Gerudo's Fortress Walkthrough

Prepare Epona or the Longshot in Advance

On the path leading to Gerudo's Fortress, the suspension bridge is broken and cannot be crossed on foot.You need to get across using Epona (the horse) or the Longshot, so obtain one of them first. Epona can be obtained at Lon Lon Ranch, and the Longshot is found in the Water Temple.

Head West from Hyrule Field to Gerudo Valley

With Epona or the Longshot in hand, head west across Hyrule Field to reach Gerudo Valley.

Cross the Broken Bridge

Once you arrive at Gerudo Valley, follow the path and use Epona or the Longshot to cross the broken bridge.

Follow the Path to Gerudo's Fortress

After crossing the bridge, simply follow the path straight ahead to reach Gerudo's Fortress.

Switch to Nighttime

Inside Gerudo Fortress, you must move without being spotted by the Gerudo guards. Gerudo have worse eyesight at night, making them harder to get caught by, so switch to nighttime before challenging the fortress. Either wait for time to pass on the field, or play the Sun's Song to make it night.

Infiltrate from Northernmost Entrance

Once you arrive at Gerudo Fortress, climb the stairs on the right and head for the entrance on the upper left.

Stun Guards with the Bow

If a roaming guard inside the fortress spots you, you will be thrown into a jail cell. You can stun them with an arrow, so use Z-Targeting to neutralize enemies as you advance.

If Imprisoned, Drop Down from the Upper Window

If a guard catches you and throws you in a cell, fire the Hookshot at the upper window and climb onto the ledge. Then drop straight down and enter the nearby entrance to get back to your previous route.

Proceed to Locate Imprisoned Carpenter

Follow the path through the fortress and you will find a carpenter locked in a jail cell — talk to him.

Defeat the Gerudo Thief

A Gerudo will attack you immediately after you speak to the carpenter. Their attack animations are fast, so keep your shield up at all times and dodge their Spin Attack by sidestepping and counter-attack. However, getting hit by the Spin Attack sends you straight to jail, so it is recommended to guard until you get the hang of it.

Unlock the Cell and Rescue Ichiro

Defeating the Gerudo will cause her to drop a Small Key — pick it up, unlock the jail cell, and rescue the carpenter. Using the same method, rescuing all 4 carpenters clears Gerudo Fortress.

Proceed and Take the Left Entrance

After defeating the Gerudo, keep moving forward. You will step outside, so head straight into the entrance on the left.

Follow the Path and Take the Right Fork

Once back inside the fortress, follow the path and take the right fork at the junction.

Continue South and Re-enter the Fortress

Once outside, head west then south, climb up the low ledge, and enter the entrance on the left.

Defeat Another Gerudo Thief

Follow the path and you will reach the jail cell — talk to the imprisoned carpenter. After the conversation, you will fight a Gerudo again. As before, watch for the opening after the Spin Attack and use Deku Nuts to create counter-attack opportunities.

Unlock the Cell and Rescue Jiro

After defeating the Gerudo, unlock the cell and rescue the 2nd carpenter.

Move Forward and Enter the Nearby Entrance

Move forward, step outside, and immediately re-enter the entrance right in front of you.

Use the Hookshot to Cross and Follow the Path

Once back inside the fortress, fire the Hookshot at the ceiling pillars to cross the platforms and follow the path forward.

Exit and Drop Down One Level Below

Once outside the fortress, drop down one level and enter the entrance in front of you.

Inside the Fortress, Go Right then Left

Inside the fortress, proceed right then left. There are guards along the way, so hide behind crates and stun them with your bow as you advance.

Defeat the Thief and Rescue Shiro

You will fight a Gerudo again at the jail cell. As before, go for the opening after the Spin Attack and use Deku Nut stagger to create counter-attack opportunities. Rescue the 3rd carpenter after winning.

Retrace Your Steps and Head Outside

After the rescue, retrace your steps and head back outside. Watch out for guards on the way back just like on the way in.

Descend Another Level and Re-Enter the Fort

Once outside, drop down another level and enter the entrance.

Proceed and Face the Gerudo Thief

Follow the path inside and you will reach a jail cell where you will fight a Gerudo again.

Rescue Sabooro and Get the Membership Card

After defeating the Gerudo, rescue the 4th carpenter. Once all four carpenters are rescued, you will receive the Gerudo's Membership Card, allowing you to move freely inside the fortress without worrying about guards.

The Broken Bridge in Gerudo Valley is Repaired

After rescuing all four carpenters, the broken bridge in Gerudo Valley is repaired. From now on, you can cross without Epona or the Longshot.

Prepare the Longshot or Hover Boots

The Haunted Wasteland has quicksand, and you cannot advance on foot. You will need either the Longshot or Hover Boots, so if you don't have them yet, go collect them first. The Longshot is in the Water Temple, and the Hover Boots are in the Shadow Temple.

Talk to Guard Above the Northwest Watchtower

There is a watchtower to the northwest of Gerudo Fortress — climb the ladder and talk to the guard at the top.

Head into the Haunted Wasteland

After talking to the guard, the gate in front of you opens, giving you access to the Haunted Wasteland.

Longshot Over the Quicksand

Once inside the Haunted Wasteland, your first task is to cross the quicksand ahead. Aim the Longshot at the crate on the other side from atop the nearby crate, or put on the Hover Boots and walk across.

Getting Lost Sends You Back to the Entrance

In the Haunted Wasteland, taking the wrong route will send you back to the entrance. Flags mark the correct route, so use them as landmarks and proceed carefully.

Follow the Flags and Climb the Building

After crossing the quicksand, use the flags to navigate around the west side heading north. Eventually a building will come into view — climb up via the slope on the side.

Use the Lens of Truth on the Stone Tablet

Use the Lens of Truth in front of the stone tablet on top of the building. A Poe that will guide you through the desert will become visible.

Follow the Poe to the Colossus

Following the Poe will lead you to the Colossus. Keep the Lens of Truth active as you go so you don't lose sight of it.

Learn the Requiem of Spirit

The Spirit Temple lies beyond the Colossus — enter and exit it to trigger an event with Sheik. You will learn the Ocarina song "Requiem of Spirit," which allows you to return to childhood and travel to the Spirit Temple.