How to Get the Paraglider in Zelda Breath of the Wild?
Acquiring the paraglider is essential for exploring Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This guide details how to get the paraglider in Zelda Breath of the Wild? by completing the initial Great Plateau quests.
The Importance of the Paraglider
The paraglider is arguably the most important item in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It grants Link the ability to traverse vast distances, reach otherwise inaccessible locations, and quickly escape danger. Without it, exploration is severely limited, forcing players to rely solely on climbing and ground-based travel. Obtaining the paraglider is the key to unlocking the game’s full potential and experiencing the freedom that defines its gameplay.
The Great Plateau: Your Starting Point
The game begins on the Great Plateau, a secluded area serving as a tutorial zone. Players must complete a series of quests assigned by the Old Man to prove their worthiness. These quests serve not only as a learning experience but also as a prerequisite for receiving the paraglider. You cannot leave the Great Plateau until you have the paraglider, so completing these quests is paramount.
The Four Shrines: A Path to Power
The Old Man instructs Link to activate four shrines located across the Great Plateau. Each shrine contains a Trial of Strength that, upon completion, rewards Link with a Spirit Orb. Collecting four Spirit Orbs is a crucial step in obtaining the paraglider.
The four shrines and their approximate locations are:
- Oman Au Shrine: Located near the starting point, focusing on Magnesis.
- Ja Baij Shrine: Located on the eastern side of the Great Plateau, testing Bomb usage.
- Owa Daim Shrine: Situated on the western side, introducing Stasis.
- Keh Namut Shrine: Located on the coldest part of the Great Plateau, focusing on Cryonis.
A Cold Reality: Surviving the Chill
Reaching Keh Namut Shrine requires navigating a cold environment. Link will quickly succumb to the freezing temperatures without proper protection. To survive, you need to obtain warm clothing or prepare a cold-resistant meal.
- Warm Clothes: The Old Man will provide warm clothing if you meet him near his cabin after activating at least one Shrine.
- Cold-Resistant Meal: Combine spicy peppers with any edible food to create a meal that temporarily grants cold resistance. The Old Man can also give you the recipe.
The Exchange: Spirit Orbs for Flight
Once Link has collected four Spirit Orbs, he must return to the Temple of Time, located in the center of the Great Plateau. Interacting with the Goddess Statue inside allows Link to exchange the Spirit Orbs for either a heart container or a stamina vessel. After choosing, the Old Man will reveal his true identity and grant Link the paraglider, finally enabling him to leave the Great Plateau.
Unlocking Hyrule: Beyond the Plateau
With the paraglider in hand, Link can leap from the Great Plateau and begin his journey across Hyrule. The game world opens up, offering countless opportunities for exploration, adventure, and discovery. This is truly where the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild adventure begins.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Ignoring the Old Man’s Instructions: The Old Man provides valuable guidance. Pay attention to his advice to efficiently navigate the Great Plateau.
- Underestimating the Cold: Failing to prepare for the cold environment near Keh Namut Shrine can lead to repeated deaths.
- Rushing Through Shrines: Take your time to understand the mechanics within each shrine. They teach fundamental skills needed for the rest of the game.
- Conserving Stamina: Stamina is crucial for paragliding and climbing. Upgrade it early on to extend your exploration capabilities.
- Using Stasis effectively: Stasis can be used to launch objects at enemies or traverse difficult terrain by stopping time on moving platforms and objects.
How to Get the Paraglider in Zelda Breath of the Wild: A Summary Table
| Step | Description | Location | Key Item/Skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Activate Shrines | Complete the trials in Oman Au, Ja Baij, Owa Daim, and Keh Namut. | Great Plateau | Spirit Orbs |
| 2. Survive the Cold | Obtain warm clothes or prepare a cold-resistant meal. | Near Keh Namut Shrine | Warm Clothes/Meal |
| 3. Return to Temple | Speak to the Goddess Statue and exchange Spirit Orbs. | Temple of Time | Heart/Stamina |
| 4. Receive Paraglider | The Old Man rewards you with the paraglider. | Temple of Time | Paraglider |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if I skip the Old Man’s dialogue?
Skipping the Old Man’s dialogue makes the early game more challenging as you miss out on valuable tips and guidance. However, it doesn’t prevent you from completing the main quest and obtaining the paraglider. You’ll simply need to figure things out on your own through exploration and experimentation.
Can I leave the Great Plateau before getting the paraglider?
No, you cannot leave the Great Plateau until you have acquired the paraglider. An invisible barrier prevents you from escaping, effectively keeping you within the tutorial zone until you complete the necessary quests.
Do I have to complete all four shrines to get the paraglider?
Yes, you absolutely must complete all four shrines to get the paraglider. The Old Man requires four Spirit Orbs, one from each shrine, before he will reward you.
What if I already have warm clothing from a previous playthrough?
If you have previously obtained warm clothing (such as the Warm Doublet) through Amiibo or other means and started a new game, you can use it immediately on the Great Plateau to circumvent the need for cold-resistant meals.
Can I defeat the Old Man?
While technically possible to attack the Old Man, it is not recommended. He is invulnerable in most cases and defeating him offers no benefits, nor does it prevent you from progressing in the game.
What is the best order to complete the shrines in?
There is no “best” order, but many players prefer completing Oman Au first due to its proximity to the starting point. Owa Daim and Ja Baij can be completed in either order, while Keh Namut is often tackled last due to the need for cold resistance.
What if I use a glitch to escape the Great Plateau without the paraglider?
While some glitches may allow you to bypass the Great Plateau, doing so can lead to significant gameplay issues and may even break the game. It is strongly advised to play through the Great Plateau as intended.
How long does it typically take to get the paraglider?
The time it takes to obtain the paraglider varies depending on player experience. A seasoned player can do it in under an hour, while a new player might take several hours.
Does stamina affect my ability to glide?
Yes, stamina is crucial for gliding. Your stamina bar will deplete while paragliding, and if it runs out, Link will fall. Therefore, managing your stamina effectively is essential for long flights.
Can I upgrade the paraglider later in the game?
No, you cannot directly upgrade the paraglider itself. However, you can upgrade Link’s stamina, which indirectly improves your gliding capabilities by allowing you to fly further.
What if I accidentally choose a heart container instead of a stamina vessel (or vice versa) at the Goddess Statue?
The choice between a heart container and stamina vessel is permanent for that specific exchange. However, you can acquire more Spirit Orbs later in the game to increase both hearts and stamina.
After getting the paraglider, what should I do first?
After getting the paraglider, many players recommend heading towards Kakariko Village to progress the main story and unlock further quests and upgrades. However, the beauty of Breath of the Wild is the freedom it offers, so feel free to explore and discover at your own pace! Getting the Paraglider is simply the first step in your adventure. How to get the Paraglider in Zelda Breath of the Wild? is the most important question for new players.