The Water Temple in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom presents a unique floating challenge high above Lanayru. Navigating its low-gravity environment requires clever use of Prince Sidon's water abilities and precise Ultrahand construction. This guide details how to resolve every water wheel puzzle and defeat the troublesome boss lurking at the center of the sanctuary.
Reaching the Water Temple and Preparing for the Trial
Before stepping into the temple, players must journey through Wellspring Island to reach the sky platform. Equipping Zora Armor is strongly recommended because ascending waterfalls makes movement significantly easier. Bringing plenty of Splash Fruit or Hydrant devices will also help clear the sludge blocking crucial pathways.
Once Link and Sidon interact with the central altar, the objective becomes clear: activate four water locks scattered across the floating islands. Sidon's power creates a water shield that can be launched as an offensive wave to clean sludge or trigger water-based mechanisms. Mastering this skill is essential for working through every section of the dungeon efficiently.
Solving the Four Water Wheel Puzzles
The first water wheel requires players to clear sludge from a floating water bubble generator using Sidon's power or Splash Fruit. Once cleared, Link can ride the bubble across the gap to reach the lower level. Inside, manipulate the Ultrahand ability to connect power circuits using water bubbles or floating devices to open the gate and spin the wheel.
For the remaining wheels, players will face spinning towers and floating platforms that require smart timing. Use Recall on moving water bubbles to gain height, or attach nearby Zonai Fans to raise platforms into position. Shooting a water wave through small openings clears sludge-covered switches, allowing the remaining locks to be activated smoothly.
Defeating Mucktorok: Phase One Tactics
Activating all four locks summons Mucktorok, a small creature that hides inside a giant shark form made of sludge. During the first phase, Mucktorok swims through the arena mud, making direct physical attacks completely ineffective. Players must hit the boss with water attacks to wash away the mud shell and expose its true form.
Using Sidon's water wave or fusing Splash Fruit to arrows allows you to clean the boss rapidly from a distance. Once stripped of its protective sludge, Mucktorok becomes stunned on the ground. Take this opportunity to sprint forward and land a full combo of heavy melee strikes before it recovers.
Mastering the Second Phase of the Mucktorok Fight
In the second phase, Mucktorok scatters pools of hazardous mud across the arena and moves much faster. The low gravity enables Link to perform high jumps, making it easier to aim arrows in slow motion while airborne. Keeping the arena clean with Hydrants or water arrows gives Link safe ground to maneuver freely.
Continue prioritizing water strikes whenever the boss attempts to charge or leap across the floating stage. Once knocked out of its shark form again, unleash your strongest weapons and companion abilities to deplete its remaining health bar. Defeating Mucktorok purifies the region's water supply and rewards Link with a Heart Container and Sidon's permanent vow.
