You’re trekking toward the desert, the heat is already starting to shimmer off the red rocks, and suddenly you hit a roadblock. Literally. At the entrance to the Gerudo Canyon Pass, things have gone sideways for a group of travelers. It’s not a world-ending catastrophe, but for Quince and his crew, it’s a total mess.
The quest Disaster in Gerudo Canyon is one of those classic Tears of the Kingdom moments where a simple favor turns into a multi-stage rescue mission.
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Honestly? Most players stumble into this because they’re just trying to get to Gerudo Town. But then you see Quince. He’s stressed. He’s lost his three friends—Botrick, Giro, and Garill—and the desert isn’t exactly a forgiving place for the unprepared. If you don't have the right items on you, this "quick" side quest can become a real headache.
Why the Disaster in Gerudo Canyon happens
The Upheaval changed everything in Hyrule, and the canyon wasn't spared. New caves opened up, monsters moved in, and the weather patterns became even more erratic. Quince’s group wasn't ready for the extreme shifts between the blistering daytime heat and the freezing nights.
Before you even start hunting for his buddies, you’ll likely run into Naia. She’s the gatekeeper who quizzes you on desert survival.
If you want to get past her without her thinking you’re a total amateur, remember these answers:
- Stay near a fire! (for the cold)
- A nice, shady spot! (for the heat)
- Chillshroom! (to cool down)
- Into a cave! (to escape the elements)
Once you’re through, the real search begins. You have three guys to find, and they aren't exactly making it easy for you.
Finding the three missing hikers
You’ve got to play detective here. Quince gives you some vague hints about where they might be—resting in caves during the day or lighting fires at night—but the canyon is huge.
Botrick: Trapped in the dark
The first guy, Botrick, is actually pretty close to the start. He’s tucked away in the Starly Plateau Cave. Look for the entrance southeast of where Quince is standing.
It’s not just a walk in the park.
Botrick is being cornered by Lizalfos. You’ll need to clear them out before he’ll even think about moving. Once the threat is gone, he’ll head back to camp. One down, two to go.
Giro: Parched and stuck
Keep heading down the main road through the canyon. You’ll eventually see a trail of white smoke. That’s Giro. He’s managed to find some shade near a wagon, but he’s completely wiped out from the heat.
Basically, he’s dehydrated.
He’ll ask for a Splash Fruit. If you don't have one, check the immediate area; there’s usually a plant nearby. Toss it to him (or just hand it over), and he’ll regain his strength.
Garill: Shivering on the heights
Garill is the trickiest one because he’s way up on the Koukot Plateau. You’re going to have to do some serious climbing or use a hoverbike if you’ve got the Zonaite to spare.
Look for another smoke signal high up on the canyon walls. Unlike Giro, who was dying from the heat, Garill is freezing. He needs a Spicy Pepper to warm his blood. Give him the pepper, and he’ll finally pack up his gear and head back to the group.
The rewards for being a hero
Once you’ve saved all three, head back to the camp at the entrance. The whole gang is back together, and the relief is palpable.
Quince is incredibly grateful. He’ll hand over 10 Bomb Flowers. In the early to mid-game, this is a massive win. Bomb flowers are arguably the most versatile resource in the game for clearing rubble, dealing AOE damage, or just making things explode for fun.
What most players miss
A lot of people think you have to talk to Quince first. Interestingly, you can actually "accidentally" complete this quest.
If you happen to find Garill, Giro, or Botrick while exploring and give them what they need, the game tracks it. When you finally talk to Quince, he might realize his friends have already returned. It’s a nice touch of "emergent gameplay" that Nintendo is famous for.
Also, don't ignore the environment. The canyon is filled with Fire and Ice Lizalfos. If you’re at a point where you need to upgrade your armor (like the Snowquill or Desert Voe sets), this quest is a perfect excuse to farm some tails.
Actionable tips for Gerudo Canyon
- Stock up early: Before entering the canyon, grab at least one Splash Fruit and one Spicy Pepper. You'll save yourself a lot of backtracking.
- Watch the clock: Use the campfire near Giro or Garill to skip time if you’re struggling with visibility. Smoke signals are way easier to see at night.
- Look up: The canyon is vertical. If you can't find a traveler on the road, they’re almost certainly on a ledge above you.
Once you’ve cleared the Disaster in Gerudo Canyon, you’re in a prime position to activate the Gerudo Canyon Skyview Tower. It’s just a short trip from where Garill was waiting, and it’ll fill in a massive chunk of your map.