How do I start the Divine Beast Vah Rudania quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To start the Divine Beast Vah Rudania quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to travel to the Eldin region and interact with the Goron people in Goron City. This quest is part of the main storyline and involves freeing the Divine Beast from Ganon's control. Here is a detailed guide on how to begin and complete this quest.

First, you need to reach Goron City, which is located in the Eldin region, northeast of Hyrule Castle. The area is filled with volcanic terrain, so you will need heat-resistant gear or elixirs to survive the extreme temperatures. If you don't have heat-resistant armor, you can purchase the Flamebreaker Set from the armor shop in Goron City. Alternatively, you can cook elixirs using Fireproof Lizards and monster parts to temporarily gain heat resistance. Fireproof Lizards can be found near the Southern Mine, which is on the path to Goron City.

Once you arrive in Goron City, head to the center of town and speak to Bludo, the Goron boss. He will explain that Divine Beast Vah Rudania has been causing trouble by attacking the city and the surrounding area. Bludo will ask for your help in dealing with the Divine Beast. He will also mention that Yunobo, a young Goron, has been trying to help but is currently stuck at the Southern Mine. This is where the quest officially begins.

To proceed, you need to help Yunobo at the Southern Mine. Head to the mine, which is located south of Goron City. Along the way, you will encounter Fire Breath Lizalfos and other enemies, so be prepared for combat. When you reach the mine, you will find Yunobo trapped behind a pile of rocks. Use a bomb to clear the rocks and free him. Yunobo will then join you as a companion for the rest of the quest.

Next, you need to escort Yunobo to the Abandoned North Mine, where you will find a cannon that can be used to attack Divine Beast Vah Rudania. The path to the mine is filled with enemies and obstacles, so stay alert. Use Yunobo's ability to roll into a ball and shield yourself from enemy attacks. When you reach the mine, you will find a cannon that needs to be aimed at the Divine Beast. Use the cannon to fire Yunobo at Vah Rudania, which will stun it and allow you to board the Divine Beast.

Once inside Vah Rudania, you will need to solve a series of puzzles to activate the terminals and regain control of the Divine Beast. The puzzles involve manipulating the Divine Beast's body to create pathways and access different areas. For example, you may need to rotate the Divine Beast to align platforms or use its tilting mechanism to move objects. Pay attention to the map and use it to navigate the interior of the Divine Beast.

After activating all the terminals, you will face Fireblight Ganon, the boss of Vah Rudania. This boss has a variety of attacks, including fireballs and a large sword. Use your shield to block its attacks and look for openings to counterattack. Fireblight Ganon is weak to ice-based weapons and arrows, so consider using the Blizzard Rod or Ice Arrows to deal extra damage. Once you defeat the boss, you will regain control of Vah Rudania and receive Daruk's Protection, a powerful ability that creates a protective barrier around Link.

Some important tips and considerations for this quest include preparing heat-resistant gear or elixirs before entering the Eldin region, as the extreme heat can quickly drain your health. Additionally, make sure to stock up on weapons, arrows, and healing items, as the path to the Abandoned North Mine is filled with enemies. When solving the puzzles inside Vah Rudania, take your time and carefully observe the environment to find the best solutions.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for the heat in the Eldin region, which can lead to unnecessary health loss. Another mistake is rushing through the puzzles inside Vah Rudania without fully understanding the mechanics, which can result in frustration and wasted time. Additionally, underestimating Fireblight Ganon's attacks can lead to quick defeats, so always be ready to dodge or block.

Advanced techniques and optimizations for this quest include using the environment to your advantage during combat. For example, you can use the terrain to avoid enemy attacks or set up ambushes. When fighting Fireblight Ganon, try to stay close to the boss to minimize the effectiveness of its ranged attacks. You can also use the Divine Beast's tilting mechanism to your advantage during the puzzles, as it can help you reach otherwise inaccessible areas.

Required items and preparation for this quest include heat-resistant gear or elixirs, a variety of weapons and arrows, and healing items. It is also helpful to have a few bomb arrows, as they can be useful for dealing with groups of enemies. If you have the Master Sword, it can be a valuable asset during the boss fight, as it deals extra damage to Ganon's minions.

Alternative approaches to this quest include using stealth to avoid unnecessary combat on the way to the Abandoned North Mine. You can also use the environment to your advantage by luring enemies into traps or using the terrain to gain a tactical advantage. Additionally, if you have completed other Divine Beast quests and obtained their abilities, you can use them to make the puzzles and combat easier.

In conclusion, starting and completing the Divine Beast Vah Rudania quest involves traveling to the Eldin region, helping Yunobo, and solving puzzles inside the Divine Beast. By preparing adequately, using the right strategies, and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully complete this quest and gain a powerful ability to aid you in your journey.