Ancient Zora Waterworks Walkthrough, Guide, Gameplay, and Wiki
by Rubaditsha
Updated May 18, 2023
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an action-adventure game that was released in May 2023 for the Nintendo Switch by Nintendo. It is a sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which was released in 2017. The game is set in the open world of Hyrule, which has been expanded to allow for more vertical exploration. The main character, Link, joins forces with Princess Zelda to defeat Ganondorf, who is trying to destroy Hyrule.
Tears of the Kingdom was initially intended to be downloadable content for Breath of the Wild, but the development team found that the ideas they had exceeded the scope of DLC. The game was developed by Nintendo's Entertainment Planning & Development.
Tears of the Kingdom has received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its numerous improvements, expanded open world, and features that encourage exploration and experimentation. The game has been well received by both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
The Ancient Zora Waterworks, a set of ancient ruins resembling a sewer, is accessible after completing the initial stages of the "Sidon of the Zora" quest in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
The Ancient Zora Waterworks doesn't offer much variety, as it relies heavily on one recurring mechanic. The area is filled with rocks obstructing the pipes, and the player must clear them by using either bomb flowers or weapons with a stone attachment, such as a hammer.
Ancient Zora Waterworks Walkthrough
Get here the complete Ancient Zora Waterworks Walkthrough
Meet Sidon at Ploymus Mountain
Sidon's whereabouts will be indicated by a yellow quest marker on the map. He can be found atop Ploymus Mountain. The steepness of the walls makes a direct climb impossible, so we'll take a longer route for an easier ascent.
The map provided below illustrates the recommended path in red. We will go through each key point separately.
To begin, exit Zora's Domain by crossing the eastern bridge. Continue heading east until you come across a wall with stairs. Ascend those stairs.
Once you reach the top of the stairs, continue walking east along the mountain wall. Proceed through Shatterback Point towards Tal Tal Peak. The mountain walls in this area are less steep, allowing for a relatively easier climb. Refer to the location shown below:
From Tal Tal Peak, head northwest towards the quest marker. For the most part, you can ascend by walking uphill, with only the final section requiring climbing. Make your way to the quest marker and approach Sidon, who will be standing in a pool with his arms extended. While you're there, you can also complete Ihen-a Shrine to permanently unlock it as a fast travel point.
Sidon will request that you find Jiahto at Toto Lake.
Meet Jiahto at Toto Lake
Toto Lake is located northwest of the place where you had a conversation with Sidon. You can effortlessly glide to the lake as there are no obstacles in your path.
Upon arrival, make your way to the small cave situated in the southwest area of Toto Lake. Inside the cave, you will find a solitary character named Jiahto. Engage in conversation with Jiahto.
Jiahto will provide you with the main quest titled "The Broken Slate." It is recommended to complete this quest at this time. Additionally, you will need to undertake his second follow-up quest, "Clues to the Sky." Proceed with this quest afterward.
Finish Main Quests: The Broken Slate + Restoring the Zora Armor + Clues to the Sky
Complete the main quests: "The Broken Slate," "Restoring the Zora Armor," and "Clues to the Sky." Once you have finished these quests, proceed to the next step.
Return to Sidon
Once you have completed the aforementioned main quests, make your way back to Mipha Court where Sidon is located. Engage in conversation with Sidon and Yona present there. This interaction will initiate a small boss fight.
Sludge Like Boss Fight
A boss slime will appear, and it's crucial to approach Sidon and press the "A" button (or its equivalent) twice to activate his water ability. This ability will create a protective water bubble around you. Then, press the "Y" button (or its equivalent) twice to launch the water bubble towards the boss. Position yourself near the boss and wait for it to expose its vulnerable point in its mouth. Use a melee attack on the exposed mouth to temporarily stun the boss. Take advantage of this opportunity to unleash a series of attacks.
Repeat this strategy of using Sidon's water ability, targeting the boss's weak spot, stunning it with melee attacks, and continuously attacking until the boss is defeated. To expedite the process, you can enhance your melee weapons by fusing them with high-damage parts from your inventory.
Meet Sidon at East Reservoir Lake
Sidon will now join your party and it is necessary to proceed to East Reservoir Lake. You will notice a golden quest marker on the map indicating its location, which is south of Mipha Court. Approach Sidon and engage in conversation with him while he is positioned on the stone pillar in that area.
As you interact with Sidon, he will generate a swirling vortex in the water. To progress further, you must take a leap into the water and submerge yourself, ultimately reaching an underwater cave beneath East Reservoir Lake.
Explore the Underwater Cave
Upon spawning in the area, employ the Ultrahand on the wooden chest positioned on the left to obtain a sword. Utilize the Fuse ability to combine the sword with any of the rocks scattered on the floor, resulting in the creation of a Rock Hammer.
With the Rock Hammer in hand, proceed to attack the boulders located in the right corner of the cave. These boulders are obstructing the flow of water, and destroying them will cause the water level to rise.
Once the water level has increased, you can now swim upwards to reach the Ancient Zora Waterworks. To progress, it is necessary to destroy additional boulders to raise the water level once again. On the left side of the area, utilize the Ultrahand to position a wooden plank in the water, directly in front of the boulders. Climb onto the plank and attack the boulders, being careful not to inadvertently strike the wooden plank itself and destroy it.
Swim towards the right side of the area, where you will find a green ring containing rubble trapped inside. The surface of the ring is slippery and cannot be climbed directly. Employ the Ultrahand to connect and lean together wooden planks against the wall, forming a makeshift bridge. Ascend over the wooden planks to access the higher area and destroy the boulders.
Subsequently, swim towards the left side and begin ascending the cliffs. There will be an entrance to a pipe that you can jump to. As the walls of the pipe are slippery, climbing them directly is not possible unless you possess specialized armor that allows you to grip onto slippery surfaces. However, by standing on the rocks, you can perform a running jump to successfully reach the entrance of the pipe.
Proceed through the pipe until you reach the end, where you will observe numerous streams of dirty water dripping from a grate above. Utilize the Ascend ability to teleport through the grate.
Upon reemerging, you will find yourself facing another set of boulders. Destroy these boulders to release the water.
Climb up the ladder and employ the Ultrahand on the switch to open the gate.
Next, swim towards the central altar within the area and activate it. This action will result in the creation of a waterfall leading to the sky island above, triggering subsequent dialogue.
Explore Wellspring Island
After the dialogue concludes, equip the Zora Armor obtained from the main quest "Restoring the Zora Armor" (if you haven't done so already). It is mandatory to have the Zora Armor equipped in order to progress.
Jump into the waterfall while wearing the Zora Armor and press the "A" button (or its equivalent) to swim upwards. This will carry you to the flying island above. Follow the straightforward path and engage in conversation with Sidon.
Upon reaching the green glowing machines that produce water bubbles, position yourself in front of them. Allow these bubbles to lift you up to the next level.
Utilize the next bubble generator to ascend. Just as the bubble is about to burst, glide over to the subsequent bubble generator, and continue this pattern until you reach the next floor.
If you choose to engage, defeat the two Level III Zonai enemies, or alternatively, you can bypass them by running past. Proceed upwards through the path filled with sludge. Glide to the next pillar, land on the wall, and begin climbing upward.
On the left side, you will notice a shrine emanating a green glow. Glide towards the brown waterfalls flowing from the serpent mouths. Ensure that you have the Zora Armor equipped to swim against the current. Take the opportunity to complete Igoshon Shrine, which will unlock a permanent fast travel point.
Upon completing the shrine, you will encounter several bird-like machines and an orange crystal situated next to a ramp. Employ the Ultrahand to position a bird on the ramp, directly in front of the stone block. Stand on the bird, shoot an arrow at the orange crystal, and after a few seconds, the stone block will propel the bird forward, launching it into the air. Glide from the bird to the next island.
Swim up the subsequent waterfall, and then glide from one waterfall to the next until you reach the next significant island occupied by enemies.
Proceed up the right side of the ruins.
In this area, you will find a bubble generator emitting bubbles towards you. Step inside a bubble and use the Recall ability to send it back in the direction it came from while you remain inside it. This will transport you across the gap.
In the same area, there is a bubble generator producing bubbles that hit the wall. Employ the Ultrahand to lean one of the stone slates against the wall, creating a "ramp" that the bubbles can bounce off. Stand on the newly created ramp and wait for a bubble. Once it appears, it will carry you upward. Glide from there to the next island.
On this island, you will encounter a large ramp, carts, and fans. Attach one fan to a cart and position it in front of the ramp. Climb onto the cart, activate the fans, and jump off the cart while in midair. Glide over to the next island, where Sidon awaits.
Engage in conversation with Sidon. He will now rejoin your party. Proceed to defeat the next enemy. Keep in mind that this enemy can deal significant damage, but you can utilize Sidon's abilities for assistance. Jump into the next sludge waterfall to reach the Water Temple.
Water Temple
Before proceeding to the Water Temple, talk to Sidon and interact with the green portal in front of you.
Water Temple Faucet #1
Climb the ruins on the left side of the temple. In this area, there are three powerful enemies that you can defeat for an easier time ahead. To progress, use Sidon's water ability on the sludge-covered bubble maker located in the back left corner. He will cast a bubble around you, allowing you to jump and strike the sludge on the bubble maker with the "Y" button to remove it.
Next, find a round ball in the water between the enemies. Pick it up and hold it in front of the bubble maker. When a bubble emerges, press the "A" button to attach the ball to the bubble. The ball will float inside the bubble, carrying it to the next floor. You should also jump into a bubble to ascend to the next floor.
Place the ball in the round pedestal found in the pool. The ball will float in the water temporarily.
Now, use the Ultrahand to grab one of the floating green rocks in the area. These rocks are battery-powered Zonai devices that remain in place as long as their battery lasts. Attach the green rock to the sluice on the right using the Ultrahand, and then raise the sluice. Ensure that the green Zonai stone is powered on by hitting it once if necessary. You'll know it's activated when it glows green and a battery icon appears on the screen. The floating rock will hold the sluice raised, draining the water from the pool and causing the ball to fall into the round pedestal. This action will open a gate at the end of the pool, marked by a golden quest marker.
Quickly run to the gate and use Sidon's water ability on the wheel to activate the first faucet.
Water Temple Faucet #2
Glide down the west side of the central platform to reach the bottom floor (B1) of the temple. In this area, there is a wall of fire. Activate Sidon's ability to create a protective bubble around you and quickly walk through the fire.
Once inside the room, glide to a small orb at the end. Use the Ultrahand to pick up the orb and push it over the spikes on the floor as far as possible by pressing the "Up" button. Perform a running jump and glide over the spikes. Despite the gap appearing too large, the low gravity in this area allows you to make the leap easily.
Retrieve the orb using the Ultrahand and attach it to one of the floating rocks by pressing the "A" button. Climb back up the wall to the start of the room. Once again, use the Ultrahand to carry the rock with the attached orb to the wall at the entrance, next to the fire.
Place the rock with the attached orb in the wall, ensuring that the orb faces the wall to fit into the round slot. Keep the flying rock attached to hold the orb in place as long as the battery lasts. If the battery runs out, let it recharge and hit the rock again to activate its anti-gravity effect, indicated by a battery icon onscreen and a green glow. This action will open the door across from the orb's wall slot, leading to a water wheel.
Grab another flying rock using the Ultrahand and position it inside the fire stream at the top where the fire emerges. This will block the fire, allowing you to safely return to Sidon. Activate his ability by pressing the "A" button, run back inside, and press the "Y" button to shoot water at the wheel. This will activate the second
Mucktorok Boss Fight
During this boss battle, the boss will transform into a shark. To start, have Sidon cast a water bubble around you for protection. When the shark digs through the ground and resurfaces, quickly shoot the water bubble at him to stun him. Immediately follow up with a melee attack. When the boss runs away, continue stabbing him from behind.
Repeat this strategy throughout the fight to deal damage to the boss.
The boss has two main attacks: spreading shards on the floor and shooting a laser. As long as you have one of Sidon's bubbles around you, it will fully protect you from one hit. If the boss casts the shards, swiftly run away because the shards have limited reach and disappear after a short time. By getting far enough away, you can avoid being hit. When the boss shoots the laser, jump over it while holding onto the glider, then quickly approach the boss and hit him with water. As long as you always keep a water bubble around you, you'll remain safe.
Boss Battle: Second Phase
In the second phase of the battle, the boss will cast mud all over the floor. Walk on the areas of the floor that are clean to avoid slipping. When the boss transforms into a smaller form and jumps around in the mud, use Sidon's water attack to remove the mud and reveal a clear path. Other than that, continue hitting the boss with water when he's in shark form to stun him and inflict damage before he jumps away.
Remember to maintain a water bubble around you at all times for protection.
Continue executing this strategy to defeat the boss and emerge victorious.
Return to Zora’s Domain
Once the boss battle is over, collect the heart container as a reward for your victory. Take a moment to speak with Sidon, who will likely have some dialogue or provide additional information. Afterward, the game will automatically transport you back to Zora's Domain, where you can continue your adventures.
With this, you have successfully completed the "Sidon of the Zora" main quest in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Congratulations on your progress!
Ancient Zora Waterworks Guide
- Obtaining the Rock Hammer:
- Upon spawning, use the Ultrahand on the wooden chest to your left to acquire a sword.
- Combine the sword with any of the rocks on the floor using the Fuse ability to create a Rock Hammer.
- Clearing the Cave Entrance:
- Use the Rock Hammer to attack the boulders in the right corner of the cave, clearing the path by destroying them.
- Clearing the boulders will raise the water level, allowing you to swim to the next area.
- Raising the Water Level in Ancient Zora Waterworks:
- Swim to the floor above and head to the left side.
- Use the Ultrahand to place a wooden plank in the water in front of the boulders on the left side.
- Climb onto the wooden plank and attack and destroy the boulders without hitting the plank itself.
- Swim to the right side where you'll find a green ring with rubble stuck inside it.
- Use the Ultrahand to stick together wooden planks and lean them against the wall, creating a bridge.
- Walk up over the wooden planks and destroy the boulders.
- Swim to the left side and climb the cliffs to reach the pipe entrance.
- Perform a running jump from the rocks to reach the pipe entrance and go through it.
- Navigating the Waterworks:
- Progress through the pipe until you reach a grate where dirty water streams are dripping from above.
- Use the Ascend ability to beam through the grate and continue forward.
- Destroy the boulders you encounter to release the water and create a path.
- Climb up the ladder and use the Ultrahand on the switch to open the gate.
- Swim to the altar in the middle of the area and activate it to create a waterfall to the sky island above.
- Sky Island and Sidon:
- Equip the Zora Armor and jump into the waterfall, swimming upwards by pressing the assigned button.
- Follow the linear path on the flying island until you reach Sidon.
- Engage in a conversation with Sidon, advancing the storyline.
- Bubble Travel and Progression:
- Stand in front of the green glowing machines that produce water bubbles.
- Allow the bubbles to carry you up to the next floor.
- Use the subsequent bubble makers to float up, gliding to the next bubble maker before it pops.
- Defeat or bypass the Level III Zonai enemies and proceed through the sludge-filled path.
- Glide to the next pillar, land on the wall, and climb up.
- Glide to the brown waterfalls coming from the serpent mouths, ensuring you have the Zora Armor equipped to swim up the water.
- Complete Igoshon Shrine while you're there to unlock a permanent fast travel point.
- Overcoming Obstacles:
- Locate the bird-machines and orange crystals near a ramp.
- Use the Ultrahand to place a bird on the ramp, in front of the stone block.
- Stand on the bird, shoot an arrow at the orange crystal, and let the stone block launch the bird into the air.
- Glide from the bird to the next island.
- Swim up the next waterfall, gliding from one waterfall to the next until you reach the next island with enemies.
- Progressing Upwards:
- Ascend the ruins on the right side of the island.
- Use the Ultrahand on the bubble maker shooting bubbles in your direction to move across the gap.
Ancient Zora Waterworks Gameplay
Ancient Zora Waterworks is a gameplay segment in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that takes place in old ruins resembling a sewer. It follows the completion of the initial stages of the "Sidon of the Zora" quest.
In the Ancient Zora Waterworks, the primary focus is on a recurring puzzle mechanic. Numerous rocks block the pipes, and the player's objective is to clear them by using bomb flowers or weapons with stone attachments. This allows the water to flow and progress further in the area.
- Starting the Ancient Zora Waterworks:
- Upon entering the waterworks, the first blockage is directly ahead. It can be cleared by using a rock weapon or a bomb flower, raising the water level and enabling further progress.
- A chest can be found floating in the water, which contains a Zora Sword.
- Opening the first pipe:
- Descend to the bottom of the area and follow the broken bridge. The first blocked pipe is located on the left side.
- Use an Ultrahand on the large wooden planks to create a stable platform for breaking the rocks and clearing the pipe.
- Opening the second pipe:
- After clearing the first pipe, head towards the northeast to reach another broken bridge that is now accessible.
- Ascend the walkway and use the Ultrahand on a wooden chest in the water on the left to obtain a Zora Shield.
- Utilize large wooden planks nearby to create a ramp, allowing access to a hole in the wall. Clear the rocks inside to raise the water level once again.
- Optional: Fight an Ice Like and Bubbulfrog:
- Proceed to the newly accessible bridge located in the northwest.
- Climb the broken bridge, using the Ultrahand on planks to overcome any obstacles. Enter the cave at the end of the bridge.
- Inside the cave, an enemy known as an Ice Like will attack by spitting ice clouds. Evade the ice clouds and reach higher ground to defeat it.
- At the end of the cave, a Bubbulfrog awaits, which can be defeated for a Bubbul Gem. This section is optional but rewards materials and another Zora Shield.
- Opening the last pipe:
- Swim to the broken bridge in the west and enter the sewer-like pipe. Clear the enemies inside.
- Follow the pipes until reaching a grate where water is leaking. Stand below the grate and use Ascend.
- Break the boulders in front of you to flood the waterworks completely. Climb up the ladder and use the Ultrahand on a lever to activate it.
- Jump or glide down the opening and enter a pipe that contains a chest with an opal.
- Swim towards the illuminated platform in the middle and interact with it. This triggers a conversation with Sidon, who jumps up a new waterfall in the center of the lake.
Ancient Zora Waterworks Walkthrough - FAQs
The Ancient Zora Waterworks is a gameplay segment in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that takes place in old ruins resembling a sewer. It is part of the "Sidon of the Zora" quest.
To progress, you need to clear the blockages in the pipes by using bomb flowers or weapons with stone attachments. This allows the water to flow and opens up new areas.
Start at the bottom and follow the broken bridge. On your left, you will find the first blocked pipe. Use an Ultrahand on the large wooden planks to create a stable platform for breaking the rocks and clearing the pipe.
After clearing the first pipe, head northeast to another broken bridge. Ascend the walkway and use the Ultrahand on a wooden chest in the water on the left to obtain a Zora Shield. Create a ramp using nearby wooden planks, enter the hole in the wall, and clear the rocks inside to raise the water level.