The Super Smash Bros. franchise welcomed Gerudo Valley as a new stage in its installment for the Nintendo 3DS (along with Spirit Train, giving the Zelda series two new representations). Gerudo Valley, a location from Ocarina of Time, would go on to be one of the nine stages featured from the Zelda universe in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. In the 3DS version, this stage served as the battleground for unlocking Ganondorf, while in Ultimate, players unlock Sheik by fighting on this stage.
It’s an incredibly faithful recreation of the original location, filled to the brim with references and recreations of everything from the Gerudo region.
The Gerudo Valley stage is mostly flat and wide. Two pieces of land are connected by a wooden bridge. The only other notable structures on the stage are the two canopies, one on each side of the bridge, which act as soft platforms. Unlike most stages in Super Smash Bros., the stage is not one giant platform with drop off points. Instead, the ground runs straight into both left and right blast zones, similar to Bridge of Eldin or Onett, which should be comforting to fighters who are not so good off-stage. The best strategy here will be to get your opponents close to the edge of the stage so you can force them off early. With the blast zones being so close to the stage, it’s possible to get some really early KOs.
With stage hazards turned on, it’s pure chaotic madness. The bridge will naturally break after about 140 seconds into the match, though dealing any damage to it during the fight can cause it to break earlier. Once the bridge falls, the chasm below becomes a new blast zone. Fighters are now susceptible to being KO’ed by falling or even being spiked in the middle of the stage.
Then, Koume and Kotake fly in to add even more mayhem.
The two witches will fly around during the match until one of them – which is chosen at random – decides to blast their magical powers at the stage. Koume will blast fire at the left side, while Kotake will fire an ice spell on the right. Since none of the fighters have a Mirror Shield, the spells will take their effect unimpeded. Koume’s fire spell will set the entire left side of the area ablaze, making it inaccessible. Likewise, Kotake’s ice spell causes giant ice spikes to erupt from the floor and block the area. Both of these spells are dangerous, dealing big damage to whomever is unable to escape.
Eventually, each of the spell’s effects disappear. Then, the Song of Time plays in the background, and the bridge will repair itself. The cycle continues for the remainder of the match.
The Gerudo Valley stage in Super Smash Bros. is a feast for the eyes, with captivating artwork that brings the iconic location to life. Every detail is meticulously crafted to immerse players in the world of Ocarina of Time. Directly behind the fighters is the Carpenter’s Tent. Since none of the carpenters can be found, I assume they have been arrested already and are held prisoner at the Gerudo’s Fortress, nestled and clearly visible among the mountains in the top left of the stage. Even the Horseback Archery Range provides an extra layer of depth, with targets visible on both sides.
But it’s the valley itself that steals the show, with its sandy-brown hues contrasting against the vivid blue of the river that runs through it. The mountains towering above the valley give the stage a neat 3D effect that makes it feel larger than life. And let’s not forget the waterfall, a stunning touch that adds to the natural beauty of the setting (I do wonder if there is a Heart Piece hidden behind it). Plus, that remixed version of the Gerudo Valley theme provides the perfect backdrop for this masterpiece.
While the Gerudo Valley stage will likely not be seen in competitive play, it offers a wealth of enjoyment for casual players — particularly Zelda fans. Its delightful references to Ocarina of Time make it a must-play. With its stunning graphical style and attention to detail, it is clear that the developers put a lot of care into creating this stage. It’s a fantastic addition to the Super Smash Bros. universe and a wonderful representation of our beloved Zelda franchise.
