What Do You Get When You Defeat Vah Rudania?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
When you conquer the fiery Divine Beast Vah Rudania in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you are rewarded with two invaluable boons: Daruk’s Protection, one of the four Champion abilities, and a Heart Container.
Conquering the Scorching Beast: Vah Rudania
Vah Rudania is the Divine Beast associated with the Goron Champion, Daruk. This monstrous mechanical creature lies dormant atop Death Mountain, causing constant volcanic eruptions that threaten Goron City and the surrounding areas. Approaching and ultimately conquering Vah Rudania is a challenging but essential step in Link’s quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.
The Spoils of Victory: Daruk’s Protection and a Heart Container
Daruk’s Protection: An Unbreakable Shield
Upon defeating Fireblight Ganon within Vah Rudania, you receive Daruk’s Protection. This powerful ability allows Link to become temporarily invulnerable, creating a fiery shield around him that absorbs incoming attacks. It’s a game-changer, especially in tough combat scenarios.
- How it works: Daruk’s Protection activates automatically when Link is about to take damage, negating the attack completely.
- Recharge Time: The ability has a recharge time, indicated by a symbol on the screen. Once depleted, you must wait for it to refill before it can be used again.
- Strategic Use: Daruk’s Protection is invaluable against powerful enemies, Guardian lasers, and environmental hazards. Use it wisely to conserve its charges.
- Upgrading Daruk’s Protection: Later in the game through Champion’s Ballad DLC, you can undertake trials to enhance Daruk’s Protection, reducing its recharge time.
A Heart Container: Strengthening Link’s Vitality
In addition to Daruk’s Protection, defeating Vah Rudania grants Link a Heart Container. This increases his maximum health by one full heart, improving his survivability throughout the game. Heart Containers are crucial for facing stronger enemies and surviving dangerous environments.
- Permanent Upgrade: The Heart Container is a permanent upgrade to Link’s health, remaining with him throughout the entire game.
- Impact on Gameplay: The increased health provided by the Heart Container makes combat easier and allows Link to withstand more damage before being defeated.
- Multiple Heart Containers: You obtain Heart Containers by defeating Divine Beasts and trading Spirit Orbs to the Goddess Statues.
Significance of Defeating Vah Rudania
Defeating Vah Rudania offers more than just immediate rewards. It represents a significant milestone in Link’s journey:
- Restoring a Champion: It frees Daruk’s spirit and helps him lend his strength to Link in the final battle against Calamity Ganon.
- Quelling Death Mountain: It stops the volcanic eruptions plaguing Death Mountain, restoring peace to the Goron people.
- Progressing the Story: It advances the main storyline and unlocks new areas and quests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to defeat Vah Rudania to complete the game?
While not strictly mandatory, defeating Vah Rudania and the other Divine Beasts significantly strengthens Link and makes the final battle against Calamity Ganon much easier. Moreover, you get to experience the main storyline content that sheds light on the world and the characters’ motivations, greatly enriching the playthrough.
2. What is the best strategy for defeating Fireblight Ganon?
Fireblight Ganon is vulnerable to perfect dodges and flurry rushes. When he’s charging his attacks, dodge at the right moment to trigger a flurry rush. Also, using bomb arrows during his floating phase can bring him down quickly. Remember to utilize Daruk’s Protection effectively to block his powerful attacks.
3. Can I skip Vah Rudania and go straight to Calamity Ganon?
Yes, you can. The game allows you to go straight to Calamity Ganon at any time. However, doing so will make the final battle significantly more challenging as you’ll lack the Champion abilities and the extra Heart Containers/Stamina Vessels gained from completing the Divine Beast quests.
4. How do I access Vah Rudania?
You need to follow the main questline involving the Goron people at Goron City. This quest will lead you to Yunobo and then to the challenge of accessing Vah Rudania atop Death Mountain. Remember to use fireproof armor or elixirs to survive the heat.
5. What happens if I die during the Vah Rudania boss fight?
If you die during the Fireblight Ganon fight, you will respawn at the entrance of the boss chamber and have to fight him again from the beginning. Make sure to save frequently!
6. Is Daruk’s Protection rechargeable?
Yes, Daruk’s Protection has a recharge time. The recharge time is displayed on the HUD. After using the ability, you’ll need to wait for the meter to refill before you can use it again. You can decrease the recharge time through completing the Champion’s Ballad DLC.
7. Can I use Daruk’s Protection infinitely?
No, you cannot use Daruk’s Protection infinitely. It has three uses before needing to recharge. After each use, a portion of the shield icon on the HUD disappears. Once all three segments are gone, you must wait for the recharge before using it again.
8. What are some effective ways to use Daruk’s Protection?
Daruk’s Protection is excellent for blocking powerful attacks from enemies like Guardians and Lynels. It can also be used to negate environmental hazards such as explosions or falling rocks. Timing is key to maximize its effectiveness.
9. Does defeating Vah Rudania affect the world outside Death Mountain?
Yes, defeating Vah Rudania stops the volcanic eruptions plaguing Death Mountain. This makes it safer to traverse the region and allows the Goron people to live in peace.
10. How many Divine Beasts are there in Breath of the Wild?
There are four Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild: Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, Vah Ruta, and Vah Naboris.
11. What other rewards do I get for completing all four Divine Beasts?
After completing all four Divine Beasts, you unlock a new cutscene that provides valuable context for the final battle against Calamity Ganon and makes the final boss encounter easier. In addition, a quest to obtain the Master Cycle Zero is unlocked in the Champion’s Ballad DLC.
12. Can I redo the Vah Rudania boss fight after defeating Fireblight Ganon?
Yes, you can redo the Fireblight Ganon fight anytime at the statue on the Great Plateau after completing the game, by defeating Monk Maz Koshia in The Champion’s Ballad DLC. This allows you to refight the bosses with your current equipment and abilities.
13. Is it possible to obtain the Heart Container without defeating Vah Rudania?
Yes, you can obtain Heart Containers by trading Spirit Orbs to the Goddess Statues found in temples and towns. Each four Spirit Orbs can be exchanged for either a Heart Container or a Stamina Vessel.
14. Does Daruk’s Protection protect against all types of damage?
Daruk’s Protection protects against most physical and energy-based attacks, but it doesn’t protect against environmental effects like extreme heat or cold, or from falling from a great height.
15. What is the significance of Daruk in the game’s lore?
Daruk was one of the four Champions chosen to pilot the Divine Beasts and fight against Calamity Ganon 100 years before the events of the game. He was known for his courage, strength, and protective nature. He was a close friend of Princess Zelda, and his spirit assists Link throughout his quest.