Ranking all the 11 major settlements in TOTK
Goron City. I found it really lacking in both character and also things to do in the area. Death Mountain isn’t exactly a super cool area or anything and I think for a “City” it deserves real architecture and actual care for tourism.
Korok Forest. Very peaceful and tranquil, but lacking in real stores or infrastructure. The belly button of a tree is an interesting concept, but not one I find all too interesting. Along with that, you simply just cannot. Find. A way. In.
Kara Kara Bazaar. While not an official settlement, I put this on the list because it has an inn, multiple shops, and is a nice, relaxing place. It reminds me of Cabo with the Oasis and the combination of the desert. The people aren’t that interesting, but it’s a nice place to be for a little bit.
Kakariko Village. Due to its decentralized location in the story while playing TOTK, it becomes increasingly difficult to find positives you have not already seen. The lack of ancient tech focus plus the retirement of Impa make it feel less welcoming and not truly infused with wonder. I miss BOTW Kakariko immensely
Lookout Landing. I actually really enjoyed starting the game and coming to a new village! One issue: there isn’t exactly a lot of stuff to do here. The initial missions in the depths and what to do in the surrounding area is not that interesting. However it is incredibly charming. A fun place to be when wanting new life into the world of what was once BOTW
Rito Village. I enjoy coming here. Especially as a person who loves to ski and ski towns themselves. There is good shopping, and a lot to do in the surrounding area even if it is far. Taking a day trip into the Hebra mountains is fun, along with the nearby Lucky Clover Gazette and Flight Range, plus, GREAT shield surfing in the snow.
Zora’s Domain. While not much to do in the surrounding areas, Lanayru is quite beautiful itself and Zora’s Domain has a ton of that antiquity that makes it feel upscale and fun. The people really sell it, along with character driven side quests and the goat Sidon
Gerudo Town. Being able to come here as a voe in TOTK was so much fun. I love the shopping, I love the view, and the people are for the most part genuine and polite. There is always a story to be seen and I thought the addition of the shelter really gave more to explore. A giant step up, and my personal favorite of the four temple regions.
Tarrey Town. Wow. It improved SO MUCH from the last game. It’s still tiny, but it is quite cozy, and it is awesome how Link lives there now. I loved being able to build my dream home, and I find that it’s a good place to relax after a long day of Heroing in Hyrule. It is a slight annoyance to have to glide/walk so far from the nearest shrine, though.
Hateno Village. If not for Zelda having moved in and kicked Link out, this would be my #1. I loved the election story line and how much the town really changed from BOTW. The school was a great addition, and every day feels like summer in Hateno. It’s fun, there is literally so much to do and so much nearby (Tech lab, beach) and you can spend a day doing just one thing! I remember I spent an in game day searching through the connected well system in the village and going through it. It’s a blast.
Lurelin Village. This may be a controversial choice, but I think the existence of Lurelin itself is a reason to make it #1. It’s a vacation town by the ocean, incredible activities such as gambling, fishing, fighting pirates, exploring nearby islands, sailing in the ocean, exploring, and the Lurelin resort project is just so fun. Every sunset is magical, the people are fun to be around, and I always felt like it was the most special place in Hyrule where I was just able to have fun without a care I loved being able to rebuild the town from the ground up+expand and I hope you do too.
What’s your top 10? Let me know in the comments below