The Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Bubbul Gems are discovered within caves and are obtained as drops from Bubbulfrogs. These gems can be exchanged with Koltin, a small merchant creature, in return for monster parts and unique outfits. However, acquiring these gems is a challenging task, and their connection to the enigmatic Satori monster, frequently discussed among people, remains unclear.
Let’s delve into the essential details regarding TOTK Bubbul Gems—where they can be found, how they are used, the whereabouts of Koltin, and whether the entire endeavor is worthwhile.
What are Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Bubbul Gems?
In the Tears of the Kingdom game, Bubbul Gems serve as valuable gemstones that can exclusively be acquired by defeating Bubbulfrogs. These large, pale blue creatures inhabit cave systems and, while not aggressive, they swiftly jump away when approached.
Upon eliminating a Bubbulfrog, it will drop a Bubbul Gem. By accumulating a specific number of these gems, players can trade them with the monster merchant named Koltin. In return, Koltin grants the player monster-themed costumes and special items that are typically unattainable. Unfortunately, exploiting the Zelda Tears of the Kingdom duplication glitch to acquire more Bubbul Gems dishonestly is not an option. However, we will explore methods for obtaining more gems quickly shortly.
How to Use Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Bubbul Gems
To utilize Bubbul Gems in Tears of the Kingdom, it is crucial to locate Koltin. We encountered him while making our way towards the Eldin Canyon area. Once you have completed his side quest called “The Hunt for Bubbul Gems,” you’ll be able to find his Night Shop at various locations during your travels.
Koltin can also be found in a fixed location near Tarrey Town in the Alakka region, but he only appears at night. Unlike typical merchants, the exchange of Bubbul Gems with Koltin follows a predetermined tiered list of items. You pay for the next item in line without having the option to choose what you want to buy.
Location of Koltin
Initially, Koltin can be found at the Woodland Stable, which is situated east of Hyrule Castle and southwest of Death Mountain, right next to Pico Pond. Behind the Stable, towards the east along Pico Pond, you’ll come across an unsightly, multicolored hot air balloon with a small figure standing nearby. Approach and speak to this figure to receive a brief introduction to the Brothers Kilton and Koltin.
Koltin requests a Bubbul Gem as a trade. You can either provide him with one from your inventory or obtain it by entering the cave from which he emerged and defeating the Bubbulfrog inside to acquire it. Either method will work. Once you give the Bubbul Gem to Koltin, he will reward you with a Bokoblin Mask but then promptly disappear.
To locate Koltin’s shop after completing his initial encounter, make your way to Tarrey Town, a small settlement situated on Lake Akkala in the South Akkala Highlands. On the northern side of the town, you’ll find Kilton, Koltin’s brother, who will indicate a nearby cliff where the shop will be located.
It’s important to note that Koltin’s shop only becomes visible at night, specifically after 9:00 PM. You can find it precisely at the coordinates: 3661, 2064, 0168, on Ulri Mountain, north of Tarrey Town and east of the Ulri Mountain Skyview Tower. The conspicuous balloon shop should stand out, making it relatively easy to spot if you’re in close proximity.
However, Koltin will subsequently change his location and continue to move around. He still only appears at night, but his specific whereabouts will vary. While you can spot his balloon from a distance, if you need to know his precise location, consult his brother in Tarrey Town as mentioned earlier.
What Can Be Purchased With Bubbul Gems?
Bubbul Gems can be exchanged with Koltin for a variety of items. Generally, he accepts 2-5 gems at a time in exchange for unique clothing options, including monster masks that can provide camouflage from specific enemies, or rare monster parts such as those obtained from Hinoxes. Koltin will not change his available items for sale until you make a purchase, so there is no point in waiting for him to update his stock.
Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Bubbul Gems and Satori Connection
Bubbul Gems can be obtained from Bubbulfrogs, a distinctive species inhabiting caves. These gems cannot be regenerated, meaning that once you defeat a Bubbulfrog, it will not reappear. Consequently, locating a different cave becomes necessary.
A convenient method to locate TOTK Bubbul Gems exists. By presenting an offering to a Satori, you can uncover the exact whereabouts of these gems. Follow these steps to achieve this:
- Head to any of the Cherry Blossom Trees (listed below) across the game – they’ll have a Shrine beneath them.
- Put an apple or piece of fruit into the Shrine.
- A cutscene will trigger that shows a Satori – a blue rabbit/elk thing – appear.
- Every cave with a Bubbulfrog in will have its entrance marked temporarily with blue light you can see from a distance. This lasts roughly an in-game day.
Seize this opportunity! Rush to gather the Bubbulfrogs and Gems to return them to Koltin before the Satori’s blessing vanishes. Koltin will surely be grateful for your efforts.
All Cherry Blossom Tree locations
Here are the locations of all 8 Cherry Blossom Trees in Hyrule. Each tree serves the same purpose: place a piece of Fruit in the Shrine situated at its base, and you will receive a visit from the Satori. The Satori will then mark the caves in the vicinity where Bubbulfrogs can be found!
- Satori Mountain
- Passer Hill
- Gerudo Canyon
- Romani Plains
- Darunia Lake
- Zodobon Highlands
- Guchini Plain
- Ebon Mountain
Mystic Armor Set
By providing Koltin with Bubbul Gems, the main reward you receive is the Mystic Armor Set. This set is distributed in fragments as you gradually offer more gems to Koltin, with various monster parts interspersed between the pieces.
However, in our assessment, the Mystic Armor Set is not particularly impressive. While it does reduce the damage you take, it comes with a drawback: every time you get hit, you lose Rupees. To counterbalance this loss, you can refer to our Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Rupees guide. Nonetheless, it is generally more advisable to focus on upgrading your regular armor unless you possess an abundant amount of money.
