Which Divine Beast Should You Conquer First in Breath of the Wild? A Reddit-Informed Guide
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.
If you’ve plunged into the breathtaking world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’re likely facing a pivotal question: Which Divine Beast should I tackle first? The answer, like much of the game, isn’t a simple one, as it hinges on your playstyle, comfort level with combat, and desired early-game advantages. However, drawing from the collective wisdom of the Reddit community and expert analysis, Vah Ruta, the Divine Beast of Zora’s Domain, is generally considered the best starting point for most players. It provides an accessible challenge, a powerful early-game ability, and a relatively straightforward path to reach.
Why Vah Ruta is the Recommended First Choice
Several compelling reasons make Vah Ruta an ideal introduction to the Divine Beasts:
- Proximity and Story Integration: The game subtly guides you towards Zora’s Domain early on. The narrative encourages you to investigate the unusual rainfall plaguing the region, naturally leading you to the Zora and their plight.
- Accessibility and Difficulty: The path to Vah Ruta isn’t overly challenging. The enemies encountered are manageable for new players, and the Divine Beast itself presents a puzzle-solving experience that’s engaging without being overly frustrating.
- Mipha’s Grace: A Game-Changing Ability: This is arguably the biggest draw. Mipha’s Grace provides a full heal and bonus hearts upon taking fatal damage. This ability acts as a safety net, especially beneficial for players still mastering the game’s combat mechanics. It’s invaluable for surviving tough encounters and exploring dangerous areas.
- Waterblight Ganon: A Manageable Boss: While no Blight Ganon is a pushover, Waterblight Ganon is generally considered one of the easier ones, especially if you’re proficient with a bow and arrow.
While Vah Medoh (the Divine Beast of the Rito) is another popular early choice, Mipha’s Grace offers a level of protection that far outweighs the convenience of Revali’s Gale at the very start.
Alternatives and Considerations
While Vah Ruta is a solid recommendation, it’s not the only option. Here’s a look at the other Divine Beasts and their suitability as starting points:
- Vah Medoh: Located in the Hebra region, Vah Medoh offers Revali’s Gale, a powerful updraft ability. This ability is fantastic for exploration and can be used creatively in combat. The path to Vah Medoh is relatively straightforward, but the cold environment can be challenging without proper preparation. Windblight Ganon is also considered the easiest Blight Ganon, as stated on GamesLearningSociety.org, offering a quick win.
- Vah Rudania: Situated on Death Mountain, Vah Rudania requires heat resistance to access. The challenges on Death Mountain and inside the Divine Beast can be tough, making it less suitable for beginners. Daruk’s Protection is a powerful defensive ability, but it’s less impactful early on than Mipha’s Grace.
- Vah Naboris: Located in the Gerudo Desert, Vah Naboris is widely considered the most difficult Divine Beast. The desert environment, the complex puzzles inside the Divine Beast, and the formidable Thunderblight Ganon make it a challenge best saved for later in the game. Urbosa’s Fury is a powerful offensive ability, but less necessary early on than a defensive or healing option.
FAQs: Your Divine Beast Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions, addressing common concerns and misconceptions about the Divine Beasts and their order:
1. Does the Order of Divine Beasts Really Matter?
While the order influences the abilities you gain and the Blight Ganon you face, the game is designed to be flexible. The “intended” order is somewhat implied through the story, but you’re free to tackle them in any sequence you choose. However, some Divine Beasts are undeniably easier to access and conquer early on.
2. What Happens If I Go to a Divine Beast Before Impa?
If you head straight for a Divine Beast, Princess Zelda will communicate with you telepathically, providing context about the Divine Beasts and their corruption by Calamity Ganon. You can tackle any of the Divine Beasts before speaking with Impa and getting the “Seek Out Impa” quest.
3. Is Thunderblight Ganon Really That Hard?
Yes. Thunderblight Ganon is notorious for its speed, unpredictable attacks, and ability to disarm you. It is widely considered the most difficult of the Blight Ganons, and attempting Vah Naboris early can be a frustrating experience.
4. Which Divine Beast Ability is the Most Useful Overall?
This depends on your playstyle, but Mipha’s Grace and Revali’s Gale are generally considered the most versatile. Mipha’s Grace provides crucial healing, while Revali’s Gale offers unmatched mobility.
5. How Many Hearts Should I Have Before Attempting a Divine Beast?
While you can attempt a Divine Beast with a minimal number of hearts, having at least 6-8 hearts will make the experience significantly easier. More hearts provide a larger health pool, increasing your survivability.
6. Can the Master Sword Break Inside a Divine Beast?
Yes, the Master Sword can run out of energy and become unusable for 10 minutes. However, this isn’t a permanent break. It’s essential to manage your weapon usage strategically, especially during boss fights.
7. What’s the Easiest Way to Prepare for the Desert Heat Before Vah Naboris?
The easiest way is to purchase the Desert Voe set from the Gerudo Secret Club in Gerudo Town. This set provides heat resistance when worn. Alternatively, you can use elixirs or food with heat resistance effects.
8. Is There a Fifth Divine Beast?
The game hints at the existence of a “fifth Divine Beast.” While there isn’t a traditional Divine Beast beyond the four, the Master Cycle Zero, acquired through the DLC, is referred to as a Divine Beast created for the hero. Some fans also theorize about the Moon, which was built by the ancient Sheikah people.
9. Which Blight Ganon is the Easiest to Defeat?
Windblight Ganon is often cited as the easiest Blight Ganon, due to its predictable attack patterns and vulnerability to arrows.
10. How Do the Divine Beasts Relate to the Plot of the Game?
The Divine Beasts were created by the ancient Sheikah to aid the hero and princess in sealing away Calamity Ganon. However, they were corrupted by Ganon, and Link must cleanse them to weaken Ganon before the final battle.
11. Does Beating the Divine Beasts Make the Final Boss Easier?
Yes. Each Divine Beast you cleanse weakens Calamity Ganon, reducing his health in the final battle. Additionally, you gain the support of the Champions, who will assist you during the fight.
12. Are There Any Consequences to Ignoring the Divine Beasts?
There are no direct penalties for ignoring the Divine Beasts. However, you’ll miss out on powerful abilities and weaken yourself for the final battle. You also won’t experience the enriching storylines associated with each Divine Beast.
13. What Happens if I Get Game Over Inside a Divine Beast?
You’ll be returned to the entrance of the Divine Beast, allowing you to attempt it again. This is a forgiving mechanic that encourages experimentation and persistence.
14. Are the Divine Beasts Different in Tears of the Kingdom?
Tears of the Kingdom features entirely different gameplay systems than Breath of the Wild. As such, the focus is on exploring and solving the Regional Phenomena quests instead of cleansing corrupted Divine Beasts.
15. Can I Respec the abilities of the Divine Beasts?
No, you cannot respec the abilities gained from each divine beast. You are stuck with the four powers once they have been acquired.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the decision of which Divine Beast to tackle first is yours. However, for most players, Vah Ruta offers the best combination of accessibility, reward, and narrative integration. Mipha’s Grace is an invaluable early-game ability, providing a safety net while you learn the ropes. Once you’ve conquered Vah Ruta, you can confidently move on to the other Divine Beasts, tailoring your experience to your own preferences and skill level. Remember that the wisdom of the Reddit community, as well as insights from sites such as GamesLearningSociety.org, can offer valuable guidance along your journey!