Compared to every 2D Zelda game that has come before it, the map size ofEchoes of Wisdomis massive, filled with different areas and civilisations for Zelda and Tri to explore. Sticking to series tradition, Echoes of Wisdom takes inspiration from locations in previous Zelda titles, but also puts new twists on them to make it an engaging experience to explore each one.
In spite of this, not every location in Echoes of Wisdom is equal, and there are some areas that are a lot more fun to explore than others, so out of all the regions included in Echoes of Wisdom, which is the best?
7Suthorn
Suthorn Prarie, Beach And Forest
Unfortunately, very little about Suthorn is memorable. However, this is likely since this region was clearly designed to ease you into exploration while also teaching you how to play the game.
The beach area pales in comparison to other beaches on the map, and the forests are easy to mix up with more interesting parts of Faron. While the village is quaint and a fitting hometown for Link, there is little reason to return after leaving for the first time except to come back tosee if anyone has a new side quest.
6Eldin
Eldin Volcano And Kakariko Village
The Eldin region is one that has shown up again and again throughout Zelda’s history, and this is unfortunately one of its weaker incarnations. It’s nice to see that tradition has been kept with Kakariko bordering the mountain similarly to Ocarina of Time, but the mountain itself is not as interesting to climb as previous versions.
The area feels compressed, not allowing for that much exploration after the first journey up, especially since you’ll explore most of it to complete the story. Kakariko is also a village that has shown up regularly throughout Zelda history, but compared to its Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom versions, this one is a lot more forgettable.
5Hebra Mountains
Holy Mount Lanayru
While Hebra Mountains is one of the less sprawling areas in Echoes of Wisdom, it makes up for this with some fun exploration and an interesting layout. Compared to Eldin, this mountain has a much better sense of verticality, and the mix of 2D and 3D climbing keeps it feeling fresh.
While it is much less bustling than other areas, with only Conde currently calling the mountain home, this helps it stand out from other civilizations. However, after your first visit, there isn’t much else to do, since Condedoesn’t give you any side quests, and there aren’t any other NPCs around to talk to.
4Faron Wetlands
Scrubton
One of the trickier areas to reach in Echoes of Wisdom is the Faron Wetlands, with no clear pathway or entrance compared to all the other areas, and when the Deku Scrubs learn that Zelda is planning to get rid of the rifts, they are openly hostile.
The Deku Scrubs are full of personality, and this makes exploring the Wetlands and helping them out a lot of fun. The area this region encompasses isn’t actually that large, but the layout of the densely packed forest makes it an enjoyable experience to explore.
3Gerudo Desert
Gerudo Town And Oasis
The Gerudo Desert feels like it has plenty of room to breathe, with wide open areas, but instead of these areas feeling empty, there are still plenty of different ways Zelda and Tri can keep busy. With multiple ruins and caves, and two different populated areas with the Town and Oasis,Gerudo Desert will keep you busy.
It can be one of the more annoying areas to explore, thanks to obstacles like quicksand and sandstorms, but these just motivate you to find ways to work around them. With Gerudo Town also being in the first half of Echoes of Wisdom’s story, this area gives you even more to do when you return in the second half of the game.
2Central Hyrule
Hyrule Castle, Field, Ranch, And Lake Hylia
The Central Hyrule region is one of the largest, covering most of the middle of the map, and this means that this varied region gives you plenty of different things to do. Castle Town isn’t that big, but there are plenty of different corners to explore to keep yourself busy.
Hyrule Field feels quite large and more populated compared to previous entries, and while the Ranch doesn’t have as many activities as other incarnations, it’s still got a fun minigame. While it’s easy to miss Lake Hylia, there’s a lot to explore there as well, like the Great Fairy and some optional rifts.
1Jabul Waters
Seesyde Village, Zora Cove, And River Zora Village
Compared to other regions, Jabul Waters is the only truly original area in Echoes of Wisdom, with no other Jabul’s existing in series history. Named after Jabu Jabu (a figure that has plenty of Zelda history), this water-focused area has a lot of variety.
Encompassing the waterfalls of the River Zora Village, the beach around Seesyde Village, and the beautiful underwater Zora Cove, there is plenty to do and see with all the different attractions and NPCs that are encompassed in this stunning area.
