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

To solve the water flow puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Ruta, you need to manipulate the flow of water within the Divine Beast to access different areas and activate terminals. This puzzle is central to progressing through Vah Ruta and involves using the Sheikah Slate's Cryonis ability to create ice blocks in water. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you navigate and solve the puzzle.

First, letÔÇÖs understand the mechanics. Vah Ruta is filled with water channels and pools, and the water flow is controlled by rotating the Divine BeastÔÇÖs trunk. The trunk has multiple positions, and each position changes the direction of the water flow. Your goal is to use Cryonis to create ice blocks that can act as platforms, barriers, or tools to redirect water. The Sheikah SlateÔÇÖs map of Vah Ruta will show you the locations of the terminals you need to activate, and the trunkÔÇÖs position will affect how water flows to these areas.

Start by entering the main control room of Vah Ruta. Here, youÔÇÖll see a large central pool of water and the trunk mechanism. Interact with the trunk to rotate it. Each rotation changes the water flow, so youÔÇÖll need to experiment with different positions to see how it affects the water channels. The trunk has four main positions: front, back, left, and right. Each position will direct water to different parts of the Divine Beast.

The first terminal you need to activate is located in the upper area of Vah Ruta. To reach it, rotate the trunk to the front position. This will cause water to flow into the central pool. Use Cryonis to create ice blocks in the pool, forming a staircase that allows you to climb to the upper level. Once you reach the upper level, youÔÇÖll find the terminal. Activate it to unlock part of the Divine BeastÔÇÖs map.

Next, youÔÇÖll need to activate a terminal located in a lower area. Rotate the trunk to the back position to redirect water flow to the lower channels. Use Cryonis to create ice blocks in the water channels to block the flow and create a path to the terminal. Be careful of the enemies in this area, as they can disrupt your progress. Defeat them before focusing on the puzzle.

The third terminal is located in a side chamber. Rotate the trunk to the left position to direct water into this chamber. Use Cryonis to create ice blocks that act as platforms, allowing you to cross the water and reach the terminal. This terminal is often the most challenging, as it requires precise placement of ice blocks to create a stable path.

The final terminal is located in a high area that requires you to use both the trunkÔÇÖs rotation and Cryonis to reach. Rotate the trunk to the right position to direct water into a channel that leads to a waterfall. Use Cryonis to create ice blocks in the waterfall, forming a staircase that allows you to climb to the terminal. This step requires careful timing and placement, as the waterfallÔÇÖs flow can make it difficult to create stable ice blocks.

Important tips and considerations include saving your game before attempting each terminal, as mistakes can be costly. Use the Sheikah SlateÔÇÖs map to plan your route and keep track of the trunkÔÇÖs positions. Be mindful of your stamina, as climbing and creating ice blocks can deplete it quickly. Carry stamina-restoring food or elixirs to avoid running out at critical moments.

Common mistakes to avoid include rotating the trunk too quickly without observing the water flow changes, which can lead to confusion. Another mistake is not creating stable ice blocks, causing you to fall into the water and lose progress. Take your time to ensure each ice block is placed correctly.

Advanced techniques include using Cryonis to block water flow in specific areas, allowing you to redirect it to other channels. This can create new paths or reveal hidden areas. Additionally, combining Cryonis with other abilities, such as Magnesis or Stasis, can help you solve more complex puzzles within Vah Ruta.

Required items and preparation include having the Sheikah Slate with the Cryonis ability unlocked. ItÔÇÖs also helpful to have weapons and armor that provide defense against the enemies inside Vah Ruta. Stock up on healing items and stamina-restoring food to ensure you can handle the challenges.

Alternative approaches involve using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the trunkÔÇÖs rotation to create waterfalls that you can climb using Cryonis. This can provide shortcuts to certain terminals. Additionally, some terminals can be reached by using the Divine BeastÔÇÖs moving parts, such as rotating platforms or elevators.

Specific examples and scenarios include the terminal in the upper area, which requires precise ice block placement to create a staircase. Another example is the terminal in the side chamber, where you need to block water flow to create a stable path. Each terminal presents unique challenges, but by understanding the water flow mechanics and using Cryonis effectively, you can solve the puzzle and progress through Divine Beast Vah Ruta.