Exploring the vast landscapes of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom relies heavily on using unique Zonai devices to build vehicles and machines. However, players will quickly notice that their initial Energy Cell capacity runs out incredibly fast when powering multiple fans or rockets. Expanding this power resource is crucial for long-distance travel, but locating the specific spots to increase your meter can be tricky at first.
The Crystal Refinery Outside Lookout Landing
The most convenient location to upgrade your Energy Cell is situated right in the center of the surface map. Just outside the northern gate of Lookout Landing, players can find a fallen sky island structure with a friendly Steward Construct waiting next to it. This central hub becomes the easiest place to visit whenever you have accumulated enough resources during your journey.
To secure an upgrade, you must bring 100 Crystallized Charges to the construct, who will instantly forge an additional energy well onto your belt. This location remains accessible throughout your entire adventure, making it a perfect spot to fast-travel to after exploring the dangerous wilderness. Managing your power needs becomes much simpler once you establish a routine visit to this surface refinery.
The Great Sky Island Construction Site
For players who prefer to upgrade their gear early or happen to be exploring the upper realms, the original tutorial area houses another functional refinery. Located right next to the Nachoyah Shrine, this northern sky platform features the very first Steward Construct capable of handling your energy expansions. It provides a safe sanctuary away from the hostile monsters roaming the surface world.
Reaching this platform requires using your recall ability on the spinning waterwheels inside the cave system near the shrine. Once you arrive, the processing machine operates exactly the same as the one located down on the surface. Utilizing this sky station gives adventurers an alternative option to dump their heavy materials without needing to return to Lookout Landing.
Gathering Materials for Energy Expansion
Understanding where to go is only half the battle, as fueling the machine requires finding a steady supply of rare underground minerals. Players must venture into the dark depths beneath Hyrule to mine massive deposits of Zonaite ore from enemy camps. This raw material can then be traded at various underground Forge Constructs to purchase the necessary Crystallized Charges.
Defeating large bosses in the underground mines will also reward you with massive bundles of pre-processed charges, drastically speeding up your upgrade journey. It takes a total of 4500 charges to completely max out your power meter to its absolute limit. Balancing your time between subterranean mining and surface refinement ensures your custom flying machines will never fall short of fuel mid-flight.