What is the easiest Divine Beast to tackle first in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The easiest Divine Beast to tackle first in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is generally considered to be Vah Ruta, the elephant-shaped Divine Beast located in the Zora Domain. This is because the questline leading to Vah Ruta is relatively straightforward, and the abilities you gain from completing it are highly useful for the rest of the game. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach Vah Ruta, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin the quest, head to the Zora Domain in the northeastern part of Hyrule. As you approach, you will encounter Sidon, the Zora prince, who will ask for your help to calm Vah Ruta. The Zora are struggling with constant rainfall caused by the Divine Beast, and they need Link's assistance to stop it. Sidon will guide you to King Dorephan, who will explain the situation in more detail. The main objective is to board Vah Ruta and free it from Ganon's control.

Before you can board Vah Ruta, you need to prepare for the journey. The path to the Divine Beast is filled with enemies, including Lizalfos and Octoroks, so it's a good idea to stock up on weapons, arrows, and healing items. Additionally, you will need to collect Shock Arrows, which are essential for the upcoming battle. These can be found by defeating Lynels or purchasing them from shops. A Lynel can be found near Shatterback Point, but if you're not ready for a tough fight, you can sneak around and collect the arrows scattered in the area.

Once you have the Shock Arrows, meet Sidon at East Reservoir Lake. He will explain that you need to use the Shock Arrows to hit the four terminals on Vah Ruta's body. These terminals are glowing orbs that need to be struck to disable the Divine Beast's defenses. Sidon will swim alongside you, allowing you to ride on his back to get closer to the terminals. Use your bow to aim and shoot the Shock Arrows at the terminals. Be careful of the ice blocks Vah Ruta throws at you, as they can knock you off Sidon's back. Use Cryonis to break the ice blocks if necessary.

After disabling the terminals, Vah Ruta will lower itself into the water, allowing you to board it. Inside, you will need to solve a series of puzzles to activate the main control unit. The puzzles involve manipulating the trunk of the Divine Beast to change the water flow and access different areas. Use the map to rotate the trunk and create pathways. Pay attention to the glowing terminals, as these are the key to progressing through the dungeon. Some terminals may require you to use Cryonis to create ice blocks or Magnesis to move metal objects.

Once you activate all the terminals, you will face Waterblight Ganon, the boss of Vah Ruta. This boss has two phases. In the first phase, it will attack you with a spear and create ice blocks that it throws at you. Use Cryonis to break the ice blocks and create your own to shield yourself. Attack with arrows and melee weapons when you have an opening. In the second phase, Waterblight Ganon will teleport around the arena and shoot energy orbs at you. Use your bow to hit it from a distance, and be ready to dodge its attacks.

After defeating Waterblight Ganon, you will free Vah Ruta from Ganon's control. As a reward, you will receive Mipha's Grace, a powerful ability that revives you with full health when you die. This ability is incredibly useful for the rest of the game, making Vah Ruta a great first Divine Beast to tackle.

Some important tips and considerations include making sure you have enough arrows and healing items before starting the quest. The fight with Waterblight Ganon can be challenging, so having a good supply of food and elixirs is essential. Additionally, practice your aim with the bow, as hitting the terminals and the boss requires precision. Avoid rushing through the puzzles inside Vah Ruta, as taking your time to understand the mechanics will make the process smoother.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing enough resources before starting the quest and underestimating the difficulty of the Waterblight Ganon fight. Make sure to stock up on Shock Arrows and healing items, and don't hesitate to retreat and regroup if you find yourself struggling. Advanced techniques include using the environment to your advantage, such as creating ice blocks to block attacks or using the trunk of Vah Ruta to reach higher areas.

In summary, Vah Ruta is the easiest Divine Beast to tackle first due to its straightforward questline and the powerful ability you gain from completing it. By preparing adequately, understanding the mechanics, and using the right strategies, you can successfully free Vah Ruta and gain Mipha's Grace, setting yourself up for success in the rest of the game.