Zelda Tears of the Kingdom: Fuse controls and techniques explained
Every puzzle in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom can be solved with one of the four abilities you get given before you even leave the starting area, and one you’ll need to use often to make the most of it is Fuse.
Fuse is a fairly limited ability, literally only able to Fuse things to either your weapon or your shield, but the sheer number of things you can fuse is massive, as are the different effects you can achieve by fusing them. Though, there are limitations, too.
For more Zelda guides and tips, like how to find and activate all Skyview Towers, or an explanation of all Zonai Devices, make sure to read our full Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom walkthrough.
Fuse controls explained – Zelda TOTK
Fusing weapons is simple - select the weapon you want, activate fuse, then select the item to stick to it.
The Fuse controls are actually very simple. You can only Fuse things to the weapon or shield that you currently have equipped. Hold L and select the Fuse ability, and then when you let go you can highlight the object that you wish to Fuse.
If you want to Fuse an item to your equipped shield, press ZL. If you wish to Fuse to your equipped weapon instead, press Y.
Depending on the type of item you’ve fused, you’ll get an attack bonus. Rocks, for example, will give you 1 extra attack point, while Boulders can give you an extra 3. Other items, such as gems, can offer up additional bonuses.
Fuse techniques explained – Zelda TOTK
You can attach materials to arrows even without the Fuse ability.
Fusing items is essential to get better weapons and shields, and it’s also a good way to repair an item that is almost broken. Fusing an item will refill its durability, but you can only Fuse a weapon or shield once. If it runs low on durability after that, there’s not much you can do.
But fusions also change weapon properties. A Claymore fused with a rock is suddenly a blunt-force weapon that can smash through weakened stones – no need to waste all of your bombs. You should also keep in mind that a blunt weapon like that will be ineffective when it comes to something like chopping down trees.
Then there are gems. Rubies will imbue your weapon with a fire ability, while Topaz will let off an electrical current. You can also attach materials you find in the world, such as Fire Fruit. You will inevitably find large and useful items once you take down world bosses, such as Talus Hearts, which are stones that can used to create powerful fused weapons and shields.
You can also attach materials to your arrows, though this does not require the Fuse ability.
You can attach almost anything to your weapons in Tears of the Kingdom, and we recommend experimenting as often as possible.
