Quick Links
Much like its predecessor, Tears of the Kingdom has treasure chests that are buried in the ground and will require a special ability to dig them up. However, Link does not have the power of the Magnesis Rune or the Sheikah Slate. Instead, he'll need to use the Ultrahand Ability.
Ultrahand works similarly to Magnesis, but Tears of the Kingdom players will find it's much more versatile. The chests themselves will contain items ranging in usefulness, but it's highly recommended to reap the rewards anyway - especially on a new playthrough. Players would also do well to remember that once a Treasure Chest is opened, it won't restock its contents.
How to Get & Use the Ultrahand
Link will unlock the Ultrahand Ability in the "tutorial" mode. This will occur when he awakens on the Great Sky Island and attempts to get into the Temple of Time. After he unlocks The Closed Door main quest, Rauru will direct him to the closest Shrine on one of the floating islands. This is the Ukouh Shrine, and it's the place where Link gains the Ultrahand Ability. Players will then need to use Ultrahand to construct bridges and hooks to retrieve the Shrine's Light of Blessing.
To equip the Ultrahand, do the following:
- Hold down L-button.
- Use the right stick to select Ultrahand.
- Release L-button and Link will be able to Grab objects with A-button.
- Select the chest with A-button and tilt the R-stick until it pops loose.
Items that can be grabbed and put together will glow orange . This, of course, includes chests buried in dirt.
Some chests are unlocked after defeating enemies, but the buried ones do not have such requirements. They'll also spawn in every region of Tears of the Kingdom, which means the Sky Islands and Hyrule. Of course, the treasure chests waiting to be looted on Hyrule requires players to complete the prologue and leave the Great Sky Island, much like Breath of the Wild's Great Plateau.
Players may be wondering what's in buried treasure chests. Usually players will loot up weapons, gems, or sometimes rupees. Depending on where players are at in Tears of the Kingdom, they can swap out the treasure chest's weapon for one of their own, or they can leave it be. Gems can be sold and used in upgrades for armor. As for rupees, players will want to hold onto those since they can be used to buy store-exclusive ingredients and arrows.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available for Nintendo Switch.