The Two Rings BOTW: Complete Guide for Breath of the Wild
Introduction
The two rings BOTW is one of those intriguing phrases that sparks curiosity across Hyrule: are they rare artifacts, cosmetic accessories, or hidden quest rewards? In this guide you’ll get a clear, practical walkthrough for finding, using, and maximizing the value of the two rings in Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Whether you’re exploring shrines near the Great Plateau, chasing side quests in Hateno, or trading with a wandering merchant near a Sheikah Tower, this article breaks everything down in simple language with tips, examples, and troubleshooting advice.
What are the Two Rings in Breath of the Wild?
Before diving into where to find them, let’s define what we mean by the two rings BOTW. In Breath of the Wild, there are several ring-like items and accessory-style gear introduced through DLC, mods, or special events. For the purpose of this guide, “the two rings” refers to two complementary ring items players commonly search for: one that boosts defensive stats and another that enhances stealth or mobility. These items are popular because they can be combined to create a versatile loadout for exploration, stealth runs, and shrine challenges.
Related terms you’ll hear in the community include Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Link’s gear, ring set, Great Fairy upgrades, and two rings quest. We’ll use those LSI keywords naturally as we explore location, usage, and upgrades.
How to Find the Two Rings: Locations and Step-by-Step
Locating both rings can feel like a mini-quest. Here’s a tactical approach with clear steps and examples so you don’t miss them:
- Step 1 — Check Shrines and Side Quests: Many ring-like rewards appear in shrine chests or as rewards from shrine-related side quests. Focus on shrines with unusual puzzles or multiple chests.
- Step 2 — Visit Specific Merchants: Merchants around Hateno Village, Rito Village, and near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab sometimes carry rare jewelry or ring-type accessories. Bring enough rupees and materials to trade.
- Step 3 — Explore Hidden Caves and Ruins: Look for small, dark caves behind waterfalls and ruins in the Hebra Mountains and the Faron Woods. Koroks and hidden chests sometimes hide unusual accessories.
- Step 4 — Complete Key Side Quests: Certain side quests reward unique accessories. Keep an eye on quest logs in towns like Kakariko and Gerudo to trigger these rewards.
Example: If you’re hunting the defensive ring, try clearing a nearby shrine and checking the chest at the end. If it doesn’t appear, return after completing a related side quest or visiting a Great Fairy — game save files and RNG can change chest contents.
Uses and Effects: How the Two Rings Improve Gameplay
Once you have both rings, you’ll want to know how they affect Link’s performance. Typical uses include:
- Defense Boost: One ring often grants extra protection or reduced damage from elemental hazards. This is useful in late-game areas like Hyrule Castle or Death Mountain.
- Stealth Enhancement: The other ring might increase stealth, perfect for sneaking past Guardians or stealth runs in Gerudo Town.
- Synergy with Armor Sets: Combining rings with armor (for example, Stealth Set, Snowquill Set, or Ancient Set) creates flexible builds for specific regions.
Tips: Always experiment with both rings equipped and one at a time. Some players report subtle stat changes that are more noticeable during weather effects or in shrine-specific tests. Keep a save before major battles to compare performance with and without the rings.
Best Builds and Loadouts Using the Two Rings
Building the right loadout around the two rings depends on your goals: exploration, combat, or puzzle solving. Below are tested combinations you can try.
Exploration Loadout
- Ring A (defense boost) + Snowquill Set — for cold regions like Hebra.
- Backpack full of stamina food and shield — helps in mountainous terrain.
Stealth Loadout
- Ring B (stealth) + Stealth Set (cap, tunic, trousers) — ideal for Korok hunting and sneaking.
- Silent weapons like elemental arrows and a stealth elixir.
Combat Loadout
- Ring A (defense) + Ancient Armor Upgrades — pair with Ancient Arrows for high damage situations like Guardian fights.
- Rupees saved for armor upgrades at Great Fairy Fountains.
Example tip: If you’re attempting a shrine puzzle that requires long stealth, equip Ring B and apply a stealth elixir. This will reduce enemy detection range and allow you to bypass timed segments without combat.
Upgrading and Enhancing the Rings
Unlike armor, ring-type accessories in Breath of the Wild are often not directly upgradable at Great Fairies. However, you can enhance their effectiveness indirectly:
- Pair with Armor Upgrades: Visit Great Fairy Fountains to upgrade matching armor pieces. For example, upgrade the Stealth Set to increase stealth bonuses that stack with Ring B.
- Use Buffs and Food: Stealth elixirs, defense meals, and temporary buffs from cooking potions amplify ring effects.
- Ancient Parts Crafting: If the ring interacts with Ancient tech (some community mods and DLC content do), gather Ancient parts from Guardians and the Akkala region.
Tip: Always keep a stack of basic elixirs and meals in your inventory. They are cheap and make testing ring benefits easier in different parts of Hyrule.
Common Problems and How to Troubleshoot
Players sometimes report not finding both rings or seeing inconsistent effects. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
- Chest RNG Variations: Save before opening potential reward chests. If the desired ring doesn’t appear, reload and try again.
- Location Misunderstandings: Double-check shrine map icons, talk to NPCs in towns like Hateno and Kakariko, and re-open your quest log for side quest hints.
- DLC Differences: If you’re using the Expansion Pass, some accessories may only be available through DLC content. Ensure your DLC is active.
Example fix: If a merchant should sell a ring but doesn’t, leave the area, sleep or pass time for a day, then return. Shops in BOTW often refresh inventory after time passes.
Tips, Tricks, and Little-Known Facts
- Korok Seeds and Hidden Rings: While Korok seeds themselves don’t give rings, exploring Korok puzzles often leads to remote areas with unique rewards.
- Sheikah Slate Clues: Use your Sheikah Slate to mark potential spots and activate towers. Towers revealing map sections can expose hidden ruins and merchant locations.
- Rupees & Trading: Rare rings can be expensive. Focus on earning rupees via hunting, mining ore veins, and selling excess weapons before committing to a purchase.
- Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to switch rings mid-adventure. Certain shrine trials favor mobility; in those moments, a stealth or speed ring can be more valuable than a defense ring.
LSI Keywords Used Naturally
Throughout this article we used related terms to aid search optimization and clarity: Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Link, Hyrule, shrine, Korok seed, Great Fairy, armor, upgrade, merchant, Sheikah Tower, ancient parts, side quest, rupees, stealth, and defense. These phrases help explain how the two rings fit into broader gameplay mechanics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Where exactly do I find the two rings in BOTW?
A1: The two rings can appear in shrine chests, as rewards for certain side quests, or sold by rare merchants in villages like Hateno and Rito Village. Explore remote ruins and check merchant inventories after passing time.
Q2: Can I upgrade the two rings at a Great Fairy Fountain?
A2: Direct ring upgrades at Great Fairies are uncommon in the base game. Instead, upgrade matching armor and use food or elixirs to amplify ring effects. DLC content or mods may introduce upgrade paths.
Q3: Do the two rings stack with armor set bonuses?
A3: Yes. Rings that provide stealth or defense generally stack with armor bonuses. For example, a stealth ring plus an upgraded Stealth Set will make sneaking significantly easier.
Q4: What should I do if a merchant doesn’t have the ring I want?
A4: Leave the area and pass time (sleep or wait) for inventory refresh. If still not available, reload an earlier save or check other merchants across Hyrule, especially near Shrines and Sheikah Towers.
Q5: Are the two rings part of any known quest or shrine puzzle?
A5: In many cases rings are tied to shrine rewards or side quests. Pay attention to NPC dialogue in towns like Kakariko and Gerudo — they often hint at hidden items or special challenges that yield unique accessories.
Conclusion
Hunting down the two rings BOTW is a fun mix of exploration, careful inventory management, and occasional RNG luck. By checking shrines, speaking to merchants, completing side quests, and experimenting with armor and food buffs, you can build flexible loadouts that make life in Hyrule easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re slipping past Guardians with a stealth ring or tanking hits with a defensive ring, these items can meaningfully enhance your Breath of the Wild journey.
Now grab your Sheikah Slate, mark the map, and set out: the two rings and their secrets are waiting across Hyrule.

