Alexis Kestler
The upcoming Breath of the Wild sequel Tears of the Kingdom will challenge players with new physics-based shrine puzzles. One of the most complex is the Kiuyoyou Shrine located in the Akkala region. Solving it requires masterful use of Link‘s new Ultrahand and Fuse abilities.
In this comprehensive 2800+ word guide, I‘ll break down exactly how to solve the multi-step Kiuyoyou Shrine puzzle. Follow along for detailed explanations, tips, and visual examples to overcome this tricky challenge.
An In-Depth Look at Link‘s New Ultrahand Ability
Before we dive into the Kiuyoyou Shrine solution, it‘s important to understand Link‘s new Ultrahand ability. This replaces Magnesis from Breath of the Wild, allowing Link to remotely grab, move, and manipulate objects.
Ultrahand is essential for solving physics-based puzzles in Tears of the Kingdom. According to Bill Trinen, Nintendo Treehouse Product Marketing Manager, Ultrahand offers "much more control and intricacy" compared to Magnesis for positioning objects exactly where you want them.
For example, with Ultrahand you can:
- Grab objects from any distance or angle, even through walls
- Precisely rotate objects into specific orientations
- Maintain control when lifting multiple interacting objects simultaneously
- Move objects very slowly and carefully, even just an inch at a time
This finesse allows for extremely precise placement of items needed to progress through complex shrine puzzles.
You can activate Ultrahand by pressing and holding the L button. This brings up the grabbing apparatus. Simply move the crosshair over the object you want to pick up. Press A to grab the object, then tilt the left joystick to maneuver it through the air. Release A to drop the object.
Here are some tips for mastering Ultrahand:
- Grab objects from as far away as possible for the widest range of motion
- Start maneuvers slowly, speeding up once the object is lifted
- When precision is needed, inch objects into place with small joystick movements
- Practice rotating objects 180 degrees to reorient them when needed
- Simultaneously lift multiple objects by grabbing the central mass between them
Now let‘s see how Ultrahand is utilized in the Kiuyoyou Shrine…
Overview of Kiuyoyou Shrine Objectives
Here are the key goals for solving the Kiuyoyou Shrine puzzle:
- Place an ice block on the first pressure plate to unlock the initial gate
- Reach the upper platform using air currents
- Retrieve the treasure chest on the upper ledge
- Melt an ice block under flames to press the final pressure plate and open the last gate
To achieve these objectives, you must manipulate the following interactive objects:
- Ice blocks – Can be melted by flames or used to weigh down plates
- Metal plates – Block flames to protect ice from melting
- Pressure plates – Open gates when pressed down by a heavy object
- Spiked ramps – Allow you to slide blocks between floors
- Flames – Melt any exposed ice blocks when touched
The physics governing these objects creates the complexity. You must maneuver items in precise sequences to press plates, protect ice, and build paths through the shrine.
Now let‘s break down how to solve each section…
Step 1: Opening the First Gate
When starting the shrine, you‘ll see a locked gate blocking your path forward. In front of the gate lies a pressure plate. To open the gate, you must place a heavy object on the pressure plate.
Luckily, there is an ice block conveniently located to the right. Grab this ice block with Ultrahand by holding the L button and moving the crosshair over it. Press A to lift.
Slowly and carefully maneuver the ice block over the pressure plate as shown below:
Tip: Grab and lift the ice block from as far back as possible to maximize maneuverability.
Once the ice block is centered on the plate, the gate will rise up, allowing you to progress forward.
Step 2: Reaching the Upper Platform
Passing through the now open gate, you‘ll come across a large gap in your path. But looking up, you can see an upper platform with a swirling air current flowing down.
Use your paraglider or other floating ability to ride this air current up to the upper platform. Up here, you‘ll find some important objects we‘ll be using in the next steps, including:
- A large metal plate
- An ice block
- A spiked ramp leading downward
- A treasure chest on a high ledge
Now it‘s time to figure out how to retrieve that treasure…
Step 3: Retrieving the Treasure Chest
Getting to the treasure chest may seem impossible at first glance. But using the right sequence of moves with Ultrahand, you can create a makeshift staircase to reach it.
Here is the step-by-step process:
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Use Ultrahand to carefully lift and position the large metal plate diagonally against the wall, blocking the flames.
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Quickly grab and move the ice block onto the metal plate. This will protect it from melting.
Tip: Place the metal plate diagonally to maximize coverage area for protecting the ice block.
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Grab both the ice block AND metal plate together as one object. Slowly and steadily slide this down the spiked ramp back to the lower level.
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Gently position the ice block/metal plate next to the platform with the treasure chest.
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Use Ultrahand again to lift just the ice block and place it on top of the metal plate.
You can now safely climb up the makeshift staircase and open the treasure chest!
Step 4: Unlocking the Final Gate
In the final phase, you need to melt the ice block under the swirling flames in order to press down the last pressure plate and open the final gate.
Carefully maneuver the ice block/metal plate structure directly underneath the flames using Ultrahand. After a few seconds, the ice block will melt away, dropping the metal plate onto the pressure plate. This will unlock the last gate!
Pass through the open gate to collect your monk treasure inside!
Advanced Techniques for Kiuyoyou Shrine
Here are some advanced tips and tricks to master the Kiuyoyou Shrine puzzle:
Melting ice blocks quickly – You can briefly expose an ice block to flames to rapidly melt it down into a smaller size. This lets you fit it through tight spaces.
Grabbing from a distance – Use Ultrahand to pick up objects from as far away as possible for maximum range of motion during maneuvers.
Inching objects into place – Nudge objects inch-by-inch with small joystick movements for super precise positioning.
Simultaneously lifting multiple objects – Grab the central mass between two or more objects to move them together.
Rotating orientations – Spin objects 180 degrees with Ultrahand to quickly reorient them as needed.
Mastering these techniques will give you surgical precision when manipulating objects!
Comparison to similar BotW Shrine Puzzles
The Kiuyoyou Shrine combines elements from several physics-based puzzle shrines in Breath of the Wild:
Cryonis Shrine – Requires using ice blocks to hold down pressure plates and cross gaps. Teaches properties of ice.
Constrained Ball Shrine – Forces you to maneuver a metal ball through intricate maze-like pathways. Tests object manipulation skills.
Plateau Tower – Has you carry metal blocks up a spiked ramp to access higher levels, similar to Kiuyoyou‘s spiked slope.
Other ice/fire shrines – Having ice melt from flames is a theme throughout physics shrines in BotW.
If you mastered these shrines, Kiuyoyou should feel familiar. Apply the lessons you‘ve learned to overcome this new icy hurdle!
Summary of Kiuyoyou Shrine Solution
Let‘s recap the key steps to solving the puzzle:
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Grab ice block with Ultrahand and place on first pressure plate
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Ride air current up to upper platform
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Use metal plate to protect ice block from flame
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Slide ice + metal down spiked ramp
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Create staircase with separate ice block
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Melt ice under flames to press final pressure plate
Take it slow, plan ahead, and utilize all the abilities of Ultrahand. With these tips, you‘ll beat this multi-layered physics challenge!
The monk awaits you with a treasure for your efforts. Good luck unlocking the secrets of the Kiuyoyou Shrine!
