The BotW side quest list is one of the most celebrated features of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. These optional objectives weave exploration, storytelling, and rewards into the open world, giving players clear reasons to venture off the main path.
From Korok puzzles to shrine challenges and NPC requests, the structured list of side quests helps you prioritize your adventures while preserving the game’s sense of discovery. Use this guide to understand how these quests organize your journey and what they unlock.
| Quest Name | Giver / Location | Type | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ringo's Really Red Ranch | Ringo (South Akkala Stable) | Horse Recovery & Exploration | Horse XP, Rupees |
| The Champions' Ballad | Impa (Kakariko Village) | Story-related Memory Quests | Ancient Proficiency, story progression |
| Korok Errands | Various Koroks across Hyrule | Puzzle & Item Delivery | Korok Seeds, Spirit Orbs |
| Shrine Quest: \"The White Lumen Shrine\" | Approach from Temple of Time Temple of Time region | Lighting Beacons | Spirit Orb, new Sheikah Slate ability |
| Side Quests with Hudson & Tress | Hudson (Hateno Village), Tress (Lurelin Village) | Daily Requests | Rupees, food, materials |
Main Questline Context for Side Quests
Side quests in Breath of the Wild are framed as optional work that supports the broader goal of recovering Hyrule and restoring Link’s memories. NPCs ask for help that often reflects the lingering effects of Calamity Ganon’s return, such as corrupted guardians, unstable shrines, and scattered survivors. Completing these tasks fills the world with clearer stories and tangible rewards that make your journey toward the final battle more engaging.
How the List Organizes Your Adventure
The list of side quests acts as a practical guide, helping you decide where to go when you’re unsure of your next objective. Rather than forcing a linear path, it offers branching opportunities that respect your pace. You can tackle them in loose order of region, difficulty, or reward type, which keeps exploration varied without overwhelming you with choices.
Rewards and Progression Through Quests
Many side quests deliver Spirit Orbs used to expand health or stamina, rare materials for armor upgrades, and unique gear that defines your playstyle. Story-related quests unlock key memories and abilities, while errand-based tasks provide steady income and useful items. The structured progression ensures that even small errands contribute to your overall growth as an adventurer.
Regional Quest Hotspots
Certain areas cluster specific quests, making it efficient to complete multiple objectives in one trip. For example, Hateno Village and its surroundings feature Hudson’s requests alongside Korok puzzles, while Kakariko Village connects you to Impa for Champions’ memories. Planning visits to these hubs maximizes rewards per travel run and reduces backtracking across the map.
Key Takeaways for Exploring Hyrule
- Use the side quest list to balance story progress with exploration.
- Focus on Korok seed quests to unlock new abilities and paths.
- Complete Champions' Ballad memories to understand Hyrule's history.
- Cycle through regional daily quests for steady rewards.
- Plan visits to quest hubs to minimize travel and maximize efficiency.
- Track Spirit Orb shrines to grow your health and stamina gauges.
- Return to stable keepers to manage and recover your best horses.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I start the Champions' Ballad quests?
Speak to Impa at Kakariko Village after completing the main story up to the recall point; she will give you the first memory quest tied to the Champions' Ballad.
Are Korok seeds tied to specific side quests or just random finds?
Korok seeds are mostly hidden through exploration puzzles, but certain side quests, especially those given by Korok characters, guarantee seeds as direct rewards for completion.
Can I miss any important side quests if I delay them?
Most side quests remain available throughout your playthrough, though a few NPCs may temporarily leave their posts; checking the list regularly ensures you can return when convenient.
What is the best order to complete the listed side quests for max rewards?
Prioritize Korok errand chains and Spirit Orb shrines early to boost survivability, then cycle through daily requests in high-traffic villages for consistent income and materials.