In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, players are introduced to many side quests that enhance the depth of the world and the relationships within it. One of the most charming and rewarding side quests involves collecting Gratitude Crystals. These colorful items represent the thanks and appreciation of the residents of Skyloft and other areas, and they are an essential part of helping a mysterious character named Batreaux. Gratitude Crystals in Skyward Sword are not only useful for earning rewards, but they also offer players a richer connection to the game’s lore and characters. Understanding how to collect these crystals and what they mean is key for completionists and story lovers alike.
What Are Gratitude Crystals?
Gratitude Crystals are collectible items in Skyward Sword that symbolize the heartfelt thanks of individuals you help during your journey. They glow with a soft, gem-like appearance and come in two main forms. You can earn individual crystals from completing specific side quests, or find loose crystals hidden throughout the environment, typically at night. These items are not used for combat or crafting, but rather for progressing a unique questline involving a non-human character longing to become more human.
The Role of Batreaux
Batreaux is a friendly demon living in a hidden house beneath Skyloft. Despite his frightening appearance, Batreaux is gentle and dreams of becoming human. To fulfill this dream, he asks Link to collect Gratitude Crystals from the people of Skyloft and surrounding regions. As Link gathers more crystals and gives them to Batreaux, he rewards the player with useful items and gear. Eventually, collecting enough crystals will help Batreaux achieve his dream, affecting both him and the world around him in meaningful ways.
How to Start Collecting Gratitude Crystals
You will first meet Batreaux after completing the Lost Child side quest, in which you help a young girl named Kukiel. Once this quest is finished, Batreaux will introduce himself and request that you find Gratitude Crystals on his behalf. From that point on, crystals begin appearing throughout Skyloft and its surrounding areas, either as rewards for completing side quests or as glowing items to collect during nighttime exploration.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Collection
- Side Quests (Daytime): Completing tasks for NPCs during the day will often reward you with clusters of five Gratitude Crystals. These quests usually involve solving a problem, delivering an item, or reuniting characters.
- Exploration (Nighttime): Some crystals appear in hidden corners, rooftops, or inside homes after dark. You’ll need to sleep in a bed to transition to night and then explore the area thoroughly.
Locations of Loose Gratitude Crystals
Scattered across Skyloft and neighboring islands, loose Gratitude Crystals can be a bit tricky to find. Here are a few examples of common locations where these crystals can be discovered during nighttime:
- On the roof of the Knight Academy.
- Near the waterfall behind the academy.
- In Kukiel’s house, on a shelf near the back wall.
- By the light tower’s base.
- Inside Batreaux’s house itself, tucked in a corner.
Be sure to check every nook and cranny, as some crystals are well hidden. Using the dash and climb mechanics can help you reach higher ledges and roofs where crystals may be resting.
Side Quests That Reward Gratitude Crystals
There are many helpful side quests that give bundles of Gratitude Crystals when completed. These quests involve a wide range of tasks, from romantic dilemmas to mysterious disappearances. Here are some of the most notable quests:
- Missing Baby Rattle: Help a father calm his crying child by locating a lost rattle.
- Cleaning Instructor Owlan’s Room: Use the Gust Bellows to clear away dust in the academy.
- Fledge’s Training: Support Fledge’s push-up routine by delivering stamina potions over time.
- Cawlin’s Love Letter: Deliver a secret love letter, and make a choice that affects the outcome.
- Bertie’s Nightmares: Help a man struggling with terrible dreams caused by his fear of demons.
Each of these quests provides five Gratitude Crystals. Completing all of them contributes significantly toward reaching the total number needed to finish Batreaux’s transformation.
Gratitude Crystal Rewards
As you bring more Gratitude Crystals to Batreaux, he rewards you with useful items. These rewards are valuable for both combat and convenience. Here’s a breakdown of the rewards based on how many crystals you’ve turned in:
- 5 Crystals: Medium Wallet (holds 300 rupees)
- 10 Crystals: Heart Piece
- 30 Crystals: Big Wallet (holds 500 rupees)
- 30 Crystals (second reward): Cursed Medal
- 40 Crystals: Big Wallet upgrade (holds 1,000 rupees)
- 50 Crystals: Gold Rupee (worth 300 rupees)
- 70 Crystals: Tycoon Wallet (holds 9,000 rupees)
These rewards help Link carry more rupees, earn heart pieces, and even collect rare items that offer unique effects. Some, like the Cursed Medal, come with both benefits and drawbacks, adding a strategic layer to your inventory management.
Total Number of Gratitude Crystals
There are a total of 80 Gratitude Crystals available in the game. Of these, 65 come from completing side quests and 15 are found as loose crystals during nighttime exploration. Collecting all 80 is not required to finish the main story, but doing so unlocks the final reward from Batreaux and allows him to complete his transformation into a human.
Tracking Your Progress
You can check how many Gratitude Crystals you’ve collected by visiting Batreaux and looking at the counter he keeps in his home. This helps you keep track of how many more you need to claim the next reward or reach the total.
Impact of Completing the Quest
Helping Batreaux collect all 80 Gratitude Crystals has a notable impact on Skyloft. Once he transforms into a human, the town becomes safer and friendlier at night. Previously aggressive monsters that roamed after dark disappear, making it easier to explore freely. This transformation not only helps Batreaux fulfill his dream but also benefits the entire community.
Emotional and Narrative Rewards
Beyond gameplay benefits, the Gratitude Crystals questline adds emotional depth to Skyward Sword. Players get to witness Batreaux’s touching journey, as well as the gratitude and humanity of the Skyloft citizens. It reinforces one of the game’s key themes: the power of kindness and connection.
The Gratitude Crystals in Skyward Sword are more than just optional collectibles. They represent the spirit of helping others, hidden stories, and the bonds that form between Link and the people around him. Through completing heartfelt side quests and exploring Skyloft under the stars, players gather these glowing tokens of appreciation. In return, they receive not only practical rewards but also one of the game’s most meaningful character transformations. For players seeking a richer, more immersive experience in Skyward Sword, collecting Gratitude Crystals is an unforgettable journey well worth the effort.