How do I access the shrine hidden in the Korok Forest area in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To access the shrine hidden in the Korok Forest area in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to complete a specific puzzle known as "The Test of Wood." This shrine is called the Keo Ruug Shrine, and it is located deep within the Korok Forest, near the Great Deku Tree. The Korok Forest is situated in the heart of the Lost Woods, which can be tricky to navigate if you donÔÇÖt know the correct path. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to access the shrine and complete the puzzle.

First, you need to reach the Korok Forest. The Lost Woods surrounds the forest, and if you take the wrong path, youÔÇÖll be sent back to the entrance. To navigate the Lost Woods, follow the torches and pay attention to the direction of the wind. The embers from the torches will blow in the direction you need to go. If you lose your way, the fog will thicken, and youÔÇÖll be sent back to the start. Once you reach the Korok Forest, youÔÇÖll find the Great Deku Tree, and nearby, youÔÇÖll see a small pedestal with a Korok named Chio. He will give you the quest "The Test of Wood."

The Test of Wood requires you to carry a lit torch through the forest without letting the flame go out. The path is filled with enemies and environmental hazards, so you need to be careful. Start by lighting a torch at the nearby fire. You can use a fire arrow or a flame weapon to light it if you donÔÇÖt have a fire source nearby. Once your torch is lit, follow the path marked by lanterns. These lanterns will guide you through the forest, but you must keep the torch lit the entire time. If the flame goes out, youÔÇÖll need to return to the fire and start over.

As you follow the path, youÔÇÖll encounter enemies like Keese and Stal enemies. Avoid engaging them directly, as fighting can cause your torch to go out. Instead, use stealth or run past them. There are also areas with water, so be careful not to step into puddles or rain, as this will extinguish your torch. If it starts to rain, you may need to wait for the weather to clear before attempting the quest again.

Once you reach the end of the path, youÔÇÖll find a pedestal where you can place the lit torch. This will activate the Keo Ruug Shrine, allowing you to enter and complete the shrineÔÇÖs puzzle. Inside the shrine, youÔÇÖll face a series of challenges that test your ability to manipulate objects and solve environmental puzzles. The shrineÔÇÖs puzzles are relatively straightforward, but they require careful observation and timing.

One common mistake players make is rushing through the path without paying attention to the lanterns. ItÔÇÖs easy to get lost or accidentally extinguish the torch if youÔÇÖre not careful. Another mistake is engaging enemies, which can lead to the torch going out. Always prioritize keeping the flame lit over fighting enemies. Additionally, players sometimes forget to check the weather before starting the quest. Rain can make the quest nearly impossible, so itÔÇÖs best to wait for clear weather.

For advanced players, you can optimize your path by memorizing the route and using stealth to avoid enemies entirely. You can also use the environment to your advantage, such as using trees or rocks to block enemy attacks. If you have the Stealth Armor set, it can help you avoid detection by enemies, making the quest easier.

In terms of preparation, you donÔÇÖt need any special items, but having a few extra torches or flame weapons can be helpful in case your torch goes out. You can also bring food or elixirs that restore stamina, as running with the torch can drain your stamina quickly.

An alternative approach is to use a flame weapon instead of a torch. Some players find it easier to carry a flame weapon, as it doesnÔÇÖt require lighting and can be used to defend against enemies if necessary. However, this method requires you to have a flame weapon, which may not be available early in the game.

In summary, accessing the Keo Ruug Shrine in the Korok Forest requires careful navigation, patience, and attention to detail. By following the lanterns, avoiding enemies, and keeping your torch lit, you can successfully complete "The Test of Wood" and unlock the shrine. Remember to check the weather, avoid combat, and use stealth to make the quest easier. With these strategies, youÔÇÖll be able to access the shrine and continue your journey through Hyrule.