Zora or Goron? Deciding Your Divine Beast Order in Breath of the Wild
So, you’ve embarked on your adventure in Hyrule, spoken with Impa, and now stand at a crossroads: Zora’s Domain or Death Mountain? Which to tackle first? The answer, while not definitive, leans heavily towards the Zora. Let’s dive into the whys and hows of choosing the Zora and Vah Ruta as your initial Divine Beast conquest.
Why Zora First? Accessibility, Story, and Practicality
There are several compelling reasons to prioritize the Zora and Vah Ruta over the Goron and Vah Rudania. These reasons touch on various aspects of the game from narrative flow to combat preparedness.
The Narrative Nudge
The game subtly guides you towards Zora’s Domain as your first destination. The Zora themselves are often found scattered across the map, directly imploring you to aid their city, providing clear directions and a sense of urgency. This contrasts with the Goron, who don’t have the same level of active presence pushing you toward Death Mountain. The way Bolson tells you to recruit people to bring to Tarrey Town is less of a direct influence on the Divine Beast order.
Simplified Early Access
Zora’s Domain is arguably more accessible early in the game. The path there, although long, is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require significant environmental protection (like heat resistance, which is essential for Death Mountain). You’ll face enemies, sure, but nothing that a few well-placed parries and dodges can’t handle.
Mipha’s Grace: An Invaluable Early Game Asset
Mipha’s Grace, the ability granted upon completing Vah Ruta, is arguably the most beneficial Champion ability early on. This automatically revives you with extra hearts after you fall in battle. This is a lifesaver when you’re still mastering combat and have limited resources.
Easiest Divine Beast Puzzle and Boss
The consensus among players and guides is that Vah Ruta features both the easiest puzzles and the easiest boss battle. It’s a gentle introduction to the mechanics of Divine Beast dungeons, allowing you to learn the ropes without being overwhelmed.
Story Tie-In and Immersion
The game’s narrative often paints a touching picture of Link and Mipha’s relationship. Experiencing this early on adds emotional weight to the story and can enhance your immersion in the world.
Challenges of Heading to Death Mountain Early
While tackling Vah Rudania first is entirely possible, it presents a few obstacles for newer players.
Heat Resistance Requirement
Death Mountain is hot, obviously. You’ll need heat-resistant gear or elixirs just to survive the journey. This means either tracking down the necessary ingredients and recipes, or finding/purchasing suitable armor which can be difficult early on.
More Aggressive Enemies
The enemies around Death Mountain tend to be more aggressive and durable than those you encounter on the way to Zora’s Domain. This can lead to frustrating deaths and resource depletion before you even reach the Divine Beast.
Daruk’s Protection: Less Immediately Useful
While Daruk’s Protection is undoubtedly useful, its effectiveness shines later in the game when facing more complex enemy attacks. Early on, mastering dodging and parrying is often more beneficial.
Alternative Paths and Player Choice
Ultimately, the order in which you tackle the Divine Beasts is up to you. Breath of the Wild champions player agency, allowing you to forge your own path. If you’re confident in your combat abilities and resourcefulness, you can absolutely take on Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, or Vah Naboris first. However, for most players, Zora’s Domain and Vah Ruta offer the smoothest and most rewarding starting point.
Here at GamesLearningSociety.org, we believe that games are more than just entertainment; they’re powerful tools for learning and exploration. The freedom of choice in Breath of the Wild, like the order of the Divine Beasts, encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, skills that extend far beyond the virtual world. You can learn more about the Games Learning Society at our website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Divine Beast order and related aspects of Breath of the Wild:
1. What happens if you go to the Divine Beasts before IMPA?
If you head straight for a Divine Beast before visiting Impa, Princess Zelda will telepathically communicate with you, explaining the situation and urging you to help. The core narrative remains the same, but the way you receive the initial information changes.
2. How many hearts should you have before Divine Beasts?
There’s no hard and fast rule. You can attempt a Divine Beast with as few as three hearts. However, having at least 10-13 hearts significantly improves your survivability, especially against the bosses.
3. Can you complete the Divine Beasts in any order?
Yes! Breath of the Wild is designed to be non-linear. You’re free to tackle the Divine Beasts in any order that suits your playstyle and preferences.
4. Is Riju Urbosa’s daughter?
No, Riju is not Urbosa’s daughter. She is a direct descendant and inherited the role of Chieftainess after her mother passed away.
5. What is the hardest Divine Beast boss?
Generally, Thunderblight Ganon in Vah Naboris is considered the most challenging Divine Beast boss due to his speed and powerful attacks.
6. What is the 2nd easiest Divine Beast?
Vah Medoh is frequently rated as the second-easiest Divine Beast, after Vah Ruta.
7. What is the 5th Divine Beast?
There is no officially recognized fifth Divine Beast in Breath of the Wild. Some theories suggest that the Moon could be a fifth Divine Beast, but this remains speculative.
8. Should I do Vah Medoh or Vah Ruta first?
Most players recommend doing Vah Ruta before Vah Medoh, as Vah Ruta is generally easier and more accessible early in the game.
9. Do you have to beat the Lynel in Zora’s Domain?
No, you do not have to fight the Lynel on the way to Zora’s Domain. It’s generally advisable to avoid the encounter until you are better equipped.
10. What happens if you light all the torches in Zora’s Domain?
If you light all the torches in Zora’s Domain, a chest will appear behind the waterfall, containing a Piece of Heart.
11. Can Zora and Hylians mate?
It is implied that Zora and Hylians can have romantic relationships, but they cannot have hybrid children, as Zora lay eggs. They can, however, adopt children.
12. How did Zora become Rito?
The Zora evolved into the Rito over time in the timeline where the Great Flood occurred, due to the rising water levels. This is specific to the events of The Wind Waker.
13. Why did Mipha make Link Zora armor?
Mipha crafted the Zora Armor for Link as a sign of her affection. Giving the Zora Armor is a tradition in their culture that indicates romantic interest.
14. How do you unfreeze King Zora without blue fire?
You can unfreeze King Zora using a sign glitch. By carefully positioning yourself near a sign and reloading the area, you can trigger the unfreezing sequence. This is a more technical solution.
15. Who is the diamond guy in Zora’s Domain?
Ledo is the character in Zora’s Domain who trades Diamonds for Luminous Stones. He gives one diamond in exchange for ten luminous stones, and the first time you meet him, he rewards two diamonds.
Navigating the world of Hyrule and deciding on the Divine Beast order is a key part of the Breath of the Wild experience. While Zora’s Domain often proves to be the best starting point, feel free to choose your own adventure and conquer Hyrule your way.