Embarking on the “A Rift in the Gerudo Desert” main quest in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom involves navigating the vast Gerudo Desert to address the disturbances caused by mysterious rifts. This quest requires strategic exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat skills.
Quest Overview:
After completing “The Mysterious Rifts” main quest, players can choose to venture into the Gerudo Desert or Jabul Waters. Opting for the Gerudo Desert introduces the “A Rift in the Gerudo Desert” quest, where Zelda aims to investigate and resolve the anomalies affecting the region.
Navigating the Gerudo Desert:
Entry Point: From Suthorn Forest, head west to reach the Gerudo Desert. The entrance is marked by a canyon populated with crow enemies.
Oasis Hub: Upon entering the desert, proceed westward to discover the Oasis, a central area featuring:
- Smoothie Shop: Operated by a Business Scrub, this shop allows players to combine ingredients into refreshing smoothies. Initiating the “Recipes, Please!” side quest here is beneficial.
- Side Quests: Engage with NPCs to unlock quests like “The Flying Tile.”
- Mini-Game: Participate in the Mango Rush Mini-Game to earn rewards such as Heart Pieces and unique items.
Addressing the Rifts:
After exploring the Oasis, Zelda encounters Dohna, the captain of the Gerudo warriors, who seeks assistance in investigating the rifts. This collaboration leads to three sub-quests:
Southern Oasis Ruins Rift:
- Objective: Defeat the shadowy entities near the ruins south of the Oasis.
- Strategy: Utilize the Swordfighter form to efficiently eliminate the enemies.
Southern Gerudo Desert Rift:
- Objective: Provide water to dehydrated guards stationed south of Gerudo Town.
- Strategy: Collect Chilly Cactus ingredients and prepare a Cactus Smoothie at the Oasis Smoothie Shop. Deliver the beverage to the guards to rejuvenate them.
Ancestor’s Cave of Rest Rift:
- Objective: Explore the cave located in the northern desert to uncover its secrets.
- Strategy: Navigate through the cave’s puzzles, utilizing Echoes like the Holmill to traverse sandy terrains and access hidden areas.
Confronting the Stilled Desert Temple Ruins:
Upon completing the sub-quests, a significant rift near Gerudo Town expands, revealing the Stilled Desert Temple Ruins. Inside, Zelda must locate five of Tri’s friends to stabilize the rift. Each friend is situated in distinct locations within the temple, often requiring creative use of Echoes and problem-solving skills to reach them.
Rewards and Progression:
Successfully resolving the rift in the Gerudo Desert grants valuable rewards, including Might Crystals and enhanced abilities for Tri. Completing this quest also advances the main storyline, unlocking new regions and challenges for Zelda to undertake.