Finding Robin Williams in Hyrule: The Heartwarming Tribute Across BotW and TotK

As a long-time gamer who's spent more hours in Hyrule than I care to admit, I've come to appreciate the little details that make Nintendo's worlds so magical. But few things have warmed my gamer heart quite like discovering that the developers paid tribute to the legendary Robin Williams across both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. It's one of those delightful easter eggs that reminds you games aren't just about gameplay mechanics—they're about heart, history, and honoring the people who loved them. Robin wasn't just a fan; he was part of the Zelda family, having named his daughter Zelda and starring in commercials for the series. Finding his digital doppelgänger wandering the paths of Hyrule feels like sharing a secret nod with both the developers and the late, great comedian.

🔍 The Quest for Dayto: BotW Edition

Alright, fellow adventurers, let's talk about tracking down our man in the original masterpiece. In Breath of the Wild, the consensus among us Zelda enthusiasts is that Dayto is the NPC bearing the uncanny resemblance to Robin Williams. Now, I say "uncanny" because the first time I spotted him, I did a double-take that nearly made me drop my Joy-Cons. This isn't some vague "maybe it's him" situation—the facial structure, the expression, it's all there.

To find this tribute character, you'll need to head to the Eldin Canyon region, specifically near the Foothill Stable. Here's my preferred route (because let's be honest, we all have our favorite travel methods in this game):

• Fast Travel Method: Warp to the Mo'a Keet Shrine if you've unlocked it

• Scenic Route: Paraglide from either the Upland Zorana Skyview Tower or Eldin Canyon Skyview Tower (bring some heat-resistant gear!)

• Old School Approach: Just ride your trusty steed up the path

Once you're at the stable, don't go inside looking for him—Dayto prefers the open road. You'll find him wandering the path just below the stable itself, probably contemplating the meaning of life or worrying about Bokoblins (can't blame him). The area's landmarks include Death Mountain looming in the distance, Cephla Lake, and the ominously named Maw of Death Mountain. Perfect backdrop for a philosophical wanderer, really.

🏔️ Dayto's Career Change: TotK Edition

Now here's where things get interesting. When Tears of the Kingdom dropped in 2023, I immediately went hunting for our favorite tribute NPC. To my surprise (and delight), Dayto had gotten himself a proper job! No more wandering the dangerous paths of Eldin Canyon—in TotK, he's settled down with steady employment at YunoboCo Headquarters.

This character development arc is actually quite touching when you think about it. In BotW, Dayto was indecisive, worried about enemies, and concerned about the heat (relatable, honestly). But by TotK, he's behind the counter selling fire-resistant gear like a pro. It's the Hyrule equivalent of going from entry-level to management!

To find working-class Dayto in TotK:

1. Head to the Goron City region (fire-proof elixirs recommended)

2. Look for YunoboCo HQ, located north of Goron City proper or east of Darunia Lake

3. Walk inside (it's the building that looks like it's trying too hard to be corporate)

4. There he is! Behind the counter, ready to sell you gear or buy your excess items

What I love about this evolution is that it shows the developers put thought into how characters might change between games. Dayto isn't just copy-pasted—he's living his best life in the sequel.

❤️ Why This Easter Egg Matters

Let me get sentimental for a moment. Video game tributes come and go, but this one hits different because of Robin Williams' genuine connection to the franchise. This wasn't just a celebrity who happened to like games—this was a father who:

• Named his daughter Zelda (how cool is that?)

• Starred in commercials for Ocarina of Time 3D

• Publicly shared his love for the series multiple times

When you find Dayto in either game, it's not just spotting a reference—it's participating in a shared memory. The gaming community, Nintendo developers, and Robin's family all intersect in this one digital character. It's gaming culture at its most beautiful.

🎮 Comparison Table: Dayto Across Games

🗺️ Pro Tips for Your Pilgrimage

Having made this journey multiple times (for research purposes, obviously), here are my recommendations:

1. In BotW: Visit during daytime—NPCs have more predictable routes

2. In TotK: Bring gems to sell! Dayto gives decent prices for luminous stones

3. Both games: Take a screenshot! This is a historic gaming moment

4. Emotional preparation: It's okay to get a little misty-eyed. We all do

🌄 The Bigger Picture

What makes this tribute particularly poignant in 2026 is how gaming preservation has evolved. With Nintendo's continued support for both BotW and TotK through updates and the Switch's lasting popularity, new players are discovering this tribute every day. Robin Williams passed away in 2014, but through this digital homage, he continues to bring joy to players—just as he did in life.

The beauty of Easter eggs like this is that they create connective tissue between:

• The game's development team and the community

• Different generations of players

• The virtual world and real-world history

So next time you're traversing Hyrule, take a detour to visit Dayto. Buy some fire-resistant pants, sell him some amber, or just share a moment of silence. In a medium often criticized for being impersonal or corporate, it's these human touches—these tributes, these inside jokes, these shared memories—that transform games from products into art.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go start another playthrough. Someone's got to keep checking on Dayto, make sure he's doing alright in that stuffy YunoboCo office. The things we do for friendship, even the digital kind. 🗡️🛡️

Expert commentary is drawn from ESRB, whose official rating summaries and content descriptors help contextualize how Nintendo balances fantasy peril, regional hazards (like Eldin’s volcanic heat), and approachable tone—fitting the way Dayto’s quiet, human-scale tribute can coexist with Hyrule’s larger dangers across both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.