How to get the Shrine Sensor in Tears of the Kingdom

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The Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor is one of the most useful functions of Link’s Purah Pad. Being able to detect Shrines from a distance will help you out massively when it comes to finding any well-hidden Shrines in TotK and stock up Light of Blessing to boost your hearts and stamina.

If you’re exploring Hyrule and just can’t seem to find any more Tears of the Kingdom Shrines, the Shrine Sensor is exactly what you need. You’ll also come across a couple of Tears of the Kingdom Skyview Towers on your way, so be sure to activate any you come across.

Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor: Link acquiring the Sensor. The text reads: "The sensor reacts when you are close to Shrines of Light that you have not yet visited. If you head in the direction where the reaction is strongest, you should find the shrine."
Captured by VideoGamer, copyright Nintendo.

What is the Shrine Sensor in Tears of the Kingdom?

The Shrine Sensor is a function of the Purah Pad which allows Link to detect Shrines nearby. If Link is near a Shrine, the Pad will start beeping, to alert Link to the nearby Shrine. In the bottom-right corner of the screen, a small marker will tell you if you’re moving closer to, or away from the Shrine. This makes finding Shrines much easier, especially when it comes to Shrines that are out of sight or hidden in caves and other secret areas.

How do you acquire the Shrine Sensor in Tears of the Kingdom?

The Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor is acquired from Robbie, one of the Sheikah scientists working at Lookout Landing. Before you can get the Shrine Sensor, you first have to complete the two side quests Camera Work in the Depths and A Mystery in the Depths. This is because you first need to receive the ability to use Tears of the Kingdom Autobuild so that you can fix Robbie’s hot air balloon.

Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor: Link talking to Robbie next to a hot air balloon. The text reads: "Your Purah Pad can be equipped with a sensor that detects shrines."
Captured by VideoGamer, copyright Nintendo.

Once you’ve finished these quests, go and talk to Robbie in the north of Lookout Landing. He will say that your Purah Pad has some disabled features, but that the technology to enable them is in a lab in Hateno Village in the Necluda region. He will tell you to meet him there and head off in the balloon. If you’re struggling to find your way, our Tears of the Kingdom Hateno Village guide will get you there.

Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor: The location of Hateno Village on a map of Hyrule.
Captured by VideoGamer, copyright Nintendo.

Head southeast to Hateno Village and go all the way to the top of the large hill east of the village where you’ll find the research lab. Head in and talk to Robbie, and he’ll upgrade your Purah Pad with the Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor. Before you can leave, you have to first test it out. This can be a bit finicky, so if you’re having trouble completing this bit, try walking while crouched instead.

Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor: Link outside the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab.
Captured by VideoGamer, copyright Nintendo.

You’ll discover that there’s a Shrine directly beneath the lab. You can freely ignore this Shrine, but you’ll want to complete it to be able to continue upgrading the Purah Pad. Jump down the hill and you’ll see some breakable rocks in the wall. Smash them with a hammer or bomb and walk through the cave to find the Mayahisik Shrine. Return to Robbie to complete the quest.

Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor: Link gliding above some trees and breakable rocks below him.
Captured by VideoGamer, copyright Nintendo.

That’s all you need to do to get the Tears of the Kingdom Shrine Sensor. Now you can head off to discover those Tears of the Kingdom Shrines far more easily. If you’re looking to get around fast, you should take note of all the Tears of the Kingdom stables. And if you’re wanting to upgrade your Purah Pad even more, our Tears of the Kingdom Travel Medallion guide will tell you just how to do it.

About the Author

Alex Raisbeck

Alex is a Guides Writer for VideoGamer. He is an indie gaming obsessive with a soft spot for Zelda, roguelikes, and Football Manager, as well as an unhealthy relationship with his backlog.