How do I solve the rotating cylinder puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Rudania in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The rotating cylinder puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Rudania is one of the more challenging puzzles in the game, requiring a good understanding of the mechanics and careful manipulation of the Divine Beast's internal systems. This puzzle is located in the main control unit area of Vah Rudania, and its purpose is to align the rotating cylinders to create a path for Link to reach the terminal that unlocks the map of the Divine Beast. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to solve this puzzle, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics involved. The puzzle consists of two large rotating cylinders that are connected to the central axis of the Divine Beast. These cylinders have platforms and pathways that can be rotated to create a continuous path for Link to traverse. The rotation is controlled by two terminals located on either side of the room. Interacting with these terminals will rotate the cylinders in specific directions, and the goal is to align the platforms so that Link can climb or walk across them to reach the terminal at the top.

To begin, youÔÇÖll need to activate the first terminal, which is located on the ground level. This terminal controls the rotation of the lower cylinder. When you interact with it, the cylinder will rotate, and youÔÇÖll notice that the platforms on the cylinder move accordingly. Your first objective is to rotate the lower cylinder so that the platforms align with the pathways leading to the upper cylinder. This may require multiple rotations, so take your time to observe how the platforms move and where they need to be positioned.

Once the lower cylinder is aligned, youÔÇÖll need to climb up to the second terminal, which controls the upper cylinder. This terminal is located on a higher platform, and youÔÇÖll need to use the pathways created by the lower cylinder to reach it. Be cautious of any enemies or obstacles in the area, as they can disrupt your progress. When you reach the second terminal, interact with it to rotate the upper cylinder. The goal here is to align the upper cylinderÔÇÖs platforms with the pathways leading to the terminal at the top of the room.

One important tip is to pay close attention to the orientation of the platforms. Sometimes, the platforms may appear to be aligned, but they might not be at the correct angle for Link to traverse them. Make sure that the pathways are continuous and that there are no gaps or misalignments. If you find that the platforms are not aligning correctly, try rotating the cylinders in the opposite direction or making smaller adjustments to fine-tune their positions.

A common mistake players make is rushing through the rotations without carefully observing the platform alignments. This can lead to frustration and wasted time, as you may end up rotating the cylinders in the wrong direction or overshooting the desired position. To avoid this, take your time and make small, incremental adjustments to the cylinders. ItÔÇÖs also helpful to stand in a position where you can see both the lower and upper cylinders at the same time, as this will give you a better perspective on how the platforms are aligning.

Advanced techniques can include using the Magnesis rune to manipulate metal objects in the environment, which can sometimes help in creating additional pathways or stabilizing platforms. Additionally, if you have the RevaliÔÇÖs Gale ability from completing Divine Beast Vah Medoh, you can use it to gain a height advantage and bypass some of the platforming challenges. However, this is not necessary to solve the puzzle and is more of an optional optimization.

Preparation for this puzzle is relatively straightforward. Make sure you have a good supply of arrows, as you may need to deal with enemies in the area. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have some healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, in case you take damage during the puzzle. There are no specific items required to solve the puzzle, but having a strong weapon and shield can help if you encounter any enemies.

An alternative approach to solving the puzzle is to use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks on any water surfaces in the room. This can provide additional platforms or stepping stones to help you reach higher areas. However, this method is situational and may not always be applicable, depending on the layout of the room.

In summary, the rotating cylinder puzzle in Divine Beast Vah Rudania requires careful observation and precise manipulation of the cylinders to align the platforms correctly. Take your time, make small adjustments, and pay attention to the orientation of the pathways. With patience and a bit of practice, youÔÇÖll be able to solve the puzzle and unlock the map of the Divine Beast, bringing you one step closer to freeing it from GanonÔÇÖs control.