The Lightning Helm is Tears of the Kingdom’s version of the Thunder Helm, a valuable headpiece rewarded by the Chief of the Gerudo in Breath of the Wild. The Lightning Helm functions exactly the same as its predecessor, granting Link 3 defense and the “Lightning Proof” buff, making him immune to Lightning strikes. This version of the helm, however, was created by the notorious Yiga Clan and therefore requires a bit of infiltration and a demonstration of skill to acquire. This guide details the process of obtaining the Lightning Helm in Tears of the Kingdom.
How to Get the Lightning Helm (Thunder Helm) in Tears of the Kingdom
The Lightning Helm can be obtained at the Yiga Clan Hideout, the entrance to which can be found in the Gerudo Desert, in the same location as it was in Breath of the Wild. While locating their base of operations is a relatively simple task, getting inside is another story entirely. In order to gain access to the Yiga Clan’s Hideout, Link will have to become one with his surroundings–that is, with the Yiga Clan itself.
When Link arrives at the Yiga Clan Hideout, he will meet Mimos, another Hylian who is trying to get into the locked hideout doors as he desires to learn a “cool move.” In order for Link to enter Yiga Clan Hideout, he'll have to fool them into letting him in. To do this, Link will need to collect all three pieces of the Yiga Armor: the Yiga Mask, Yiga Armor, and Yiga Tights. Obtaining this armor set is necessary for obtaining the Lightning Helm in Tears of the Kingdom, and doing so requires quite a bit of travel and combat.
Obtaining the Yiga Armor Set in Tears of the Kingdom
To start the side quest, “Infiltrating the Yiga Clan,” Mimos will mention where Link should be able to find his first piece of the Yiga armor set. Detailed information on obtaining all three of these armor pieces can be found in this dedicated guide to getting all three pieces of the Yiga Armor in Tears of the Kingdom.
The three pieces of the Yiga Armor set can be obtained by traveling and fighting at the following locations:
- Yiga Mask: South of the Temple of Time Ruins, northwest of Lake Hylia.
- Yiga Armor: Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, northwest of North Akkala Beach.
- Yiga Tights: Underground cave in Aldor Foothills, west of the Great Hyrule Forest.
Once Link has obtained and equipped all three pieces of the Yiga Armor set, he should return to the Yiga Clan Hideout. The Yiga Clan will open the door and let him enter, where the next part of his journey begins.
Obtaining the Lightning Helm in Tears of the Kingdom
Once Link has successfully infiltrated the Yiga Clan Hideout, he can freely roam around the facility as long as he keeps the full armor set equipped. This grants him access to special vendors selling rare items, a quest to unlock the Suariwak Shrine, and the next part of the process to obtain the Lightning Helm.
Once Link has passed through the main hall, he will enter a workshop featuring two large Zonai vehicles, which Link can record with Autobuild if he has it unlocked. Beyond this room, Link will reach a training course similar to the one he had to sneak around in Breath of the Wild. Here he will need to seek out the Yiga Blademaster, who can be found atop one of the higher ledges.
The Yiga Blademaster is standing next to a pedestal showcasing a desirable prize: the Lightning Helm. However, if Link wants to get his hands on this priceless equipment, and other rewards, he’ll have to pass the Blademaster’s challenges. The Blademaster asks Link to defeat a specific number of Yiga Footsoldiers within one minute.
There are three different levels to this challenge, each pitting Link against an increased number of enemies. In order to receive the Lightning Helm, Link must defeat all three levels of the Yiga Blademaster’s challenges. Each attempt will cost 100 Rupees, so it is recommended to save before each challenge and reload to avoid running out of money. The three challenges and their rewards are as follows:
- Challenge #1: Defeat three enemies in one minute. Reward: Yiga Fabric.
- Challenge #2: Defeat six enemies in one minute. Reward: Earthwake Manual.
- Challenge #3: Defeat nine enemies in one minute. Reward: Lightning Helm.
Once Link has successfully bested all three of the Yiga Blademaster’s challenges, he can claim the Lightning Helm. Equipping this helm will make become immune to Lightning, removing the necessity of wearing the full Rubber Armor set to gain this benefit.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available now on Nintendo Switch