Honestly, looking back at The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, few things felt as weirdly charming—or as mechanically necessary—as seeing Link trot around the desert in a silk veil. It’s been years since the game launched, but the link gerudo outfit botw fans remember is more than just a costume. It’s a literal key to one of the game's most vibrant hubs. Without it, you’re just another "voe" (man) getting shoved away by spear-wielding guards at the gates of Gerudo Town.
The Great Kara Kara Bazaar Stakeout
You’ve probably been there. You walk up to the massive gates of Gerudo Town, and the guards basically tell you to scram. It doesn’t matter if you’re the chosen hero with a Master Sword on your back. To get inside, you have to play by their rules. This kickstarts the "Forbidden City Entry" quest, which is easily one of the most memorable segments in the early-to-mid game.
Most players end up chatting with Benja outside the city, who points them toward a "sneaky guy" who supposedly found a way in. This leads you back to Kara Kara Bazaar. It's a gorgeous little oasis, but finding your target requires a bit of verticality. You have to climb to the very top of the inn/general store.
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There, you meet Vilia.
Vilia is a Hylian character who sells you the Gerudo clothes for 600 Rupees. It’s not a bargain, but you don't really have a choice. Once you hand over the cash, Link puts on the Gerudo Veil, Gerudo Top, and Gerudo Sirwal.
The transformation is instant.
Link’s bashful reaction to the outfit is a nice touch, but the real magic is the stat sheet. This isn't high-tier armor. In fact, it's pretty flimsy. Each piece only offers 1 point of defense, meaning you have a grand total of 3 defense while wearing it. If a Hinox sneezes on you, you’re probably done for.
Why the Outfit Actually Matters
You might think, "Why would I wear 3-defense clothes in a desert filled with Moldugas and Yiga Blademasters?"
The answer is two-fold. First, it grants Level 1 Heat Resistance. The Gerudo Desert is brutal during the day. If you don't have this gear (or a lot of chilled melons), Link starts losing health the second the sun hits its peak.
Second, it’s a social pass.
As long as you’re wearing the link gerudo outfit botw provides, the guards will let you pass. You can shop for arrows, buy a sand seal, and progress the Divine Beast Vah Naboris questline. Interestingly, if you change your clothes inside the city, the guards will immediately clock you as a man and toss you out. It’s a fun, if slightly annoying, mechanic that keeps the "undercover" vibe alive.
Hidden Details and Variations
Did you know you can actually dye the outfit?
If you head over to the Kochi Dye Shop in Hateno Village, you can turn your Gerudo silks into a neon nightmare or a sleek midnight black. It doesn't change the stats, but it makes the constant inventory swapping feel a bit more personal.
There’s also a common misconception that this is the only "Gerudo" gear. Later on, you can find the Desert Voe Set. This is the "masculine" version of the desert gear.
Here is the catch:
- The Desert Voe Set is sold in the Gerudo Secret Club (GSC) or in Tarrey Town.
- It offers much better defense.
- It can be upgraded by Great Fairies.
- BUT the guards will still kick you out of Gerudo Town if you wear it.
Even though the Desert Voe Set is technically better for survival, the "vai" outfit remains the only way to actually walk through the city streets. It's a classic Zelda move—forcing you to choose between protection and progress.
Actionable Tips for Desert Survival
If you're currently stuck in the sand, here is how to handle the gear situation like a pro:
- Keep 600 Rupees Handy: Don't even bother trekking to the Bazaar until you have the cash. Vilia doesn't do credit.
- The Sand Seal Shortcut: Once you have the outfit, use the Sand Seals outside the city. It’s way faster than running, and the Gerudo outfit doesn't give you any speed bonuses.
- Watch the Clock: The desert gets freezing at night. The Gerudo outfit does nothing for cold resistance. The moment the sun goes down, swap to your Warm Doublet or Snowquill Armor, or you’ll freeze to death in your silk veil.
- The Secret Club Password: If you want the "Voe" version (the one you can actually upgrade), you’ll need the password for the back door of the clothing shop in Gerudo Town. Listen in on the ladies at the bar next door to get it: GSC◆.
The link gerudo outfit botw experience is a quintessential part of the Hyrule journey. It’s about more than just a disguise; it’s about the game forcing you to interact with a culture on its own terms. Whether you love the look or hate the 3-defense stat, you’re going to be seeing a lot of those silks if you want to save the desert.
For your next move, head to the Kara Kara Bazaar at midday. Climb that ladder to the roof of the general store. Once you buy the set from Vilia, make sure to immediately equip it and head south—don't forget to grab the Daqo Chisay Shrine just outside the city gates so you can warp back whenever you need to restock on Bomb Arrows.