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

To unlock the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to follow a series of steps that involve interacting with key NPCs, completing specific tasks, and preparing for the challenges ahead. This quest is one of the four main Divine Beast quests and is tied to the Zora race and their domain in the Lanayru region. Here is a detailed guide on how to unlock and complete the quest.

First, you need to make your way to Zora's Domain. This is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, near the Lanayru Great Spring. The easiest way to reach Zora's Domain is by following the path from Kakariko Village, which leads you through the Lanayru Wetlands. Along the way, you will encounter Zora NPCs who will guide you toward the domain. One of the first Zora you will meet is Sidon, the prince of the Zora, who will explain the situation and ask for your help.

Once you arrive at Zora's Domain, you will notice that the area is plagued by constant rain, making it difficult to climb or use fire-based weapons. This is due to the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, which is causing the rain by shooting water into the sky. The Zora elders will explain that Vah Ruta has been corrupted by Calamity Ganon and is threatening to flood the entire region. To stop this, you need to board the Divine Beast and free it from Ganon's control.

Before you can board Vah Ruta, you need to complete a preparatory quest called "Divine Beast Vah Ruta." This quest involves gathering Shock Arrows, which are essential for the upcoming battle. Sidon will guide you to a location near the East Reservoir Lake, where you will need to collect at least 20 Shock Arrows. These arrows can be found by defeating a Lynel, a powerful enemy that roams the area. Alternatively, you can find Shock Arrows scattered around the cliffs and trees in the region, but defeating the Lynel is the most efficient way to gather them.

Once you have the Shock Arrows, Sidon will take you to the East Reservoir Lake, where you will face the first major challenge of the quest. You will need to use the Shock Arrows to disable the water spouts on Vah Ruta's back. This requires precise aiming and timing, as you will be riding on Sidon's back while he swims around the Divine Beast. Make sure to aim for the glowing targets on the water spouts, and be prepared to dodge incoming attacks from Vah Ruta.

After disabling the water spouts, you will gain access to the interior of Vah Ruta. Inside, you will need to solve a series of puzzles to activate the control terminals and regain control of the Divine Beast. These puzzles involve manipulating water flow, using Cryonis to create ice blocks, and navigating the complex layout of the Divine Beast. Pay close attention to the map provided, as it will help you locate the terminals and understand the layout.

Once all the terminals are activated, you will face the boss of Vah Ruta, Waterblight Ganon. This boss has two phases. In the first phase, it will attack you with a spear and create ice blocks that you need to destroy using Cryonis or arrows. In the second phase, it will summon floating platforms and continue to attack with ice blocks and energy blasts. Use your bow to target its eye, and make sure to have plenty of healing items and weapons with high durability.

After defeating Waterblight Ganon, you will regain control of Vah Ruta and receive Mipha's Grace, a powerful ability that allows you to resurrect with full health if you fall in battle. This ability is incredibly useful for the rest of your journey, so make sure to use it wisely.

In summary, unlocking the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest involves traveling to Zora's Domain, gathering Shock Arrows, disabling the water spouts on Vah Ruta, solving puzzles inside the Divine Beast, and defeating Waterblight Ganon. Preparation is key, so make sure to stock up on healing items, weapons, and arrows before starting the quest. Pay attention to the environment and use your abilities creatively to overcome the challenges. With careful planning and execution, you will successfully complete the quest and gain a powerful ally in your fight against Calamity Ganon.