How do I complete the shrine quest "The Water Guides" in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The shrine quest "The Water Guides" in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more unique and visually striking shrine quests in the game. It is located in the Zora's Domain region, specifically near the East Reservoir Lake. This quest involves interacting with the environment and using the game's physics-based mechanics to solve a puzzle. Below is a detailed guide to completing this quest, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.
To begin the quest, you must first speak to Ledo, a Zora NPC who can be found near the East Reservoir Lake. He is standing near a large stone structure with a water channel running through it. Ledo will explain that the shrine is hidden and can only be revealed by guiding water through the channel. This is where the mechanics of the quest come into play. The shrine is hidden beneath the water, and you must manipulate the flow of water to uncover it.
The first step is to examine the stone structure. You will notice a large stone slab blocking the water flow. This slab is the key to solving the puzzle. To move the slab, you need to use Cryonis, one of the runes granted by the Sheikah Slate. Cryonis allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water, which can be used to lift or move objects. In this case, you will use Cryonis to lift the stone slab and allow water to flow through the channel.
To do this, position yourself near the stone slab and look for a spot in the water where you can create an ice pillar. Activate Cryonis and place the pillar directly under the slab. The pillar will lift the slab, allowing water to flow through the channel. Once the water flows, the hidden shrine, called Sho Dantu Shrine, will rise from the water. This is the core mechanic of the quest, and it requires precise placement of the ice pillar to ensure the slab is lifted correctly.
One important tip is to ensure that the ice pillar is placed directly under the center of the slab. If the pillar is off-center, the slab may not lift properly, and the water will not flow. Additionally, make sure you are standing in a position where you have a clear view of the slab and the water channel. This will help you place the pillar accurately.
A common mistake players make is not using Cryonis effectively. Some players may try to use other methods, such as bombs or weapons, to move the slab, but these will not work. Cryonis is the only tool that can lift the slab in this scenario. Another mistake is not paying attention to the water flow. If the water does not flow correctly, the shrine will not appear, so it is crucial to ensure the slab is lifted properly.
For advanced players, there is an optimization technique that involves using Cryonis to create multiple ice pillars. While this is not necessary for solving the puzzle, it can be useful for experimenting with different placements and ensuring the slab is lifted correctly. Additionally, if you have the Zora Armor set, which allows you to swim upstream more easily, you can use it to navigate the water channels more efficiently.
Preparation for this quest is minimal, as it does not require any specific items or weapons. However, having the Zora Armor set can make it easier to navigate the water channels, especially if you need to reposition yourself during the puzzle. Additionally, having a few extra stamina-restoring items, such as Endura Carrots or Stamella Shrooms, can be helpful if you need to swim or climb during the quest.
An alternative approach to this quest involves using the environment to your advantage. For example, if you have the Magnesis rune, you can use it to move metal objects in the area, though this is not directly related to the puzzle. However, experimenting with different runes and environmental interactions can sometimes lead to creative solutions.
In summary, completing "The Water Guides" shrine quest involves using Cryonis to lift a stone slab and allow water to flow through a channel, revealing the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. The key to success is precise placement of the ice pillar and ensuring the water flows correctly. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can easily complete this quest and gain access to the shrine. This quest is a great example of how Breath of the Wild encourages players to think creatively and use the game's mechanics in unique ways.
To begin the quest, you must first speak to Ledo, a Zora NPC who can be found near the East Reservoir Lake. He is standing near a large stone structure with a water channel running through it. Ledo will explain that the shrine is hidden and can only be revealed by guiding water through the channel. This is where the mechanics of the quest come into play. The shrine is hidden beneath the water, and you must manipulate the flow of water to uncover it.
The first step is to examine the stone structure. You will notice a large stone slab blocking the water flow. This slab is the key to solving the puzzle. To move the slab, you need to use Cryonis, one of the runes granted by the Sheikah Slate. Cryonis allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water, which can be used to lift or move objects. In this case, you will use Cryonis to lift the stone slab and allow water to flow through the channel.
To do this, position yourself near the stone slab and look for a spot in the water where you can create an ice pillar. Activate Cryonis and place the pillar directly under the slab. The pillar will lift the slab, allowing water to flow through the channel. Once the water flows, the hidden shrine, called Sho Dantu Shrine, will rise from the water. This is the core mechanic of the quest, and it requires precise placement of the ice pillar to ensure the slab is lifted correctly.
One important tip is to ensure that the ice pillar is placed directly under the center of the slab. If the pillar is off-center, the slab may not lift properly, and the water will not flow. Additionally, make sure you are standing in a position where you have a clear view of the slab and the water channel. This will help you place the pillar accurately.
A common mistake players make is not using Cryonis effectively. Some players may try to use other methods, such as bombs or weapons, to move the slab, but these will not work. Cryonis is the only tool that can lift the slab in this scenario. Another mistake is not paying attention to the water flow. If the water does not flow correctly, the shrine will not appear, so it is crucial to ensure the slab is lifted properly.
For advanced players, there is an optimization technique that involves using Cryonis to create multiple ice pillars. While this is not necessary for solving the puzzle, it can be useful for experimenting with different placements and ensuring the slab is lifted correctly. Additionally, if you have the Zora Armor set, which allows you to swim upstream more easily, you can use it to navigate the water channels more efficiently.
Preparation for this quest is minimal, as it does not require any specific items or weapons. However, having the Zora Armor set can make it easier to navigate the water channels, especially if you need to reposition yourself during the puzzle. Additionally, having a few extra stamina-restoring items, such as Endura Carrots or Stamella Shrooms, can be helpful if you need to swim or climb during the quest.
An alternative approach to this quest involves using the environment to your advantage. For example, if you have the Magnesis rune, you can use it to move metal objects in the area, though this is not directly related to the puzzle. However, experimenting with different runes and environmental interactions can sometimes lead to creative solutions.
In summary, completing "The Water Guides" shrine quest involves using Cryonis to lift a stone slab and allow water to flow through a channel, revealing the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. The key to success is precise placement of the ice pillar and ensuring the water flows correctly. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can easily complete this quest and gain access to the shrine. This quest is a great example of how Breath of the Wild encourages players to think creatively and use the game's mechanics in unique ways.