How do I solve the shrine that involves using a metal ball to complete a maze in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The shrine involving a metal ball and a maze is one of the more challenging puzzles in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This shrine, often referred to as "Myahm Agana Shrine" or "Myahm Agana Apparatus," is located in Hateno Village. The puzzle requires you to manipulate a maze to guide a metal ball to the end, where it will drop into a hole and unlock the shrine's treasure chest and final gate. Here's a detailed guide to help you solve it.

First, let's talk about the mechanics involved. The shrine features a large apparatus that you can tilt using the motion controls of the Nintendo Switch. The maze is built into this apparatus, and your goal is to tilt it in such a way that the metal ball rolls through the maze without falling off. The ball starts at one end of the maze, and you need to guide it to the other end, where it will drop into a hole. This hole triggers a mechanism that opens the gate to the shrine's treasure chest and the final exit.

To begin, approach the apparatus and interact with it. This will activate the motion controls, allowing you to tilt the maze by moving your Nintendo Switch or controller. The key here is to make small, precise movements. Large, sudden tilts can cause the ball to fall off the maze, forcing you to start over. Start by tilting the maze slightly to get the ball moving. As the ball rolls, continue to make small adjustments to keep it on track.

One common mistake is trying to tilt the maze too quickly or too far. This often results in the ball falling off, which can be frustrating. To avoid this, focus on making slow, deliberate movements. If the ball starts to roll too fast, tilt the maze in the opposite direction to slow it down. This requires patience and a steady hand.

Another important tip is to use the walls of the maze to your advantage. If the ball is heading towards an edge, tilt the maze so that the ball rolls into a wall, redirecting it back towards the center. This can help you maintain control and prevent the ball from falling off.

If you find the motion controls difficult to manage, there is an alternative approach. Instead of trying to guide the ball through the entire maze, you can flip the entire apparatus upside down. To do this, tilt the maze so that the ball rolls off the starting platform and onto the flat underside of the maze. Then, carefully tilt the maze to guide the ball to the hole. This method bypasses the maze entirely and can be much easier to execute.

Once the ball drops into the hole, the gate to the treasure chest will open. Inside the chest, you'll find a Knight's Claymore, a powerful two-handed weapon. After collecting the treasure, proceed to the final gate, which will now be open. Interact with the altar to receive your Spirit Orb and complete the shrine.

In summary, solving the Myahm Agana Shrine requires patience and precision. Use small, deliberate movements to guide the metal ball through the maze, and don't be afraid to use the walls to redirect the ball if necessary. If the motion controls prove too challenging, consider flipping the maze upside down to bypass the maze entirely. With these strategies, you should be able to complete the shrine and claim your reward.