You’ve spent hours scouring Hyrule. You’ve climbed mountains, moved boulders, and chased little glittering sparkles through the grass. Now, you have a pocket full of Korok Seeds and a weapon stash that is desperately, painfully full. You need the big guy. But if you’re looking for totk where is hestu, you’ve probably realized he isn't exactly standing where he used to be in Breath of the Wild.
Honestly, Hestu is a bit of a nomad this time around. He doesn't just sit in the forest waiting for you to find a way through the fog. If you go straight to the Lost Woods expecting him to be there at the start of the game, you’re going to be disappointed (and probably very confused). He’s actually out in the world, trying to find his way home, and he gets scared easily.
Here is exactly where that dancing broccoli-man is hiding and why he keeps moving on you.
The First Encounter: Near Lindor’s Brow
Most players stumble upon Hestu for the first time in the Hyrule Ridge region. If you’re following the natural path toward the northwest to tackle the Rito questline, you’ll likely run right into him.
He’s stationed on a hill just southeast of the Lindor’s Brow Skyview Tower. Specifically, look for him around the coordinates (-1714, 1067, 0202). You’ll know you’re close when you see a massive, shivering Korok who looks like he’s seen a ghost.
He’s terrified of two "scary trees" nearby. These aren't just decorative; they are Evermeans—enemies disguised as trees that will jump out and whack you. Chop them down with an axe or burn them to a crisp. Once they’re gone, Hestu stops shaking and remembers he has maracas to shake.
At this spot, he’ll only give you two upgrades. After that, he decides it’s too dangerous and tells you he’s heading to a place where there are lots of people.
Where Does Hestu Go After Lindor's Brow?
If you missed him at the tower, or if you already talked to him and he vanished, don't panic. He hasn't gone back to the forest yet.
Hestu moves to Lookout Landing.
This is the main hub where Purah and the rest of the crew are hanging out. You can find him in the southeast corner of the fort, usually standing under a large tree near the general store and the stable. It’s a way more convenient spot, honestly.
Why isn't Hestu at Lookout Landing for me?
Sometimes he doesn't show up right away. If you haven't seen him at Lindor's Brow, but you’ve already cleared one of the major Temples (like the Wind Temple), the game basically "mercy-spawns" him at Lookout Landing so you don't have to go hunting for him.
However, if you did talk to him at the tower and he’s still not at the landing, try sleeping at an inn or fast-traveling away and back. He’s a big guy; he walks slow.
The Permanent Home: Korok Forest
The question of totk where is hestu gets complicated once you start making real progress. Eventually, Hestu will leave Lookout Landing. This usually happens after you’ve cleared the gloom from the Korok Forest.
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To get him to his final, permanent location, you have to save the Great Deku Tree. You can't just walk through the Lost Woods like in the old days; you have to go under them.
- Head to the Minshi Woods Chasm.
- Dive into the Depths.
- Use the Lightroots to navigate toward the area directly beneath the Korok Forest.
- Look for a massive stone pillar and use Ascend.
- Once you’re in the forest, you’ll see everyone is "frozen."
- Go inside the Deku Tree, dive into the secret chasm in his stomach, and beat the Gloom Hands and Phantom Ganon.
Once the forest is back to its happy, leafy self, Hestu moves in for good. You’ll find him standing right next to the Musanokir Shrine. This is the best place to keep him because you can just warp in, dump thirty seeds on him, and warp out.
What Most People Get Wrong About Hestu
A lot of players think they have to find him at the tower first. You actually don't. If you ignore the northwest part of the map entirely and just keep playing the story, he will eventually just appear at Lookout Landing. The game knows you need those weapon slots.
Also, keep in mind the price increase. It’s steep. The first upgrade is 1 seed, but it jumps to 2, 3, 5, 8, and so on. By the time you’re trying to max out your shields, you’ll be hunting for hundreds of those little golden nuggets.
Your next move:
Check your map for the Lindor’s Brow Skyview Tower. If the area to the southeast is still "dark" on your map, head there now. Even if you only have five seeds, getting those first two weapon slots makes the early-game combat much less of a headache. If he's not there, warp to Lookout Landing and check the tree by the shop—he’s likely waiting for his next dance.