How to Use the Ultrahand Ability in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Key takeaways:

  • Ultrahand is a versatile ability that allows Link to grab, move, rotate, and attach objects together
  • It can be used for solving puzzles, building vehicles and structures, and even in combat situations
  • Mastering Ultrahand requires practice and experimentation, but it opens up a world of possibilities in the game

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom introduces a game-changing new ability called Ultrahand. This powerful tool allows Link to manipulate objects in the environment in ways never before possible in a Zelda game. With Ultrahand, you can grab, move, rotate, and attach items together to solve puzzles, create vehicles and structures, and even gain an advantage in combat.

Getting Started with Ultrahand

You’ll obtain the Ultrahand ability early on in your adventure, during the tutorial section on the Great Sky Island. Once you have it, you can access Ultrahand at any time by pressing the L button to bring up the ability wheel and selecting the red hand icon.

When Ultrahand is active, you’ll see a glowing aura around objects that can be manipulated. Simply aim at an object and press A to grab it. You can then move the object around freely using the left stick. To rotate the object, hold the R button and use the D-pad. If you want to attach two objects together, move them close to each other until you see a green “glue” effect, then press A again.

Building with Ultrahand

One of the most exciting aspects of Ultrahand is the ability to build your own vehicles and structures. By attaching various objects together, you can create boats, cars, planes, and more. Here are a few tips for building with Ultrahand:

  • Look for flat surfaces like boards and panels to use as the base for your creations
  • Experiment with different Zonai devices like fans, wheels, and rockets to add functionality to your vehicles
  • Pay attention to the “glue” points when attaching objects to ensure a stable connection
  • If you make a mistake, grab the object and wiggle the right stick to detach it

With a little creativity and practice, you’ll be able to build all sorts of useful (and sometimes ridiculous) contraptions.

Ultrahand in Puzzles and Exploration

Ultrahand isn’t just for building – it’s also an essential tool for solving puzzles and exploring the world of Hyrule. Many shrines and dungeons feature challenges that require clever use of Ultrahand to progress. For example, you might need to attach a hook to a platform to ride along a rail, or stack objects to reach a high ledge.

Out in the overworld, Ultrahand can help you access hard-to-reach places and uncover secrets. Try lifting heavy rocks to reveal hidden caves, or building makeshift bridges to cross gaps. You can even use Ultrahand to grab far-off objects like treasure chests, saving you the trouble of trekking over to them.

Combat Applications

While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, Ultrahand can actually be quite useful in combat situations. Here are a few ways to use it to your advantage:

  • Grab large objects like boulders and drop them on enemies for massive damage
  • Attach a weapon to a longer object to create a makeshift spear or flail
  • Build a quick barricade or platform to give yourself a height advantage
  • Use Ultrahand to grab and throw explosive barrels at groups of enemies

Of course, using Ultrahand in the heat of battle takes some quick thinking and precise aiming. But with practice, it can be a powerful addition to your combat repertoire.

Mastering Ultrahand

Like any new ability, Ultrahand takes some getting used to. The controls can feel a bit finicky at first, and it’s easy to accidentally detach objects or send them flying in the wrong direction. But with time and experimentation, you’ll start to get a feel for how it works and how to use it effectively.

One key to mastering Ultrahand is to take your time and plan ahead. Before you start building or solving a puzzle, take a moment to survey the available objects and consider how they might fit together. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations and approaches – often, there are multiple ways to achieve your goal.

Another tip is to pay close attention to the “glue” points when attaching objects. The green glowing effect shows you exactly where the two objects will connect, so you can make precise adjustments before finalizing the attachment. If you find that your creation is wobbling or falling apart, try detaching and reattaching the problem areas.

Finally, remember that Ultrahand is just one tool in your arsenal. It works best in combination with Link’s other abilities, like Ascend and Recall. For example, you might use Ultrahand to build a platform, then use Ascend to reach a higher level and Recall to bring the platform up with you. By thinking creatively and using all the tools at your disposal, you’ll be able to overcome any obstacle in your path.

Conclusion

Ultrahand is a truly revolutionary addition to the Zelda series, offering a level of player freedom and creativity that we’ve never seen before. Whether you’re building a flying machine, solving a mind-bending puzzle, or just messing around with the physics engine, Ultrahand is an endlessly entertaining ability that adds a whole new dimension to the game.

So don’t be afraid to experiment, explore, and let your imagination run wild. With Ultrahand at your fingertips, the possibilities are endless. Happy building, adventurers!

FAQ

How do I activate Ultrahand?

To activate Ultrahand, press the L button to bring up the ability wheel and select the red hand icon. You’ll know it’s active when you see a glowing aura around objects that can be manipulated.

Can I detach objects after attaching them?

Yes, simply grab the object you want to detach and wiggle the right stick. The object will come loose, allowing you to reposition or remove it.

How do I rotate objects with Ultrahand?

To rotate an object you’re holding with Ultrahand, hold down the R button and use the D-pad to turn it in different directions.

Can I use Ultrahand on enemies?

No, Ultrahand only works on inanimate objects in the environment. However, you can use it to grab and throw objects at enemies or build structures to gain a combat advantage.

Is there a limit to how many objects I can attach together?

There doesn’t seem to be a hard limit, but the more objects you attach, the more unwieldy and physics-defying your creation will become. It’s best to keep things relatively simple and stable for optimal results.