Glide off the Great Plateau, look north, and Central Hyrule is the first big open space Breath of the Wild hands you. Rolling fields, two rivers, a pair of stables, and Hyrule Castle wrapped in Malice on the horizon. It’s gentle in the south and nasty in the north, which makes it perfect for learning the game one step at a time.
Here’s how to work through it: the two stables and their five side quests, all eight shrines, Central Tower, and what to expect once you reach the castle.
Central Hyrule at a Glance
The region is the land around Central Tower, roughly from the Digdogg Suspension Bridge in the southwest up to Hyrule Castle in the north. Hyrule Field sits in the middle, with rivers and moats framing the edges, so you rarely lose your bearings.
- Stables: Outskirt Stable on the west side, north of the Great Plateau, and Riverside Stable in the southeast near Whistling Hill.
- Shrines: 8 in total, five of them Tests of Strength.
- Shrine Quests: none. Every shrine here is open once you reach it.
- Southern Threats: Bokoblin and Moblin camps in the ruins, plus mounted Bokoblins in the open fields.
- Northern Threats: Guardians. Decayed ones around Central Tower, active Guardian Stalkers in the fields near Castle Town, and Guardian Skywatchers over the castle.
(Pro tip: think of the region as a difficulty slope. The farther north you ride, the more Guardians you’ll meet, so let your gear decide how far you push.)
Step 1: Activate Central Tower
Central Tower stands in the middle of Hyrule Field, ringed by ruins and old Guardians. Unlocking it fills in the map for the whole region, Hyrule Castle included, so it’s worth doing early. Check our Central Tower guide for the full climb.
- Fight Them: if you can parry Guardian lasers with a shield (block right as the beam fires), clear the area first and climb in peace.
- Run Past Them: sprint in, climb fast, activate, then fast travel out instead of gliding over the field.
- Use Revali’s Gale: once you have it, one gust from the base gets you most of the way up in seconds.
Oh, and the Decayed Guardians can’t move, but they can still shoot. Keep the tower body between you and them as you climb.
Step 2: Stables and Side Quests
The two stables hold all five of the region’s side quests. Rest, register your horse, and talk to everyone.
| Quest | Stable | Quest Giver | What to Do | Reward |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Royal White Stallion | Outskirt | Toffa | Tame the white horse on Safula Hill and register it | Royal Saddle and Royal Bridle |
| A Rare Find | Outskirt | Trott | Bring him one Raw Gourmet Meat | Silver Rupee |
| My Hero | Outskirt | Aliza | Return after you’ve pulled the Master Sword | Star Fragment |
| The Royal Guard’s Gear | Riverside | Parcy | Show her any Royal Guard’s weapon or shield | Gold Rupee (300 rupees) |
| A Royal Recipe | Riverside | Gotter | Cook him a Fruitcake or a Monster Cake | Silver Rupee |
Quest Tips
- The Royal White Stallion: the horse grazes on Safula Hill near the Sanidin Park Ruins, north of the stable across the river. Sneak up from behind, mount, and soothe it. Bring at least two stamina wheels or an Enduring Elixir.
- A Rare Find: after the quest, Trott keeps buying Raw Gourmet Meat for a Silver Rupee each, up to three per day. Easy money if you hunt big game.
- The Royal Guard’s Gear: the Royal Guard’s series is not the same as the Royal series. A Royal Claymore won’t count. You’ll find Royal Guard’s gear inside Hyrule Castle, for example a Royal Guard’s Shield in the library area.
- A Royal Recipe: you don’t need the castle library books. A Fruitcake is fruit (apple and wildberry work), Tabantha Wheat and Cane Sugar. Bring both cakes and you get a second Silver Rupee. Our BOTW recipe guide has the full list.
- My Hero: you only need to own the Master Sword, not have it equipped.
Step 3: All 8 Central Hyrule Shrines
Here’s the full breakdown. Every one gives a Spirit Orb, and five of them are combat trials against a Guardian Scout.
| Shrine | Trial | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Dah Kaso | A Minor Test of Strength | Below the Digdogg Suspension Bridge, west of the Great Plateau |
| Rota Ooh | Passing of the Gates | Hills above Outskirt Stable |
| Kaam Ya’tak | Trial of Power | Mount Daphnes, southwest of Central Tower |
| Wahgo Katta | Metal Connections | Whistling Hill, just up the road from Riverside Stable |
| Katah Chuki | A Minor Test of Strength | Quarry Ruins, west of the Castle Town ruins |
| Noya Neha | A Minor Test of Strength | Cave on the island west of Hyrule Castle |
| Namika Ozz | A Modest Test of Strength | Crenel Hills, east of Hyrule Castle |
| Saas Ko’sah | A Major Test of Strength | The Docks inside Hyrule Castle |
The Hidden Island Shrine
The Noya Neha Shrine is the one people miss. It sits in a small cave on the island west of the castle, and the entrance is sealed.
- Burn the Thorns: fire arrows, a torch, or any flame clears the bramble.
- Blow the Rocks: a remote bomb or bomb arrow breaks the cracked boulders behind it.
- Bonus: the Guardian Scout inside swings an Ancient Battle Axe, and you can keep it after the fight.
Your best bet for the Tests of Strength is to bring a spare shield and a few strong weapons. Guardian Scouts hit hard, and their weapons break yours fast if you trade blows.
Step 4: Scout Hyrule Castle
The castle is the endgame, but you can walk in any time. It’s packed with Guardians, Lynels and high-tier gear, so go in prepared, or just peek from a distance.
- Why Go Early: Royal Guard’s gear for Parcy’s quest, the Saas Ko’sah Shrine in the Docks, and the Hylian Shield in the Lockup (guarded by a Stalnox).
- Watch Out For: Guardian Stalkers in Castle Town, Skywatchers circling overhead, and a Lynel inside the castle.
- The Final Fight: Calamity Ganon waits in the Sanctum at the top. Freeing the Divine Beasts first makes the fight much easier.
Pro Tips for Central Hyrule
- Follow the Rivers: both stables sit close to water, so riverbanks are the easiest way to get your bearings.
- Respect the Guardian Whir: if you hear that beep and see a red laser sight, break line of sight. You can come back stronger.
- Practice the Parry: a perfect shield guard sends lasers straight back. Learn the timing on a single Decayed Guardian first.
- Pack Fire: fire arrows save a trip back for Noya Neha.
- Grab Korok Seeds: the field is full of them; see our Central Tower Korok guide.
Central Hyrule FAQ
How many shrines are in Central Hyrule in BOTW?
Eight: Dah Kaso, Rota Ooh, Kaam Ya’tak, Wahgo Katta, Katah Chuki, Noya Neha, Namika Ozz and Saas Ko’sah. None of them needs a shrine quest.
What stables are in Central Hyrule?
Two: Outskirt Stable on the west side, north of the Great Plateau, and Riverside Stable in the southeast, next to Whistling Hill.
How do you get into the Noya Neha Shrine?
Go to the island west of Hyrule Castle, burn the thorns with fire, then blow up the cracked rocks with a bomb to open the cave.
Where is the white horse for The Royal White Stallion?
On Safula Hill near the Sanidin Park Ruins, north of Outskirt Stable. Tame it, register it at the stable, then talk to Toffa while riding it.
Can you go to Hyrule Castle early?
Yes. You can enter Hyrule Castle right after leaving the Great Plateau, but the Guardians and Lynels make it very tough without upgraded hearts and gear.
Your Call: sprint for the tower, clear the stables, or tiptoe toward the castle. Central Hyrule rewards whatever pace you pick, and every shrine and quest here makes the final ride north a little less scary. Nailed it? Then the castle is waiting.
