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How to get the map and use Vah Ruta’s trunk
Vah Ruta is Mipha’s Divine Beast. The Champions piloted their Divine Beasts, as described in Nintendo’s Explorer’s Guide. Once inside, clear the Malice eyes in the entry area, then use Cryonis to raise the barred gate and reach the Guidance Stone.
Collect the map before pursuing the terminals. It marks their locations and unlocks control of Vah Ruta’s trunk. Adjusting the trunk changes where its water lands, which in turn moves or stops dungeon mechanisms. You will need Cryonis for gates and waterwheel timing, Magnesis for cranks and metal mechanisms, and Stasis to hold an orb in place.
Vah Ruta walkthrough: activate all five terminals
1. Raise the first terminal
Find the crank near the water and use Magnesis to rotate it. The mechanism raises the terminal out of the water; activate it once it is accessible.
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2. Stop the smaller waterwheel
Locate the terminal inside the smaller waterwheel. Wait until it turns within reach, then use Cryonis to freeze the water spout feeding the wheel. With the wheel stopped, reach and activate the terminal.
3. Open the large waterwheel enclosure
Change the trunk position until its water stream turns the large central wheel. The orb must remain in its socket to open the enclosure around the third terminal. Use Stasis on the orb as needed to prevent it sliding out while the wheel rotates, then activate the terminal. Activate the nearby switch when you reach it to create a waterfall shortcut.
4. Reach the terminal on the trunk
Travel out along Vah Ruta’s trunk. Lower it to reach the end platform, then raise it enough to access the terminal. The useful trunk position depends on your approach and traversal; focus on getting onto the end platform and adjusting the trunk to bring the terminal within reach.
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5. Extinguish the flames in the head chamber
Reach the head chamber and clear the Malice eye. Use Magnesis to open the roof mechanism, then adjust the trunk until its stream puts out the flames surrounding the last terminal. Activate it once the flames are gone.
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Optional chests: loot without losing the route
The five terminals are the main objective; chests are detours. If you want extra materials and rupees before the boss, look for the optional chests listed in the Zelda Universe Vah Ruta walkthrough, including an Ancient Spring, Silver Rupee, Ancient Core, Fire Arrows, a spear, Ancient Shaft, and Ice Arrows. Equipment quality can vary. Skip these if you want the shortest route to the Main Control Unit.
How to beat Waterblight Ganon
Phase one: read the spear attacks
Waterblight uses spear jabs, swings, throws, and downward slams. Watch the attack animation and dodge at the right moment to trigger a Flurry Rush. When an opening presents itself, aim an arrow at its eye. Cryonis pillars can provide cover and disrupt spear attacks, while a Perfect Guard can counter some moves if your timing is reliable. These are options rather than requirements; use the approach that fits your equipment and timing.
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- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls objects and enemies in fun ways
Phase two: use the four platforms
When the water rises, Link is limited to four small platforms and Waterblight hovers near the ceiling. It adds ice blocks and a laser attack. Break incoming ice blocks with Cryonis. A well-timed Perfect Guard can deflect attacks and bring Waterblight down; if guard timing is difficult, use a strong bow and special arrows to attack from a platform. Zora Armor improves swim speed, but it is not required for the fight.
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After defeating Waterblight Ganon, collect the Heart Container and activate the terminal to reclaim control of Vah Ruta. Mipha’s Grace is also granted as the dungeon reward.
Which route should you take?
| Route | Best for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Main objectives | Reaching the boss efficiently | Completes the map, five terminals, and boss encounter; skips optional chest detours. |
| Chest detours | Collecting extra items before the boss | Adds exploration for materials, rupees, arrows, and other listed loot; exact equipment quality can vary. |
For the boss, Flurry Rushes and Perfect Guards reward accurate timing. Cryonis defense and ranged attacks give alternatives if those counters are unreliable. Neither approach is universally best; use the one that matches your available equipment and comfort with timing.
Walkthrough references: Thonky’s Vah Ruta guide (last updated 2021-10-24) and Zelda Universe’s Vah Ruta chapter (2018-03-03).
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