Tracking down the ruler of the Zora is a crucial step during the regional main quests in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. As players investigate the mysterious sludge plaguing Lanayru, finding the missing king becomes necessary to progress Link's journey. Understanding where King Dorephan is hiding will save you valuable time while exploring the waters around Zora's Domain.
Gathering Clues in Zora's Domain
Before heading out into the wilderness, players can gather valuable hints directly inside the throne room at Zora's Domain. Sneaking behind the playing Zora children allows Link to eavesdrop on their conversation without being spotted. Their chatter reveals that the king is recuperating in a secret location hidden behind a waterfall between Ploymus Mountain and the domain.
If you prefer to bypass this stealth step, you can head directly toward Mikau Lake to locate his sanctuary. Knowing the general area makes the search much easier for travelers navigating the surrounding cliffs.
Locating the Entrance to Pristine Sanctum
King Dorephan is taking refuge inside a hidden cave known as the Pristine Sanctum. To reach this location, travel east of Zora's Domain toward Mikau Lake, located near the base of Ploymus Mountain. Look closely at the waterfalls flowing down into the lake area to find the hidden entrance.
You will need to swim directly through the waterfall at Mikau Lake to access the hidden cave opening behind the rushing water. Equipping the Zora Armor can make navigating these strong aquatic currents much easier during your search.
Navigating the Cave and Meeting the King
Once inside the secret entrance, follow the path deeper into the chamber toward the rear waterfall. Players with the Zora Armor can simply swim up the internal waterfall to reach the upper platform of the Pristine Sanctum. Alternatively, walking underneath the overhang and using the Ascend ability allows Link to pop up right into the king's chamber.
Upon reaching the top tier, you will find King Dorephan resting on his temporary throne. Speaking with him yields essential quest items, including King's Scales, which are needed to solve the Clues to the Sky riddle.
Preparing for the Next Quest Steps
After meeting with King Dorephan and securing the necessary materials, Link can continue advancing the Zora storyline. Utilizing these royal items helps unlock subsequent locations like the sky islands above Lanayru. Following these straightforward navigation steps ensures a smooth transition into the next chapter of your adventure.
