The BotW side quest list helps players find meaningful adventures beyond the main storyline while exploring Hyrule. Each quest offers unique rewards, character moments, and environmental storytelling that deepen the journey.
Use this guide to track essential objectives, discover hidden shrines, and plan your route across regions for maximum exploration efficiency.
| Quest Name | Region | Giver | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Champions' Ballad | Hebra Mountains | Impa | Ancient Set, Guardian Armor |
| EX The Prince's Request | Central Hyrule | Prince Sidon | Royal Guard Set, Shock Arrows |
| EX The Champions' Ballad: Vah Ruta | Zora's Domain | Muzu Saezuri | Zora Tunic, Water Blight Withering Weapon |
| EX The Champions' Ballad: Vah Medoh | Tabantha Frontier | Teba | Ancient Helm, Paraglider |
| Bit of BotW | Hateno Village | Mimi | Chillshroom Omelette, Gratitude Crystals |
Side Quests Across Hyrule Compendium
How Side Quests Shape Exploration
Side quests across Hyrule reward curiosity and establish a rhythm for discovery. They encourage you to climb viewpoints, scan shrines, and talk to villagers to reveal the next puzzle. Many quests unlock rare armor, permanent stat boosts, or fast-travel points that streamline traversal. By completing the side quest chain, you transform the open world into a connected network of memories and achievements.
Regional Quest Distribution Guide
Where to Find Key Side Quests by Area
Quest givers are scattered across distinct regions, tying the environment to the narrative. In the Great Plateau, early helpers introduce mechanics and local challenges. Near Kakariko Village, you encounter storytellers that reference ancient technology and lingering hostility. Each zone uses side quests to showcase geography, enemy density, and cultural details, making every step toward a new objective feel intentional.
Shrine Integration and Reward Loops
Combining Shrines With Main Objectives
Shrines serve as checkpoints and side content hubs, granting Spirit Orbs that can be exchanged for health or stamina. Linking shrines to nearby side quests creates layered objectives where clearing a Divine Beast triggers new requests. As you progress through the Champions' Ballad storyline, shrines reinforce mastery of mechanics such as bombs, Stasis, and Guardian beam prediction. This integration keeps pacing tight and ensures that combat, traversal, and exploration reinforce one another.
Quest Completion and World Impact
How Side Quests Alter Hyrule
Finishing certain side quests changes NPC dialogue, shop inventory, and enemy placements, giving the world a sense of evolving politics and culture. Clearing camps, rescuing travelers, and restoring shrines can reduce hostility in once-dangerous zones. Master Kohga and the Yiga Clan storyline demonstrates how shifting allegiances influence travel safety and access to rare materials. These subtle world shifts reward patience and reinforce strategic planning.
Recommended Quest Journey Across Regions
- Start with the Great Plateau tutorial givers to build core abilities.
- Head to Kakariko Village to access the Champions' Ballad main branch.
- Complete Vah Ruta, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris in any order, but track armor rewards.
- Activate shrines in each region to fast travel and manage Spirit Orbs.
- Finish Bit of BotW and Prince Sidon quests for early access to powerful gear.
- Return to Impa and Muzu for final ballad steps and collect rare materials.
- Use the save file to revisit missed givers after clearing major obstacles.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which side quests unlock the best armor sets in BotW?
The Champions' Ballad quests and Bit of BotW unlock the Ancient Set, Royal Guard Set, and Zora Tunic, which provide the highest defensive stats and useful abilities.
Can I miss any critical side quests if I explore freely?
No major story blockers are missed, but delaying certain quests may push access to specific armor or weapons until later in your adventure.
Do side quests affect Divine Beast difficulty in BotW?
They do not change core mechanics, but completing related quests often provides better weapons, armor, and guidance for smoother clears.
What is the fastest way to finish the entire side quest list BotW?
Follow main quests to each region's stable, accept all visible side quests, clear nearby shrines, and tackle Divine Beasts in ascending order of region.