How to defeat Molduga in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Few enemies are as threatening as the molduga in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. You may remember the meeting of Breath of the Wild — while sharing some similarities, the approach can vary considerably with the new tools at your disposal.

While tackling the side mission “The Missing Owner” or just exploring the Gerudo Desert, you’re sure to come across this miniboss. If you are wondering how to beat Molduga in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomour guide explains the step-by-step strategy, as well as some different methods to try depending on what you have in your inventory.

Molduga location in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Found around the Gerudo Desert in the southwest corner of Hyrule, there are four Moldugas to fight. unlike Breath of the Wild, there is no ‘king’ variant to hunt. That said, you can get one Molduga Monster Medal for beating them all.

To do this, talk to Gralens in the underground base of Lookout Landing and ask him about ‘great monsters’. If given the option, choose ‘Molduga’ and start the ‘Wanted: Molduga’ quest. Once that is dealt with, you will receive 100 rupees. After fighting the remaining three Moldugas, talk to him again to receive the medal.

Below you will find all four locations in Molduga Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom:

• Toruma Dunes Molduga: Around the coordinates (-4769, -2829, 0029)north of Miryotanog Shrine.
• Eastern Barrens Molduga: Around the coordinates (-2375, -3285, 0021)close to siwakama shrine.
• Palu Westland South Molduga: Around the coordinates (-3323, -3325, 0016)southeast of Gerudo Town and northeast of the southern oasis.
• Gerudo Desert Molduga: Around the coordinates (-3989, -2640, 0040)northwest of Gerudo Town – you can use the Soryotanog Shrine fast travel point to glide to it.

How to beat Molduga in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

Molduga is a sneaky miniboss in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. The creature spends most of its time under the sand, cruising around until something – or someone – catches its attention. Then it will quickly move towards its target and try to eat it.

As terrifying as it sounds, that’s also the main strategy of the encounter. To beat molduga, you must have ace. This will cause the enemy to come out of the sand, which is what you want so you can attack them once they’re exposed.

Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo via Polygon

Here’s how to beat Molduga Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom:

• If you can, find a vantage point – avoid being on the sand as the Molduga will soon chase you.
• From there you can throw items like food or arrows, which will act as bait. For example, I used hydromelons. The Molduga will eat anything you throw – keep an eye out for a question mark above its head, indicating that the object has caught its attention.
• Once the Molduga gets to where you threw the item, it will pop into the air, giving you a window to attack with an explosive – bombflowers, which can be found in caves, are the best bet here.
• Alternatively, you can use Zonai’s time bombs. This works both as a bait and an explosive, so it’s the best of both worlds. You will most likely find them in Zonai Dispensers – the one in North Necluda Sky Archipelago, close to Sahasra Slope Skyview Tower at coordinates (1788, -1104, 0918)has she.
• After the explosion, Molduga is shot into the air and then falls to the ground. Since it remains stunned for a moment, this is your chance to just hit it with whatever you have at your disposal. Melee weapons are more than fine, but get creative – the ability you gained after completing the Lightning Temple is also quite useful here.
• If you use food as bait, Molduga will emerge from the sand and then fall to the ground, where it will stay for a few seconds, giving you another chance to attack.

Image: Nintendo EPD/Nintendo via Polygon

Depending on how much damage you can deal to Molduga, you’ll probably repeat the process a few times. Options like the Fierce Deity Armor, Barbarian Armor, and Phantom Armor sets will work wonders here thanks to the increased attack bonus.

When you’re done with it, make sure you loot everything – there will be a few chests, as well as some really hefty monster parts. Between them is the Molduga Jaw, which has 32 attack power, making it a great option to pair with some of the best weapons in the game.