How do I access the shrine in the Ridgeland region in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To access the shrine in the Ridgeland region of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you will need to locate and complete the "Trial of Thunder" shrine quest. This shrine is called the "Jee Noh Shrine," and it is hidden within the Ridgeland Tower area. The shrine is not visible on the map until you complete the quest, so you will need to follow specific steps to unlock it. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, you need to reach the Ridgeland Tower. This tower is located in the Ridgeland region, northwest of Hyrule Castle. The area is surrounded by water and is home to powerful enemies like Wizzrobes and Electric Lizalfos. To reach the tower, you can glide from the nearby highlands or use a raft to cross the water. Be prepared for combat, as the enemies in this area can be challenging, especially if you are not equipped with shock-resistant gear.

Once you activate the Ridgeland Tower, you will need to locate the shrine quest. The quest is given by Kass, the Rito bard, who can be found near the tower. Kass will sing a song that provides clues about the shrine's location. The song mentions a "trial of thunder" and a "platform in the sky." This refers to a specific location where you need to complete a challenge to reveal the shrine.

The platform in the sky is a large, circular stone structure located to the northwest of the Ridgeland Tower. You can find it by following the path that leads away from the tower. The platform is surrounded by water and has a pedestal in the center. To reveal the shrine, you need to place a weapon on the pedestal during a thunderstorm. This is where the "trial of thunder" comes into play.

To trigger the thunderstorm, you will need to wait for the right weather conditions. Thunderstorms are more likely to occur in the Ridgeland region during certain times of the day, so you may need to wait or rest at a campfire until the weather changes. Once a thunderstorm begins, you will notice that the pedestal on the platform starts to glow. This is your cue to place a metal weapon on the pedestal. Be careful, as metal weapons will attract lightning during a thunderstorm, and you could be struck if you are not careful.

When you place the weapon on the pedestal, a bolt of lightning will strike it, and the Jee Noh Shrine will rise from the ground. You can now enter the shrine and complete its puzzle to earn a Spirit Orb. The shrine itself is relatively straightforward, but it does require some basic puzzle-solving skills. You will need to use the Magnesis rune to move metal objects and create a path to the shrine's altar.

Here are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a metal weapon to place on the pedestal. If you do not have one, you can find one nearby or purchase one from a merchant. Second, be cautious during the thunderstorm, as lightning can strike you if you are holding a metal weapon or wearing metal armor. Consider wearing rubber armor or using elixirs that provide shock resistance to protect yourself. Third, if you are having trouble finding the platform, use your Sheikah Sensor to detect the shrine's location once the quest is active.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing the wrong type of weapon on the pedestal. Only metal weapons will work, so do not try to use wooden or non-metallic items. Additionally, do not attempt to complete the quest without a thunderstorm, as the shrine will not appear unless the weather conditions are correct. Finally, be mindful of the enemies in the area, as they can interrupt your progress if you are not prepared.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using the Thunder Helm, which provides complete immunity to lightning, making the quest much easier. If you have completed the Gerudo questline and obtained the Thunder Helm, you can use it to safely navigate the thunderstorm without worrying about being struck by lightning. Another optimization is to use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily, giving you more time to focus on the quest.

In terms of required items and preparation, you will need at least one metal weapon, shock-resistant gear or elixirs, and possibly some healing items in case you take damage from enemies or lightning. It is also helpful to have a good supply of arrows and a bow, as some enemies in the area are best dealt with from a distance.

Alternative approaches to completing the quest include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the high ground to scout the area and plan your route to the platform. You can also use stealth to avoid enemies if you prefer not to engage in combat. Additionally, if you have the Revali's Gale ability from the Vah Medoh Divine Beast, you can use it to reach the platform more quickly.

In conclusion, accessing the Jee Noh Shrine in the Ridgeland region requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully complete the "Trial of Thunder" shrine quest and unlock the shrine. Remember to be patient, stay safe during the thunderstorm, and use the right tools and strategies to overcome the challenges in this area. With the right approach, you will be able to claim your Spirit Orb and continue your journey through Hyrule.