Should you do the Eldin, Faron or Lanayru Temple first in Zelda Echoes of Wisdom?

Deciding whether to tackle the Eldin, Faron, or Lanayru Temple first in Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom will significantly influence your gameplay experience in the second act. This choice comes after completing the Hyrule Castle dungeon, and while all three temples must be completed to finish the game, your order of completion can enhance or complicate your journey. Similar to choosing between the Gerudo and Zora dungeons, certain factors should be considered before making your decision.

Below, you’ll find our recommendations on the order of temples to help you determine if you should complete the Eldin, Faron, or Lanayru Temple first. Please note that this section may contain some minor spoilers.

Which Temple to Choose First?

Before diving into the specifics, remember that all three temples must be completed in Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom. This might seem to lessen the significance of your choice, but there are several reasons to consider when deciding on the order of completion.

Based on the gameplay dynamics, we suggest starting with the Eldin Temple along with the ‘The Rift on Eldin Volcano’ main quest. Next, proceed to the Faron Temple, making the Lanayru Temple your final destination.

Why Start with the Eldin Temple?

The rationale behind this recommendation is that the Echoes collected in the Eldin Temple will aid you in the subsequent regions. Eldin Volcano features fire-based Echoes, such as the Lava Rock, which are effective against plant-based foes in the Faron Wetlands and icy enemies on Hebra Mountain. These Echoes can also help keep Zelda warm during chilly climbs in the Hebra region.

Understanding the Other Temples

You might wonder why jumping straight to the Lanayru Temple isn’t advisable. The Faron Wetlands are home to Echoes with electric attacks, like Buzz Blob, which are beneficial against the water-based Echoes encountered in the ‘Rift on Holy Mount Lanayru’ quest. Following our proposed route ensures you are well-prepared for elemental challenges throughout the game, whether facing a new enemy or inclement weather.

Additional Insights on the Temples

Beyond the Echoes, the Eldin Temple also contains Bombs for the Swordfighter Form. While these may seem redundant if you’ve acquired the Bombfish Echo, keep in mind that you can’t create Echoes while in the Swordfighter Form. Having Bombs allows you to deal significant damage to enemies and clear obstacles, even while playing as Zelda.

It’s also worth noting that the Eldin Temple’s main questline is the longest among the three, involving two additional quests: ‘A Rift in the Gerudo Desert’ and ‘The Jabul Waters Rift’. The Faron Temple doesn’t require extra quests, but it involves assisting the Deku Scrub population. Conversely, while the Lanayru Temple has the shortest build-up, it is often the most complex dungeon, making it wise to save it for last. By doing so, you’ll enhance Zelda’s abilities through the earlier temples, improving your chances against the challenges ahead.

Thematic Considerations

Your personal preferences for Zelda’s races may also guide your decision. The Gorons reside in the Eldin Volcano area, while the Deku Scrubs make their first significant appearance in the Faron Wetlands since their last major role. As for the snowy Hebra peaks, you’ll encounter an intriguing surprise for longtime fans of the series.

Flexibility in Your Journey

If you find yourself struggling with a particular temple, you have the freedom to switch to another. It may also be beneficial to take time improving Zelda’s abilities by collecting Heart Pieces, Echoes, Might Crystals, or completing side quests.

Good luck navigating through all three temples, and remember to explore each area fully to maximize your experience in Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.