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

The shrine quest "The Test of Wood" is one of the more unique challenges in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It requires you to navigate a series of obstacles using only wooden weapons and equipment, as metal items are prohibited. This quest is located in the Korok Forest, near the Great Deku Tree. To begin the quest, speak to Chio, a Korok standing near the entrance to the forest. He will explain the rules and guide you to the starting point of the challenge.

The mechanics of this quest revolve around the restriction of using any metal items. This includes weapons, shields, and bows. If you attempt to use a metal item, it will be struck by lightning, causing damage to you and potentially destroying the item. Therefore, you must rely solely on wooden equipment. This limitation affects your combat capabilities, as wooden weapons generally have lower durability and damage output compared to metal ones. Additionally, wooden shields are less durable and cannot deflect Guardian beams, which is not a concern in this quest but is worth noting for general gameplay.

To prepare for "The Test of Wood," you should gather a selection of wooden weapons, shields, and bows. These can be found throughout Hyrule, but some reliable locations include the forests near Kakariko Village and the area around the Great Plateau. Wooden weapons like the Korok Leaf, Wooden Mop, and Spiked Boko Club are good options. For shields, the Wooden Shield and Pot Lid are suitable choices. As for bows, the Wooden Bow is your best bet. It is also advisable to cook some meals or elixirs that restore health or provide temporary buffs, as you may take damage during the challenge.

The quest begins at the entrance to the Korok Forest. Chio will direct you to follow a path marked by torches. Along this path, you will encounter several enemies, including Bokoblins and Moblins, all of whom are armed with wooden weapons. The key strategy here is to use your wooden weapons effectively. Since wooden weapons break more easily, it is important to manage your resources. Try to avoid unnecessary combat and focus on defeating enemies quickly to conserve your weapons. Stealth can be a valuable tool here; you can sneak up on enemies and perform sneak strikes to take them out without using much of your weapon's durability.

As you progress along the path, you will come across a series of obstacles, such as wooden barriers and platforms. These can be destroyed using your wooden weapons or by setting them on fire with a Fire Arrow or a nearby torch. Be cautious when using fire, as it can spread and cause unintended damage. If you run out of wooden weapons, you can sometimes find additional ones dropped by defeated enemies or lying around the environment.

One common mistake players make is accidentally equipping a metal weapon or shield. This can happen if you forget to switch back to wooden equipment after using metal items elsewhere. To avoid this, double-check your inventory before starting the quest and ensure that only wooden items are equipped. Another mistake is underestimating the durability of wooden weapons. They can break quickly, so it is important to have a backup supply.

Advanced techniques for this quest include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can lure enemies into traps or use explosive barrels to deal damage without using your weapons. Additionally, you can use the Korok Leaf to blow enemies off cliffs or into water, eliminating them without a fight. This can save your weapons for tougher encounters later in the quest.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use stealth and avoid combat altogether. By carefully sneaking past enemies and using the environment to your advantage, you can complete the challenge without engaging in any fights. This method requires patience and careful movement but can be very effective if you are low on wooden weapons or prefer a non-combat approach.

In conclusion, "The Test of Wood" is a challenging shrine quest that tests your ability to adapt to restrictions and manage your resources effectively. By gathering the right equipment, using strategic combat techniques, and being mindful of your surroundings, you can successfully complete the quest and earn the Spirit Orb reward. Remember to avoid using metal items, conserve your wooden weapons, and use the environment to your advantage. With these tips and strategies, you will be well-prepared to tackle this unique challenge in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.