Weather Effects and Elements

Learn how weather and environmental elements like heat, cold, rain, storms, fire, wind, and electricity affect gameplay in The Legend of Zelda.

High Temperatures – Several zones and locations within the game have a high temperature that without the proper protection will damage Link over time as long as he stays in proximity to it. This can either be caused by very high temperatures in desert areas – which you'll need to counteract with heat-resistant gear/food/elixirs or being in close proximity to lava which requires gear/food/elixirs providing the flame guard buff.

Low Temperatures – Several zones and locations within the game feature low temperatures that without the proper protection will damage Link over time as long as he stays within the area. This is usually caused by very low temperatures in snowy areas or in very cold water. In order to prevent damage you'll need to counteract the effect of the cold with cold-resistant gear/food/elixirs.

Rain – Hyrule will frequently receive rain showers and the rain can impact on Link's (a non-player character) ability to explore the world. The most noticeable impact is on Link's ability to climb as the rain will cause cliffs and walls to become rain slick and slippery. It will also reduce visibility and its noise can mask approaching enemies or wildlife.

Storms – Storms are a natural progression of the rain. In addition to the impacts that rain has on Link's exploration, storms also have the ability to generate lightning, which can (and likely will) strike Link and his surrounds. Fortunately, you'll get an indicator when this is about to happen as Link will generate a few spars which will increase in intensity until a lightning strike occurs – this can be avoided by standing under (cover (press the cover button to crouch behind walls or objects)) or hiding in a cave until the strike occurs and you can proceed again. To reduce the chances of getting struck by lightning (although it can still happen) is to remove any gear that Link has equipped that is made of metal – this acts as a lightning rod!

Fire – You'll see plenty of fire in the environment and touching it will damage Link. Fortunately, it can be manipulated to our advantage in a number of ways. Link can put arrows in it to light them on fire before shooting enemies for bonus damage, can light wooden weapons to transfer fires from place to place, to light camp fires for cooking, used to create updrafts for the paraglider and can be used to burn down the occasional wooden structure.

Wind – Wind occurs in many places around the world map and occurs in a couple of different forms. The first is strong gale-force winds which will slow down or push Link as he attempts to run through them. You'll also experience gusty updrafts which Link can make use of with his paraglider to lift off the ground and fly elsewhere.

Electricity – You'll encounter electricity in a number of forms, first through lightning strikes encountered through storms and also through enemies equipped with Thunder-based weapons or imbued with the electrical element (Keese, Lizalfos, Chuchus etc.). Electricity plays a major role in several of the Shrine puzzles in the game and using Magnesis on metal blocks will enable you to manipulate electricity somewhat.