certain regions leave a stronger impression after you’ve explored them. Their roles in the main story, the characters you meet there, and their general appeal all play a part in this, but which is the best region in all of Hyrule?
8 Eldin
Eldin’s hot, rocky environment means that only the Goron people can thrive there. However, in Tears of the Kingdom, the region has cooled down significantly, allowing Link to explore there without needing Fireproof armor.
The Gorons’ mining way of life is represented through the region’s various caves that have an abundance of ore deposits, though the air is familiarly scorching inside them. Eldin has multiple relaxing hot springs that heal Link upon entry, including two that are shaped like lizards.
Eldin is especially picturesque when its resident dragon, Dinraal, flies around the mountain.
7 Lanayru
Lanayru has stunning environments everywhere you look, with lots of waterfalls and glistening lakes. Due to Lanayru’s abundance of water, it naturally became the settlement of the aquatic Zora people who built their domain in the northeast part of the region.
Zora’s Domain is spectacular, with it utilizing crystal-like architecture made with Luminous Stones found in the area.
In Tears of the Kingdom, Mipha Court has been built to honor the fallen Princess Mipha, with her statue guarding Zora’s main water source and watching over her people. The region also has connections to the goddess Nayru and the dragon Naydra, who is a servant of the Spring of Wisdom, which is found on Mount Lanayru.
6 Gerudo
In southwest Hyrule is the Gerudo region, an arid desert environment that is the home of Gerudo Town, the settlement of the Gerudo people. Within the harsh desert, there’s an oasis known as Kara Kara Bazaar, a hotspot for merchants and travelers alike.
Unlike Breath of the Wild, Link can freely walk around Gerudo Town despite being a voe, having received Chief Riju’s blessing.
The environment surrounding Gerudo Town is mostly desolate; although, it does have a couple of standout features, such as the mysterious heroine statues, the Gerudo Great Skeleton, and the Yiga Clan’s Hideout. To traverse the sandy desert, you can rent or catch a sand seal, but be prepared: the dangerous Molduga could knock you off your feet.
While the locations in the Gerudo region are great, the overwhelming amount of desert is often difficult to travel across, especially if you don’t pack the right clothes.
5 Hebra
In the northwest portion of Hyrule is the Hebra region, a snowy environment inhabited by the Rito people. Hebra is a mountainous place where Link can take in the vast scenery of Hyrule - if he’s prepared for the frigid weather, that is.
Rito Village stands out among the Hebra peaks, as it’s built on a large, rocky formation in the center of a lake. Its music is a delight too, offering a welcome reprieve from the harsh, snowy winds elsewhere in Hebra.
In Tears of the Kingdom, the previous Rito Village elder Kaneli oversees the flight range, which hosts a minigame where you must dive through various hoops. The Hebra region is also rife with Hyrulean history; it harbors the Great Hebra Skeleton, the North Lomei Labyrinth, and the Forgotten Temple.
You can also access a previously blocked-off section of the Forgotten Temple, where you can see a map showing the locations of the geoglyphs across Hyrule. Hebra’s scenic views and rich history make it worth exploring.
4 Central Hyrule
In Tears of the Kingdom, your journey on the surface begins in Central Hyrule after descending from the Sky Islands, similar to how you jump off the Great Plateau and into the region in Breath of the Wild. However, Central Hyrule has changed since you last visited.
While Castle Town is still in ruins, there are no more Guardians to be seen, and Hyrule Castle is freed from Calamity Ganon’s grip. Lookout Landing has been established within the vicinity of the castle, serving as the base of operations for Purah and Robbie.
Nestled in the Lost Woods in the north of Central Hyrule, the Korok Forest is another key location where Link can interact with the Koroks and the Great Deku Tree. Central Hyrule feels more bustling than ever, with it beginning to recover from the Calamity’s effects.
3 Necluda
Home to Kakariko Village and Hateno Village, Necluda is the main Hylian settlement in Hyrule. In Tears of the Kingdom, Kakariko Village is now headed by Chief Paya, who is working with the Zonai Survey Team to investigate the Ring Ruins.
Hateno Village is even more alive in Tears of the Kingdom through its side quests involving the Mayor and the owner of the clothing store. You can also revisit Link’s house, which the game implies he shared with Princess Zelda during the time before the Upheaval, to learn more about the princess.
Aside from the settlements, Necluda’s grassy plains are perfect for riding your horse and enjoying the gentle soundtrack.
2 Akkala
Akkala’s natural formations and flora are distinct, with it having peculiar-shaped landforms jutting out into the sea and autumnal-colored trees. Akkala is also where Hylian soldiers attempted to stave off the Guardians during the Calamity, leaving its citadel in ruin.
The heart of Akkala is Tarrey Town, a settlement where the different people of Hyrule come together.
Since Breath of the Wild, the settlement has expanded into the area below, boasting a construction site and a track where you can race on Zonai vehicles. Through Hudson Construction, you can even build and customize a house of your own nearby, making a home for Link in this delightful region.
1 Faron
The Faron region has a tropical climate with towering palm trees, adorable Dondons, and cascading waterfalls that flow into Lake Floria, which can be viewed by standing on Floria Bridge. Breath of the Wild set up the mysteries of the Zonai with hints of the people’s architecture in the Faron region, depicting dragons and birds.
Faron is also home to the Spring of Courage, which is located inside a Zonai-built dragon head.
Lurelin Village is located on the outskirts of Faron, though unfortunately overtaken by pirates when Link first arrives. After dispatching the pirates, you can help Bolson to rebuild the village, showing Link’s connection to the people of Hyrule.
Faron’s atmosphere is unmatched by any other region thanks to its mysterious ruins and homely village.