In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom players can choose to tackle the temples (also known as dungeons) in the game in any order they want, but because they each give certain rewards and abilities the order they are completed can have an effect on how easy or difficult the gameplay is for other portions of the adventure. As is standard for most Zelda games, each of the temples is themed by a particular element and will provide unique abilities while Link is traversing the challenges the temple offers. There are creative puzzles, difficult enemies, and, of course, an ultimate big boss for each location.
The order in which players want to complete temples in TOTK ultimately comes down to a personal choice, as everyone will have a different preferred order for the Zelda temples. There are benefits to each, and an individual's play style can make certain rewards more worthwhile than others. Every temple introduces a Sage companion for Link who can be summoned to him whenever their ability is needed, or when players would like the Sage's companionship to assist with portions of the game. This article provides one option for a game tactic in tackling this temple first because the ability that Link earns is one that is very useful throughout the rest of the game.
Go To TOTK's Lightning Temple First
Completing the Lightning Temple in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom gives Link the standard Heart Container as usual but also will unlock Riju as a companion throughout the rest of TOTK. This allows players to have access to Riju's Lightning Strike ability which can be used as a strong ranged attack. During the game, being able to snipe enemies from far away can make things much easier, particularly while Link does not have very many heart containers yet early on in his adventure.
TOTK's Lightning Temple Requires Riju
In order to access the Lightning Temple, players must first complete the quests for Riju within Gerudo Canyon and learn how to work with Riju to effectively use her Lightning Strike ability in tandem with Link. Players go through several quests with Riju before ultimately discovering the Lightning Temple after solving the red pillars puzzle. Riju's lightning is a key power throughout the temple and particularly in the Tears of the Kingdom boss fight to beat Queen Gibdo.
One of the common complaints with Zelda: Breath of the Wild was that the game did not have any dungeons as the earlier Zelda titles traditionally had. For its sequel, TOTK, developers put in these four temples not only as a call back to previous Zelda games but also to introduce players to each of the Sage's abilities and camaraderie and to teach how to combine Link and these companions' skills together to be most effective. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is unique in its ability to let Link call these friends to his aid whenever they are needed, but they are only available after completing the temples.
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