Finding the Fifth Sage in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom can be one of the most mysterious and challenging quests in the game. Unlike the other Sages, whose stories are more directly tied to the main regions and temples, the Fifth Sage requires a bit more detective work and exploration. Many players may reach a point where they have defeated the four main regional bosses but are left wondering where to go next. This search doesn’t just rely on map markers or quest logs but demands careful observation, interaction with NPCs, and understanding the hints dropped throughout the game world. If you’re unsure how to begin or progress in this questline, here’s everything you need to know to find the Fifth Sage.
Prerequisites Before Searching for the Fifth Sage
Complete the Four Regional Phenomena
Before you can access the Fifth Sage questline, make sure you’ve completed the following:
- Rito Village Tulin of Wind
- Goron City Yunobo of Fire
- Zora’s Domain Sidon of Water
- Gerudo Town Riju of Lightning
Each region features a major boss and dungeon. Once all four are cleared, a key cutscene will play involving Zelda and the Master Sword, pushing the story toward the next phase.
Talk to Purah in Lookout Landing
After clearing all four regions, return to Lookout Landing and speak with Purah. She will acknowledge your progress and hint at strange activity in the desert. This is where the actual quest for the Fifth Sage begins. Be sure to update your quest log and check the new entries.
Starting the Secret of the Ring Ruins Quest
Head to Kakariko Village
The next step in the Fifth Sage storyline takes place in Kakariko Village. There, you’ll find Tauro investigating Zonai ruins with a team of scholars. Speak with him, and he will reference strange markings and ancient texts related to a hidden temple. Tauro’s involvement is crucial, as he will guide you to your next destination through a series of clues.
Explore the Ring Ruins
Follow Tauro and his crew to the Ring Ruins, a mysterious formation located near Kakariko. There, you’ll begin the ‘Secret of the Ring Ruins’ quest. This involves solving puzzles, navigating ancient structures, and interpreting Zonai glyphs. The ruins act as a gateway to the next portion of the Fifth Sage arc.
Journey to the Spirit Temple
Unlocking the Construct Factory
After progressing through the Ring Ruins and following the quest markers, you’ll unlock a path leading to the Construct Factory located in the Depths beneath the desert. This area is filled with ancient Zonai tech, enemies, and construction puzzles. Completing this section involves collecting four construct parts scattered throughout the factory and assembling them into a body for Mineru, the Fifth Sage.
Activating Mineru
Once you’ve reassembled the construct body and solved the puzzles within the factory, you’ll bring it to the Spirit Temple, also located in the Depths. Here, a major cutscene occurs, and the essence of Mineru the Fifth Sage is transferred into the mechanical body you assembled. Mineru becomes both an ally and a rideable companion with unique combat and traversal abilities.
Combat and Final Trial for the Fifth Sage
Face the Seized Construct
After activating the Spirit Temple, you’ll be tasked with defeating the Seized Construct, a powerful corrupted version of the construct you just assembled. This boss fight is unique in that you fight it while riding Mineru, using her armament system. You’ll have access to cannons, flame throwers, and other modular weapons attached to her frame.
To win this battle, you need to master the mechanics of Mineru’s movement and attacks. Watch for when the Seized Construct becomes aggressive, and use distance-based weapons to your advantage. This fight marks the true awakening of the Fifth Sage and completes her introduction into your party.
What the Fifth Sage Offers
Mineru’s Abilities
Once Mineru joins you, she offers unique support functions not seen with the other Sages:
- Rideable construct with modular weapon loadouts
- Improved exploration in the Depths
- Assistive combat abilities during battles
Mineru also helps in solving environmental puzzles by allowing you to lift or break certain obstacles. Her bulky frame is ideal for exploration in hazardous areas, especially lava zones or deep chasms.
Synergy with Other Sages
Mineru is the only Sage who joins you as a rideable unit, while the others function as spiritual companions that support you in battle. Together, they form a complete team of allies that assist you in reaching Ganondorf and tackling the final quests of the game. Mineru’s mechanical nature complements the elemental powers of the other Sages perfectly.
Tips for Navigating the Depths
Use Lightroots to Guide Your Path
The Depths are incredibly dark and filled with dangers, so activate Lightroots frequently to illuminate your surroundings. The route to the Spirit Temple winds through challenging terrain filled with Gloom and high-level enemies. Mineru’s quest requires patience and preparation, so bring lots of Brightbloom Seeds and Gloom-resistant gear.
Bring Zonai Devices and Batteries
Because you’ll be using Mineru’s construct body extensively, bring extra Zonai energy cells and devices. These help power the construct’s abilities and ensure you can move through the Depths without running out of stamina. Building recharge stations along your route can also improve your efficiency.
Additional Notes and Advice
Progressing Beyond the Fifth Sage
Once you’ve awakened Mineru, the full roster of Sages is complete. You can then proceed to the final story segments of the game, which involve infiltrating Hyrule Castle and confronting Ganondorf. Be sure to complete side quests, upgrade gear, and collect all Sage’s Wills to enhance your companions’ effectiveness.
Backtracking for Missed Clues
If you feel stuck at any point, return to Tauro or Purah for additional hints. The questline for the Fifth Sage doesn’t always push itself forward automatically, and player input through exploration is often required. Check your adventure log and speak to relevant NPCs to make sure no dialogue or key trigger was missed.
the Fifth Sage Questline
The journey to find the Fifth Sage in Tears of the Kingdom is a mix of mystery, exploration, puzzle-solving, and battle strategy. It stands apart from the other Sage quests due to its unique location in the Depths and the creation of a physical companion. By following the quest threads from Lookout Landing to Kakariko Village and eventually into the Spirit Temple, you unlock one of the most powerful and useful allies in the game. Mineru’s presence adds a new layer of depth both mechanically and thematically to your adventure and plays a pivotal role in preparing for the final confrontation. Take your time, prepare your resources, and enjoy the unfolding secrets of this ancient legend.