What is the best way to reach the Shae Loya Shrine in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Shae Loya Shrine, also known as "Shae Loya's Blessing," is located in the Gerudo Desert region of Hyrule. To reach this shrine, you will need to navigate the harsh desert environment, which presents unique challenges such as extreme heat and limited visibility due to sandstorms. Here is a detailed guide on how to reach the Shae Loya Shrine, including tips and strategies to make your journey easier.

First, you need to prepare for the journey. The Gerudo Desert is one of the hottest regions in the game, and Link will take damage from the heat if he is not properly equipped. To avoid this, you can wear the Desert Voe armor set, which can be purchased in Gerudo Town. Alternatively, you can consume food or elixirs that provide heat resistance. Recipes like the Cool Safflina dish or the Chilly Elixir are effective. Make sure to stock up on these items before heading into the desert.

Next, you need to locate the shrine. The Shae Loya Shrine is situated in the southwestern part of the Gerudo Desert, near the South Lomei Labyrinth. To reach this area, you can start from Gerudo Town and head southwest. You will need to cross the vast desert, so having a Sand Seal is highly recommended. Sand Seals can be rented from the Sand Seal Rental Shop in Gerudo Town. Once you have a Sand Seal, you can attach it to your shield and surf across the sand, which is much faster than walking.

As you travel through the desert, be mindful of the sandstorms that can obscure your vision. These sandstorms can make navigation difficult, so it is a good idea to use the map and set a waypoint to the shrine's location. If you have unlocked the Gerudo Tower, you can use it as a reference point to help guide you. Additionally, the shrine is located near the South Lomei Labyrinth, so you can use the labyrinth as a landmark to find your way.

When you approach the shrine, you will notice that it is partially buried in the sand. To access the shrine, you need to solve a simple puzzle. There are two metal blocks nearby, and you need to use the Magnesis rune to move them. Place one block on the pressure plate in front of the shrine, and use the other block to create a bridge over the quicksand. Once the pressure plate is activated, the shrine will rise from the sand, and you can enter it.

Inside the shrine, you will find a chest containing a Silver Rupee, which is worth 100 rupees. This is a valuable reward, so make sure to open the chest before leaving the shrine. After collecting the Silver Rupee, you can interact with the shrine's altar to receive your Spirit Orb.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when trying to reach the Shae Loya Shrine. One mistake is not preparing adequately for the heat. If you do not have the proper gear or consumables, you will take damage from the heat, which can be fatal if you are not careful. Another mistake is getting lost in the sandstorm. To avoid this, make sure to use your map and set a waypoint to the shrine's location. Finally, do not forget to solve the puzzle outside the shrine. If you do not activate the pressure plate, the shrine will remain buried in the sand, and you will not be able to enter it.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to speed up your journey. If you have the Master Cycle Zero, you can use it to traverse the desert quickly, bypassing the need for a Sand Seal. Additionally, if you have the Travel Medallion, you can place it near the shrine after activating it, allowing you to fast travel back to the shrine at any time.

In summary, reaching the Shae Loya Shrine requires careful preparation and navigation. Make sure to equip heat-resistant gear or consumables, use a Sand Seal to traverse the desert, and set a waypoint to the shrine's location. Solve the puzzle outside the shrine to access it, and collect the valuable Silver Rupee inside. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully reach the Shae Loya Shrine and claim your Spirit Orb.