Riju Of Gerudo Town Pillars Puzzle Solution And Walkthrough

Posted on 10 August 2026 | 107
News

Navigating the sprawling sands of the Gerudo Desert in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom presents players with numerous environmental challenges. One of the most intriguing segments of the regional main quest involves solving the mystery of the three red pillars to reveal the hidden Lightning Temple. By following this comprehensive walkthrough, adventurers can quickly decipher the riddle given by Riju and progress through the storyline without getting lost in the dense sandstorm.

Deciphering the Desert Riddle

The journey begins right after defending Gerudo Town from the initial wave of Gibdo monsters. You must meet Riju in the underground shelter where she stands before a mural detailing a ancient prophecy. The cryptic clue instructs players to stand back-to-back with the throne and witness red pillars across a vast sea of sand.

To begin the trial, stand directly behind the throne in the main palace and look out toward the vast desert horizon. In the distance, you will spot a large stone structure rising above the swirling dust storms. This serves as your initial destination point, guiding you directly into the treacherous environment.

Activating the First Pillar

Trudging through the sandstorm can be difficult due to the obscured visibility on your main map screen. Head directly toward the first structure you spotted from the throne room. Once you arrive at the base of this pillar, notice the cracked floor tiles that block your progression.

Use a heavy blunt weapon or an explosive bomb flower to shatter the weak rocks on the ground. Breaking this barrier unleashes a powerful beam of light that projects deep into the desert. This beam acts as a visual guide pointing you toward the secondary location.

Aligning the Light Beams

Follow the path of the light beam into the desert until you encounter the second towering structure. This specific tower requires players to scale its side to find a rotating mechanism located near the top platforms. You will need to rotate the mirrors to redirect the beam toward the final target zone.

Use the provided tools or construct a temporary platform to reach the upper level safely. Pushing the turnstile handle rotates the mirror array until the light bounces correctly off the smooth surface. Once properly aligned, the beam shoots across the sky toward a third distinct point.

Revealing the Lightning Temple

The final pillar requires a creative combination of your active abilities to complete the circuit of light. Head toward the last beacon where the mechanism has become misaligned due to broken components. You must use the Ultrahand ability to repair the turning system before the beam can connect.

Once all three structures are united by the triangular beam of light, a dramatic cutscene will trigger in the center of the desert. The massive structure known as the Lightning Temple will rise majestically from the desert sands. This marks the successful completion of the puzzle, allowing you to venture inside alongside Riju to face the source of the regional shroud.