The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the series' first open world game, offers an enormous map for players to explore. The game was a huge success and quickly became known for the incredible map and beautiful graphics. The world of Hyrule features various stables, shrines, temples, and ruins for players to explore.
Across the map, there are a range of settlements where players can rest and stock up on armor, weapons, and food. With each area offering something different, there is debate among players as to which town or settlement in Breath of the Wild is the best. Considering each town's visuals, music, citizens, and practical elements, they can be whittled down to a select few which can be named the best.
10 Yiga Clan Hideout
As the name suggests, the Yiga Clan Hideout is the home base of the Yiga Clan. These thieves and assassins attempt to harm players, often disguising themselves as regular Hylian NPCs. The hideout is located in Gerudo Summit in the Gerudo region. It can be found by heading to the Gerudo Tower and going north from there.
The Yiga Clan Hideout is filled with eerie banners and torches, almost reminiscent of an old market. This area of the map is visually unique, making it a cool location within Hyrule. Most players explore this hideout during a stealth challenge. Aside from this quest, the hideout does not serve much purpose. Despite the aesthetic appeal, there is little practicality to this area.
9 Goron City
Goron City is the home of the Goron, and has been present in The Legend of Zelda series since 1998, first appearing in Ocarina of Time. This city is near Death Mountain and is surrounded by mines, cliffs, and lava. To even get near Goron City, players must either find fireproof armor, or brew fireproof elixirs. This necessary task makes the settlement harder to access for players who have just started the game.
Like the other four main settlements of Hyrule, Goron City has an armor shop, a supply store, and an inn, making it a practical area for players to stock up on supplies and prepare for quests. In terms of visuals, the dark atmosphere contrasting the harsh sun and bright lava makes this area one of the less visually pleasing towns. However, the game designers did an incredible job in capturing the dry, excruciating heat.
8 Gerudo Town
The tough yet pretty Gerudo Town is the desert home of the all-female Gerudo. Located in the Gerudo desert, it's a stunning city filled with powerful residents who will do anything to protect their culture and people. They'll even kick Link out unless he is disguised as a woman. Like Goron City and the other main towns, Zora's Domain and Rito Village, Gerudo Town first appeared in Ocarina of Time.
The town is equipped with all a player would need: shops, armor, and a bed to rest. However, the most notable aspect of this town is its pretty visuals and large size. There are also a number of quests in Gerudo Town, making it a rich area for gameplay.
7 Hateno Village
Located in the East Necluda Region, Hateno Village is one of only two Hylian settlements left after The Great Calamity. It's a new location in Breath of the Wild, not having appeared in previous Zelda games. This peaceful village is a break from the chaos of the monster-ridden, desolate wilderness. It's the perfect balance of peaceful and populated.
The village has an armor shop, a Dye Shop, a General Store, and the Ancient Hateno Lab. There is even a side quest which allows players to buy a home in Hateno, where they can store weapons and will always have a free bed to stay in. The area is both visually stunning and practical for gameplay, making it one of the game's best towns.
6 Korok Forest
This enchanted wood is the home of the Koroks, Hestu, and The Great Deku Tree. A similar version of the Korok Forest appeared in the earlier games, Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker. Although there are few supplies in this area of the map, it is the location of the iconic Master Sword, and acts as a staple for The Legend of Zelda franchise.
The nods to Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time, as well as the Master Sword, make this area a nostalgic throwback for longtime fans. Not only that, the forest is beautiful and features enjoyable music which is again reminiscent of older games soundtracks. The Korok Forest is a fun and lighthearted area of the map, free from monsters and giving players a playful nod to older games.
5 Rito Village
In the center of Lake Totori lies the chilling Rito Village, home of the birdlike Rito species. This town is in a good location, not too far from other areas, and it's easy to get to. There is also a stable nearby, and the village itself features an inn, an armor shop, and a general store. Not only that, the village's design is completely unique and beautiful. With small bridges connecting different areas over the lake Rito Village is nothing short of sceneic.
This town perfectly captures the beauty of Breath of the Wild, both in terms of scenery and the soundtrack. Both the day and night themes for Rito Village perfectly capture the town's atmosphere.
4 Zora's Domain
Much like Rito Village, Zora's Domain captures the beauty of Breath of the Wild while providing players with everything they need. The journey to Zora's Domain is littered with enemies and shock arrows, meaning players must be equipped for their journey up the Ruto Mountain. However, the reward when arriving at Zora's Domain is worth it.
This area is fairytale-like, with fountains and waterfalls everywhere, ambient lighting, and the scenic Ruto Mountain looming in the background. Players can also get the Zora Armor here, which gives Link the helpful ability to swim up waterfalls.
3 Lurelin Village
Lurelin Village is arguably the prettiest and most peaceful town in Hyrule. This tropical getaway feels like a different world and is like a breath of fresh air for players. Free of enemies and rich in fish for cooking, this town is the perfect place for players to recharge, cook, and gather supplies.
The Village is located in East Necluda, close to the Faron region on the coast. It's a little bit out of way from other quests and areas of the map players will be in frequently, so discovering Lurelin is like finding a hidden gem. There are also some fun side quests and plenty of areas to explore nearby.
2 Tarrey Town
Tarrey Town is one of Breath of the Wild's best towns for a slightly different reason. While others may be visually pretty or loaded with supplies, Tarrey Town tells players more about the story within Breath of the Wild. Although the game doesn't have much of a set story aside from the memories, there are little pieces that tell players about the calamity all over the map. Tarrey Town tells players a bit about the future of Hyrule.
Tarrey Town, in contrast to the ruins across the map, is a new town, yet to be completed. Players get to help build Tarrey Town into a community, a symbol of hope for Hyrule after the calamity. The symbol of rebuilding is in place to motivate players to continue their quest in the game to save Hyrule.
1 Kakariko Village
Kakariko Village is the town that most players will visit first, as it is located in Central Hyrule, and the game's first quests point player in its direction. The village is filled with beautiful homes and music, with nods to Nintendo's Japanese origin scattered throughout. The village is full of supplies, armor, weapons, fun side quests and key points in the main quests.
The village truly is one of the game's best in terms of practicality, supplies, gameplay, visuals and music. It has truly become a fan favorite and will hopefully be seen more in future Zelda games.