How do I access the shrine hidden behind the waterfall in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To access the shrine hidden behind the waterfall in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to visit the Ne'ez Yohma Shrine, which is located in the Zora's Domain region. This shrine is concealed behind a waterfall, and accessing it requires some exploration and problem-solving. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you find and enter the shrine.

First, you need to make your way to Zora's Domain. This area is located in the Lanayru region, northeast of Hyrule Castle. The journey to Zora's Domain can be challenging, especially if you are early in the game, as the path is filled with enemies and environmental hazards like rain, which makes climbing difficult. To reach Zora's Domain, follow the main road from Kakariko Village or the Lanayru Tower. Along the way, you will encounter Zora NPCs who will guide you toward the domain. Once you arrive, you will notice the large waterfall cascading down the central structure of Zora's Domain.

The Ne'ez Yohma Shrine is hidden behind this waterfall. To access it, you need to find a way to get behind the waterfall. One of the most straightforward methods is to use the Cryonis rune, which is obtained from the Oman Au Shrine in the Great Plateau. The Cryonis rune allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water, which can be used as platforms or barriers. To reach the shrine, stand near the base of the waterfall and look for a spot where the water is shallow enough to use Cryonis. Create an ice pillar in the water, then climb onto it. From there, you can jump or glide toward the waterfall to reveal the shrine entrance.

Another method to access the shrine is by using the Zora Armor set, which allows you to swim up waterfalls. The Zora Armor is obtained during the main quest "Divine Beast Vah Ruta," where you help Prince Sidon and the Zora people. Once you have the Zora Armor, you can swim up the waterfall directly to reach the shrine. This method is more efficient and does not require the use of Cryonis, but it does require completing part of the main questline.

When you enter the Ne'ez Yohma Shrine, you will encounter a puzzle that involves manipulating water flow. The shrineÔÇÖs puzzle requires you to use Cryonis to block or redirect water streams to activate switches and open doors. Pay close attention to the water flow and the placement of the switches. You may need to create multiple ice pillars to block water in specific directions or to create pathways to reach higher platforms. The puzzle is relatively straightforward but requires careful observation and timing.

Here are some important tips and considerations. First, make sure you have enough stamina to climb or glide to the shrine entrance. If your stamina is low, consider cooking meals that restore or increase stamina, such as dishes made with Endura Carrots or Stamella Shrooms. Second, if you are using Cryonis, be mindful of the placement of your ice pillars. Misplacing them can waste time and resources. Third, if you are using the Zora Armor, ensure that you have enough stamina to swim up the waterfall, as running out of stamina mid-swim can cause you to fall.

Common mistakes to avoid include attempting to climb the waterfall without the Zora Armor or Cryonis, as this is nearly impossible due to the constant flow of water. Additionally, avoid rushing through the shrine puzzle without carefully observing the water flow, as this can lead to confusion and wasted effort.

Advanced techniques include using the Zora Armor in combination with Cryonis to optimize your path to the shrine. For example, you can create an ice pillar to reach a higher starting point before swimming up the waterfall, reducing the amount of stamina needed. Additionally, you can use the Magnesis rune to manipulate metal objects in the shrine, which may help in solving the puzzle more efficiently.

Required items and preparation include having the Cryonis rune or the Zora Armor, as well as sufficient stamina or stamina-restoring items. If you are early in the game and do not have the Zora Armor, focus on obtaining the Cryonis rune first. You may also want to bring weapons and shields to defend against any enemies you encounter on the way to Zora's Domain.

Alternative approaches include using Revali's Gale, a ability obtained from defeating Divine Beast Vah Medoh, to create an updraft and glide directly to the shrine entrance. However, this method requires completing the Rito questline and may not be available early in the game.

In summary, accessing the Ne'ez Yohma Shrine behind the waterfall in Zora's Domain requires either the Cryonis rune or the Zora Armor. Carefully observe the water flow in the shrine to solve the puzzle, and prepare with sufficient stamina and resources. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully find and complete the shrine, earning a valuable Spirit Orb for your efforts.