The Korok Mask: Why This Weird Item Is Actually a Lifesaver in BOTW

The Korok Mask: Why This Weird Item Is Actually a Lifesaver in BOTW

You’ve been there. You are staring at a random circle of rocks in the middle of a Faron jungle, wondering if you are losing your mind. There are 900 of those little wooden spirits hiding in Hyrule. 900. It’s a number that feels less like a collectible quest and more like a full-time job. Honestly, without the korok mask, most players would just give up after the first fifty inventory slots.

The thing is, Breath of the Wild doesn't exactly hold your hand. It wants you to suffer a little. But if you have the DLC—specifically The Master Trials—you get access to this goofy, shaking piece of wood that basically acts as a Geiger counter for forest spirits. It’s not just an accessory; it’s a sanity saver.

Where the Heck Do You Find It?

Don’t expect the game to just hand it over. You have to go into the Lost Woods, which is already a nightmare if you aren't paying attention to the wind. To start the hunt, you’ll want to head to Woodland Stable. There’s a book there—Super Rumor Mill EX: Volume 1—written by the ever-gossipy Traysi. She’ll mention a "strange mask" hidden in a tree hollow in a forest that makes people lose their way.

Hint: It’s the Lost Woods. Obviously.

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Once you’re in the woods, follow the torches like you’re going to the Korok Forest. You’ll eventually hit a spot with two stationary torches. Most people think they need to keep following the path to the Master Sword, but for the mask, you need to pivot.

Look south. Turn on your Magnesis. Seriously, do it. The chest is tucked inside the "mouth" of a creepy-looking Ogre Tree. If you don't use Magnesis, you’ll walk right past it because the fog makes everything look the same. The chest has "EX" on it, so you can't miss it once you’re close.

How the Korok Mask Actually Works (And Its Limits)

When you put it on, Link looks ridiculous. It’s a wide, flat leaf mask that jiggles. But when you get within about 50 meters of a hidden Korok, the mask starts to rattle. It makes this little "yahaha" chime and sparks fly off it.

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It’s proximity-based. It doesn’t tell you where the Korok is, just that you’re warm.

I’ve seen players get frustrated because the mask is shaking but they can’t see anything. Here is the trick: the mask reacts to the puzzle, not necessarily the Korok itself. If it’s a "follow the flowers" puzzle, the mask might trigger because you’re near the start of the trail. If it’s a "shoot the acorns" puzzle, you might be standing right under a tree branch you haven't looked at yet.

  • Range: It’s roughly a 50-meter radius.
  • Verticality: It works in a sphere. If you’re at the bottom of a massive cliff and there’s a Korok at the top, the mask might not go off until you start climbing.
  • Already found? No. If you’ve already grabbed the seed, the mask stays silent. Thank Hylia for that.

Why You Actually Need It

Look, the first 441 seeds are useful. They expand your inventory so you can actually carry more than three shields. But after that? It’s pure completionist madness. If you are going for the full 900, doing it without the korok mask is basically masochism.

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The mask is particularly great for the "random rock" Koroks. You know the ones—they’re just sitting on a mountain peak or hidden under a leaf pile in a place you’d never think to look. Without the chime, you’d walk past 70% of them.

Pro-Tips for the Hunt

If the mask is shaking and you’re stuck, stop moving. Rotate your camera 360 degrees. Look for things that look "off." A circle of lilies in a pond? A lone rock on a pillar? A pinwheel? If you still can’t find it, try the "triangulation" method. Walk in one direction until the mask stops shaking. Mark that spot on your map. Walk back until it stops in the other direction. The Korok is exactly in the middle of those two points.

Also, keep in mind that Granté in Tarrey Town will sell you a replacement if you ever lose yours or accidentally sell it. It’ll cost you 50 Rupees, which is a steal considering how much time it saves.

Actionable Steps for Your Next Session

  1. Check your DLC: Make sure you actually have "The Master Trials" installed, or the chest won't exist.
  2. Woodland Stable: Read the book to trigger the "EX Strange Mask Rumors" quest so it's in your log.
  3. Lost Woods Entry: Follow the torches to the pair of flames, then head south-southwest.
  4. Magnesis is Key: Keep the magnet active to spot the pink glow of the metal chest inside the tree.
  5. Equip and Explore: Wear the mask whenever you are traveling between Shrines; you’ll be surprised how many seeds you missed on your first pass.