Captain Hoz isn’t hard to miss-if you know where to start. This seasoned soldier holds the key to advancing the main quest in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but his whereabouts can confuse even experienced players. Here’s where you’ll actually find him and how to make the most of your visit.
Once found, if you are looking for other things to do in the early game, our beginner’s guide for what to do first can help.
How to find Captain Hoz’s location
Captain Hoz can be found at Lookout Landing, not far from where you first meet Purah. After linking with the Skyview Tower, head toward the central area, where several soldiers are stationed near the observation post. Hoz is usually inside the guard building reviewing reports or standing outside near the tower, coordinating patrols. Speak with him to trigger the next stage of the main quest and receive updates on the ongoing search for Princess Zelda.
As you approach Hyrule Castle, you’ll arrive at Hyrule Castle Town Ruins – where you can find Kyononis Shrine. A little north of Kyononis Shrine, you’ll meet Oliff, who tells you to report to Captain Hoz and points you to the “gate tower at the top of the hill, past the lower gates.”
As you continue north and across the bridge, you’ll come to some large, closed doors. Use the ledges on the sides to just walk around them. On the other side, you’ll meet Raseno who says Captain Hoz is in the “first gatehouse up ahead.”
Keep following the road north. You’ll pass by Sharce who is guarding a hallway who tells you that Captain Hoz is in the first gatehouse, up at the end of this road. Continue past him and along the road to the northeast.
The next guard you meet along the road is Yutas. Duck through the door he’s guarding to find a traveler’s shield in the back left corner. Continue along the road to the right.
How to reach the roof of the gatehouse
To reach the roof of the gatehouse, head to the stairs along the outer wall and climb to the upper level. From there, use the Ascend ability directly under the roof section or glide down from a nearby tower if you’ve already gained height elsewhere. Watch for enemies around the walls-they can easily interrupt your climb. Once on top, you’ll find Captain Hoz standing near the edge, surveying the area.
You’ll meet Wingo next (with his pot helmet) who lets you know the captain is on the roof of the gatehouse. Inside the lower level of the gatehouse, you can find a torch, soup ladle, soldier’s spear, and soldier’s broadsword.
The problem is that it’s raining too hard to climb the castle walls. Back outside and to the left of Wingo, you’ll see some construction materials. Grab two of the large wooden panels and Ultrahand them into one long panel. Use that as a ramp up to the top of the wall.
At the top of the first wall, grab your ramp with Ultrahand and position it to climb the rest of the way up and onto the roof of the gatehouse. Head around on the left side to find Captain Hoz.
How to reach the First Gatehouse rooftop quickly
Captain Hoz stands on the rooftop of the First Gatehouse in Hyrule Castle during the “Crisis at Hyrule Castle” quest in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The quickest path avoids combat and rain-related climbing issues by using nearby construction materials and abilities.
Fastest Approach
Head north from Hyrule Castle Town Ruins past NPCs like Raseno, Sharce, and Wingo, who point toward the gatehouse. Upon reaching it, speak to Wingo (in the pot helmet) outside the lower entrance, then exit left to spot wooden panels amid debris.
Building the Ramp
Grab two large wooden panels with Ultrahand and connect them end-to-end into a long ramp. Position it against the outer wall left of the entrance to scale the first ledge quickly, even in rain.
Rooftop Access
Retrieve the ramp with Ultrahand, reattach it to bridge the final gap to the rooftop, and walk up. Turn left to find Captain Hoz for the cutscene-no Ascend needed if avoiding the interior.
Best route to the First Gatehouse from the nearest fast travel point
Lookout Landing serves as the nearest fast travel point to the First Gatehouse in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, activated early after speaking with Purah.
Route Overview
Fast travel to Lookout Landing Skyview Tower, then head north through Hyrule Castle Town Ruins and past Central Square toward the castle gates. This direct path covers roughly 500-600 meters uphill, avoiding most enemies by sticking to the main road.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Exit Lookout Landing northward, following the path lined with search party NPCs like Raseno near the ruins.
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Continue straight past the ruined town, crossing the bridge at Central Square (coordinates around 0000, 0400, 0015).
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Approach the large castle gates (use Ultrahand to swing them open or climb left around them), then proceed up the sloped road to the First Gatehouse entrance.
Quick Rooftop Access
At the gatehouse, grab nearby wooden panels with Ultrahand to build a ramp on the left outer wall, climb to the ledge, reposition for the final ascent, and reach Captain Hoz on the roof in under a minute.
