The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining the Paraglider in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
For any aspiring hero in the vast and beautiful land of Hyrule, the Paraglider is arguably the most essential piece of equipment you'll acquire. It’s your ticket to exploring the breathtaking landscapes from above, gliding across canyons, and making daring escapes. If you've just started your adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW) and are wondering, "How do I get this amazing parachute-like contraption?", you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process in plain English, so you can be soaring through the skies in no time.
The Crucial First Steps: Waking Up and Reaching the Shrine of Resurrection
Your journey to obtaining the Paraglider begins immediately after the opening cutscenes. You'll awaken in the Shrine of Resurrection, a place of ancient technology and forgotten memories. Your first objective, guided by the disembodied voice of Zelda, is to step outside and get your bearings. After you leave the Shrine, you'll find yourself on a plateau overlooking a stunning, albeit somewhat desolate, Hyrule. Before you can even think about gliding, you need to complete a few key tasks:
- Follow the Old Man's Trail: As you explore the Great Plateau, you'll encounter an Old Man. He's a crucial character who will guide you through the early stages of the game and, most importantly, set you on the path to the Paraglider.
- Activate the Shrines: The Old Man will direct you towards three different Shrines: the Shrine of Resurrection (where you start), the Old Man's Hut (which contains a chest with useful items), and two others that are essential for the Paraglider quest. These are the Magnesis Trial and the Stasis Trial.
- Obtain the Sheikah Slate Runes: Inside each of these two Shrines, you'll solve puzzles and challenges to acquire powerful Runes for your Sheikah Slate: Magnesis and Stasis. These are not directly related to the Paraglider itself but are fundamental to progressing in the game and interacting with the world.
The Key Location: The Temple of Time
Once you've tackled the Magnesis and Stasis Shrines and gained their respective Runes, the Old Man will beckon you towards the iconic Temple of Time, a grand, ruined structure that stands prominently on the Great Plateau. This is where the Paraglider quest truly comes to fruition.
Upon arriving at the Temple of Time, you'll find the Old Man waiting for you. He has a significant role to play in giving you this essential item. After you've spoken with him and he's explained some of the history and your destiny, he will reveal the final shrine you need to visit to progress.
The Final Shrine and the Gift of Flight
The Old Man will direct you to the third and final Shrine on the Great Plateau, the Wind Shrine. This Shrine is a bit different from the others you've encountered. It's here that you'll solve puzzles that introduce you to the concept of wind currents and updrafts, which are fundamental to using the Paraglider effectively.
After successfully navigating the Wind Shrine and completing its challenges, you will be rewarded. The Old Man will appear once more. He will have a conversation with you, acknowledging your progress and your readiness to face the challenges that lie beyond the Great Plateau. During this pivotal moment, he will bestow upon you the much-coveted Paraglider.
This is the moment you've been waiting for! With the Paraglider in your possession, you can finally jump off ledges and glide to safety, opening up a whole new dimension of exploration in Hyrule.
Tips for Using Your New Paraglider
Now that you have your Paraglider, here are a few pointers to make the most of it:
- Jump and Deploy: To use the Paraglider, simply jump off a high ledge or structure and press the jump button again while in mid-air to deploy it.
- Control Your Descent: You can steer your glide by tilting the left analog stick. Push forward to descend faster and pull back to glide further and ascend slightly (if you catch an updraft).
- Conserve Stamina: Gliding consumes stamina. Keep an eye on your stamina wheel, especially when making long journeys. You can replenish stamina by eating food or resting.
- Look for Updrafts: Some areas will have natural updrafts that will allow you to gain altitude while gliding. Keep an eye out for these to extend your flight time.
- Master the Combat Glide: You can also deploy the Paraglider during combat to dodge attacks or reposition yourself strategically.
Congratulations! You've successfully obtained the Paraglider in Breath of the Wild. This is a monumental step in your adventure, and it unlocks countless possibilities for exploration and discovery. Happy gliding!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get the Paraglider if I missed it on the Great Plateau?
You cannot miss the Paraglider on the Great Plateau. The game is designed so that you must complete the initial objectives and visit the Temple of Time to receive it from the Old Man before you can leave the starting area.
Why is the Paraglider so important?
The Paraglider is crucial for navigating Hyrule's vast and often treacherous terrain. It allows you to traverse large distances quickly, reach hidden areas, escape enemies, and explore from a unique aerial perspective, fundamentally changing how you interact with the game world.
What happens if I run out of stamina while gliding?
If you run out of stamina while gliding, Link will fall. If the fall is from a significant height, this will result in damage or even defeat. It's important to monitor your stamina and plan your glides accordingly, or be prepared to land safely before it depletes.
Can I upgrade the Paraglider?
No, the Paraglider cannot be upgraded in terms of its functionality or stats in Breath of the Wild. However, there are other gear items and armor sets that can enhance your gliding abilities, such as theZora Armor for swimming up waterfalls or the Climbing Gear for scaling cliffs faster.
