After the detailed exploration of Necluda, we return to the main goal “Free the Divine Beasts”. Our first big target is northeast of Kakariko Village: the village of the Zora and the water titan Vah Ruta. The way there leads through the swamp of Lanayru, past the Lanayru Tower and then along the Zora River for kilometers. The second part of the route in particular is significantly more dangerous than the previous main routes. Constant rain prevents reliable climbing, Octoroks shoot at Link from the water and numerous Lizalfos use electric arrows, which are particularly dangerous in the wet environment.
We pick up several valuable shrines along the way. The Daka Tusu Shrine contains a powerful Zora Greatsword, the optional trip to the Swamp Stable brings a Ancient Core as well as a Knight’s Sword and the Soh Kofi Shrine directly in front of Prince Sidon is ideal for practicing perfect evasive maneuvers again against a Nano Guardian. You can also find an overview of all nine shrines in this map region in our guide to the shrines at Lanayru Tower.
Main target “Free the Divine Beasts” – departure to Lanayru
Teleports you to Ta’loh Naeg Shrine above Kakariko Village. From the shrine you have an excellent starting point to glide north into the swamp of Lanayru. Open your map and activate the main goal “Free the Divine Beasts” as a guide. The eastern or northeastern marking belongs to the Zora people and therefore to our first Titan.
Jump off the ledge north of Kakariko Village and glide as far as possible towards the extensive island and swamp landscape. Even from the air you can see an orange shrine on one of the islands. Land as close to him as possible. This is Daka Tusu Shrine on Shrine Island and our first permanent fast travel point in Lanayru.
Daka Tusu Shrine – Sunken Ladle
Activate and enter the Daka Tusu Shrine. In the first room there are several balls floating in the water. There is also a large metal bowl at the bottom. Activates the magnetic module, grabs the bowl and uses it like an oversized ladle. Drive under a ball, carefully lift it out of the water and transport it to the barred opening in the corner.
Let the ball fall into the hollow provided behind the grid. Once it’s in place, the gate to the next area opens. Take the metal bowl with you – we’ll need it again.
In the second room several balls are floating in the water again. Lift one of them out of the basin with the ladle and place it on top of the grate above the next target opening. The ball should initially remain there. There is a large switch at the bottom of the water basin. Now lower the metal shell with the magnetic module onto this switch. The grate opens, the ball falls into the hollow and all the water is drained from the shrine.
Optional: Zora Greatsword in Daka Tusu Shrine
[Optional – highly recommended] Don’t run to the priest immediately. Return to the first room. Because the water has drained, you can now enter the previously inaccessible lower area and open the Treasure Chest. Inside lies a Zora Greatsword. The two-handed weapon has good attack power at this point and is particularly useful against larger opponents.
Then go through the now dry lower passage and reach the priest. Accept the next Spirit Orb.
Through the swamp of Lanayru
Leave the shrine and move north or northeast through the shallow water and across the numerous islands. The cryomodule makes longer water passages easier, but you can usually walk from sandbank to sandbank. Various fish swim and grow in the area Spurtlotos. Collect them if they come along your way. You can use several sprint ingredients to cook dishes that increase Link’s running speed.
Also thoroughly investigate defeated Lizalfos. Their horns, spurs and tails will later be used for armor upgrades. You can find an overview of the materials and their locations in our guide to ingredients and materials.
Between the islands, several Zora speak to you for the first time. They search the entire swamp for a Hylian and report that their prince Sidon urgently needs help. All clues lead to Ingogo Bridge northeast of Lanayru Tower. However, before we meet Sidon, let’s first activate the regional map.
Optional: Swamp Stable
[Optional – recommended] From the Daka Tusu Shrine, the Swamp Stable is slightly northwest. The detour costs a few minutes, but pays off in several ways: you get another shrine, an Ancient Core, a good sword and a very short Side Quest.
The stable works like the horse stations we have visited so far. You can pick up a registered horse, sleep, cook or replenish supplies from the dealer. Especially before the long Zora path, you should have enough normal arrows and some healing dishes. However, the horse itself can only help you to a limited extent later on the actual Zora Road, because the narrow and rocky path is largely covered on foot.
Side Quest “Sunken Treasures”
[Optional] From the stable, go down to the banks of the Hylia River and talk to Izra. He stares at a Treasure Chest lying deep in the water, but is unable to retrieve it himself due to his fear of the water. This starts the Side Quest “Sunken Treasures”.
Activates the magnetic module and looks into the water. The metal Treasure Chest is clearly highlighted. Pull it ashore, open it and take out the knight’s sword. Then talk to Izra again and report the find. He gives you the sword and the Side Quest is completed.
Kaya Wan Shrine – Shielding Water
Right next to the stable is the Kaya Wan Shrine. Inside, another lesson in the versatile use of the cryomodule awaits you. First create several ice pillars in the water and use them as stepping stones to the waterfall. Cryomodul can also be used in vertically flowing water: creates a horizontal ice column directly in the waterfall and uses it to climb to the upper level.
A small nano guard is waiting there. A well-aimed arrow or a few melee hits are enough. There is a Treasure Chest in the water to the right. Creates a block of ice directly below her. The pillar lifts the chest out of the water and you can open it. Inside is a Ancient Core.
This find is particularly valuable if you are still missing Ancient Cores for Purah’s Stasis Module +. Therefore, be sure to keep it and do not sell it.
Knight’s sword in Kaya Wan Shrine
In the next section, wooden rafts float through a strong current. Defeat the two Nano Guardians on the raised platforms and jump onto one of the rafts. On the left side there is a heavy barred door, behind which is another chest. Use the Cryomodule to create a block of ice directly under the grid, thereby lifting it upwards.
Stop the raft with more ice blocks or jump over your self-created platforms to the opened area. Behind the grille lies the Treasure Chest with a knight’s sword. Then return to the watercourse, create more ice blocks to the end and slide from there to the priest. Take the Spirit Orb with you.
To Lanayru Tower
Travel further northeast from the stable or Daka-Tusu. The Lanayru Tower is visible from a long distance. Bokoblins, Moblins and sometimes stronger opponents patrol around the tower. You don’t have to completely clear out the warehouse. Especially when it rains, attempting to climb directly over the surrounding rocks is unnecessarily difficult.
The most pleasant approach is from northwest. There, a long ladder leads to an elevated wooden viewing platform. Climb up and then jump with the Paraglider to the actual tower. This will allow you to jump over a large portion of the enemies at your feet.
The rest of the tower climb is straightforward. Climb from platform to platform and fully regenerate your stamina. Activate the terminal above.
Activate Lanayru Tower
The Lanayru Tower reveals a large region that extends from the swamp of Lanayru, through the springs of Lanayru, to the village of Zora and to the coast. The Zora River is now clearly visible on the map and forms a natural, curved road into the village.
From the top of the tower you can also see the Ingogo Bridge in the northeast. Prince Sidon is waiting right there. However, there is another shrine directly west of the bridge that we take with us before the long journey.
Soh Kofi Shrine – Trial of Strength (Easy)
Jump north or northeast from Lanayru Tower and glide to Soh Kofi Shrine on a rocky outcrop west of the Ingogo Bridge. One awaits you inside A Minor Test of Strength against a Guardian Scout II.
The techniques from Ta’loh Naeg work perfectly here. Keep the guard in focus with ZL and wait for his melee attack. Dodge sideways or backwards at the last moment to trigger a Flurry Rush. If he jumps far back and starts to turn with his weapon outstretched, stand behind one of the stone pillars. The guard hits it and remains dazed for a moment – uses this time for several free hits.
At about half his health, he creates an updraft with a rotating laser. Opens the Paraglider, rises into the air and fires an arrow directly at his eye in slow motion mode. Towards the end, the Guardian charges several powerful laser beams in a row. Attack him aggressively during the charging phase or sidestep the beams.
After the victory, take the Guardian Sword, Guardian Shield and the Ancient Materials with you. In the chest in front of the priest there is a knight’s bow. Then you will get the Spirit Orb.
Prince Sidon at the Ingogo Bridge
Leave Soh Kofi and go a few meters east to Ingogo Bridge. As you approach, a large red Zora will jump out of the river and introduce himself as Prince Sidon. He is specifically looking for a Hylian and recognizes in Link exactly the fighter his people need.
Sidon explains that the Divine Beast Vah Ruta has been generating massive amounts of water for some time. The village of Zora is at risk of being flooded in the long term. Since the Zora themselves are sensitive to electricity, they need outside help.
This conversation starts the new main goal “The Village of the Zora”. Your initial goal is to follow Sidon along the Zora River to the village and find King Dorephan there.
Electromedicine from Sidon
Sidon specifically warns Link about the enemies along the way. Many Lizalfos use electric arrows, and because of the constant rain, electric attacks can hit particularly large areas. To help, Sidon will give you a Electromedicine.
Don’t drink it right away. The first few meters are relatively harmless. Save them for the Lizalfos Archers section. tremors also continue to grow along the Zora River. Collect them and, if you get the chance, cook additional dishes with electrical resistance.
Electricity is particularly dangerous in Breath of the Wild because a powerful electric shock can cause Link to drop equipped metallic weapons, bows, or shields. After a hit, you should therefore check whether important equipment is on the ground.
Main objective “The Village of the Zora” – Follow the Zora River
The actual Zora path begins behind the Ingogo bridge. The route is long but hard to miss. Bright blue Zora pillars mark many sections of the trail and the river remains almost constantly in sight. Follow it upstream to the east or northeast.
The weather remains rainy along the entire route. So don’t try to climb every mountainside as a shortcut. On wet rock, Link regularly slides down and loses large amounts of stamina. The normal path is actually faster and safer here.
Octoroks in the water have an amazing range. As soon as they appear, stop for a moment, wait for their stone and hold up your shield. With perfect timing, the bullet can be thrown back. Bombs are even easier: Throw a round bomb near them and detonate it as soon as the Octorok appears. This is how you save arrows.
Optional: Korok in Tabahl Forest
[Optional – required for 100%] Northeast of the Lanayru Tower, the path leads through or past the Tabahl Forest. There is a single stone on a small hill near the path. Lift it up and a Korok appears underneath.
The detour only takes a few seconds and is practically directly on Zora Street. Collect the seed and then return to the river path.
The rain makes electric attacks more dangerous
The further you follow the Zora River, the more often you will meet Lizalfos. Normal variants are not a big problem with the warrior’s robe and the now improved armor, but the archers on elevated platforms use electric arrows. An arrow hitting a puddle or water creates a large electrical discharge.
Therefore, stay on dry ground or raised stones if possible and target archers first. Headshots briefly stun Lizalfos and can immediately eliminate weaker variants. If several enemies are gathered together, lure individual Lizalfos out of the group with an arrow or a bomb instead of jumping into the middle.
Sidon shows the way
Sidon swims parallel to Link in the river and reappears in several places. His short interjections are not only story elements, but also confirm that you are still on the right path. If you don’t see any Zora pillars, bridges or Sidon for a long time, you’ve probably taken the wrong side path.
You have to cross the river several times over rocks or small bridges. Don’t stay in the water unnecessarily: the current can be strong and Link doesn’t have any special swimming skills without Zora equipment.
Faratz Forest – Lizalfos with electric arrows
In the area of Faratz Forest the path becomes significantly more dangerous. Several Lizalfos archers have taken up positions on raised wooden platforms. Now is the right time for Sidon’s electromedicine. Drink it and approach carefully.
Uses trees, rocks, and wooden structures for cover. First, take out the archers from a distance. A good bow like the knight’s bow from Soh Kofi makes things much easier. If an enemy falls off their platform, you don’t have to jump after them – focus on the remaining archers first.
After the fight, collect the spent electric arrows that are stuck in the wood, ground and trees. We will need a larger amount of it for Vah Ruta in the next chapter. Every arrow you find for free now saves work later.
Oreen Bridge – Halfway on Zora Way
After further Lizalfos you reach the elegant Oreen bridge. Sidon appears again and announces that you are about halfway there. There are several Lizalfos camps directly in front of and behind the bridge. You don’t have to attack every group head-on.
For example, at the southern end of the bridge there is an Lizalfos sitting by a campfire. Sneak past the rock wall or open the fight with a headshot. There is a cooking area on the north side. If you are running low on electrical resistance or healing dishes, this is a good opportunity to cook.
There is also one on small rocks in the water near the bridge Treasure Chest with five normal arrows. Take her with you if you can get close without much of a fight.
Rolling rocks behind the Oreen Bridge
Behind the Oreen Bridge the path climbs steeper. Watch out for large boulders rolling down the slope from above. If possible, stay to the side of the path and wait until they roll past.
A little later, a particularly large boulder appears to be lying in the middle of the path. You can squeeze past the side. Alternatively, activate Stasis, freeze the rock and hit it several times. As soon as the stasis ends, the chunk flies out of the way.
Zora weapons along the path
In the next few meters you will find weapons of the Zora people more frequently for the first time, including Zora spears and various shields. Take at least one Zora Spear with you if there is room in your inventory. Such weapons will later become interesting for Side Quests and as replacements for special Zora weapons.
Also take photos of new Hyrule Handbook weapons before using them. Thanks to Sensor+, you can later specifically search for registered equipment if you ever need a specific type of weapon.
Electric Keese in the narrow rocky path
A narrow section leads through rocks and is guarded by several Electric Keese. Use the bow here if possible. In close combat we risk unnecessary electric shocks and lost weapons.
A single normal arrow is sufficient per Keese. Then collect their electric batwings. These monster parts will later be needed for medicine and certain armor upgrades.
The Zora memorial stones
Along the path you will already discover several large stone tablets with glowing writing. They tell parts of the history of the Zora people, King Dorephan and the deceased Champions. Feel free to read it when you pass it. According to Vah Ruta, the panels will also be part of a separate Side Quest in the Zora village.
However, you don’t have to search rock walls for hidden panels now. The specimens visible on the main path are enough for the moment.
Larth Bridge and the large Moblin
Finally you reach the long Larth Bridge high above Lake Ruto. Sidon appears again and encourages Link. However, the calm doesn’t last long: a large Moblin approaches from behind.
The opponent is slow, but causes enormous damage with his heavy blows. Target him with ZL and wait until he raises his weapon. Dodge sideways at the last moment and trigger a Flurry Rush. With the Zora greatsword or a strong one-handed weapon, the fight should be decided quickly.
If you don’t want to waste equipment, you can weaken the Moblin from a distance with arrows or run past him. But the fight is definitely worth it at this point for monster parts and weapons.
Over Ruto Mountain
After the Larth Bridge the path winds over the Ruto Mountain. The most difficult part of the journey is now behind you. Lizalfos, Octoroks and a magician still appear sporadically, but the density of enemies decreases significantly.
A magician can briefly become invisible and annoy with electrical attacks. Pay attention to his glowing steps or his position in the air and shoot an arrow as soon as he becomes visible again. If you defeat him, you can take his elemental weapon with you and photograph it for the Hyrule Handbook.
Continue following the blue Zora lanterns and the road. The landscape soon opens up and you get your first clear view of the impressive building of the Zora people.
The Great Zora Bridge
The last stage leads over the huge Great Zora Bridge. Behind her lies the Zora village, built entirely of curved, water-like shapes. As soon as you cross the bridge, Sidon welcomes you again.
The rain has already reached dramatic proportions here. Vah Ruta produces water continuously and the entire Zora area is under constant rainfall. Sidon asks you to follow him to the king.
Village of Zora reaches
First run straight ahead into the central area of the village. There are traders, Zora soldiers and residents everywhere who have their own stories and Side Quests ready. However, before we go to King Dorephan, let’s secure a fast travel point.
In the lower central area is the Ne’ez Yohma Shrine. Activate the entrance with the Sheikah Slate. You can now return directly to the Zora Village at any time, even if you do not enter the shrine immediately.
The main target “The Village of Zora” is still running. His next step is to have an audience with King Dorephan on the top level of the palace. There we find out what Vah Ruta is really doing to the region and why Link, of all people, can help.
Preparation for the village of Zora
After the long journey, you should first check your supplies. The upcoming section requires numerous electric arrows, and the path to the Thunderhorn leads into the territory of a Lynels. So don’t sell any electric arrows and collect all the ones you find along the way. Dishes with electrical resistance are still useful.
If you have collected four more Spirit Orb, you can get another heart or stamina container from the next goddess statue. More hearts are especially nice before the first Titan; However, additional endurance helps when swimming and later climbing over waterfalls.
In the next chapter we solve the Ne’ez Yohma Shrine, meet King Dorephan and Muzu, get the Zora Armor and learn more about Mipha. After that, the main goal “Divine Beast Vah Ruta” leads to the Thunderhorn, where we collect 20 electric arrows and prepare to attack the first titan.