Have you ever found yourself struggling against tough enemies early in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? Many players hit a wall until they discover the secret to survival: the great fairy locations BotW hides across Hyrule. These magical fountains are the key to unlocking powerful armor upgrades, letting you take on tougher foes and explore farther than ever before. In this guide, you’ll find a complete map of all great fairy locations BotW offers, step-by-step directions, upgrade costs, and pro tips for maximizing your adventure. Bookmark this page—your journey to every great fairy fountain starts here!
Introduction: What Are Great Fairy Locations BotW and Why Do They Matter?
In Breath of the Wild, “great fairy locations BotW” refers to the four legendary Great Fairy Fountains scattered across Hyrule. Each fountain is home to a Great Fairy who, for a price in rupees, will awaken and grant you the power to upgrade your armor. The process is sequential: the first fairy asks for 100 rupees, the second 500, the third 1,000, and the fourth a whopping 10,000 rupees. Unlocking all four is essential for maxing out your armor’s defensive stats and unlocking set bonuses.
Why hunt them down in 2026? With the game’s replay value still sky-high—especially with Master Mode and DLC—knowing every great fairy location BotW offers is more important than ever. Upgraded armor makes a huge difference in late-game battles, shrine challenges, and exploration. Plus, each fountain is a visual treat and a milestone in your journey.
Why Great Fairy Fountains Matter in BotW
Great fairy locations BotW are more than just pretty landmarks—they’re the backbone of your armor progression. Here’s why:
- Armor Upgrades: Each fairy can enhance your armor, increasing defense and unlocking set bonuses. For example, a basic Hylian Hood can reach +2 stars with just two fairies.
- Sequential Unlocks: The more great fairy locations BotW you awaken, the higher you can upgrade your gear. The fourth fairy is required for max-level upgrades.
- Quest Integration: Many side quests and main quests (like those in Kakariko Village) point you toward these fountains, tying them into the broader exploration of Hyrule.
- Comparison: Unlike small fairies (which revive you) or the horse god Malanya (who revives horses), great fairy locations BotW are all about empowering Link himself.
Great Fairy Locations BotW: Full Interactive Map
Here’s a quick-reference table for all four great fairy locations BotW fans need to know:
| Fairy Name | Region | Nearest Landmark | Rupees to Awaken | Coordinates/Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotera | Dueling Peaks | Kakariko Village, Ta’loh Naeg Shrine | 100 | Hills north of village; follow woods path |
| Kaysa | Tabantha | Tabantha Tower (south ridge) | 500 | Glide from tower; Piper Ridge |
| Mija | Akkala | Lake Akkala, Dah Hesho Shrine | 1,000 | SE lake lip; colorful trees |
| Tera | Gerudo | Gerudo Great Skeleton, Hawa Koth Shrine | 10,000 | SW desert; need heat resist/sand seal |
Pro tips for reaching great fairy locations BotW:
- Paraglide from towers for easier access.
- Use horses or sand seals for long treks.
- Stock up on rupees before each visit.
How to Reach Great Fairy Cotera (Easiest First Stop)
The Cotera fountain is the most accessible of all great fairy locations BotW offers, making it the perfect first stop for new players. Here’s how to get there:
- Start from the Great Plateau: After completing the opening shrines, head east toward Kakariko Village.
- Follow the Main Road: The path from Dueling Peaks Stable leads directly to Kakariko. Along the way, you’ll pass the Ta’loh Naeg Shrine—activate it for a fast travel point.
- Find the Woods Path: North of Kakariko, look for a winding path through the woods. Fireflies and a gentle glow will guide you.
- Approach the Fountain: You’ll see a giant flower bud. Offer 100 rupees to awaken Cotera.
Pros:
- Easiest to reach early game.
- Near key quest hubs and shrines.
- Low rupee cost.
Cons:
- Limited to first-level upgrades until you unlock more fairies.
Tips:
- Sneak up on small fairies around the fountain for extra revives.
- Farm rupees by selling gems or hunting for beetles in the woods.
Unlocking Great Fairy Kaysa in Tabantha
Kaysa’s fountain is perched on Piper Ridge, south of Tabantha Tower. Here’s your step-by-step:
- Climb Tabantha Tower: Activate the tower for a sweeping view.
- Glide South: Use your paraglider to soar toward Piper Ridge. Look for a large flower bud nestled among the hills.
- Prepare for Cold: The area can get chilly—bring warm gear or cook spicy meals.
- Awaken Kaysa: Offer 500 rupees. She’ll grant you second-level upgrades.
Detour: Consider visiting Rito Village for cold-resistant armor if you’re struggling with the weather.
Hazards: Occasional thunderstorms—avoid metal weapons and shields.
Video Tip: Search for “great fairy locations BotW Tabantha” for visual walkthroughs.
Hunting Great Fairy Mija in Akkala
Mija’s fountain is tucked away in the lush Akkala region, southeast of Lake Akkala.
- Start at Akkala Tower: From the top, spot the colorful trees marking the fountain’s location.
- Travel Southeast: Head toward Dah Hesho Shrine for a safe waypoint.
- Beware Enemy Camps: The route is dotted with Moblin and Bokoblin camps—sneak or fight your way through.
- Lightning Risks: Akkala is prone to storms. Ditch metal gear if thunder rolls in.
- Awaken Mija: Pay 1,000 rupees for third-level upgrades.
Long-tail tip: If searching “great fairy locations BotW Akkala,” remember to check the lake’s southeast lip for the telltale flower bud.
Conquering Great Fairy Tera in Gerudo Desert
Tera’s fountain is the most challenging of all great fairy locations BotW features, hidden in the harsh Gerudo Desert.
- Prepare for Extremes: You’ll need heat-resistant gear by day and cold protection by night.
- Rent a Sand Seal: From Gerudo Town, rent a sand seal to cross the dunes quickly.
- Navigate the Sandstorm: Use your map and compass—visibility drops fast.
- Find the Great Skeleton: The fountain is near the Gerudo Great Skeleton and Hawa Koth Shrine.
- Awaken Tera: She demands 10,000 rupees—the steepest price, but she unlocks max-level upgrades.
Survival Checklist:
- Stock up on cooling elixirs and hearty meals.
- Bring plenty of rupees—sell rare gems or complete side quests for cash.
- Watch for Molduga and other desert threats.
Armor Upgrade Guide After Visiting Great Fairy Locations BotW
Once you’ve unlocked the great fairy locations BotW offers, you can upgrade armor sets using monster parts, gems, and other materials. Here’s how it works:
- Materials Needed: Early upgrades require common items (Bokoblin horns, Chuchu jelly), while higher levels need rare drops (Lynel parts, star fragments).
- Best Early Upgrades: Focus on stealth sets for sneaking, or the Hylian set for balanced defense.
- Max Benefits: Only with all four great fairy locations BotW unlocked can you reach ★★★★ upgrades and unlock set bonuses (like increased speed or stealth).
Common Mistakes & Pro Tips for Great Fairy Fountains BotW
- Always unlock Cotera first for early upgrades.
- Don’t spend all rupees—save for the 10,000 needed by Tera.
- Farm rupees by selling ore, hunting, or playing minigames.
- Avoid spoilers: discovering each fountain is part of the adventure!
- Use the interactive map and shrine waypoints for fast travel.
Key Takeaways
- There are 4 sequential great fairy locations BotW: Cotera (100 rupees), Kaysa (500), Mija (1,000), and Tera (10,000).
- Unlocking all is essential for endgame armor upgrades and set bonuses.
- Farm rupees and materials before visiting each fountain.
- The great fairy locations BotW system adds replay value, especially in Master Mode or DLC runs.
FAQ: Great Fairy Locations BotW
Where are all great fairy locations BotW?
See the table above for Cotera (Dueling Peaks), Kaysa (Tabantha), Mija (Akkala), and Tera (Gerudo Desert).
Do I need all great fairy locations BotW for max upgrades?
Yes, each fairy unlocks higher upgrade levels. All four are required for ★★★★ armor.
What are the great fairy costs in BotW?
100, 500, 1,000, and 10,000 rupees, in order of awakening.
How do great fairy fountains compare to the horse god?
Malanya, the horse god, revives horses—not armor upgrades. Great fairies boost Link’s gear.
Can I visit the great fairy locations BotW in any order?
Yes, but the rupee cost increases with each new fairy, regardless of order.
Are there more great fairy locations in DLC or sequels?
No new fountains in DLC, but new armor sets can be upgraded at existing fountains.
What’s the best route for great fairy locations in BotW?
Start with Cotera (Kakariko), then Kaysa (Tabantha), Mija (Akkala), and finish with Tera (Gerudo).
Conclusion
Mastering the great fairy locations BotW offers is the secret to surviving—and thriving—in Hyrule. Unlock all four fountains, upgrade your armor, and share your favorite fairy find or pro tip in the comments. For more advanced strategies, check out our BotW sequel guides and keep exploring!
