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 region of Hyrule. Here is a detailed explanation of how to unlock and complete the quest.

First, you need to make your way to the Zora's Domain, which is located in the Lanayru region of Hyrule. The easiest way to reach Zora's Domain is by following the path that starts near Kakariko Village and leads northeast. Along the way, you will encounter Zora NPCs who will guide you toward the domain. One of these NPCs, Sidon, the Zora prince, will meet you near the Inogo Bridge and ask for your help in dealing with Divine Beast Vah Ruta, which is causing heavy rainfall and threatening to flood the region.

Once you reach Zora's Domain, you will need to speak with King Dorephan, the Zora king, to officially start the quest. He will explain that Vah Ruta has been corrupted by Calamity Ganon and is causing the constant rain. To stop it, you will need to board the Divine Beast and free it from Ganon's control. However, before you can do that, you must complete a preliminary task: gathering Shock Arrows.

The next step involves collecting 20 Shock Arrows. These arrows are essential for the upcoming battle with Vah Ruta. You can find Shock Arrows in various locations, but the most efficient way is to head to the nearby Ploymus Mountain, where a Lynel resides. This Lynel drops Shock Arrows, and you can also find them stuck in trees and the ground around its territory. Be cautious when approaching the Lynel, as it is a powerful enemy. If you are not prepared for combat, you can stealthily collect the arrows without engaging the Lynel.

After gathering the Shock Arrows, return to Sidon, who will be waiting for you at East Reservoir Lake. Here, you will need to use the Shock Arrows to disable the water spouts on Vah Ruta. Sidon will create water geysers that you can ride using the Cryonis rune to reach higher vantage points. From these vantage points, you can shoot the Shock Arrows at the glowing targets on Vah Ruta's sides. This will temporarily stop the Divine Beast's water spouts and allow you to board it.

Once inside Vah Ruta, you will need to solve a series of puzzles to activate the terminals and regain control of the Divine Beast. The puzzles involve manipulating the trunk of Vah Ruta to change the water flow and using the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks. Pay attention to the map of the Divine Beast, as it will help you navigate and understand the layout. After activating all the terminals, you will face Waterblight Ganon, the boss of Vah Ruta. This boss uses water-based attacks and can be challenging if you are not prepared. Use your Shock Arrows and melee weapons to defeat it.

Important tips and considerations include preparing for the Lynel encounter by stocking up on healing items and having a strong weapon. You can also cook meals that provide extra hearts or temporary boosts to your attack or defense. Additionally, make sure you have enough arrows and a decent bow for the battle with Waterblight Ganon. Managing your resources effectively is crucial, as the fight can be lengthy.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the Lynel fight without proper preparation and not having enough Shock Arrows for the Vah Ruta battle. Take your time to gather the necessary items and plan your approach. Advanced techniques involve using stealth to avoid the Lynel entirely or using environmental advantages during the Waterblight Ganon fight, such as hiding behind pillars to avoid its attacks.

Alternative approaches include purchasing Shock Arrows from shops if you have enough rupees or finding them in other locations around Hyrule. However, the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain is the most reliable source. Specific examples and scenarios include using the Cryonis rune creatively to solve puzzles inside Vah Ruta and using the environment to your advantage during the boss fight.

In summary, unlocking the Divine Beast Vah Ruta quest involves interacting with key NPCs, gathering Shock Arrows, and preparing for the challenges ahead. By following these steps and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully complete the quest and gain control of Vah Ruta, advancing the main story of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.