Master of the Wind BotW: Revali Guide, Location & Tips
Note: This article uses in-game names and lore from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild to explain the title “master of the wind” and how it applies in gameplay.
Introduction
If you’ve ever soared above the cliffs of Rito Village or launched yourself off a high ledge to glide toward a distant tower, you’ve felt the thrill that earned Revali the reputation as the master of the wind BotW. This guide breaks down who the master of the wind is, where to find him and related locations, how to unlock and use his signature ability Revali’s Gale, and practical strategies for tackling Vah Medoh and wind-based challenges. Whether you’re a new player exploring Hyrule or returning to collect what you missed, these tips will help you master wind mechanics and make the most of Rito champion tools and lore.
Who is the “Master of the Wind” in Breath of the Wild?
The phrase “master of the wind” usually refers to Revali, the Rito champion whose skill with aerial combat and wind-bending abilities is legendary in Breath of the Wild. Revali is the champion associated with the Divine Beast Vah Medoh. He is known for his prideful personality, astonishing archery from the air, and the unique champion ability Revali’s Gale, which creates an updraft that launches Link high into the sky.
Key points about Revali and the Rito:
- Rito Village: Revali hails from the Rito, an avian tribe living high in the Tabantha Frontier. Their culture, architecture, and affinity for wind and flight are central to his identity.
- Champion of the Wind: As the Rito champion, Revali is often called the champion of the wind and is closely tied to wind-based puzzles and Vah Medoh.
- Revali’s Gale: This is the champion ability you receive when freeing Vah Medoh. It’s invaluable for climbing, fighting aerial enemies, and exploring vertical spaces.
Where to find the Master of the Wind and Vah Medoh
To interact with the elements tied to the master of the wind, you’ll travel to a few distinct locations:
- Rito Village: Located on the peaks of the Tabantha Frontier, near the Tabantha Tower. This is where you learn Revali’s backstory, meet NPCs who reference his deeds, and start the champion quest line.
- Vah Medoh: The Divine Beast that serves as Revali’s domain. You’ll encounter Vah Medoh during the main questline when you set out to free the Divine Beast from Calamity control.
- Great Sky Area: While not a specific map spot in the base game, many wind puzzles, tall peaks, and shrines in the area utilize updrafts and wind currents that mimic Revali’s aerial style.
Knowing where these are helps you prepare — bring warm clothing if you climb, plenty of stamina for gliding runs, and weapons suitable for aerial combat.
Understanding Revali’s Gale: mechanics and tips
Revali’s Gale is the signature mechanic associated with the master of the wind BotW. Unlike a permanent skill, Revali’s Gale functions as a charged ability you can summon to create a powerful upward gust beneath Link, instantly propelling him into the air.
How it works:
- Activation: Use the Rune-style champion ability from the Sheikah Slate menu once it is unlocked after freeing Vah Medoh.
- Cooldown: Revali’s Gale has a cooldown period after each use. The cooldown duration is fixed, so plan when you need to launch.
- Usage: Ideal for reaching high platforms, initiating long-distance glides, combos with mid-air arrows, and avoiding ground-based hazards.
Practical tips:
- Use Revali’s Gale at the edge of cliffs for maximum glide distance—start the ability just before jumping for a dramatic elevation boost.
- Combine with glide cloths, Korok balloon run-ups, or shield surfing off ledges to extend aerial control.
- Revali’s Gale cancels fall damage if used correctly. If you’re about to plummet, trigger the Gale and steer into a glide.
Strategies for Vah Medoh and wind-based combat
Vah Medoh’s interiors and external attack patterns are dominated by wind, rotating blades, and aerial turrets. Be ready for combat that rewards vertical thinking.
Combat and puzzle strategies:
- Take high ground: Use ledges and updrafts to attack turrets from above. Many enemies and mechanisms are less accurate when you’re airborne.
- Target weak points: Vah Medoh has glowing turbines and control units. Prioritize these while avoiding wind blasts.
- Aerial archery: Revali’s Gale combined with slow-motion bow aiming (Z-targeting or targeting in the console’s context) allows for precise shots at distant targets.
- Use bombs and remote devices: When wind pushes projectiles, use remote bombs and timed throws to control where explosives land.
Examples:
- When a turret is behind a wind barrier, use an updraft to get above it, then drop a bomb to its rear where wind won’t push it away.
- Facing flying enemies near Vah Medoh? Use Revali’s Gale to ascend quickly and rain arrows down on them.
Equipment, food, and preparations for wind-heavy zones
Preparation is the backbone of surviving wind-themed areas. The right armor, elixirs, and food can make the difference between a quick clear and a frustrating retreat.
- Clothing and armor: While wind itself doesn’t usually require special armor, cold areas near high altitudes do. Carry warm clothing like the Warm Doublet or Snowquill set depending on location.
- Stamina management: Upgrading stamina vessels helps you glide longer. Stamina food and elixirs are also handy when climbing cliffs before a major glide.
- Arms and ammo: Bring powerful bows and a good supply of arrows. Elemental arrows (ice, shock, fire) can be useful when puzzle or enemy weaknesses are known.
- Bombs and runes: Remote bombs, magnesis when appropriate, and stasis can help with moving mechanisms against wind interference.
Tip: Carry a mixture of mobility and defense items so you can adapt if wind throws you off rhythm.
Puzzles, shrines, and side quests tied to the master of the wind
Breath of the Wild integrates wind into many shrine puzzles, environmental puzzles, and side quests around the Rito lands. Expect puzzles requiring timing with updrafts, carrying objects through gusts, and manipulating wind turbines.
Notable puzzle types:
- Timed glides: Shrines where the solution requires launching from a platform and timing your glide to land in a target area.
- Weighted objects: Carrying barrels or heavy items against a wind current often needs a staging area out of the wind. Use ledges and Revali’s Gale to bypass the push.
- Wind turbines: Adjusting turbines to change updraft direction is a common puzzle in Rito territory and inside Vah Medoh.
Example shrine solution pattern:
- Reach a high release point;
- Use Revali’s Gale to boost upward and gain height;
- Glide and use mid-air darts or arrows to hit distant switches;
- Land in a safe alcove and access the terminal or chest.
Lore and significance: why Revali is called master of the wind
Revali’s title as the master of the wind is more than a gameplay tag. In-game lore positions him as an unmatched aerial combatant among the Rito. His attitude, mastery of bow and flight, and role as champion tie together the narrative image of someone who commands the sky.
Lore highlights:
- Champion backstory: The player learns about Revali’s past deeds and rivalry with other champions. His confidence often borders on arrogance, which shapes how NPCs in Rito Village talk about him.
- Rito culture: The Rito revere flight and wind, meaning Revali’s accomplishments hold cultural weight among his people.
- Narrative payoff: Freeing Vah Medoh and gaining Revali’s Gale ties story progression to a meaningful, reusable gameplay tool that reinforces his identity as master of the wind.
Advanced tips and techniques
Once you understand Revali’s Gale and wind mechanics, you can use advanced techniques to exploit vertical space or improve combat performance.
- Gale chain: Time multiple uses of Revali’s Gale for a sequence of boosts—useful for reaching very high towers or chaining glides (keeping cooldowns in mind).
- Mid-air launch combos: Use a charged attack or arrow release immediately after a Gale boost to hit enemies with higher follow-up damage.
- Wind-run parkour: Combine shield-surfing down a slope with a last-second Revali’s Gale to redirect into a glide and avoid ground hazards while preserving speed.
- Enemy disruption: Trigger an updraft near ranged enemy groups to break their aim, then swoop in for a surprise attack.
FAQ
Q1: Is “Master of the Wind BotW” an official title for Revali?
A: While not an in-game formal title displayed on menus, “master of the wind” is a descriptive phrase commonly used by players and community sources to describe Revali due to his aerial prowess, association with Vah Medoh, and the champion ability Revali’s Gale.
Q2: How do I unlock Revali’s Gale?
A: Complete the main questline involving the Divine Beast Vah Medoh in the Tabantha Frontier. Freeing the Divine Beast as part of that quest grants you Revali’s Gale as a Sheikah Slate ability.
Q3: Can Revali’s Gale be upgraded or improved?
A: The Gale is fixed in function and has a cooldown. You cannot directly upgrade it like armor, but you can improve your stamina, gear, and combat technique to make better use of the ability.
Q4: Where is the best place to practice using wind mechanics?
A: Rito Village and the peaks around Tabantha Tower are excellent for practice due to abundant updrafts, high cliffs, and the presence of wind puzzles. Many shrines nearby also force you to use vertical traversal skills.
Q5: Does Revali’s Gale help in combat against bosses?
A: Yes. The Gale can help you reposition quickly, avoid ground attacks, and gain a vantage point to target weak spots with arrows. It’s especially useful against enemies where vertical movement provides a tactical advantage.
Conclusion
Understanding why Revali is regarded as the master of the wind BotW connects gameplay mechanics, location strategy, and lore. Revali’s Gale turns vertical movement into a powerful tool for exploration and combat, while Vah Medoh and Rito Village provide context and puzzles that celebrate wind-based play. Prepare with the right gear, practice timing your updrafts, and combine abilities like Revali’s Gale with stamina upgrades and aerial archery to truly master wind mechanics in Breath of the Wild. With these tips, you’ll glide, strike, and explore like a champion of the sky.
Enjoy your flights across Hyrule—and may your winds always be favorable.

