What is the best way to solve the Divine Beast Vah Ruta puzzles in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Divine Beast Vah Ruta is one of the four Divine Beasts in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it is located in the Zora's Domain region. To solve the puzzles inside Vah Ruta, you need to manipulate its internal mechanisms to restore control and defeat the boss, Waterblight Ganon. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate and solve the puzzles efficiently.

First, before entering Vah Ruta, you should prepare adequately. Make sure you have a good supply of arrows, especially shock arrows, as they are crucial for the boss fight. You can find shock arrows by purchasing them from shops or by collecting them from the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain near Zora's Domain. Additionally, stock up on healing items and meals that provide extra hearts or stamina. Armor with high defense or specific elemental resistance can also be beneficial.

Once inside Vah Ruta, you will notice that the Divine Beast is filled with water. The main mechanic involves using the Sheikah Slate's Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in the water. These ice blocks can be used to block water jets, create platforms, or even stop rotating mechanisms. The first puzzle involves using Cryonis to block a water jet that is powering a rotating wheel. By blocking the jet, you can stop the wheel and access a terminal to activate.

Next, you will encounter a large central room with a trunk-like structure. This trunk can be rotated using the map interface on your Sheikah Slate. Rotating the trunk will change the flow of water inside the Divine Beast, allowing you to access different areas. For example, rotating the trunk to a specific position will cause water to flow into a room, raising the water level and allowing you to swim to a higher platform.

As you progress, you will need to use Cryonis to create ice blocks that can be used as stepping stones or to block water jets that are powering mechanisms. One puzzle involves using Cryonis to block a water jet that is powering a fan. By blocking the jet, you can stop the fan and access a terminal hidden behind it. Another puzzle requires you to use Cryonis to create ice blocks that can be used to climb to higher areas or to block water jets that are preventing you from accessing certain parts of the Divine Beast.

One of the more challenging puzzles involves a large gear mechanism. You need to use Cryonis to block water jets that are powering the gears, causing them to stop and allowing you to access a terminal. This puzzle requires precise timing and placement of the ice blocks, so take your time and plan your moves carefully.

After activating all the terminals, you will face Waterblight Ganon, the boss of Vah Ruta. Waterblight Ganon has two phases. In the first phase, it uses a spear to attack and can create ice blocks that it throws at you. Use your bow and arrows to target its eye, which will stun it and allow you to deal damage with your melee weapons. In the second phase, the arena will flood, and Waterblight Ganon will create more ice blocks. Use Cryonis to destroy the ice blocks and create platforms to move around. Continue to target its eye with arrows and use your melee weapons to deal damage when it is stunned.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having enough arrows or healing items, not using Cryonis effectively, and not paying attention to the water flow and mechanisms. Make sure to save your progress frequently and take your time to plan your moves. Advanced techniques include using the environment to your advantage, such as using the trunk rotation to manipulate water flow and create new paths.

In summary, solving the puzzles in Divine Beast Vah Ruta requires a combination of using the Cryonis rune effectively, manipulating the trunk to control water flow, and being prepared for the boss fight with Waterblight Ganon. By following these strategies and tips, you can successfully restore control of Vah Ruta and gain the powerful ability, Mipha's Grace, which allows you to resurrect with full health when you die.