After you enter the Korok Forest in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom after passing through Lost Woods, it’s the Deku Tree dying in darkness.
That same shade of gloom has spread to the whole forest, and the enthusiasm of the Koroks is also low.
To restore the light and cleanse the stinky unpleasantness you will need to proceed inside the Deku tree into the next area where there is a chasm and a powerful monster.
Reaching Korok Forest
Korok Forest is located in the Lost Woods, which always foils people’s sense of direction. Unlike in BotW, just passing through the Lost Woods won’t do the trick in this game.
However, the only way to get to the forest is to go down a gorge, do not ask how. Here is a strategic guide on how to manage the challenges a step by a step-by-step basis.
1. Locate the Korok Grove Chasm
Now that we have the first two Korok Seeds go to the northeastern corner of Hyrule Field to locate the entrance to Korok Grove Chasm.
It serves as the shortcut to enter the Lost Woods by itself without the mist, a normal way for the series. So be sure to bring along some stamina/ potions to ensure the long trip ahead.
2. Descend into the Depths
Once at the chasm, dive in. This will lead you to Depths which is below the Kingdom of Hyrule. Here is the path to Korok Forest but nearby there is darkness that often envelops these undergrounds. Bring some healing items and if ever there’s Gloom-resistant armor, then bring them too.
3. Brightbloom Seeds for Directions
The Depths are as the name suggests dark and thus give a gloomy feel, but don’t worry using Brightbloom Seeds will assist with the lighting. These can be lit up by arrows to make sure you do not lose focus on certain landmarks, or end up in the wrong areas.
4. Defeat Enemies in the Depths
Because of this, enemies are abundant throughout the Depths, and as it was mentioned, various kinds of enemies are waiting. Certainly, Phantom Ganon turns into a problem, and players must be ready for a rather difficult battle. Fighting with Phantom Ganon is significant because access to the Korok Forest is in question furthering the journey.
Purifying the Darkness in Korok Forest
Having balked at the entrance to Korok Forest it becomes apparent that the dark is at the root of the forest’s woes. This gloom affects The Great Deku Tree, the protector of the forest. Here’s how to purify it and get back to keeping the peace.
1. Speak to the Great Deku Tree
As soon as you get into the Korok Forest go directly to the Great Deku Tree. He will begin to tell you that the darkness has come over him and there is an entity within him that is making everything rotten.
2. Enter the Great Deku Tree
You will then need to crawl into the Great Deku Tree to find out where the gloom is coming from. Expect more challenges as you move through inside the tree; You will come across Gloom Hands and a stronger form of Phantom Ganon.
3. Defeat Phantom Ganon Again
In the final phase of the Great Deku Tree battle you get Phantom Ganon as your enemy. This version of the boss is a bit tougher so make sure to bring adequately powerful clearer weapons, healing items, and Anti Gloom for the fight.
4. Remove the Filth and Reclaim Korok Forest
When you defeat Phantom Ganon, both the Great Deku Tree will be free from gloom, and the same Korok Forest. The forest’s vivid color will appear again and the Koroks will be discharged from the curse, if you wish you could go further.