How do I navigate the tilting platforms in Divine Beast Vah Ruta in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Navigating the tilting platforms in Divine Beast Vah Ruta is one of the key challenges you will face during this Divine Beast quest. These platforms are controlled by the map terminal, which allows you to tilt the entire structure of Vah Ruta. Understanding how to manipulate these tilts is crucial for solving puzzles, accessing new areas, and ultimately freeing the Divine Beast from Ganon's corruption.

The mechanics of the tilting platforms are tied to the map terminal, which you can access after activating the first terminal inside Vah Ruta. Once you interact with the map terminal, you gain the ability to tilt the Divine Beast in four directions: forward, backward, left, and right. This tilting affects the position of the platforms, water levels, and other environmental elements within the Divine Beast. The goal is to use these tilts to create pathways, align platforms, and solve puzzles that block your progress.

To begin, you need to activate the map terminal, which is located in the central area of Vah Ruta. Once activated, you can access the tilting function by opening the map and selecting the tilt option. The tilting is done in increments, meaning you can tilt the Divine Beast slightly or fully in any direction. This precision is important for aligning platforms and creating pathways.

One of the first puzzles involving tilting platforms is the waterwheel puzzle. To solve this, you need to tilt the Divine Beast so that the water flows in the correct direction, turning the waterwheel and opening a gate. Start by tilting the Divine Beast forward to allow water to flow into the waterwheel mechanism. Once the gate opens, you can proceed to the next area. Be careful not to tilt too far, as this can cause the water to spill out and stop the wheel from turning.

Another important puzzle involves aligning platforms to create a bridge. In one area, you will find a gap that cannot be crossed without tilting the platforms into the correct position. To do this, tilt the Divine Beast to the left or right until the platforms align horizontally, forming a bridge. Once aligned, you can cross safely. It is important to take your time with these tilts, as rushing can cause misalignment and force you to reset the tilt.

A common mistake players make is over-tilting the Divine Beast, which can cause platforms to become misaligned or water to spill out of its intended path. To avoid this, make small adjustments and observe the changes in the environment before committing to a full tilt. Additionally, some puzzles require precise timing, so be patient and wait for the right moment to make your move.

Advanced techniques involve combining tilts with other abilities, such as Cryonis, which allows you to create ice blocks in water. For example, in one area, you may need to tilt the Divine Beast to create a water flow, then use Cryonis to block the flow and redirect it to another mechanism. This combination of abilities can help you solve more complex puzzles and access hidden areas.

Preparation is key when tackling Vah Ruta. Make sure you have plenty of arrows, as some puzzles require you to shoot switches or targets from a distance. Additionally, having a good supply of healing items and elixirs will help you survive the combat encounters within the Divine Beast. The Blight Ganon boss fight at the end of the dungeon can be challenging, so being well-prepared will make the battle easier.

Alternative approaches to some puzzles include using Revali's Gale to reach higher platforms without needing to tilt the Divine Beast. This can save time and make certain sections easier to navigate. However, this ability is optional and requires completing the Divine Beast Vah Medoh quest first.

In summary, navigating the tilting platforms in Divine Beast Vah Ruta requires a combination of careful observation, precise tilting, and creative use of abilities. By understanding the mechanics, avoiding common mistakes, and preparing adequately, you can successfully solve the puzzles and free Vah Ruta from Ganon's control. This will not only advance the story but also grant you Mipha's Grace, a powerful ability that can revive you when you fall in battle.