How do I solve the ice-based puzzles in Divine Beast Vah Ruta in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Divine Beast Vah Ruta is one of the four Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it is associated with the Zora region. The primary mechanic in Vah Ruta revolves around manipulating water and ice to solve puzzles and progress through the dungeon. The puzzles are designed to test your understanding of the environment and your ability to use the Cryonis rune effectively. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to solve the ice-based puzzles in Vah Ruta.

The first major puzzle you encounter involves using the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in water. Cryonis allows you to create up to three ice pillars in any body of water, and these pillars can be used as platforms, barriers, or tools to interact with the environment. In Vah Ruta, you will need to use Cryonis to block water jets, create pathways, and manipulate the Divine BeastÔÇÖs internal mechanisms. For example, early in the dungeon, you will encounter a room with a large waterwheel and a series of water jets. To progress, you need to use Cryonis to block the water jets, which will stop the waterwheel and allow you to climb up to the next area.

One of the key strategies in Vah Ruta is to carefully observe the flow of water and the placement of water jets. Many puzzles require you to block specific jets to redirect water flow or stop moving parts. For instance, in the central control unit room, you will find a large gear mechanism that is powered by water. By using Cryonis to block certain jets, you can stop the gears and create a path to the next area. ItÔÇÖs important to experiment with different placements of ice blocks to see how they affect the environment.

Another important mechanic in Vah Ruta is the use of the Divine BeastÔÇÖs trunk. The trunk can be rotated using the map interface, and this rotation affects the flow of water inside the dungeon. For example, rotating the trunk can change the direction of water jets or fill certain areas with water, allowing you to create ice blocks in new locations. In one puzzle, you will need to rotate the trunk to fill a room with water, then use Cryonis to create a series of ice blocks that form a staircase leading to a higher platform.

Preparation is key when tackling Vah Ruta. Make sure you have plenty of arrows, as some puzzles require you to shoot switches or enemies from a distance. Additionally, having a few elixirs or meals that boost your stamina can be helpful, as some sections require climbing or swimming. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have a few weapons with high durability, as you will encounter enemies like Lizalfos and Guardians throughout the dungeon.

One common mistake players make is not paying attention to the water flow. Many puzzles require precise placement of ice blocks, and if you donÔÇÖt block the correct water jets, you may find yourself stuck. Another mistake is not using the map interface to rotate the trunk effectively. The trunkÔÇÖs rotation is crucial for solving several puzzles, so make sure to experiment with different positions to see how they affect the environment.

Advanced techniques include using Cryonis to create ice blocks in mid-air. This can be useful for reaching high platforms or creating barriers to block enemy attacks. Additionally, you can use Cryonis to break through weak walls or floors, revealing hidden paths or treasure chests. For example, in one room, you can create an ice block beneath a weak floor to break it and access a hidden area below.

Alternative approaches to some puzzles include using other runes like Magnesis or Stasis. While Cryonis is the primary tool for solving ice-based puzzles, there are instances where other runes can be used to bypass certain obstacles. For example, you can use Magnesis to move metal objects and create new pathways, or use Stasis to freeze moving parts and create temporary platforms.

In summary, solving the ice-based puzzles in Divine Beast Vah Ruta requires a combination of careful observation, precise use of the Cryonis rune, and effective manipulation of the Divine BeastÔÇÖs trunk. By paying attention to water flow, experimenting with ice block placement, and using the map interface to rotate the trunk, you can navigate the dungeon and solve its puzzles efficiently. Preparation, such as stocking up on arrows and stamina-boosting items, is also important for success. Avoid common mistakes like ignoring water flow or not using the trunkÔÇÖs rotation, and consider advanced techniques like creating mid-air ice blocks or using other runes to bypass obstacles. With these strategies, you can conquer Vah Ruta and progress through the story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.