Glitches and tricks have been used in Zelda: Breath of the Wild since its launch, and one such feature can help players skip the Great Plateau tutorial zone. Breath of the Wild follows Link as he adventures around Hyrule in search of a way to defeat Calamity Ganon. The game includes plenty of optional weapons and gear and a myriad of difficult puzzles to solve. There are countless ways to explore Hyrule and hidden glitches that can enhance gameplay.
Some glitches are incredibly difficult to perform, but they can save a lot of time if when attempting a speed run. Other glitches are fairly simple after a few practice attempts, and, when combined, they can help to bypass a lot of the game. Players have found new ways to play that range from retrieving the impossible chest to skipping the tutorial.
The Great Plateau is Breath of the Wild's tutorial area, and there is a method players can use to skip it. Unfortunately, that means giving up the Paraglider, which is awarded after completing the four shrines in the Great Plateau. Skipping this area adds an extra level of difficulty as players will lose the ability to fly to their destinations. In order to leave the area early, players will still need to obtain the Magnesis and Stasis abilities, then use them to fly into the lake at the eastern edge of the Great Plateau.
Skipping the Great Plateau in BOTW
In order to bypass the Great Plateau in Breath of the Wild, players will need to collect Magnesis and Stasis from two of the four shrines in the area. Before leaving, they should also pick up Food or elixirs that restore stamina, and at least one undamaged weapon. The shrines do not have to be completed for this glitch, so players can simply go in, claim the ability, and leave. After obtaining the Sheikah Slate powers, players will need to use a metal door at the edge of the Eastern Abbey area.
From the low point where the metal door is, players can look out and see a lake. They can use Magnesis to bring the door up to the higher ledge and aim it toward the lake. Then, they can use Stasis on the door and bash it with a weapon until just before the ability runs out. They can quickly climb onto the door, and it should fly over the fog surrounding the Great Plateau and drop Link in the middle of the lake. He should start swimming toward the edge, and players should be sure to replenish stamina any time it gets low so Link doesn't drown. It's recommended that players have enough to restore the full stamina wheel at least once.
After swimming to shore, players will have free rein to explore Hyrule. Due to the fog surrounding the area, if the tower in the Great Plateau was never activated, then players will have a hard time trying to return there. Skipping the tutorial gives players the chance to test their skills and attempt to beat the game without the Paraglider.
Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available on Nintendo Switch.