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 quest to free Vah Ruta is relatively straightforward compared to the others, and the abilities you gain from completing it are incredibly useful for the rest of the game. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach this Divine Beast, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin the quest, you need to head to the Zora Domain, which is located in the Lanayru region. The path to the Zora Domain is marked by glowing blue lanterns, and along the way, you will encounter Zora NPCs who will guide you. Once you reach the Zora Domain, speak with King Dorephan and Prince Sidon to learn about the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. They will explain that the beast is causing heavy rainfall and flooding in the area, and they need your help to stop it.

The first step in the quest is to collect Shock Arrows. You will need at least 20 Shock Arrows to proceed. These can be found by defeating the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain, which is located near the Zora Domain. The Lynel is a tough enemy, but you can avoid combat by sneaking around and collecting the arrows that are stuck in trees and rocks. Alternatively, you can purchase Shock Arrows from shops in other regions if you have enough rupees.

Once you have the Shock Arrows, return to Prince Sidon, who will take you to the East Reservoir Lake. Here, you will need to use the Shock Arrows to shoot the four glowing orbs on Vah Ruta. These orbs are located on the beast's shoulders and back. You will need to aim carefully, as the rain makes it difficult to shoot straight. Use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in the water to give yourself a stable platform to shoot from. After hitting all four orbs, Vah Ruta will lower its trunk, allowing you to enter.

Inside Vah Ruta, you will need to solve a series of puzzles to activate the five terminals that control the Divine Beast. The main mechanic in Vah Ruta involves using the Cryonis rune to manipulate water levels and create pathways. For example, you can use Cryonis to block water jets, create platforms, and even stop rotating mechanisms. Pay close attention to the map of the Divine Beast, which shows the location of the terminals and the internal layout.

One of the key puzzles involves using the trunk of Vah Ruta to control the water flow. By rotating the trunk, you can change the direction of the water jets, which in turn affects the movement of certain objects. For example, you may need to rotate the trunk to align a water jet with a wheel, causing it to spin and open a gate. Another puzzle requires you to use Cryonis to create a series of ice blocks that allow you to climb to a higher platform.

After activating all five terminals, you will face the boss of Vah Ruta, Waterblight Ganon. This boss has two phases. In the first phase, it will attack you with a spear and create ice blocks that it will throw at you. Use Cryonis to destroy the ice blocks before they hit you, and use your bow to shoot the boss in the eye, which will stun it and allow you to deal damage with your melee weapons. In the second phase, the boss will teleport around the arena and create more ice blocks. Use the same strategy to defeat it.

Once you defeat Waterblight Ganon, you will free Vah Ruta and gain the ability Mipha's Grace. This ability allows you to automatically revive with full health and additional temporary hearts when you die, which is incredibly useful for the rest of the game. Additionally, you will receive a Heart Container and a cutscene that provides more backstory on the Zora and their connection to the Divine Beast.

In terms of preparation, it is recommended to have at least 10-15 hearts and a decent supply of food and elixirs. Cooking dishes that provide extra hearts, stamina, or defense can be very helpful. For example, cooking five Hearty Radishes will give you a dish that fully restores your health and provides temporary extra hearts. Additionally, having a good supply of arrows, especially Shock Arrows, is essential for both the quest and the boss fight.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having enough Shock Arrows, not using Cryonis effectively, and not paying attention to the map. Make sure to collect enough Shock Arrows before starting the quest, and practice using Cryonis to manipulate water and create pathways. The map is your best friend inside the Divine Beast, so use it to navigate and locate the terminals.

Advanced techniques include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the water jets to propel yourself to higher platforms, or use Cryonis to block enemy attacks. Additionally, using the Stasis rune to freeze enemies and objects can give you an edge in combat and puzzle-solving.

Alternative approaches include using different weapons and strategies for the boss fight. For example, you can use bomb arrows to deal massive damage to Waterblight Ganon, or use a two-handed weapon to break its ice blocks quickly. Experiment with different tactics to find what works best for you.

In conclusion, Vah Ruta is the easiest Divine Beast to tackle first due to its straightforward quest and useful ability. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully free Vah Ruta and gain Mipha's Grace, which will greatly aid you in your journey through Hyrule. Remember to prepare adequately, use the environment to your advantage, and pay attention to the map and puzzles. With these strategies, you will be well on your way to defeating Calamity Ganon and saving Hyrule.