The Gerudo Desert is already a nightmare. Between the heat that drains your health and those lightning-fast Moldugas bursting from the sand, you’ve probably had enough by the time you see a giant stone cube on the horizon. That’s the South Lomei Labyrinth. Honestly, it’s one of the most imposing structures in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and if you aren't prepared for the desert labyrinth botw experience, you’re going to spend two hours running in circles while Guardians try to beam you into oblivion.
It’s huge. It’s lonely. It’s perfect.
Nintendo really leaned into the "Trial of the Desert" theme here. Most players stumble upon this place while trying to unlock the Misae Suma Shrine or just wandering around the edges of the Map of Hyrule. You see these massive, weathered walls and you think, "Okay, I can just climb over this." Wrong. Well, you can, but the developers knew you’d try that. They sprinkled enough Malice and awkward geometry to make sure you actually engage with the maze.
Navigating the South Lomei Labyrinth Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s get one thing straight: the desert labyrinth botw isn't actually that hard if you have a map, but since the game hides your mini-map once you step inside, it becomes a psychological game. You’re looking for the Dila Maag Shrine. That’s the goal. But the path isn't linear. It’s a mess of corridors, dead ends, and chests containing mediocre bows that you probably don't even have inventory space for.
Most people make the mistake of staying on the ground. Bad idea. There are Decayed Guardians scattered around, and while they can’t move, they have a terrifyingly high accuracy rate when you’re stuck in a narrow hallway.
The secret? Look for the trail of acorns. No, seriously. Or look for the torches. If you see a lit torch, you’re generally heading in the right direction toward the heart of the maze. The South Lomei Labyrinth layout is actually a mirror of the other two labyrinths in the game—Lomei Island in Akkala and the North Lomei Labyrinth in Hebra—but the desert version feels more claustrophobic because of the sandstorms and the lingering heat.
You need Level 2 Heat Resistance. If you don't have the Desert Voe armor set from Gerudo Secret Club, you’re going to be eating chilled melons every five minutes. It’s annoying. It breaks the flow. Get the gear first.
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The Actual Path to Dila Maag
If you’re tired of wandering, look at the eastern side. There’s a specific entrance that leads into a corridor filled with Malice. You have to navigate around the purple goo—which, by the way, is technically the physical manifestation of Calamity Ganon’s hatred, just in case you forgot you’re in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
- Enter from the main southern gate.
- Hook a right, then a quick left.
- Follow the walls until you see the stairs.
- The stairs are the key. They lead you up to a platform that overlooks the shrine’s entrance.
It sounds simple when I type it out. In practice? You’ll probably fall into a pit or get spotted by a Guardian Scout. It happens to the best of us.
What’s Actually Inside?
The loot is... okay. You get the Barbarian Leg Wraps. For those who don't know, the Barbarian Set is arguably the best combat armor in the game because it boosts your attack power. If you’re planning on hunting Lynels, you need this.
But the real reward is the shrine itself. Dila Maag is a "Blessing" shrine. No puzzles inside. No combat. Just a chest and a Spirit Orb. It’s the game’s way of saying, "Hey, you survived the desert labyrinth botw, take a break."
The Hidden Loot Most People Miss
Don't just teleport out once you get the orb. There are actually several high-tier weapons tucked into the corners of the South Lomei Labyrinth. I’m talking about Gerudo Scimitars and Golden Bows. The Golden Bow is particularly useful because it has a zoom feature, making it the best non-Ancient bow for sniping Kakariko Village's distant targets or hitting those pesky Korok balloons.
- Gerudo Shield: High durability, looks cool.
- Radiant Shield: One of the fastest shields for shield-surfing.
- Moonlight Scimitar: Decent mid-game damage.
If you’re low on gear, this maze is basically a shopping mall, assuming you don't mind the occasional laser beam to the face.
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Why the Desert Labyrinth is Peak Zelda Design
Think about it. The desert labyrinth botw doesn't give you instructions. It doesn't have a waypoint. It is pure environmental storytelling. The Lomei structures are ancient—thousands of years old—and nobody in the game really explains who built them. Some lore hunters like Zeltik or YouTube's Nintendo Prime suggest they were built by the Zonai, a "warlike" tribe that vanished.
The architecture is brutalist. It’s intimidating. When you stand in the middle of it, Link looks tiny. That’s the point. The game wants you to feel small. It wants you to feel like the world is bigger than you. Compared to the hand-holding in Skyward Sword, this is a breath of fresh air. Pun intended.
Actually, if you look at the walls, you’ll see carvings that match the ruins in the Faron Woods. This supports the Zonai theory. The fact that Nintendo put this much effort into a "side quest" area that some players might never even visit is why this game is still being talked about years later.
Dealing with the Guardians
There’s a trick to the Guardians here. Since the hallways are narrow, you can use the "Perfect Guard" (parrying) to reflect their beams back at them. It’s risky. If you miss, you’re dead or your shield is shattered. But if you pull it off, it’s the most satisfying feeling in the game.
Alternatively, use Ancient Arrows. But those are expensive. Honestly, just sneak. The stealth mechanic in Breath of the Wild is underrated. Crouch, wear the Sheikah gear, and you can practically walk right past a Guardian's eye without them noticing.
Common Misconceptions About the South Lomei Maze
People think you need Revali’s Gale to finish it. You don't. It helps, sure. Flying over the walls is a total "pro gamer move" that skips 90% of the content. But you miss out on the atmosphere. You miss out on the tension.
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Another myth? That there’s a secret boss at the bottom. There isn't. Unlike the Lomei Island Labyrinth which has a basement full of Guardians and a Diamond Circlet, the South Lomei Labyrinth is a bit more straightforward. What you see is what you get.
The Temperature Problem
The desert is hot during the day and freezing at night. If you spend too long in the maze, the sun will go down, and suddenly your heat-resistant armor is useless. You’ll start shivering. Link will lose health.
Always carry a Flameblade. Just having it equipped raises your body temperature enough to survive the desert nights. It’s a literal portable heater. Or, you know, just build a campfire and wait until morning. But the Flameblade trick is much cooler.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Run
If you’re about to head into the desert labyrinth botw, do these things first:
- Stock up on Stamina Food: You will be climbing. A lot. Endura Carrots are your best friend. Cook five of them together for a full extra wheel.
- Get the Desert Voe Set: Visit Gerudo Town. Do the quest to get into the Secret Club. Buy the armor. It makes the whole experience 100% less stressful.
- Bring Ancient Shields: If you have the materials, get one from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. It reflects Guardian beams automatically. It’s basically a "cheat mode" for labyrinths.
- Mark the Map: Use your pins! When you find a path that works, mark it. When you hit a dead end, mark it with a different icon.
The South Lomei Labyrinth is a test of patience more than a test of skill. It’s about managing your resources and keeping your cool while the game tries to confuse you. Once you grab those Barbarian Leg Wraps and the Spirit Orb, you’ll realize it wasn't actually that bad.
It’s just a big box in the sand.
Go get that armor. The attack boost is worth the headache. And remember, if you get lost, just look up—the sky doesn't have walls, and sometimes the best way out is just to climb until you can see the horizon again.