You’re standing at the gates of Gerudo Town. The sun is absolutely punishing. You've got the Master Sword on your back, you've saved half of Hyrule, and you’re basically a living legend. But the guard doesn't care. "Voe are not allowed," she says. Period.
That’s the moment every Breath of the Wild player hits a wall. You need to get into that city to talk to the Chief, but Link’s gender makes him persona non grata. To get inside, you need the Zelda BotW Gerudo outfit, also known as the Vai Clothes. Honestly, it’s one of the most memorable sequences in the entire game because it forces you to stop being a powerhouse warrior and start being a bit of a trickster.
Finding the set isn't just about a shop run. It's a whole ordeal. You have to track down a specific NPC named Vilia, who is hanging out on the roof of the Kara Kara Bazaar. She’s easy to miss if you aren't looking up. You pay 600 Rupees—which feels like a lot in the early game—and suddenly Link is wearing a teal-and-gold ensemble that somehow convinces an entire city of elite warriors that he’s just another traveler.
Where to Actually Find the Gerudo Set
Most players wander around the market for twenty minutes before realizing the quest trigger is actually back at the Bazaar. You talk to Benja outside the city gates first. He tells you about a "man" who successfully snuck in. This leads you back to the Kara Kara Bazaar, the little oasis you probably sprinted past on your way to the desert.
Vilia is the key.
She’s standing on the top of the inn. You’ll see the wind catching her clothes. When you buy the set from her, it includes the Gerudo Veil, the Gerudo Top, and the Gerudo Sirwal. It’s a full transformation. Link looks different. He moves differently. The game even treats him differently. Once you have it on, you can walk right past those guards who were just threatening to spear you. It’s satisfying. It’s also funny.
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The outfit provides one level of Heat Resistance. That’s the "kinda" helpful part. It won't save you if you’re climbing a volcano, but for the dry heat of the Gerudo Desert during the day, it's a lifesaver. Keep in mind that the desert temperature drops at night. If you’re wearing the thin silk of the Zelda BotW Gerudo outfit when the moon comes up, you’re going to start shivering and losing health. It’s a specialized tool for a specialized environment.
The Mechanics of Stealth and Style
The "Vai" set is unique because it’s the only armor in the game required for social stealth rather than combat stats or environmental protection. While the Desert Voe set (the one you buy later at the Secret Club) gives better heat protection and a "Shock Damage" set bonus, you can't use it to enter the city. The guards will spot you immediately.
There’s a nuance here that people forget: you can dye this outfit.
If you head over to the Kochi Dye Shop in Hateno Village, you can turn the teal fabric into something else entirely. Navy blue? Crimson? White? You can customize Link’s "undercover" look. It doesn't change the functionality, but it makes the long trek through the desert feel a bit more personal.
Wait, can you upgrade it?
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No. That’s the catch. The Great Fairies won't touch the Gerudo Vai set. You can’t boost its defense. You’re stuck with a base defense of 3 (1 point per piece). If you get hit by a Molduga while wearing this, you’re going to feel it. It’s purely for infiltration and basic heat management. You’re trading safety for access.
Common Mistakes When Using the Gerudo Outfit
I’ve seen so many people try to wear the Thunder Helm with the Gerudo outfit thinking it’ll make them invincible. It doesn't work that way for the guards. If you take off even one piece of the set—like swapping the veil for a helmet—the guards will instantly teleport you outside the gates. It has to be the full set.
Also, don't forget the Sand Boots.
There’s a guy named Bozai running around outside the city walls. He’s wearing snowshoes in the sand (don't ask). If you talk to him while wearing the Zelda BotW Gerudo outfit, he’ll give you a quest to get the Sand Boots. These are essential. They let you run at normal speed on sand. Without them, you’re trudging through the dunes like you’re walking through molasses. It makes the Vah Naboris questline significantly less annoying.
The desert is big. It’s empty. It’s dangerous. But with the right gear, it becomes a playground.
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Comparing the Vai Set to the Desert Voe Set
A lot of players get confused between the two desert-themed sets. Let’s be clear:
- The Gerudo Vai Set (The "Girl" Outfit): Bought from Vilia. Required to enter Gerudo Town. Low defense. Non-upgradeable. Low-level heat resistance.
- The Desert Voe Set (The "Boy" Outfit): Bought at the Gerudo Secret Club (GSC) or in Tarrey Town. High defense. Can be upgraded by Fairies. Provides "Shock Damage" resistance when the full set is upgraded to level two. Will get you kicked out of Gerudo Town.
The GSC is a whole other thing. You have to eavesdrop on some women in a bar to get a password (it's GSC◆). Once you're in, you can buy the "Voe" gear. It’s better for fighting, but the Vai outfit remains the only way to access the shops, the side quests, and the main story beats within the city walls.
Honestly, the Gerudo sequence is a masterclass in world-building. It forces you to engage with the culture of the desert. You aren't just a hero; you're a visitor who has to follow the rules of the land. Or, well, cleverly bypass them.
Actionable Steps for Your Desert Journey
If you’re currently stuck outside the gates or preparing for the Divine Beast Naboris, follow this specific order to save yourself a headache.
- Bank 600 Rupees. Don't show up at the Bazaar broke. Sell some gemstones or cooked meat if you have to.
- Talk to Vilia. She’s on the roof of the Kara Kara Bazaar inn. Do not look for her in the city; she’s not there yet.
- Dye the set early. If you care about aesthetics, go to Hateno before you head deep into the desert. The teal is classic, but it’s fun to change it up.
- Grab the Sand Boots immediately. Talk to Bozai outside the city while wearing the outfit. He’s near the side entrance. Complete his "Eighth Heroine" quest. Your movement speed on sand will triple.
- Unlock the Gerudo Secret Club. Listen through the wall of the house next to the bar to get the password. This gives you access to the Desert Voe armor for actual combat.
- Switch gear at night. Put on your warm clothes (like the Snowquill set) as soon as the sun goes down. The Gerudo outfit offers zero protection against the cold.
The Zelda BotW Gerudo outfit is more than just a disguise; it's a key that unlocks one of the most vibrant regions in the game. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful thing Link can carry isn't a sword, but a really good costume.
Once you have the set, go talk to Riju. The desert is waiting.