You finally did it. You tracked down every single one of those 152 glowing spirals scattered across the floating islands and the dark, terrifying depths of the underground. Your map is a mess of fast-travel icons. Your knees probably hurt just thinking about all that climbing. And what do you get for basically conquering every corner of Hyrule? The Tunic of the Wild TOTK set. It’s a nostalgic punch to the gut, a callback to the 2017 masterpiece that started this whole version of Link’s journey, but honestly, some players feel a bit let down when they first open that chest at the Forgotten Temple.
Is it just a green outfit? Well, yeah. But it’s also arguably the most symbolic piece of gear in Tears of the Kingdom.
Getting your hands on the "Of the Wild" set isn't like finding a stray pair of trousers in a random wooden chest. It’s a marathon. In Breath of the Wild, you had to clear 120 shrines. In the sequel, Nintendo upped the ante. You need to finish every single Light of Blessing challenge. Once that 152nd shrine chime rings, a new side quest pops up, beckoning you back to the canyon where the massive Goddess Statue toppled over. It feels like a rite of passage. If you're wearing this, you aren't just a player; you're a completionist who seen the absolute worst the Gleeoks and Lynels have to offer.
The Forgotten Temple and the Reward Ceremony
The game doesn't just mail you the clothes. That would be boring. You have to head to the Forgotten Temple in the Tanagar Canyon. It's that massive, crumbling structure filled with the skeletons of ancient birds and a whole lot of history. If you've been following the Geoglyphs quest line with Impa, you already know this place is central to the lore of the Zonai and the first King of Hyrule. Behind the deepest sanctum, behind where the giant statue used to stand, three chests appear.
Inside? The Cap of the Wild, the Tunic of the Wild, and the Trousers of the Wild.
It’s the classic look. Short shorts. Long green tunic. The floppy hat that Link has worn since the NES days. In a game where you spend most of your time wearing weird Zonai devices, ancient Greek-inspired wraps, or literal rubber suits to avoid lightning, putting this on feels like coming home. It’s comfortable. It’s familiar. It’s the "Canon Link" look that defines the hero’s identity across decades of gaming history.
Let’s Talk Stats (Because Defense Actually Matters)
Don't let the retro aesthetic fool you into thinking this is just "cosplay" gear. This set is heavy duty. Each piece starts at a base defense of 4. That’s standard. But once you start visiting the Great Fairies and dumping your hard-earned materials into upgrades, the Tunic of the Wild TOTK stats start to rival the best armor in the game. At a level four upgrade, each piece provides 28 defense points.
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That is a total of 84 defense.
To put that in perspective, the Hylian Set—the one you buy in Lookout Landing for a handful of rupees—caps out much lower. The only things that really beat it in raw survivability are the Soldier’s Set and the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, but the latter turns you into a weird furry lizard creature, which isn't everyone's vibe. The Tunic of the Wild keeps you looking like Link while letting you tank a direct hit from a Silver Lynel's mace without seeing the "Game Over" screen immediately.
There is a catch, though. Upgrading this thing is a nightmare.
You’re going to need dragon parts. Lots of them. Specifically, you’ll be hunting Dinraal, Naydra, and Farosh for their scales, claws, shards, and horns. It makes sense, right? The "Wild" set requires you to actually master the wild elements of Hyrule. You can't just buy your way to power here. You have to time your paraglider jumps, ride the updrafts around the dragons' bodies, and pray you don't get frozen or fried while trying to whack a horn with a Master Sword-fused arrow.
Why Some People Hate the Look
Look, we have to address the elephant in the room. The shorts. They are... very short.
In Breath of the Wild, this was Link's ultimate reward, and it was designed to look like a modern take on his original 1986 outfit. It’s a "vintage" look. Some players think it looks dorky compared to the sleek, blue Champion’s Leathers or the edgy Depths armor. Honestly, I kind of get it. Seeing Link’s knees while he’s fighting a literal demon god is a choice. But that’s the point. It’s a throwback. It’s a "hero of old" aesthetic that separates this specific Link from the more tactical, armored versions we see in Twilight Princess.
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Also, the dye shop in Hateno Village is your best friend here. If the classic "Peter Pan" green isn't doing it for you, you can change it. Dyeing the Tunic of the Wild black or crimson makes it look significantly more "main character" and less "forest sprite."
The Master Sword Hidden Bonus
There’s a subtle mechanical reason to wear this set too. While it doesn't give you a fancy "Attack Up" buff like the Fierce Deity armor, it does provide a "Master Sword Beam Up" set bonus once you've upgraded all pieces to at least level two.
Remember the beam Link fires when he’s at full health? Usually, it’s a bit weak. It’s a "get off me" tool more than a primary weapon. With the Tunic of the Wild TOTK set bonus, those beams actually pack a punch. It’s incredibly useful for clearing out annoying Keese swarms or picking off Chu-Chus from a distance without wasting your precious arrows or weapon durability. It reinforces that "perfect hero" gameplay style—staying at full health and picking enemies apart with precision.
Is it Better than the Champion’s Leathers?
This is the big debate in the Zelda community. The New Champion’s Leathers (the blue shirt with the leather shoulder guard) has a higher base defense and a much cooler "modern" look. It also lets you fire Master Sword beams at any time if you have the right setup.
However, the Tunic of the Wild is a full set. The Champion’s Leathers is just a top. To get a set bonus with the blue tunic, you usually pair it with the Hylian Trousers and the Amber Earrings, but you won't get that specific "Beam Up" buff.
Honestly? Most people choose based on the grind. Most players will finish the game long before they find all 152 shrines. The Champion’s Leathers are available almost immediately if you know where to look in Hyrule Castle. The Tunic of the Wild is the victory lap. It’s the tuxedo you wear to your own graduation ceremony. You wear it because you can, not because you have to.
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The Lore of the "Wild" Hero
What’s fascinating about the Tunic of the Wild in the context of Tears of the Kingdom is how it fits into the timeline. This isn't just a costume; it's the specific clothing Link was given in the previous game for completing his trials. In the lore, this is the outfit that represents the Link who woke up with no memory and saved Hyrule from Calamity Ganon.
By reclaiming it in the sequel, you’re bridging the gap between the two games. The world has changed—there are islands in the sky and holes in the ground—but the hero remains the same. Finding it in the Forgotten Temple, a place dedicated to the very first legends of Hyrule, feels like the game acknowledging that you are part of a cycle that has been spinning for ten thousand years.
Actionable Tips for Securing the Set
If you're going for the full completion, don't just wander aimlessly. Here is the most efficient way to get your green threads:
- Prioritize the Depths: For every Lightroot you find underground, there is a corresponding Shrine on the surface directly above it. If you're struggling to find those last few shrines, check your Depths map. If there's a Lightroot but no Shrine icon above it on the surface, that's your target.
- The Sensor is Your Friend: Set your Purah Pad sensor to "Shrine" early. It’s annoying, it beeps constantly, but it saves hours of backtracking.
- Save Your Dragon Parts: Don't sell your Farosh or Dinraal scales for quick cash. You will regret it. You need a massive hoard of dragon materials to get this set to its 84-defense potential.
- Visit the Statue of the Eighth Heroine: While you're on your completionist run, make sure you're also doing the side quests in the Gerudo Highlands. A lot of people miss the shrines tucked away in the caves there.
The Tunic of the Wild isn't the "best" armor if you just want to hit things hard—that's the Barbarian Set. It isn't the best for exploring—that's the Glide Suit. But it is the most prestigious. It tells the world you didn't just beat the game; you mastered it.
Once you have it, take it to Hateno. Try it in Navy Blue. It looks incredible, keeps the "classic" silhouette, and makes you feel like the legendary hero the NPCs keep saying you are. You've earned the right to look the part. Now go hunt down those remaining Korok seeds, if you’re brave enough.