What is the easiest Divine Beast to tackle first in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The easiest Divine Beast to tackle first in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is generally considered to be Vah Ruta, the elephant-shaped Divine Beast located in the Zora Domain. This is because the questline leading to Vah Ruta is relatively straightforward, and the abilities you gain from completing it are incredibly useful for the rest of the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to approach this Divine Beast, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to head to the Zora Domain, which is located in the Lanayru region. The path to the Zora Domain is marked by a series of glowing shrines and Zora NPCs who will guide you along the way. Once you arrive, youÔÇÖll meet Prince Sidon, who will explain that Vah Ruta has been causing heavy rainfall and flooding in the area. He will ask for your help to calm the Divine Beast.

The first step in the quest is to collect Shock Arrows. YouÔÇÖll need at least 20 Shock Arrows to proceed, and these can be found by defeating the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain. The Lynel is a tough enemy, but you can avoid direct combat by sneaking around and collecting the arrows that are stuck in trees and the ground. If you choose to fight the Lynel, make sure you have a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items. Dodging its attacks and using flurry rushes can help you defeat it more efficiently.

Once you have the Shock Arrows, return to Prince Sidon, and he will take you to the East Reservoir Lake. Here, youÔÇÖll need to use the Shock Arrows to hit the four glowing orbs on Vah Ruta. Sidon will swim around the Divine Beast, creating updrafts that you can use to glide and get a better angle for your shots. Aim carefully, as the orbs are spread out and can be tricky to hit. After hitting all four orbs, Vah Ruta will calm down, and youÔÇÖll gain access to its interior.

Inside Vah Ruta, youÔÇÖll encounter a series of puzzles that involve manipulating the Divine BeastÔÇÖs trunk and water flow. The main mechanic here is using the Sheikah SlateÔÇÖs Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in the water. These blocks can be used to stop water flow, create platforms, and even redirect the trunkÔÇÖs movement. Pay close attention to the map of Vah Ruta, as it will show you the orientation of the Divine Beast and help you navigate its interior.

One of the key puzzles involves rotating the trunk to align with specific water channels. By doing this, you can create pathways to reach new areas and activate terminals. Each terminal you activate will unlock a new part of the map and bring you closer to the main control unit. Be sure to explore thoroughly, as there are hidden chests containing valuable items like weapons and armor.

The boss of Vah Ruta is Waterblight Ganon, a powerful enemy that uses water-based attacks. The fight takes place in a large chamber with a central platform surrounded by water. Waterblight Ganon will summon ice blocks and throw them at you, as well as shoot energy blasts from its spear. Use Cryonis to destroy the ice blocks and create cover. When Waterblight Ganon is vulnerable, attack it with your strongest weapons. In the second phase of the fight, the water level will rise, and youÔÇÖll need to use Cryonis to create platforms and continue the battle.

After defeating Waterblight Ganon, youÔÇÖll regain control of Vah Ruta and receive MiphaÔÇÖs Grace, a powerful ability that allows you to automatically revive with full health if you fall in battle. This ability is incredibly useful for the rest of the game, making Vah Ruta a great first choice among the Divine Beasts.

In terms of preparation, make sure you have a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items before entering Vah Ruta. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, stamina, or defense can also be very helpful. Additionally, having a few fairies in your inventory can provide an extra layer of safety during the boss fight.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the puzzles without fully understanding the mechanics. Take your time to explore and experiment with the Cryonis rune to find the best solutions. Another mistake is underestimating Waterblight GanonÔÇÖs attacks. Always be on the move and use your environment to your advantage.

Advanced techniques include using the environment to your benefit during the boss fight. For example, you can use Cryonis to create barriers that block Waterblight GanonÔÇÖs attacks or to create platforms that give you a better vantage point for shooting arrows. Additionally, using elemental arrows like Bomb Arrows can deal significant damage to the boss.

Alternative approaches to the quest include gathering more Shock Arrows than required to ensure you have enough for the fight. You can also choose to upgrade your armor or acquire better weapons before tackling Vah Ruta to make the experience smoother.

In summary, Vah Ruta is the easiest Divine Beast to tackle first due to its straightforward questline and the powerful ability you gain from completing it. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully navigate the challenges of Vah Ruta and set yourself up for success in the rest of the game.