What is the best way to approach the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest is one of the first major storylines in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and serves as an introduction to the Divine Beasts. Located in the Zora Domain, Vah Ruta is a massive mechanical elephant corrupted by Calamity Ganon. To approach this quest effectively, you need to prepare well, understand the mechanics, and follow a clear strategy. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you succeed.
First, preparation is key. Before heading to Zora Domain, ensure you have a good supply of arrows, especially shock arrows. Shock arrows are crucial for the quest, as youÔÇÖll need them to calm Vah Ruta. You can purchase them from shops or find them in the wild, such as on Mount Ploymus near Zora Domain. Additionally, stock up on healing items like hearty meals or elixirs, as the journey involves combat and environmental hazards. Armor with high defense or resistance to electricity is also helpful, as youÔÇÖll face electric-based enemies.
The quest begins when you reach Zora Domain and speak with King Dorephan and Prince Sidon. They explain that Vah Ruta is causing heavy rainfall, which threatens to flood the region. Sidon will ask for your help to calm the Divine Beast by shooting shock arrows into its water spouts. This is where the mechanics of the quest come into play. YouÔÇÖll need to ride on SidonÔÇÖs back as he swims around Vah Ruta, giving you opportunities to aim and shoot the shock arrows into the glowing targets on the beastÔÇÖs sides. Timing and accuracy are crucial here, as the water spouts will attack you with ice blocks. Use your bowÔÇÖs slow-motion aiming feature by jumping off SidonÔÇÖs back to make precise shots.
Once youÔÇÖve calmed Vah Ruta, youÔÇÖll gain access to its interior. Inside, youÔÇÖll encounter a series of puzzles that involve manipulating the Divine BeastÔÇÖs trunk and other mechanisms. The main mechanic here is using the Sheikah SlateÔÇÖs Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in water. These blocks can be used to stop gears, create platforms, or redirect water flow. Pay close attention to the map of Vah Ruta, as rotating the trunk changes the water flow and opens new paths. Solving these puzzles will activate terminals, which are necessary to regain control of the Divine Beast.
Combat is also a significant part of this quest. Inside Vah Ruta, youÔÇÖll face Waterblight Ganon, the boss of this Divine Beast. Waterblight Ganon uses a spear and can summon ice blocks to throw at you. During the first phase, focus on dodging its attacks and countering with well-timed strikes. Use arrows to hit its eye when itÔÇÖs vulnerable. In the second phase, the arena will flood, and youÔÇÖll need to use Cryonis to create platforms and avoid its attacks. Keep your distance and use ranged weapons to whittle down its health. Having a strong bow and plenty of arrows is essential for this fight.
Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing enough shock arrows or healing items before starting the quest. Running out of arrows mid-battle can make the quest much harder. Another mistake is not using Cryonis effectively during the Waterblight Ganon fight, which can lead to unnecessary damage. Additionally, some players struggle with the timing of shooting the shock arrows into Vah RutaÔÇÖs spouts. Practice your aim and use the slow-motion feature to improve accuracy.
Advanced techniques include using UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, if youÔÇÖve unlocked it from another Divine Beast, to deal massive damage to Waterblight Ganon. You can also use elemental weapons or arrows to exploit its weaknesses. For example, shock arrows can stun it, giving you an opening to attack. Optimizing your inventory by carrying high-damage weapons and shields will also make the fight easier.
Alternative approaches include completing other Divine Beasts first to gain their abilities, which can make the Vah Ruta quest easier. For example, RevaliÔÇÖs Gale from Vah Medoh can help you reach high places quickly, while MiphaÔÇÖs Grace from Vah Ruta itself provides a free revive if you fall in battle. However, Vah Ruta is designed to be the first Divine Beast most players tackle, so itÔÇÖs manageable without these abilities.
In summary, the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest requires preparation, puzzle-solving skills, and combat proficiency. Gather shock arrows, healing items, and strong weapons before starting. Use Cryonis to solve puzzles and defeat Waterblight Ganon. Avoid common mistakes like running out of arrows or misusing Cryonis. Advanced techniques and alternative approaches can make the quest easier, but with careful planning and execution, you can successfully free Vah Ruta and gain MiphaÔÇÖs Grace, a powerful ability that will aid you throughout your journey.
First, preparation is key. Before heading to Zora Domain, ensure you have a good supply of arrows, especially shock arrows. Shock arrows are crucial for the quest, as youÔÇÖll need them to calm Vah Ruta. You can purchase them from shops or find them in the wild, such as on Mount Ploymus near Zora Domain. Additionally, stock up on healing items like hearty meals or elixirs, as the journey involves combat and environmental hazards. Armor with high defense or resistance to electricity is also helpful, as youÔÇÖll face electric-based enemies.
The quest begins when you reach Zora Domain and speak with King Dorephan and Prince Sidon. They explain that Vah Ruta is causing heavy rainfall, which threatens to flood the region. Sidon will ask for your help to calm the Divine Beast by shooting shock arrows into its water spouts. This is where the mechanics of the quest come into play. YouÔÇÖll need to ride on SidonÔÇÖs back as he swims around Vah Ruta, giving you opportunities to aim and shoot the shock arrows into the glowing targets on the beastÔÇÖs sides. Timing and accuracy are crucial here, as the water spouts will attack you with ice blocks. Use your bowÔÇÖs slow-motion aiming feature by jumping off SidonÔÇÖs back to make precise shots.
Once youÔÇÖve calmed Vah Ruta, youÔÇÖll gain access to its interior. Inside, youÔÇÖll encounter a series of puzzles that involve manipulating the Divine BeastÔÇÖs trunk and other mechanisms. The main mechanic here is using the Sheikah SlateÔÇÖs Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in water. These blocks can be used to stop gears, create platforms, or redirect water flow. Pay close attention to the map of Vah Ruta, as rotating the trunk changes the water flow and opens new paths. Solving these puzzles will activate terminals, which are necessary to regain control of the Divine Beast.
Combat is also a significant part of this quest. Inside Vah Ruta, youÔÇÖll face Waterblight Ganon, the boss of this Divine Beast. Waterblight Ganon uses a spear and can summon ice blocks to throw at you. During the first phase, focus on dodging its attacks and countering with well-timed strikes. Use arrows to hit its eye when itÔÇÖs vulnerable. In the second phase, the arena will flood, and youÔÇÖll need to use Cryonis to create platforms and avoid its attacks. Keep your distance and use ranged weapons to whittle down its health. Having a strong bow and plenty of arrows is essential for this fight.
Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing enough shock arrows or healing items before starting the quest. Running out of arrows mid-battle can make the quest much harder. Another mistake is not using Cryonis effectively during the Waterblight Ganon fight, which can lead to unnecessary damage. Additionally, some players struggle with the timing of shooting the shock arrows into Vah RutaÔÇÖs spouts. Practice your aim and use the slow-motion feature to improve accuracy.
Advanced techniques include using UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, if youÔÇÖve unlocked it from another Divine Beast, to deal massive damage to Waterblight Ganon. You can also use elemental weapons or arrows to exploit its weaknesses. For example, shock arrows can stun it, giving you an opening to attack. Optimizing your inventory by carrying high-damage weapons and shields will also make the fight easier.
Alternative approaches include completing other Divine Beasts first to gain their abilities, which can make the Vah Ruta quest easier. For example, RevaliÔÇÖs Gale from Vah Medoh can help you reach high places quickly, while MiphaÔÇÖs Grace from Vah Ruta itself provides a free revive if you fall in battle. However, Vah Ruta is designed to be the first Divine Beast most players tackle, so itÔÇÖs manageable without these abilities.
In summary, the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest requires preparation, puzzle-solving skills, and combat proficiency. Gather shock arrows, healing items, and strong weapons before starting. Use Cryonis to solve puzzles and defeat Waterblight Ganon. Avoid common mistakes like running out of arrows or misusing Cryonis. Advanced techniques and alternative approaches can make the quest easier, but with careful planning and execution, you can successfully free Vah Ruta and gain MiphaÔÇÖs Grace, a powerful ability that will aid you throughout your journey.