Why is Gerudo Town Deserted? Unraveling the Mystery in Tears of the Kingdom
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.
The usually bustling marketplace of Gerudo Town can appear strangely empty when you first arrive in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. But fear not, adventurer! The town isn’t truly deserted. The residents have sought shelter in the Gerudo Shelter, a subterranean bunker beneath the town’s palace, to escape a severe and dangerous sandstorm. This relocation is a central plot point early in the game, and understanding it is key to progressing the main story and restoring the town to its former glory.
Exploring the Gerudo Shelter
The initial emptiness of Gerudo Town serves as a powerful introduction to the challenges faced by the Gerudo people. The sandstorm isn’t just a cosmetic effect; it’s a genuine threat that forces the entire community underground. This creates a unique gameplay experience, shifting the focus from exploring the open-air town to navigating the intricate tunnels and chambers of the Gerudo Shelter.
The shelter houses not only the residents but also most of their shops and services. This means that despite the sandstorm, you can still access essential resources and interact with the Gerudo people. However, the shelter’s layout and the presence of key characters within it drive the narrative forward. You’ll need to complete specific tasks and uncover the reasons behind the sandstorm’s intensity to eventually bring the Gerudo back to the surface.
Restoring Gerudo Town
The desertion of Gerudo Town is not a permanent state. The main questline in Tears of the Kingdom revolves around investigating and ultimately resolving the cause of the sandstorm. This involves working closely with Riju, the Gerudo Chief, and harnessing her abilities to combat the forces behind the environmental disaster.
Once you assist Riju in clearing the sandstorm, the Gerudo people will return to the surface, reopening their shops and restoring the town to its vibrant, pre-storm state. This transformation is a satisfying moment for players, marking a significant milestone in their journey and unlocking new possibilities for exploration and interaction.
Thematic Significance of Gerudo Town’s Desertion
The empty state of Gerudo Town also carries thematic weight. It highlights the Gerudo’s resilience and their ability to adapt to adversity. The community’s willingness to seek shelter and work together demonstrates their strong social bonds and their commitment to protecting their way of life. The sandstorm and the subsequent relocation to the shelter serve as a metaphor for the challenges faced by communities in the face of environmental threats, resonating with contemporary concerns about climate change and displacement. Analyzing the narrative structure and the thematic elements present in the game aligns with the learning objectives championed by the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gerudo Town
How do I get into Gerudo Town in Tears of the Kingdom?
Gerudo Town is located in the southwest of Hyrule. A good starting point is the Hyrule Field Skyview Tower. From there, head southwest towards the Outskirt Stable, using updrafts to navigate the desert effectively. Note that traditionally, men aren’t allowed in Gerudo Town. You’ll need to disguise yourself to gain entry.
How do I get to Gerudo Town without dying in the desert heat?
Take advantage of updrafts to glide. The first updraft is at the edge of Kara-Kara Bazaar. Also, equip armor or consume elixirs that provide heat resistance. The Desert Voe Headband offers one level of heat resistance and is relatively inexpensive.
Can you ever enter Gerudo Town as a man (voe) without a disguise?
No. The Gerudo are strict about allowing only women (vai) into their town. Link must complete the Forbidden City Entry quest and disguise himself as a Hylian vai with the Gerudo Set to gain entry.
Why did the Gerudo ban men?
While the Gerudo weren’t initially opposed to men, Ganondorf’s betrayal and transformation into Calamity Ganon led to the decision to ban all men from Gerudo Town, establishing it as a haven for Hyrule’s females.
Where is the entrance to the Gerudo Shelter?
Face the main building in the square (the one with a Shrine on top). Below the main doors, you’ll see an opening with torches and steps leading down. This is the entrance to the Gerudo Shelter.
What happens if you take off your Gerudo outfit in Gerudo Town?
The Gerudo soldiers will throw Link out if he removes any piece of his Gerudo outfit, Thunder Helm, Sand Boots, or Snow Boots, or if he attempts to enter by scaling the walls.
Why does Link wear the Gerudo outfit?
Wearing the Gerudo Set disguises Link as a woman, allowing him entry into Gerudo Town. It also provides level 1 heat resistance and 3 defense.
How old is Riju in Tears of the Kingdom?
Riju is roughly around twelve years old, but she appears more mature due to the Gerudo’s faster maturation rate compared to Hylians.
Where in Gerudo Canyon can I avoid extreme temperatures?
Seek shelter in a cave. Caves provide respite from the extreme temperatures of Gerudo Canyon, both day and night.
Where is the Gerudo Secret Club?
The Gerudo Secret Club is located on the side of Fashion Passion through a wooden door. You’ll need the password to enter.
What is the password for the Gerudo Secret Club?
The password is “GSC♦”. You can learn this by eavesdropping on a group of Gerudo in The Noble Canteen during the Side Quest, “The Secret Club’s Secret”.
Do I have to pay 600 rupees for the Gerudo clothes?
Yes, the Gerudo Set can be purchased from Vilia on top of the Kara Kara Bazaar for 600 Rupees as part of the “Forbidden City Entry” Main Quest.
What happens if Riju dies during a quest?
If Riju dies during a quest where she’s a vital character, it results in a game over.
Is Riju Urbosa’s daughter?
Riju is not Urbosa’s daughter, but she is a direct descendant of Urbosa and inherited her position as Chieftainess of the Gerudo after her mother passed away.
Is Ganon the only male Gerudo ever born?
While males are exceptionally rare in Gerudo society, Ganondorf is the only male Gerudo seen in many Zelda games. However, the lore suggests that a male Gerudo is born only once every hundred years.