Zora’s Domain – Divine Beast Vah Ruta

Table of Contents

1. The Path to the Zora: Reaching Zora’s Domain
2. An Audience with Royalty: Meeting King Dorephan and Muzu
3. Gathering Shock Arrows: The Perils of Ploymus Mountain
4. Assault on the Beast: Boarding Vah Ruta
5. Inside the Mechanical Marvel: Divine Beast Vah Ruta
6. Confronting the Corruption: Waterblight Ganon
7. Triumph and Reward: Cleansing the Beast

1. The Path to the Zora: Reaching Zora’s Domain

Your journey to the Zora begins in the Lanayru region. While several paths lead towards Zora’s Domain, a common starting point after activating the Lanayru Tower involves following the Zora River upstream.

Finding Prince Sidon:

From the Lanayru Tower area, make your way towards the large bridge spanning the Zora River below, near the Soh Kofi Shrine. Various Zora patrol the swamps and rivers here; speaking to them reveals they are searching for a Hylian at the behest of their prince. They will direct you towards the Inogo Bridge. As you approach or cross this bridge, you will encounter the charismatic Prince Sidon. His presence is hard to miss, and he’s actively seeking a Hylian like Link to help with the crisis facing his people. He urges you onward, marking the start of your trek along the winding, rain-slicked path towards the Zora capital.

Navigating the Zora River Trail:

Sidon will reappear periodically along the path, offering encouragement. The route itself is treacherous, often slick with rain and guarded by enemies, particularly Lizalfos who favor electric attacks. Octoroks lurk in the water, possessing surprising range and accuracy; deal with them using arrows or shield parries to avoid constant harassment. Follow the path marked by blue beacons and consult your map to stay on course. The design of this path, with its persistent rain and electrically-charged enemies, subtly prepares you for the water and lightning themes central to the Zora and Vah Ruta itself. Eventually, the path culminates in the breathtaking sight of Zora’s Domain.

2. An Audience with Royalty: Meeting King Dorephan and Muzu

Upon arrival, Sidon proudly escorts you to the throne room to meet his father, King Dorephan. The massive Zora King explains the dire situation: the Divine Beast Vah Ruta, once protector of the Zora, is now causing a catastrophic, endless rainfall threatening to flood Hyrule, all due to Ganon’s influence. Recognizing Link, the King entrusts him with a vital piece of equipment: the Zora Armor. This chest piece uniquely grants the ability to swim directly up waterfalls, a skill crucial for navigating the Zora region and Vah Ruta itself. Accepting this armor officially begins the Divine Beast Vah Ruta main quest.

However, not all Zora welcome Link’s help. Return to the central plaza below the throne room, where a statue of the Zora Champion Mipha stands. Here you’ll find Muzu, an elder Zora and Mipha’s former tutor, who harbors deep resentment towards Hylians due to events 100 years prior. He refuses to cooperate. Approaching the statue triggers one of Link’s lost memories, revealing his connection to Mipha. To convince Muzu, equip the Zora Armor Mipha made for Link. Seeing this proof of Mipha’s affection, Muzu reluctantly agrees to help, providing the next objective: Link must gather Shock Arrows to subdue Vah Ruta.

3. Gathering Shock Arrows: The Perils of Ploymus Mountain

Muzu explains that the necessary Shock Arrows can be found on Ploymus Mountain, east of Zora’s Domain, but warns that a fearsome Lynel guards the peak. You need to collect at least 20 Shock Arrows.

The Ascent:

Take the bridge leading east from the plaza level (Mipha statue level). The path leads towards Mikau Lake and Lulu Lake. Equip the Zora Armor and use its power to swim up the waterfalls cascading down from the east. This ability transforms the vertical landscape, turning impassable cliffs into scalable routes, showcasing a key traversal mechanic tied to the Zora region. As you ascend the path towards the peak, keep an eye out for stray Shock Arrows embedded in trees and rocks – remnants of the Lynel’s presence. Collect these as you go.

(Optional: Zora Helm and Lynel Safari)

• Zora Helm: Before ascending Ploymus Mountain, consider a detour north. An inscription hints at the Zora Helm hidden in Toto Lake. Swim up the large waterfall north of the Domain to reach Toto Lake. Use Magnesis to locate and retrieve an underwater chest containing the Zora Helm. This helm further enhances swimming speed and grants a spin attack while swimming, completing a valuable synergy with the Zora Armor.
• Lynel Safari: Before leaving Zora’s Domain, seek out the Zora named Laflat near the entrance. She offers a side quest, “Lynel Safari,” requiring you to take a picture of the Red-Maned Lynel atop Ploymus Mountain. You can complete this objective while gathering arrows.

The Lynel Encounter:

At the summit of Ploymus Mountain, you’ll find the Red-Maned Lynel patrolling Shatterback Point. This powerful beast wields a bow and Shock Arrows. Direct confrontation at this stage can be extremely difficult, as the Lynel hits hard and fires devastating volleys of Shock Arrows.

Crucially, fighting the Lynel is optional for gathering the arrows. The game encourages a stealthier approach here, reflecting its design philosophy of allowing multiple solutions. Crouch and carefully move around the perimeter of the Lynel’s patrol area, using rocks and trees for cover. Keep the Lynel in sight to anticipate its movements. If it spots you (indicated by a question mark), quickly hide until it loses interest. Collect the Shock Arrows embedded in the environment – check trees, rocks, and the ground, especially around the edges and near the peak. Once you have gathered 20 arrows, you can proceed. There are often more than 20 available.

(Optional: Alternative Shock Arrow Sources)

If you struggle with the Lynel or prefer not to sneak, or if you already possess 20 Shock Arrows from previous exploration, you can skip the collection on Ploymus Mountain. Shock Arrows can be purchased from vendors in Gerudo Town, Lurelin Village, Kara Kara Bazaar, and the Korok Forest. Additionally, Lizalfos along the path to Zora’s Domain sometimes use and drop Shock Arrows. Some other Lynels across Hyrule also drop them upon defeat.

Once you have the required arrows, head to the cliff edge overlooking the East Reservoir Lake below, where Vah Ruta awaits. Glide down and meet Sidon on the northern pier to begin the assault. There’s a bed nearby if you need to recover health.

4. Assault on the Beast: Boarding Vah Ruta

With Shock Arrows acquired, speak to Sidon at the reservoir. Link will hop onto Sidon’s back, and the prince will swiftly swim around the perimeter of the lake, maneuvering towards Vah Ruta.

Vah Ruta’s Defenses:

The Divine Beast will immediately retaliate, launching massive blocks of ice from its cannons. Sidon will call out these attacks. You must destroy these ice blocks before they hit you. The most effective tool is your Cryonis Rune; aim it at the incoming blocks to shatter them instantly, even from a distance. Alternatively, you can shoot them with arrows if you’re quick, or even attempt to break them with melee weapons if they get very close, though this is riskier.

Targeting the Orbs:

Your objective is to shoot the four glowing pink orbs on Vah Ruta’s shoulders with Shock Arrows. Sidon will swim close to waterfalls cascading off the beast. When near a waterfall, use the Zora Armor to swim up the torrent. At the apex of your ascent, deploy your Paraglider to gain airtime, draw your bow, and fire a Shock Arrow into one of the pink orbs.

After destroying two orbs, Vah Ruta intensifies its defense, adding spiked ice balls that arc through the air and chase you from behind. You’ll need to quickly turn and destroy these using Cryonis or arrows before they connect.

Continue the cycle: destroy ice defenses, wait for Sidon to approach a waterfall, swim up, glide, and shoot an orb with a Shock Arrow. Once all four orbs are hit, Vah Ruta’s assault ceases, the endless rain subsides slightly, and Sidon will deposit you onto the entrance platform of the now-accessible Divine Beast.

5. Inside the Mechanical Marvel: Divine Beast Vah Ruta

The interior of Vah Ruta is a complex, water-themed dungeon corrupted by Ganon’s Malice. Your goal is to activate five terminals to regain control.

Finding the Map:

Upon entering, you’ll see Ganon’s Blight (Malice) oozing on the floor and walls. This substance damages Link on contact. Look for glowing eyes within the Malice; shooting these eyes with an arrow will clear the corruption in that area. Shoot the first eye immediately inside to clear a path.

On the left side of the first chamber is a shut gate. Shoot the Malice eye near it. Use Cryonis to create an ice pillar beneath the gate, lifting it open. Proceed through to find the Guidance Stone. Activate it with your Sheikah Slate to download the dungeon map. This map is unique; it’s a 3D model of Vah Ruta, showing terminal locations and allowing you to remotely control the position of the Divine Beast’s massive trunk, altering water flow throughout the dungeon. This trunk manipulation is the central mechanic for solving Vah Ruta’s puzzles.

(Optional: Hidden Treasures – Chest Locations Part 1)

• Chest 1 (Map Room Area): In the water pool to the right just after leaving the Guidance Stone room, use Magnesis to pull up an underwater chest containing an Ancient Spring.
• Chest 2 (Second Terminal Area): In the room with the first water wheel puzzle (Terminal 2), glide from the top of the small wheel towards the entrance ramp to reach a ledge with a chest containing a Silver Rupee. (Alternative method: Use Cryonis near the higher ledge on the left to climb up ).
• Chest 3 (Large Water Wheel – Exterior): In the same room, adjust the trunk so water turns the large wheel. A chest covered in Malice is attached to the outside of this wheel. Shoot the Malice eye on it as it rotates into view to access 10 Fire Arrows.

Activating the Terminals:

The five terminals are scattered throughout Vah Ruta, requiring clever use of Runes and trunk manipulation.

Detailed Steps for Terminals 3, 4, and 5:

• Terminal 3: Reach the upper level with the large, stationary water wheel and the Stasis puzzle ball. Go outside and climb the ramp to the third floor. Clear any Malice. Open the map and select the fourth trunk position from the top; this directs water onto the large wheel, causing it to rotate. Observe the large sphere rolling inside the wheel. As it rolls down towards the switch mechanism that opens the terminal gate, wait until it’s just about to fall off the switch plate on the right side. Freeze the sphere with Stasis at this precise moment. The wheel keeps turning, but the frozen sphere holds the switch down, keeping the gate open long enough for you to enter and activate the terminal.
• Terminal 4: Return to the second level, between the two water wheels. Set the trunk position to the third option from the top. Water will now flow onto the large wheel. Ride this wheel upwards. Defeat the Guardian Scout waiting there. Hit the nearby floor switch to create a waterfall shortcut back up to this level. Head towards the exterior base of the trunk. Set the trunk to be horizontal. Clear any Malice and climb onto the ledge above. Now, set the trunk position fully vertical. As the trunk rises, jump and glide onto Vah Ruta’s top deck. Find the square opening and drop down inside. You’ll see a gear mechanism covered in Malice; shoot the eye. Use Magnesis to turn the handle/gear; this opens the ceiling hatch above and simultaneously extinguishes flames guarding the terminal below. Drop down to activate the terminal.
• Terminal 5: This terminal is located at the very tip of Vah Ruta’s trunk, accessed from the outside top deck. While on the top deck, set the trunk to be horizontal. Carefully walk or glide towards the end of the trunk. Once near the tip, adjust the trunk’s position via the map (try the second or third lowest setting) to create a flatter surface to stand on. Land and activate the final terminal.

(Optional: Hidden Treasures – Chest Locations Part 2)

The numerous optional chests encourage thorough exploration, rewarding players who experiment with the trunk controls and Rune abilities beyond the main objectives.

• Chest 4 (Large Water Wheel – Interior): While solving the Terminal 3 puzzle, look for a chest on the central hub inside the large wheel. Use Stasis on the lower block mechanism when the chest is accessible to grab an Ancient Core. Be quick to avoid being crushed when Stasis wears off.
• Chest 5 (Waterfall Ledge): After activating the switch creating the waterfall shortcut near Terminal 3’s area, swim up the waterfall. From the top, paraglide across to the opposite ledge to find a chest containing a Knight’s Halberd or Royal Halberd (weapon scales with game progress).
• Chest 6 (Inside Trunk – Exterior): While manipulating the trunk for Terminals 4 and 5 from the outside decks, look inside the structure of the trunk itself. A chest containing an Ancient Shaft is nestled within and accessible when the trunk is positioned correctly.
• Chest 7 (Tip of Trunk – Exterior): While on the top deck near the trunk’s base (preparing for Terminal 5), raise the trunk high. Look towards the tip; a chest covered in Malice is visible on one side (left side when facing the front). The controlling eyeball is on the opposite side of the trunk’s exterior. Shoot the eye, then carefully adjust the trunk angle or glide to reach the chest, which holds 10 Ice Arrows.

6. Confronting the Corruption: Waterblight Ganon

With all five terminals activated, the main control unit in the central chamber becomes operational. Return to the ground floor chamber where you first entered. Before interacting with the glowing main console, make final preparations: cook meals that restore hearts or boost attack power , equip your strongest weapons (Guardian weapons dropped by scouts inside are effective ), a reliable bow, and a sturdy shield. Activating the console triggers the boss fight against Waterblight Ganon.

Phase 1 Strategy: Spear Tactics and Cryonis Defense

Waterblight Ganon appears, wielding a massive spear. The arena is partially flooded. It uses several attacks:

• Spear Throw: From range, it hurls its spear. Dodge sideways, not backward. It needs a moment to reform the spear, offering an attack window.
• Spear Lunge/Stab: A quick thrust at mid-range. Block or side-hop dodge.
• Spear Sweep: A wide horizontal slash. Backflip dodge or block with a strong shield.
• Spear Slam: Stabs the spear into the ground nearby, creating a shockwave. Quickly back away.

Employ these tactics:

• Melee: Keep your shield up. Bait an attack, dodge (side hop for thrusts, backflip for sweeps), and unleash a Flurry Rush if timed perfectly. Otherwise, rush in for a few hits after it attacks, especially after a spear throw.
• Ranged: Aim for its eye with arrows for critical damage and potential stuns. Bomb Arrows and any remaining Shock Arrows are particularly effective.
• Cryonis Defense: This Rune is invaluable. Create ice pillars from the water to block any of its attacks. If an ice pillar intercepts the spear itself, the spear may shatter, forcing Waterblight Ganon into a lengthy reformation animation, leaving it wide open. You can also use the main console structure for cover.

Phase 2 Strategy: Platform Hopping, Ice Breaking, and Arrow Barrage

At roughly half health, the battle shifts dramatically. The water level rises significantly, leaving only four raised platforms. Waterblight Ganon now floats high near the ceiling, favoring ranged attacks. Its primary attack becomes summoning and throwing multiple ice blocks, similar to those encountered during the approach on Sidon’s back. Later, it may employ a Guardian-style laser.

This phase highlights how the game integrates core Rune mechanics into major boss encounters, demanding more than just swordplay. Master these strategies:

• Destroy Ice Blocks: Use Cryonis to instantly shatter incoming ice blocks – this is the fastest and safest method. Alternatively, shoot them with arrows, waiting until they are closer for an easier shot. It will throw more blocks simultaneously as its health depletes.
• Stun and Attack: Immediately after clearing the ice blocks, quickly aim your bow at Waterblight Ganon’s eye. Shock Arrows are highly effective here, but Bomb, Ancient, or even regular arrows work. A critical hit to the eye will stun it, causing it to crash down onto a platform or into the water. Seize this opportunity: quickly swim, glide, or use Cryonis pillars to create a path to the downed boss and unleash powerful melee attacks.
• Platform Management: Use Cryonis to create ice bridges between the four platforms if you need to reposition quickly or reach the boss after stunning it. Standard jumping and gliding also works for shorter distances.
• Laser Defense: If Waterblight Ganon charges its laser, either dodge, block with a very durable shield, or attempt a Perfect Parry (press A just before impact) to reflect the beam back for significant damage and a potential stun.
• Alternative Tactics: If you run low on arrows or durable melee weapons, Remote Bombs can deal small amounts of damage, though getting close enough to throw them effectively can be tricky. You can also use Stasis+ on an ice block, hit it multiple times, and send it flying back at Waterblight Ganon to potentially stun it.

Persist with these strategies, focusing on destroying the ice blocks promptly and capitalizing on the stun openings after eye shots.

7. Triumph and Reward: Cleansing the Beast

Upon defeat, Waterblight Ganon dissolves into Malice, cleansing the Divine Beast.

Claiming the Heart Container:

A Heart Container will appear where the boss fell. Crucially, pick this up before interacting with the main terminal again, as neglecting to do so might cause you to miss this permanent health upgrade.

Mipha’s Grace: An Ally’s Gift:

With the Heart Container secured, approach and activate the main control unit one last time. This triggers a poignant cutscene where the spirit of the Zora Champion, Mipha, is freed. As thanks, she bestows upon Link Mipha’s Grace. This powerful ability acts as an automatic safety net: if Link falls in battle, Mipha’s Grace will activate (provided it’s recharged), instantly restoring all hearts and granting temporary bonus hearts. Vah Ruta, now free, takes its position overlooking the Lanayru Great Spring, ready to assist in the final battle against Calamity Ganon.

Return to the King: Completing the Quest

Warp back to Zora’s Domain via the Ne’ez Yohma Shrine. Ascend to the throne room and report your success to King Dorephan. The King and the Zora council express their gratitude, fully accepting Link. The King may also present you with the Lightscale Trident, Mipha’s signature weapon, or initiate the quest related to its counterpart, the Ceremonial Trident.

(Optional: Claiming the Zora Greaves)

If you undertook the “Lynel Safari” side quest and successfully photographed the Lynel on Ploymus Mountain, find Laflat in Zora’s Domain. Show her the picture, and she will reward you with the Zora Greaves, completing the Zora Armor set and its enhanced swimming capabilities.

With Vah Ruta appeased and Mipha’s spirit freed, one of the four Divine Beasts is back on Hyrule’s side.