Where is the shrine hidden in the Hyrule Castle area in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The shrine hidden in the Hyrule Castle area is called Saas Ko'sah Shrine, and it is located inside Hyrule Castle itself. This shrine is unique because it is not visible on the surface and requires players to navigate the castle's interior to find it. The shrine is part of the "Shrouded Shrine" quest, which involves solving a puzzle to reveal its location. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and complete this shrine.

To begin, you need to reach Hyrule Castle. This is a high-level area filled with powerful enemies, so preparation is key. Make sure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. The castle is located in the center of the map, and you can approach it from multiple directions. However, the safest route is from the north, where you can glide down from the nearby hills or use the waterways to avoid most enemies.

Once inside the castle, your goal is to reach the library. The library is located in the eastern part of the castle, and you can access it by climbing the walls or using the interior pathways. Be cautious of the Guardians and other enemies patrolling the area. Stealth is often the best approach here, as engaging in combat can quickly deplete your resources.

Inside the library, you will find a book titled "The History of the Zora, Part Two." Reading this book will reveal a clue about the shrine's location. The book mentions a secret room in the castle's docks area. To reach the docks, head to the lower levels of the castle. You can use the staircases or climb down the walls to get there. The docks are located near the water, and you will find a hidden room behind a destructible wall. Use a bomb to break the wall and reveal the entrance to the shrine.

Saas Ko'sah Shrine is a combat trial, meaning you will face a powerful Guardian Scout IV inside. This enemy is equipped with a Guardian Sword++, Guardian Spear++, and a Guardian Shield++. The fight is challenging, so make sure you have strong weapons and armor. The Guardian Scout IV uses fast and powerful attacks, so timing your dodges and parries is crucial. Use your shield to deflect its laser attacks and aim for its weak points to deal maximum damage.

After defeating the Guardian Scout IV, you will receive a Spirit Orb and a chest containing a Royal Guard's Shield. This shield is one of the strongest in the game, so it is a valuable reward. Additionally, completing the shrine will count towards your total shrine completion, bringing you closer to upgrading your hearts or stamina.

Here are some important tips and considerations. First, make sure to save your game before attempting the shrine. This will allow you to retry if you fail the combat trial. Second, bring plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, to keep your health topped up during the fight. Third, consider using elixirs or meals that boost your attack or defense to give you an edge in combat.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the fight without proper preparation. The Guardian Scout IV is a formidable opponent, and underestimating it can lead to a quick defeat. Also, avoid using weak weapons or shields, as they will break quickly and leave you vulnerable. Finally, do not forget to explore the rest of the castle for valuable loot and resources.

Advanced techniques for this shrine include using perfect dodges to trigger flurry rushes and parrying the Guardian Scout IV's laser attacks. These techniques require precise timing but can significantly reduce the difficulty of the fight. Additionally, using elemental weapons or arrows can exploit the Guardian Scout IV's weaknesses and deal extra damage.

Required items and preparation include strong weapons, such as Royal or Lynel weapons, a sturdy shield, and plenty of healing items. It is also helpful to have armor with high defense or specific resistances, such as the Ancient Armor set, which provides extra protection against Guardian attacks.

Alternative approaches to finding the shrine include using the castle's waterways to navigate to the docks. This route can help you avoid many of the castle's enemies and reach the shrine more quickly. Additionally, you can use the Revali's Gale ability to reach higher areas of the castle and bypass some of the obstacles.

In summary, finding and completing Saas Ko'sah Shrine in Hyrule Castle requires careful preparation, strategic combat, and thorough exploration. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully navigate the castle, defeat the Guardian Scout IV, and claim your reward. This shrine is a challenging but rewarding experience that adds to the depth and excitement of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.