How do I complete the shrine quest "The Two Rings" in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The shrine quest "The Two Rings" in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and somewhat challenging puzzle that requires careful observation and precise timing. This quest is located in the Gerudo Desert region, specifically near the East Gerudo Ruins. To begin the quest, you must first speak to Rotana, a Gerudo scholar who can be found in Gerudo Town. She will give you the quest and explain that you need to align two stone rings in the desert to reveal the hidden shrine. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest.

First, you need to travel to the East Gerudo Ruins, which are located southeast of Gerudo Town. The ruins are marked by a large circular structure with two stone rings. One ring is on the ground, and the other is elevated on a stone pillar. The goal is to align these two rings so that they form a perfect circle when viewed from a specific vantage point. This alignment will cause the hidden shrine, named Sho Dantu Shrine, to emerge from the sand.

To align the rings, you need to stand at a specific spot near the ruins. This spot is marked by a small stone pedestal with a glowing orb. When you stand on this pedestal, you will notice that the two rings are not aligned. Your task is to adjust the position of the elevated ring so that it lines up perfectly with the ring on the ground. This is done by using a combination of careful movement and precise timing.

One effective strategy is to use the sun's position to help you align the rings. The sun casts a shadow of the elevated ring onto the ground, and you can use this shadow to gauge the alignment. Stand on the pedestal and observe the shadow. Move around the pedestal until the shadow of the elevated ring overlaps perfectly with the ring on the ground. This may take some time and patience, as the alignment needs to be exact.

Once the rings are aligned, the hidden shrine will rise from the sand, and you can enter it to complete the quest. Inside the shrine, you will find a series of puzzles that test your problem-solving skills. These puzzles involve moving platforms, switches, and other mechanisms that you need to manipulate to progress. Pay close attention to the environment and look for clues that can help you solve the puzzles.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough stamina, as you may need to climb or run to adjust your position. Second, be patient and take your time to align the rings correctly. Rushing through this step can lead to frustration and mistakes. Third, consider using the Sheikah Sensor to help you locate the shrine once it emerges. This can save you time and effort in finding the exact location.

Common mistakes to avoid include not standing on the pedestal when trying to align the rings, as this is the only spot from which the alignment can be achieved. Another mistake is not paying attention to the sun's position, which is crucial for aligning the rings accurately. Additionally, some players may overlook the importance of the shadow cast by the elevated ring, which is a key visual cue for alignment.

Advanced techniques or optimizations include using the Paraglider to quickly move around the ruins and adjust your position. This can save time and make the alignment process more efficient. Another optimization is to use the Stasis rune to freeze the elevated ring in place once you have it in the correct position. This can help you fine-tune the alignment without the ring moving out of place.

Required items and preparation include having a good supply of stamina-restoring food or elixirs, as you may need to climb or run to adjust your position. It is also helpful to have the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect shrines, as this can make it easier to locate the hidden shrine once it emerges. Additionally, having the Paraglider and Stasis rune can be beneficial for optimizing the alignment process.

Alternative approaches to completing this quest include using the Magnesis rune to manipulate the elevated ring if it is made of metal. However, in this case, the ring is made of stone, so Magnesis will not work. Another alternative is to use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks that can help you reach higher vantage points for better alignment. However, this is not necessary for this particular quest.

In conclusion, completing the shrine quest "The Two Rings" requires careful observation, precise timing, and a bit of patience. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully align the rings and reveal the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. This quest is a great example of the creative and challenging puzzles that make The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild such a rewarding and immersive experience.