How do I access the shrine hidden in the Gerudo Desert Secret Shrine in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To access the shrine hidden in the Gerudo Desert Secret Shrine, known as the "Dako Tah Shrine," you need to complete a specific quest called "The Secret of the Desert." This shrine is not visible on the map until you solve the puzzle associated with it. The shrine is located in the Gerudo Desert, near the southwestern edge of the map, close to the Gerudo Tower. Here is a detailed guide on how to access it.

First, you need to reach Gerudo Town and speak with Rotana, a Gerudo scholar who can be found in the town's library. She will give you the quest "The Secret of the Desert." Rotana will mention that there is a shrine hidden in the desert, but it can only be revealed by solving a riddle. The riddle states, "The sun shines upon the statue's sword, and the path to the shrine will be revealed." This means you need to align the sun with the sword of a specific statue to uncover the shrine.

To solve this puzzle, you need to travel to the Gerudo Desert and locate the statue mentioned in the riddle. The statue is located in the southwestern part of the desert, near the edge of the map. It is a large stone statue of a Gerudo warrior holding a sword. The key to solving the puzzle is to wait until the sun is in the correct position so that its light aligns with the sword of the statue. This will cast a shadow that points to the location of the shrine.

The best time to do this is during the late afternoon, around 5 PM in-game time. You can use the sun's position to determine the correct time. Stand near the statue and observe the shadow of the sword. When the shadow points directly to the ground in front of the statue, the shrine will appear. If you are having trouble aligning the shadow, you can use the Sheikah Sensor+ to detect the shrine once it is revealed.

Once the shrine appears, you can enter it and complete the puzzle inside. The Dako Tah Shrine is a minor test of strength, so be prepared for combat. You will face a Guardian Scout IV, which is a strong enemy that uses powerful attacks. Make sure you have good weapons, shields, and armor before entering the shrine. It is also a good idea to bring healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to restore your health during the fight.

During the battle, the Guardian Scout will use a variety of attacks, including melee strikes, laser beams, and spinning attacks. You can use perfect dodges to trigger Flurry Rush and deal extra damage. Alternatively, you can use your shield to parry the laser beams, which will stun the Guardian Scout and allow you to attack it. Be careful with your weapon durability, as the Guardian Scout has a lot of health and can wear down your weapons quickly.

After defeating the Guardian Scout, you will receive a chest containing a strong weapon, such as a Guardian Sword++ or a Guardian Spear++. You will also receive a Spirit Orb, which can be used to increase your health or stamina at a Goddess Statue.

In summary, to access the Dako Tah Shrine, you need to complete the quest "The Secret of the Desert" by aligning the sun with the sword of the Gerudo statue in the desert. Wait until late afternoon, around 5 PM, and observe the shadow of the sword to reveal the shrine. Be prepared for a tough fight with a Guardian Scout IV, and make sure you have good weapons, shields, and healing items. With the right preparation and timing, you can successfully access the shrine and claim your reward.