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Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment introduces a variety of new battle areas and regions for players to explore, while fighting off waves of enemies, delivering the classic musou gameplay that Koei Tecmo fans enjoy. Although the game emphasizes its story and lore, its combat system truly stands out, offering exciting and fast-paced action from beginning to end.
The game features a unique Zonai Device system, which is inspired by the mechanics in Tears of the Kingdom. This system allows players to use ancient tools and gadgets to deal significant damage, apply status effects, and exploit enemy weaknesses. Zonai Devices are vital for success, but they can be easy to overlook if not used properly, which might cause trouble later on considering their powerful capabilities.
Complete Guide to Zonai Devices
There are nine different Zonai Devices in the game, each designed to help you identify enemy vulnerabilities, discover hidden Koroks, and more as you progress through the story. Managing these devices requires additional resources and planning, but their strength makes it worthwhile.
Whether suppressing sludge, extinguishing fire enemies, or avoiding being frozen by certain foes, Zonai Devices facilitate easier combat and help you counter enemies efficiently. Using the right device at the right moment can make battles much more manageable and prevent frustrations by simply countering enemy attacks with specific tools to deal rapid damage.
Every Zonai Device
| Zonai Device | Description |
|---|---|
| Balloon | No energy needed. Enables quick travel along the battlefield by securing outposts. |
| Cannon | Uses 40 energy. Fires a barrage of shots ahead, causing heavy damage. |
| Fan | Uses 10 energy. Knocks enemies back and reflects incoming projectiles. |
| Flame Emitter | Uses 55 energy. Shoots flames, setting enemies on fire for high damage. |
| Frost Emitter | Uses 40 energy. Produces a freezing stream, temporarily immobilizing enemies. |
| Hydrant | Uses 45 energy. Sprays water to douse enemies or clean sludge. |
| Rocket | Uses 25 energy. Propels the user forward at high speed, bulldozing enemies. |
| Shock Emitter | Uses 65 energy. Discharges electricity to stun and halt enemy movement. |
| Time Bomb | Uses 25 energy. Tosses a timed explosive that causes significant damage in an area. |
How to Obtain Zonai Devices
Characters will unlock certain Zonai Devices as the story advances. You can also acquire additional ones from Device Dispensers on the World Map. After collecting enough materials to fully charge a dispenser, you’ll receive a Zonai Device, which you can assign to a character. Each dispenser specializes in one type of device, so returning to the same dispenser can repeatedly give you specific gadgets, useful for outfitting your entire team with the needed tools — for example, equipping everyone with Flame Emitters to handle frost-based enemies efficiently.
It’s essential to explore thoroughly, as some Device Dispensers are locked behind side-quests or battles. Clearing these areas ensures you’ll have access to all available Zonai Devices, which is helpful when facing elemental enemies that can be countered more easily with the right gadget.
How to Equip Zonai Devices
Once obtained, Devices are equipped by opening the character’s inventory and navigating to the Zonai Devices section. Select the desired device and assign it to a specific input, preferably the ZR button, to keep your face buttons free for unique skills. During battles, pressing ZR activates the device to clear enemies, remove sludges, or exploit elemental weaknesses. Note that these menus can be a bit clunky, but understanding how to quickly activate devices makes gameplay much smoother.
How to Recharge Zonai Devices
Devices consume batteries, which are limited resources. You can recharge them using Batteries, which are finite but can be replenished in several ways. At the start of each battle, you have three Batteries available to restore your device’s charge. Resting at camps or smashing boxes in the environment often yields Batteries. Over time, the Battery gauge refills gradually, providing some passive recharging. Completing side-quests and battles can increase your maximum Battery capacity, allowing longer use of devices. On higher difficulty levels, Batteries do not automatically refill at camps, so managing your Batteries becomes even more crucial.
Using Zonai Devices strategically is key. They are potent tools that can turn the tide of a fight, particularly if you have a gadget that counters a specific boss or enemy element. Always pay attention to elemental strengths and weaknesses to maximize their effectiveness.
Elemental Counters
| Zonai Device | Element | Counters |
|---|---|---|
| Fan | Wind | Wind-based enemies or obstacles |
| Flame Emitter | Fire | Ice enemies or environments |
| Frost Emitter | Ice | Fire enemies or hot zones |
| Hydrant | Water | Fire-based foes or areas with sludge |
| Shock Emitter | Lightning | Water or metal enemies |
Strategic use of elements enhances combat efficiency, so selecting the right Zonai Device for the enemy’s elemental weakness helps maximize damage and control the battlefield. Additionally, using Devices like the Hydrant during exploration can aid in environmental puzzles, uncovering hidden Koroks and clearing areas blocked by sludge.




