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Can Link Enter Gerudo Town as a Man in Tears of the Kingdom?

The short answer is no, Link cannot simply waltz into Gerudo Town as a man in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK). The Gerudo’s strict “no men allowed” policy remains in effect, a cultural tradition deeply rooted in their history and experiences with Ganondorf. However, as with Breath of the Wild (BOTW), there’s more to the story than a simple denial. Link, being the resourceful and adaptable hero he is, has ways to circumvent this rule. You’ll need to get creative and, most likely, employ a disguise to gain entry. The Gerudo’s distrust for men after Ganondorf’s betrayal is what started this tradition.

Understanding the Gerudo’s Distrust of Men

The Legacy of Ganondorf

The cornerstone of the Gerudo’s aversion to men lies in their history with Ganondorf. Although a single Gerudo male is born every hundred years and destined to become their king, Ganondorf turned out to be a source of immense suffering for Hyrule. His transformation into Calamity Ganon solidified the Gerudo’s decision to bar men from their town, establishing it as a sanctuary for women from across Hyrule. This rule isn’t just a matter of tradition; it’s a protective measure against potential threats.

Vais and Voe: Distinguishing Gender

The Gerudo language makes a clear distinction between genders. “Vai” refers to a woman, while “Voe” denotes a man. This linguistic separation highlights the importance of gender within Gerudo society and reinforces the exclusiveness of Gerudo Town. Only vais are permitted entry, creating a clear barrier for Link, a very obvious voe. So, you’ll have to find a way to make him appear as a vai.

Getting Past the Gatekeepers: Disguises and Other Methods

The Vai Outfit: Link’s Key to Entry

Just like in BOTW, the primary method for Link to enter Gerudo Town is by obtaining a vai outfit. The specific method for acquiring this outfit can vary slightly between playthroughs, but it generally involves completing certain quests or purchasing the necessary clothing items.

Finding the Outfit: Typically, the vai outfit is not readily available in a shop. You’ll need to embark on side quests or interact with specific NPCs (Non-Player Characters) who can provide information or directly offer the clothing. Keep an eye out for characters near the outskirts of Gerudo Town or in surrounding settlements.
Complete Quests: Pay attention to the quests as you arrive near Gerudo Town. Some quests may specifically lead you to the Vai outfit.

Other Considerations

Creative Solutions (Limited): While the vai outfit is the most straightforward approach, some players might try to exploit glitches or use creative combinations of abilities to bypass the guards. However, these methods are often unreliable and patched out in updates. The game design heavily encourages and rewards obtaining the proper disguise.
Exploration is Key: The world of Hyrule is vast and filled with secrets. Thoroughly explore the areas surrounding Gerudo Town and interact with every NPC you encounter. You never know what valuable information or hidden pathways you might uncover. The GamesLearningSociety.org website provides resources for more information.

Consequences of Being Discovered

If Link is caught inside Gerudo Town without wearing the appropriate disguise, the guards will promptly escort him out. Attempting to resist or cause a disturbance will likely result in being overwhelmed by the guards, leading to a game over. Therefore, maintaining the disguise is crucial for your entire time in the town.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information.

Is it possible to brute force my way into Gerudo Town as a man?
- No, the Gerudo guards are vigilant and numerous. Attempting to force your way in will result in failure. The only viable method is to use a disguise or a method that allows for the use of a disguise.
Does the Vai outfit completely fool the Gerudo?
- Yes, as long as you are wearing the complete Vai outfit, the Gerudo will perceive Link as a woman and allow him to move freely within the town.
Are there any benefits to exploring Gerudo Town as Link?
- Absolutely! Gerudo Town is a hub for quests, shops selling unique items, and important story-related information. Gaining access to the town is essential for progressing through certain parts of the game.
Does the story change if Link enters Gerudo Town as a man?
- No, the core narrative remains the same. However, the dialogue and interactions with the Gerudo will be altered to reflect Link’s disguised appearance.
Can I remove the Vai outfit once inside Gerudo Town?
- It is strongly advised not to remove the outfit inside of the main city. Taking it off will almost immediately give him away, resulting in him being kicked out.
Are there any male characters allowed in Gerudo Town besides Link in disguise?
- No, the Gerudo’s policy is strictly enforced. No other male characters, with the exception of Ganondorf, are ever seen within the town limits. This is rooted in their history.
How does the game handle Link’s voice while wearing the Vai outfit?
- Link’s voice remains unchanged. The Gerudo seem to overlook this discrepancy, likely due to the magical or enchanted nature of the disguise.
Is there any special dialogue or reaction from Riju if Link enters Gerudo Town in disguise?
- Riju is the leader of the Gerudo. She recognizes that Link is in disguise and the dialogue will change depending on this.
Why are the Yiga Clan all male?
- The game doesn’t explicitly state the reason for the Yiga Clan’s male-only composition. This seems to be the opposite of Gerudo society. Some speculate it is due to the teachings of the Sheikah clan and their obsession with power.
How old is Riju in Tears of the Kingdom?
- Riju’s exact age is not explicitly stated, but she is roughly around twelve years old. She appears more mature than she is.
Is Ganondorf always a Gerudo in the Zelda series?
- Yes, Ganondorf’s identity as a Gerudo has remained consistent throughout the Legend of Zelda series.
Are the Gerudo asexual?
- The game does not state whether or not the Gerudo are asexual.
Do Gerudo only marry Hylians?
- While the game doesn’t explicitly detail Gerudo marriage practices, it is assumed the Gerudo may have to marry outside of their tribe since they are nearly all females. The most obvious choice is the Hylians.
How is Ganon a Gerudo?
- Ganondorf is born to the Gerudo people due to Demise’s curse and is characterized by his intelligent nature and lust for power. This is the lore found within the game.
Is Ganon a boy or girl?
- Ganon is most definitely a boy’s name.

Conclusion

While Link cannot simply walk into Gerudo Town as a man, Tears of the Kingdom offers players opportunities to use their skills and ingenuity to overcome obstacles. Obtaining the Vai outfit remains the primary method for gaining entry, allowing Link to explore the town, interact with its residents, and progress through the game’s story. Embrace the challenge, explore the world, and discover the secrets hidden within the Gerudo’s desert stronghold! Learn more about gaming and education at the GamesLearningSociety.org.

Can link enter gerudo town as a man in tears of the kingdom?