Whether players are on their very first playthrough ofThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildor their tenth, there is always something new to find in the massive fantasy open-world game. The very first area Link gets to explore in the game is the Great Plateau, a section of the map that is divided from the rest due to its incredibly high elevation.
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Though some players might be eager to jumpstraight into the story modeand complete the shrines to move on to the rest of the beautifulLegend of Zelda: BotWmap, there are plenty ofhidden Great Plateau secretsand treasures that no one should be missing out on!
Updated Aug 08, 2025 by Jourdan Silva:Both new and returning players of the fantastic open world gameThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildwill find themselves spending a lot of time in the first location of the game, the Great Plateau. There are so many treasures and hidden surprises throughout the beautiful mountainous, snowy, and scenic landscape, and a great way to immerse into the game is to uncover them all. From underwater treasure chests to difficult-to-find shrines to equipment that will greatly help Link at the start of a playthrough, this list has been updated to include even more Great Plateau secrets to discover.
13Sky Octoroks
In Master Mode, players can find a bundle of Sky Octoroks guarding treasure chests, and Link can defeat them for a delightful prize. These octopus-like creatures have inflatable sacs of air that let them hover in the sky where they guard their good treasures. They can be taken down with arrows, dropping their items when they’re defeated.
Octoroks cannot attack like other similar creatures, so there’s not much defense needed against them. Sky Octoroks will ascend high into the air when they hear a whistle, which Link can trigger.
12Hylian Trousers
There is a great piece of clothinghiding in the Great Plateauthat beginner players can benefit from early on in the game. The pants are found in a chest in the ruins of a small building next to the Temple of Time. The trousers can also be bought from Kakariko and Hateno Village, but it’s always better to get it for free, especially at the start of the game.
The Hylian Trousers can be enhanced by Great Fairies to be stronger while still being very fashionable, and they complete the cool Hylian Set. What’s more, the Hylian Trousers are worn by Link in most cutscenes, unlockable memories, and the game’s promotional media, often paired with the Champion’s Tunic.
11The Traveler’s Bow
Finding good weapons early on is crucial for defeating menacing enemies and getting through the Great Plateau in no time. There is a treasure chest in the Owa Daim shrine that contains a Traveler’s Bow, a weapon that is pretty substantial and strong for the start of the game.
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It’s nestled in a little rocky nook behind the Owa Daim shrine, so be sure to walk around the backside of it to check it out before heading to the next destination. There is another Traveler’s Bow in the Forest of Spirits hidden next to a log in the Old Man’s camp, and a third bow in the Temple of Time. Use them wisely and improve Link’s archery skills quick.
10The Muddy Pond
Near the Oman Au shrine is a giant pond full of brown mud that has many more secrets than one may expect. What looks like an odd, random piece of decor is actually more than meets the eye: there’s a ball and chain hooked next to a curious looking tree stump, and when put together, a korok seed will appear.
Additionally, there are two treasure chests on a platform over the murky water that Link can unlock by using magnesis on a plank near the Oman Au shrine and placing it on the hill so that he can walk over onto the platform. Alternatively, Link can just use cryonis to build his own way across.
9Hidden Waterfall Treasure
In Mount Hylia lies a beautiful waterfallwith hidden treasuresbehind it. Once Link comes across a broken bridge on the west side of the map, he can use magnesis on a metal plank and use it to complete the bridge that will allow him to cross. Immediately turn left and keep walking and there the falls will be. Behind the roaring water are some pretty good rewards including a soldier’s broadsword, 10 different arrows, and a pretty good bow.
8Old Man’s House
Exploring the Great Plateauwill lead to some unique discoveries, such as the Old Man’s house that lies in the southwest region of the area. It’s very valuable to visit this wooden cabin in the woods when attempting to make it up the snowy mountain, for there is a Spicy Meat and Seafood Fry recipe that is sure to keep Link warm.
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There’s a cooking pot here that Link can use to make the dish for himself or for the Old Man, who will give him a Warm Doublet in exchange. This will keep the protagonist warm during his journey up Mount Hylia.
7Underwater Treasures
In the pond next to the Oman Au shrinelies a hidden underwater chestthat can be fished out with magnesis. There are two underwater chests in the Muddy Pond, two in the lake on Mount Hylia, one in the frigid pond next to the Keh Namut shrine that can be unlocked by activating cryonis under it, and one in a waterfall. Always checking under the water in ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water can prove most valuable.
6White-Maned Lynel
For those looking for more of a challenge in their playthrough ofBotW, players can tackle the open-world adventure in Master Mode, which comes with multiple new surprises. In the Great Plateau, for example, Link can find a White-Maned Lynel patrolling the forest near the Old Man’s House.
Taking down this mighty beast could reward Link with some valuable gear, such as the Savage Lynel Crusher and the Savage Lynel Bow. These big guys are tougher than the Blue-Maned Lynels, so get ready for a good fight.
5Hidden Nintendo Switch Shirt
Want to see a modern twist on the classic Hyrulian character? Players can download theBreath of the WildExpansion Pack and be able to find a red t-shirt with the Nintendo Switch logo on it in a chest hidden in the plains.
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Along with this reward are two other chests that Link can find across the Plateau, bearing rewards of rubies and arrows. If you’re on the hunt to get every outfit in the game, be sure to scour the areas around the Ja Baij, Oman Au, and Keh Namut shrines once you download the expansion.
4The Forest Of Spirits Valuables
There is no better way toinstantly start gathering crucial gameingredients and rewards than in the Forest of Spirits. There are so many mushrooms, plants, fish, and more to discover and start filling up your inventory with. There are korok seeds, hidden caves with flint (which is very important at the beginning of the game when trying to hike Mount Hylia), tons of wood to be harvested, and much more that players tend to skip past when playingBotW.
