Skyward Sword: Lanayru Desert

Sources reviewed: 2026-11-10

A desert that used to be worked by ancient robots. Timeshift stones show that past in a bubble. Two dungeons and the Lightning Round entrance sit in this province.

Sub-areas to keep distinct: Lanayru Mine, the caves, the Sand Sea, the Gorge, and the Temple of Time. The Mining Facility is dungeon three, with Moldarach, the Gust Bellows, and the Goddess’s Harp. The Sandship is dungeon five, out on the Sand Sea. The Silent Realm pays the Clawshots. The Lightning Round starts in the Gorge, which is also where Lanayru’s bones lie until a timeshift stone helps. No source I used measured it in steps.

The mine approach, Mining Facility, Sand Sea and Sandship have separate walkthrough routes. Use the region overview to choose the right branch before opening a chapter.

The early path begins in Lanayru Mine, crosses the desert and powers the three-node generator for the Mining Facility. On a later visit, the Clawshots open Lanayru Caves and the Sand Sea. Skipper’s boat carries a moving Timeshift field across the ancient harbor, with stops at his retreat, the shipyard and pirate stronghold before the Sandship. Lanayru Gorge is the separate late-game branch for the Life Tree cure and Lightning Round. Desert traversal, sea exploration and the Thunder Dragon task therefore belong to different visits.

Official overview trailer

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