How do I solve the shrine puzzle involving the motion-controlled hammer in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The motion-controlled hammer shrine puzzle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more unique challenges players encounter. This puzzle is found in the Myahm Agana Shrine, located in Hateno Village. The shrine is accessible early in the game, but the puzzle requires precise use of the Nintendo Switch's motion controls to manipulate a hammer and launch a ball into a target. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to solving this puzzle.

The mechanics of this puzzle revolve around the motion controls of the Nintendo Switch. When you enter the shrine, youÔÇÖll see a large maze with a ball at the start and a hammer at the end. The goal is to tilt the maze using the motion controls to guide the ball through the maze and into a hole that launches it toward a target. The hammer is used to strike the ball once it reaches the end of the maze, sending it flying toward the target. The motion controls are sensitive, so small movements are key to success.

To solve the puzzle, start by approaching the maze. Hold your Nintendo Switch or controller steadily and tilt it gently to guide the ball through the maze. The maze has several obstacles, including gaps and narrow pathways, so take your time. If the ball falls off the maze, it will respawn at the start, so patience is crucial. Once the ball reaches the end of the maze, it will land near the hammer. Tilt the maze slightly to position the ball directly in front of the hammer. Then, use the motion controls to swing the hammer and strike the ball, launching it toward the target. If done correctly, the ball will hit the target, and the shrine will be completed.

One important tip is to avoid making large, sudden movements with the motion controls. Small, deliberate tilts are much more effective for guiding the ball through the maze. If youÔÇÖre playing in handheld mode, you may find it easier to detach the Joy-Con controllers and use them separately for better control. Additionally, if youÔÇÖre struggling with the motion controls, you can try flipping the maze upside down. This makes the maze flat, allowing you to roll the ball directly to the hammer without navigating the obstacles.

A common mistake players make is overcompensating with the motion controls, causing the ball to fall off the maze repeatedly. To avoid this, practice gentle movements and take breaks if you feel frustrated. Another mistake is not positioning the ball correctly before swinging the hammer. Make sure the ball is directly in front of the hammer to ensure a clean hit.

For advanced players, thereÔÇÖs an alternative approach to solving the puzzle without using the maze at all. If you have the Stasis rune, you can place the ball on the ground, freeze it with Stasis, and then hit it repeatedly with a weapon to launch it toward the target. This method bypasses the maze entirely and can be quicker if youÔÇÖre comfortable with the timing of Stasis. However, it requires precise aim and timing to hit the target.

No special items are required for this puzzle, but having a steady hand and patience is essential. If youÔÇÖre struggling, consider practicing with the motion controls in other parts of the game to get a better feel for them. Once you complete the puzzle, youÔÇÖll receive a Spirit Orb, which can be used to upgrade your health or stamina.

In summary, the motion-controlled hammer shrine puzzle in Myahm Agana Shrine requires careful use of the Nintendo SwitchÔÇÖs motion controls to guide a ball through a maze and launch it toward a target. By practicing gentle movements, positioning the ball correctly, and considering alternative methods like using Stasis, you can successfully solve this puzzle and earn your reward.