How do I prepare for the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Preparing for the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is crucial for success, as this is one of the first major challenges in the game. Vah Ruta is a massive mechanical elephant located in the Zora Domain, and it is corrupted by Waterblight Ganon. To prepare for this quest, you need to focus on several key areas: gathering the right equipment, understanding the mechanics of the quest, and preparing for the battles ahead.

First, you need to ensure you have the right equipment. The Zora Domain is surrounded by constant rain, which makes climbing difficult. To mitigate this, you should acquire the Zora Armor set. This armor is essential because it allows you to swim faster and climb waterfalls, which is necessary for reaching Vah Ruta. You can obtain the Zora Armor by completing the "Divine Beast Vah Ruta" questline, which starts by speaking with King Dorephan in the Zora Domain. Additionally, having a good supply of arrows, especially shock arrows, is important. Shock arrows are effective against the enemies you will face, including the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain. You can either purchase shock arrows from shops or collect them from the Lynel, though the latter is more challenging.

Next, you should prepare for the combat encounters. The Lynel on Ploymus Mountain is a formidable foe, and fighting it is optional but rewarding. If you choose to fight the Lynel, make sure you have strong weapons, a good shield, and plenty of healing items. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, defense, or attack power can give you an edge in battle. For example, cooking five hearty durians will give you a dish that fully restores your health and provides extra hearts. If you prefer to avoid combat, you can stealthily collect the shock arrows scattered around the Lynel's area.

Once you have the necessary equipment and resources, you can proceed to the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. The quest involves several steps, including activating terminals and solving puzzles within the beast. One of the first challenges is using Cryonis to create ice blocks to stop the water flowing from Vah Ruta's trunk. This requires precise timing and positioning, so practice using Cryonis beforehand. Inside Vah Ruta, you will encounter various puzzles that involve manipulating the beast's trunk and using the map to change its orientation. Pay close attention to the map and experiment with different angles to solve the puzzles efficiently.

Combat inside Vah Ruta is another critical aspect. You will face several enemies, including Waterblight Ganon, the boss of the Divine Beast. Waterblight Ganon has two phases: the first phase involves using Cryonis to block its ice attacks and using arrows to target its eye. The second phase requires you to use Cryonis to create platforms and reach higher ground to attack the boss. Having a good supply of arrows and strong weapons is essential for this fight. Additionally, using the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind pillars to avoid attacks, can help you survive longer.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having enough arrows or healing items, underestimating the Lynel, and not practicing with Cryonis before the quest. Advanced techniques, such as perfect dodges and parries, can make the combat encounters easier, but they require practice. If you find the Lynel too challenging, you can always return later with better equipment and more experience.

In summary, preparing for the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest involves gathering the right equipment, such as the Zora Armor and shock arrows, preparing for combat with strong weapons and healing items, and practicing with Cryonis to solve the puzzles inside the beast. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully complete the quest and gain the powerful ability granted by freeing Vah Ruta.