Do You Need Fireproof Elixir for Vah Rudania? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: No, you do not strictly need a Fireproof Elixir for Vah Rudania if you have the Flamebreaker Armor. However, understanding the nuances of heat resistance in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is crucial for surviving Death Mountain and conquering the fiery Divine Beast. This article will dissect the heat mechanics, the Flamebreaker Armor, Fireproof Elixirs, and provide a detailed walkthrough to ensure your adventure through Vah Rudania is a success.
Understanding Heat Resistance in Breath of the Wild
Death Mountain is unforgiving. Entering the hotter regions without adequate protection will result in combustion, leading to a swift and fiery demise for Link. The game offers two primary ways to combat this extreme heat:
- Flamebreaker Armor: This armor set provides heat resistance to varying degrees, depending on the number of pieces worn and their upgrade level.
- Fireproof Elixirs: These concoctions grant temporary immunity to fire, allowing safe passage through hot areas.
The Flamebreaker Armor: Your Best Defense Against the Heat
The Flamebreaker Armor is specifically designed to withstand the intense heat of Death Mountain and is your primary line of defense when entering the area to subdue Vah Rudania. The armor consists of three pieces:
- Flamebreaker Helm
- Flamebreaker Armor
- Flamebreaker Boots
Obtaining the Flamebreaker Armor piece (the chest piece) is virtually essential and can be acquired in Goron City. A side quest is available where you can do to obtain the piece of armor. You’ll need this as you are going into the volcano region.
How Much Flamebreaker Armor Do You Need?
- One Piece (Flamebreaker Armor): Provides enough heat resistance to survive the initial areas around Goron City and Death Mountain.
- Two Pieces: Offers a significant boost in protection, allowing you to explore more dangerous areas with greater safety.
- Full Set (All Three Pieces): Further reduces heat damage and can be upgraded at a Great Fairy Fountain.
Flameproof vs. Heat Resistance
It is vital to differentiate between heat resistance and the Flameproof set bonus. Heat resistance simply reduces damage taken from heat, while the Flameproof set bonus renders you completely immune to being set on fire. You can achieve this by wearing all three pieces of the Flamebreaker Armor and upgrading them twice at a Great Fairy Fountain.
Fireproof Elixirs: A Temporary Solution
Fireproof Elixirs offer a temporary solution to the heat problem. They are crafted using ingredients found throughout Hyrule, primarily those with the “smotherwing butterfly” tag. Some examples include:
- Smotherwing Butterfly
- Monster Parts (e.g., Bokoblin Horn, Keese Wing)
The duration of the effect depends on the ingredients used and the quality of the cooking.
Elixir Duration
The following list helps understand how long each ingredient will add to a Fireproof Elixir’s duration:
- Smotherwing Butterfly: Base duration
- Monster Parts: Primarily affect the power level (duration) of the elixir
When to Use Fireproof Elixirs
- As a substitute for Flamebreaker Armor, if you have not obtained it yet.
- As a supplement to Flamebreaker Armor, in particularly extreme heat zones.
- When you need to explore areas where Flamebreaker Armor alone is insufficient.
Inside Vah Rudania: Navigating the Divine Beast
Once inside Vah Rudania, the temperature is still high, but the environmental hazard primarily consists of fire-based attacks rather than the ambient heat of Death Mountain. This means you are less in need of fireproof protection and more in need of avoiding or mitigating the fireballs and other attacks from enemies and the environment itself.
Using Environmental Objects for Protection
- Use the metal boxes found within the Divine Beast to block flames.
- Manipulate the Divine Beast’s orientation to create safe passages and block fire hazards.
Fighting Fireblight Ganon
The ultimate challenge within Vah Rudania is Fireblight Ganon. This boss is particularly weak to Ice attacks. So stock up on ice arrows before this point, as they can do serious damage to Fireblight.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About Heat and Vah Rudania
1. Do I have to get the Flamebreaker Armor?
While not strictly mandatory, obtaining at least one piece of Flamebreaker Armor makes your journey significantly easier and safer. Relying solely on elixirs can be costly and inconvenient.
2. Where can I find Smotherwing Butterflies?
Smotherwing Butterflies are commonly found in the Eldin region, particularly around the stables near Death Mountain.
3. How many Fireproof Elixirs should I carry?
Carry at least three Fireproof Elixirs as a backup, even if you have the Flamebreaker Armor. It’s always better to be overprepared.
4. Can I cook Fireproof meals instead of elixirs?
No, you cannot create Fireproof meals. Fireproof properties are exclusive to elixirs.
5. Is it worth upgrading the Flamebreaker Armor?
Upgrading the Flamebreaker Armor provides increased defense and unlocks the Flameproof set bonus, which can be incredibly useful in the hottest areas.
6. Can I get through Goron City without Fireproof protection?
It’s extremely difficult and dangerous to navigate Goron City without either the Flamebreaker Armor or Fireproof Elixirs.
7. What happens if I run out of Fireproof protection on Death Mountain?
You will begin to take fire damage and eventually die if you don’t find a way to cool down or replenish your protection.
8. How do I beat Fireblight Ganon?
Fireblight Ganon is weak to Ice attacks. Use Ice Arrows or other ice-based weapons to deal significant damage. You can also throw bombs when he tries to suck in air for a fire attack.
9. What is Vah Rudania named after?
Vah Rudania is named after Darunia, the Sage of Fire from Ocarina of Time.
10. Is Vah Rudania the hardest Divine Beast?
Vah Rudania is considered one of the more challenging Divine Beasts, but opinions vary among players. The difficulty often depends on your play style and preparation.
11. What are the easiest Divine Beasts?
Vah Medoh is generally considered the easiest Divine Beast in Breath of the Wild
12. Where do I get Ice Arrows?
You can find Ice Arrows in treasure chests within Vah Rudania and purchase them from various merchants throughout Hyrule.
13. Is it dark inside Vah Rudania?
Yes, Vah Rudania is initially dark. You’ll need to light lanterns to illuminate the interior.
14. Can I refight Fireblight Ganon?
You can refight Fireblight Ganon in the Illusory Realm after completing the Champion’s Ballad DLC.
15. Does eating spicy food help?
While spicy food does not grant Fireproof properties, it does provide Cold Resistance, which is useful in other areas of Hyrule with freezing climates.
Conclusion: Prepare for the Heat!
While Fireproof Elixirs can get you by, the Flamebreaker Armor is your key to a safe and successful journey through Death Mountain and Vah Rudania. By understanding the heat mechanics and preparing accordingly, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer this fiery challenge.
For more insights into the learning aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Happy adventuring!