The Gerudo people are one of Hyrule’s main civilizations inThe Legend of Zeldaand they’re key to the history of Ganondorf. Although the Gerudo don’t appear in every entry, in the games they do show up in, they’re often integral to the main story and help Link on his adventure.
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Characterized by their mastery of the scimitar and women-centric culture, the Gerudo are most commonly located in sandy and hot deserts, where they flourish despite the desolate environment. In each iteration, the home of the Gerudo gives you an insight into how they live, whether that be through NPCs or how the area looks.
This article contains spoilers for Tears of the Kingdom.
6Desert Of Doubt - Four Swords Adventures
Similar to other entries, the Gerudo in Four Swords Adventures reside in a desert area, specifically to the north of the Desert of Doubt. Four Swords Adventures’ version of the Gerudo’s home residence is a small village with only a few structures for Link to explore.
If you speak to NPCs in the village, they’ll mention an outlaw that has desecrated their holy pyramid with his presence, referring to Ganondorf. It’s a little location when compared to other versions, but you learn some interestingdetails surrounding the villanous Ganondorf.
5Gerudo Village - Cadence Of Hyrule
Gerudo Desert comes alive withCadence of Hyrule’s vibrant art style and a reimagining ofOcarina of Time’s iconic Gerudo Valley theme. Gerudo Village has a few houses to see, as well as Pieces of Heart to collect.
One building houses the Bombchu Bowling Alley, an explosive minigame, and there’s also a musical puzzle to complete in the main area to wake up an NPC called Barriara. Gerudo Village translates well to Cadence of Hyrule’s pixel art style, offering up a new interpretation of the familiar location.
4Pirates’ Fortress - Majora’s Mask
In Majora’s Mask, the Gerudo reside on the Great Bay Coast, which is a notable difference when compared to the desert environments they inhabit in other entries. Link can stealthily enter the Fortress, or simply use the Stone Mask to go unseen by the pirates.
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Completing the mini-dungeon to retrieve four of the stolen Zora eggs is especially fun, as Link must use the Zora mask to swim underwater and fully explore the fortress. It’s interesting to see the Gerudo portrayed as pirates in this entry, even sailing their own boats in the cove.
3Gerudo Desert - Tears Of The Kingdom
Although it’s the same location Link visited inBreath of the Wild, Gerudo Desert has undergone multiple changes since the Upheaval that kicked off Tears of the Kingdom’s events. Most notably, when you first visit Gerudo Town, the area is barren.
The Gerudo people are seeking shelter underground because of the sand shroud and the hordes of Gibdos that populate the desert. Fortunately, you’re able to save the town during Riju’s main quest and restore it to its former glory.
One part of the quest involves helping the Gerudo to stave off the Gibdos’ attacks, using Riju’s lightning ability to kill them all. The Gerudo also finally recognize what Link has done for them, and allow him into the town as a voe.
2Gerudo Desert - Breath Of The Wild
Breath of the Wild’s Gerudo Desert unsurprisingly fleshed out the Gerudo people and their history through this location. Although mostly a barren wasteland, the Gerudo Desert does feature some notable areas such as the Gerudo Great Skeleton, Kara Kara Bazaar, and the Heroine statues.
Of course, in the center is Gerudo Town, home to the Gerudo people, which only allows women to enter its walls. To enter, Link must wear the Gerudo Outfit, allowing you to explore its various shops and buildings.
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The town is almost like a desert oasis, with water flowing from above Riju’s throne room and around the roofs, allowing the Gerudo to survive the harsh desert climate. In the desert itself, Molduga roams certain areas, which can be formidable foes if you’re not prepared.
However, there’s also fun to be had in the desert, as you can either rent or sneak up on a Sand Seal and ride around on the sand.
1Gerudo Valley - Ocarina Of Time
Ocarina of Time was the first instance of the Gerudo appearing in the series and their portrayal has remained mostly consistent ever since. Located in the northwest of Hyrule, Gerudo Valley is home to Gerudo’s Fortress and isa harsh desert environment, unlike the lush green of Hyrule Field.
Link infiltrates the Gerudo’s Fortress to find the Carpenter’s workers, discovering that they have been imprisoned by the Gerudo. From the outside, the Fortress is imposing, with multiple doorways that Link has to maneuver throughout to free the workers while evading the Gerudo guards.
After obtaining the Gerudo Membership Card, Link is able to explore the Gerudo’s Fortress without being apprehended by the Gerudo. You can try to score big in the Horseback Archery minigame to win a Piece of Heart and the Biggest Quiver, or take on the optional dungeon, Gerudo Training Ground, to obtain the exclusive Ice Arrow.
Gerudo Valley also has one of the most iconic themes, not just in this game, but in the series as a whole.
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