How do I solve the tilting maze puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Ruta in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The tilting maze puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Ruta is one of the more challenging puzzles in the game, requiring precise control and careful observation. This puzzle is part of the main quest to free the Divine Beast from Ganon's corruption. The goal is to guide a metal ball through a maze by tilting the Divine Beast's body, eventually dropping the ball into a hole to unlock a terminal. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to solve it.

First, let's talk about the mechanics. The maze is located in the central area of Vah Ruta, and you control it by interacting with the map terminal. When you open the map, you can tilt the Divine Beast in different directions by moving the control stick. The maze has walls and gaps, and the ball will roll in the direction you tilt the maze. The challenge is to avoid letting the ball fall into the gaps while guiding it to the hole at the end of the maze.

To start, position yourself near the map terminal and open the map. You'll see the maze layout and the ball's starting position. Begin by tilting the maze slightly to get the ball moving. The key is to make small, controlled movements. If you tilt too far, the ball will gain too much speed and fall off the maze. Use gentle nudges to guide the ball around corners and through narrow passages.

One effective strategy is to tilt the maze in the opposite direction of where you want the ball to go. For example, if you want the ball to move left, tilt the maze slightly to the right first. This will slow the ball down and give you more control. Once the ball is moving in the desired direction, adjust the tilt to keep it on track.

As you navigate the maze, pay close attention to the ball's position and speed. If the ball starts to roll too fast, tilt the maze in the opposite direction to slow it down. If it gets stuck in a corner, tilt the maze to free it. Patience is crucial here, as rushing will likely result in the ball falling off.

Common mistakes include tilting the maze too aggressively, causing the ball to roll off the edges. Another mistake is not paying attention to the ball's momentum, which can lead to losing control. To avoid these issues, always make small adjustments and keep an eye on the ball's movement.

Advanced techniques involve using the maze's walls to your advantage. For example, you can tilt the maze so the ball bounces off a wall, redirecting it towards the hole. This can be useful if the ball is heading towards a gap. Additionally, you can use the maze's slopes to control the ball's speed. Tilting the maze to create a gentle slope will slow the ball down, while a steeper slope will speed it up.

Preparation is minimal for this puzzle, but having a steady hand and a clear understanding of the maze layout is essential. There are no required items, but having a good sense of spatial awareness will help. If you're struggling, take a moment to study the maze and plan your route before making any moves.

Alternative approaches include using the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks to block gaps or redirect the ball. However, this is not necessary and can complicate the puzzle. It's generally easier to rely on tilting the maze alone.

In summary, solving the tilting maze puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Ruta requires patience, precision, and careful observation. By making small, controlled movements and using the maze's walls and slopes to your advantage, you can guide the ball to the hole and unlock the terminal. Avoid common mistakes like tilting too aggressively or losing track of the ball's momentum. With practice and a steady hand, you'll master this puzzle and continue your journey to free Vah Ruta from Ganon's control.