Zelda Totk Star Fragment
In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, few materials are as mysterious and sought after as the Star Fragment. These glowing, celestial items fall from the sky under specific conditions and are used for upgrading powerful armor sets and fusing into weapons for added visual flair. Their rarity and the randomness of their appearance make them both frustrating and rewarding to acquire. Learning how to locate, collect, and use Star Fragments can make a noticeable difference in Link’s progression, especially for players pursuing full armor upgrades or simply looking to maximize their exploration efforts in TOTK.
What Are Star Fragments?
Star Fragment Overview
Star Fragments are rare materials that fall from the sky at night, creating a glowing yellow beam that can be seen from a great distance. They only remain visible until morning, so once one appears, it’s a race against time to collect it before it vanishes. These fragments can be used to upgrade high-tier armor pieces at Great Fairy Fountains and can also be attached to weapons or shields with the Fuse ability, primarily for cosmetic enhancement rather than strength.
Why You Need Star Fragments
Star Fragments play a crucial role in late-game armor enhancement. Certain outfits, such as the Champion’s Leathers, Fierce Deity Set, and others, require one or more Star Fragments for their final upgrades. Additionally, fusing them into gear can give your weapons a shimmering glow, making Link’s arsenal look truly legendary, even if it doesn’t increase raw stats.
How to Get Star Fragments in TOTK
Natural Skyfall Events
The most common way to obtain Star Fragments is by spotting them as they fall from the sky during nighttime. Around 9:00 PM, a bright shooting star may appear and land somewhere in Hyrule, marked by a glowing yellow beam.
- Make sure to climb high ground or fast travel to a Skyview Tower for better visibility.
- Use the Purah Pad camera or binoculars to lock onto the star’s landing spot.
- Glide or ride a Zonai device toward it as fast as possible by 5:00 AM, the beam disappears and the fragment vanishes.
Guaranteed Methods to Get Star Fragments
Although waiting for random skyfalls is common, there are several more reliable ways to get Star Fragments in TOTK:
1. Amiibo Rewards
Certain Zelda-related amiibo figures have a chance of dropping Star Fragments in their daily reward. You can scan them once per day and may receive a Star Fragment from the chest or items dropped.
2. Shrine Chest Rewards
Some Shrines, particularly those that are hard to reach or involve complex puzzles, include Star Fragments in their chests as a reward. This is not always guaranteed, but if you’re aiming to collect fragments efficiently, targeting hidden or remote Shrines is helpful.
3. Side Quests and NPC Gifts
Several NPCs throughout Hyrule will reward you with Star Fragments for completing certain side quests or requests. For example, characters impressed by your armor or cooking may sometimes give you rare items including fragments.
4. Satori Mountain and Cherry Blossom Trees
When you offer fruit at the cherry blossom trees near Satori Mountain, blue glowing spots appear across the landscape. These glowing areas mark the location of hidden chests, and while rare, some of those chests may contain Star Fragments.
Tips for Farming Star Fragments
Ideal Conditions for Farming
While Star Fragments fall randomly, there are strategies you can use to increase your odds of spotting them and collecting them effectively.
- Rest at an inn until nighttime or wait until 9:00 PM at a high elevation.
- Use Skyview Towers to scout the horizon and keep a lookout for yellow flashes in the sky.
- Clear the weather rain or fog can obscure your view of falling stars.
- Pin the landing location immediately to avoid getting lost or distracted.
Fast Travel and Travel Medallions
If a Star Fragment lands far away, fast travel becomes essential. If you’ve unlocked the Travel Medallion, place one in a high-elevation region with a broad view such as Hebra Mountains or Akkala Highlands. This way, you can easily return to that spot every evening to check for falling stars.
Using Star Fragments
Upgrading Armor Sets
The most common use for Star Fragments is enhancing high-end armor. Great Fairy Fountains offer powerful upgrades that require rare materials, and Star Fragments are often among them. Some sets that require fragments include:
- Champion’s Leathers
- Fierce Deity Set
- Radiant Set
- Barbarian Set
Each armor piece typically requires one Star Fragment to reach its final upgrade level, meaning you’ll need multiple fragments if you’re aiming to max out an entire set.
Fusing Star Fragments
Link can fuse Star Fragments to weapons, shields, or arrows using the Fuse ability. While this does not increase attack power, it adds a radiant glow that many players enjoy for stylistic reasons. Star-Fused gear stands out visually and can give your loadout a majestic touch.
Challenges and Risks
Time-Sensitive Collection
One of the biggest challenges with Star Fragments is how quickly they disappear. Once a Star Fragment lands, you often have only a few in-game hours to reach it before sunrise erases it. Players must balance their exploration or combat with the urgency of reaching the beam in time.
Hazardous Terrain
Fragments may land in dangerous areas such as:
- Gloom-infested regions in the Depths
- Mountaintops with aggressive enemies
- Near enemy outposts or monster camps
Approaching these areas without preparation can lead to failure, especially if Link gets defeated or delayed. Always bring stamina food, gloom resistance, and a strong travel plan.
Making the Most of Star Fragments
Inventory Management
Because Star Fragments are rare and sometimes hard to restock, avoid wasting them. Don’t fuse one onto a weapon you don’t plan to use regularly or armor you’re not upgrading. Save them for your best gear and upgrades that require a long-term investment.
Trading and Selling
Technically, you can sell Star Fragments to shops for Rupees, but the amount gained is not worth the rarity. Avoid selling them unless absolutely necessary. If you’re short on money, consider selling monster parts or gems instead.
Star Fragments in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are among the most elusive and valuable resources in the game. They represent a unique blend of luck, timing, and skill. Whether you’re upgrading your strongest armor, adding flair to your weapon loadout, or simply collecting them for the satisfaction of completion, understanding how to farm and use Star Fragments efficiently will enhance your overall TOTK experience. With a bit of patience, sharp observation, and proper strategy, you’ll find that these glowing treasures are within reach and well worth the effort.