In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (BOTW), players are given unparalleled freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with the environment in countless ways. However, one question that continues to puzzle many players especially those diving deep into shrine puzzles and side quests is how to kneel in BOTW. While the game doesn’t have a dedicated kneel button in the traditional sense, certain actions and context-based gameplay mechanics allow Link to mimic kneeling or crouching behaviors. Understanding how these work is important for specific events, secrets, and immersive gameplay moments.
Understanding the Mechanics of Movement
The Crouch Function
Although BOTW does not have a direct kneel action, it does include a crouch mechanic that players often refer to as kneeling. To crouch in the game, simply click the left joystick (L3) on your controller. This causes Link to lower his body into a sneaky crouch, which is useful for stealth, hunting, and certain puzzle interactions.
- How to crouch: Click the left stick (L3).
- When crouched: Link moves more slowly and quietly.
- Best uses: Sneaking past enemies, catching insects, or approaching wild horses.
While crouching may not be labeled as kneeling, it visually resembles the act of kneeling, especially when Link stays still in this position. This is the closest form of kneeling available through basic controls in Breath of the Wild.
Situations Where Kneeling Matters
Shrine Quests Requiring a Gesture
Some shrine quests seem to suggest that Link must kneel or show reverence in front of statues or altars. A famous example is the Statue’s Bargain quest, where players must interact with the Horned Statue near Hateno Village. Though no actual kneeling is required, the atmosphere and context give players the impression that a gesture like kneeling might trigger an event.
In other cases, such as the shrine quest The Cursed Statue, players often wonder if kneeling is needed in front of certain statues at specific times. However, these quests are typically solved through other actions, such as shooting an arrow or waiting until nightfall.
Immersion and Roleplaying
Some players enjoy immersing themselves in the world of Hyrule by roleplaying. For these players, crouching in front of a shrine or statue may feel like a respectful or spiritual act, especially in culturally rich locations like the Spring of Wisdom, Spring of Power, or the Temple of Time ruins. Though it doesn’t change gameplay outcomes, this kind of roleplay can enhance the player’s emotional experience.
Stealth Missions and Hunting
Crouching is crucial in stealth scenarios, particularly when sneaking up on bokoblins, lynels, or wild animals. In terms of game logic, crouching represents silence and low visibility. Hunters often crouch to sneak up on deer or birds, and crouching while approaching a camp at night can allow players to land critical hits before alerting enemies.
Contextual Animations and Character Positioning
Sitting vs. Kneeling
Another point of confusion comes from the sitting mechanic available when interacting with campfires. When Link sits at a fire to wait until morning, noon, or night, he performs a squatting animation. This is not kneeling, but some players confuse it with similar gestures. This kind of detail contributes to the misconception that kneeling is an available action.
Cutscenes and Special Events
In various cutscenes, such as those involving the Champions or interactions with Zelda, Link may be shown kneeling or bowing. However, these animations are not controllable by the player and cannot be manually triggered during free exploration. They are part of scripted events only.
Advanced Tips for Simulating Kneeling
Using Crouch with the Camera
For players who want to capture kneeling screenshots or simulate prayer poses, crouching and manipulating the camera angle is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Crouch using L3.
- Stop moving and let Link settle into position.
- Use the right stick to adjust the camera for dramatic effect.
- Use the in-game screenshot feature or your system’s capture button.
This method is particularly useful for players looking to create fan art, roleplay scenarios, or content for social media.
Combining with Emotes or Gestures
Although there are no emotes like waving or bowing in BOTW, certain actions like placing an item or dropping a weapon can enhance the illusion of interaction. For example, crouching near a statue and dropping a fruit or rupee can make it look like Link is making an offering, adding a spiritual or ceremonial context to the kneeling gesture.
Common Myths About Kneeling in BOTW
Myth: You Can Unlock a Shrine by Kneeling
This is a persistent myth fueled by vague NPC dialogue or shrine riddles that reference reverence or gestures. In reality, shrines in BOTW are unlocked through specific actions solving puzzles, finding hidden switches, or completing quests. Kneeling or crouching near them has no functional effect on unlocking them.
Myth: There Is a Hidden Control to Kneel
There is no hidden or unlockable control that allows Link to kneel in the way that many RPGs offer. The only crouch mechanic is through the L3 button, and no upgrades or hidden features change this behavior. Players searching for a secret kneeling function may be confusing the game with titles that support full-body emotes or interactions.
Why the Confusion Persists
Symbolism and Environment Design
BOTW’s world is rich with symbols statues, shrines, altars, and ruins all of which suggest sacred or spiritual significance. These design choices naturally make players want to interact in deeper ways, like kneeling in front of divine structures. The urge to kneel is more emotional and thematic than mechanical, leading to ongoing curiosity about whether it’s possible.
Open-Ended Gameplay Encourages Exploration
Because Breath of the Wild promotes experimentation, players often try various actions just to see what happens. This openness causes players to create their own interpretations of mechanics. If kneeling had a practical effect even once it would be logical to assume it works elsewhere. But as it stands, crouching is the only available substitute.
In Zelda: Breath of the Wild, there is no direct way to kneel in the conventional sense. However, players can use the crouch mechanic to simulate kneeling for stealth purposes, immersion, and aesthetic roleplaying. While it doesn’t have functional impact on shrine completion or quest progression, it enhances the sense of engagement and spiritual depth that the world of Hyrule offers. Whether sneaking past a Lynel or pausing before a shrine in quiet reverence, crouching remains a subtle yet meaningful mechanic that adds flavor to one of the most immersive open-world games of its generation.