In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Depths is a vast, inverted mirror of Hyrule. It is dark, dangerous, and easy to avoid. But as of 2026, players who descend into this underground realm discover some of the most memorable locations in the game. While a full playthrough does not require exploring every corner, entering The Depths is necessary for key quests and rewards. The following guide highlights the best places to visit, from ancient temples to mysterious coliseums. Spoilers ahead for certain areas and their purpose.
15. The Fire Temple

Located deep beneath Death Mountain, the Fire Temple is the only main temple besides the Spirit Temple that sits in The Depths. Players visit it to help the Gorons deal with their regional phenomenon. The abandoned temple holds clues to the Goron plight, and its design is a throwback to older Zelda dungeons. For many fans, it is a highlight of the underground map.
14. The Spirit Temple

The Spirit Temple is where Mineru takes Link to retrieve her Secret Stone. She left a Construct behind in case she needed a body to return to. When she and Link venture inside, they are shocked to learn what has become of that Construct. This hidden fifth temple is special because players assume they are finished after the other four. Instead, they must visit this mysterious place to truly rid the world of Ganon.
13. Abandoned Mines

Abandoned Mines are scattered all over The Depths. These are areas that the ancient Zonai people built to traverse the underground and mine Zonaite. Players can find one under all the major cities and villages in the game. What makes these places special is that they offer a glimpse into the past. Since the game is built around the Zonai, these mines help show the scope of their kingdom.
12. Yiga Clan Hideouts

Once players enter The Depths, they quickly learn that Yiga Clan Hideouts are everywhere. After the Yiga leader fell into a chasm leading underground, the clan began working to help Ganon destroy Link. These hideouts are special for several reasons. First, it is impressive to see the dedication the Yiga put into them. Additionally, players can find Schematics for Autobuild at these hideouts, making them valuable targets.
11. Below Hyrule Castle

Below Hyrule Castle lies a chasm that leads to one of the deepest areas in the game. This is where Ganon flees after being defeated for the first time. He is able to reach the deepest parts of The Depths and build an army. What makes this place interesting is its sheer size. While it looks small on the map, the area goes deep underground. Along the way, players see remnants of old castles, leading them to wonder what may have been there.
10. The Construct Factory

The Construct Factory is an area players come across during their hunt for the fifth Sage. During this quest, they learn that Mineru, the final Sage, constructed a body that is still in The Depths. This construct allows her to take a form while helping Link fight Ganon. The area is a massive mine-like structure directly below the Popla Foothills, near the Spring of Courage. It is an impressive shape and size.
9. The Cliff Bargainer Statue

Bargainer Statues are new entities introduced in this game. They help Poes, the spirits of those long gone, depart from this world. This job makes them extremely interesting and mysterious. In addition, they are located directly below prominent Goddess Statues, leaving players to wonder whether the two are related. What makes this Bargainer Statue stand out is that players can see its entire body. With others, only the head is visible. This one is directly below the Goddess Statue in the Forgotten Temple.
8. The Labyrinths

There are three labyrinths around Hyrule: North Lomei, South Lomei, and Lomei Labyrinth. While these labyrinths were in the previous game, their Depths and Sky Island counterparts were not. These giant labyrinths hold secret trials from Rauru, the first king of Hyrule. They add another layer to the lore surrounding the surface labyrinths. In this game, Link can obtain the Evil Spirit Armor for completing each of the three labyrinths.
7. The Coliseums

There are six different Coliseums in The Depths. In these arenas, players face mobs of different enemy types depending on which Coliseum they enter. They can be found throughout The Depths below prominent areas and offer Link a chance to hone his skills. While these Coliseums give amazing rewards, their purpose is also interesting. Fans have theorized why they exist. One under the Lost Woods is run by the Yiga Clan, but the others do not seem to be run by anyone.
6. The Akkala House of Bones

This area is easy to miss in a playthrough. The Akkala House of Bones seems to be made up of bones of some kind. Inside the center, players find several skeletal mobs and then a Stalnox. To find this area, they need to check below Skull Island. What makes it so interesting is that it makes players stop and think. Why is there a giant area made of bones in The Depths? What could the bones be from? Why are they only in this area? The mystery behind it is compelling.
Quick Reference: Why These Depths Locations Matter
| Location | Why Visit | Key Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Temple | Goron regional phenomenon, classic dungeon design | Heart Container, story progress |
| Spirit Temple | Fifth Sage, Mineru's Construct | Mineru's construct |
| Abandoned Mines | Zonai history, Zonaite farming | Zonaite, gear |
| Yiga Clan Hideouts | Autobuild schematics | Schematics, loot |
| Below Hyrule Castle | Final approach to Ganondorf | Story progression |
| Construct Factory | Mineru's construct assembly | Fifth Sage access |
| Cliff Bargainer Statue | Poes exchange, mystery | Poes trades |
| Labyrinths | Rauru's trials | Evil Spirit Armor |
| Coliseums | Combat challenges | Weapons, armor |
| Akkala House of Bones | Mystery, Stalnox | Loot, Stalnox fight |
Tips for Exploring The Depths in 2026
Players who want to see these locations should prepare before descending. The Depths is dark, and Gloom can permanently reduce Link's hearts until he returns to the surface or uses special remedies. Here are a few practical tips:
-
🔦 Use Brightbloom Seeds to light the way. They can be thrown or attached to arrows.
-
🧪 Carry Gloom recovery items, such as Sunny Veggies or Gloom-resistant meals.
-
🗺️ Activate Lightroots to permanently illuminate the map. They also serve as fast travel points.
-
🤖 Build a simple hoverbike or fan boat with Zonai devices to cross rough terrain.
-
⚔️ Stock up on weapons and shields before entering Coliseums or Yiga hideouts.
In 2026, The Depths remains one of the most rewarding parts of Tears of the Kingdom. It is not just a dark mirror of Hyrule. It is a place of ancient Zonai mines, hidden temples, mysterious statues, and brutal combat trials. For players who take the time to explore, the underground world offers some of the best sights and challenges in the entire game.