In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, players will quickly be introduced to Zonai Devices. These are technological wonders created by the ancient Zonai, ranging from gliders to balloons to rockets and flame sprayers. Used well, they can allow Link to pull off feats he's never been capable of in previous games.
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom first introduces players to Zonai Devices shortly after completing their second Shrine on the Sky Islands, where the game begins. Constructing a raft and using Zonai Fans to propel it across water serves as a decent introduction to how Zonai Devices function. This guide will explain and build on that information.
How to Use Powered Zonai Devices in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Many Zonai Devices, such as the Fan, Flame-Emitter, and Rocket, must be switched on before they can function correctly. When they're struck with an attack by Link via melee or an arrow, they will switch on and begin drawing power from Link's Zonai Power Cell.
Until they are struck again, or the cell is depleted, they will continue to function. Rockets and certain other activated devices have a limited duration. At this point, they will cease functioning and vanish, so players should learn the timings of these and take them into consideration when assembling anything that utilizes them.
How to Use Balloons and the Glider
The Balloons and Glider require a slightly different approach. Players wishing to use the Balloons will need to put a fire under them. This is most easily managed using flame emitters stuck under them, firing up, though this drains the Zonai Power Cell pretty quickly. Alternatively, players can utilize campfires and other fire sources to get airborne, though the intensity of the flame will affect the strength of the balloon's upward pull.
The Wing is another Zonai Device that requires a bit of setup. On its own, it needs to fall at an angle in order to catch the air and allow flight, necessitating a launch from a high point. Alternatively, players can utilize rockets, balloons, and/or fans to give it the lift needed to get airborne.
Once in the air, Link can steer the Glider by moving around on top of it, shifting his weight to alter its direction and the speed at which it travels. Staying near the back of the glider will angle it upward more and allow it to descend more slowly while moving the front will accelerate but move it downward with greater speed.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available for Nintendo Switch.