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

The "Cursed Statue" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more unique and intriguing shrine quests in the game. It involves interacting with a cursed statue and solving a puzzle to reveal the hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Hateno Village region, specifically near the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin the quest, you need to speak to a character named Jitan Sa'mi, who is found near the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. Jitan Sa'mi will tell you about a cursed statue that has been causing trouble in the area. The statue is located just outside the lab, and it is surrounded by a group of small, glowing statues. These statues are the key to solving the puzzle and revealing the hidden shrine.

The mechanics of this quest revolve around the cursed statue and the smaller statues around it. The cursed statue will speak to you and demand that you return its "friends" to it. These "friends" are the smaller statues scattered around the area. Your task is to find and return these statues to the cursed statue. However, the statues are not easy to find, and some of them are hidden in tricky locations.

To start, you should first examine the area around the cursed statue. There are several small statues nearby, but not all of them are the ones you need to return. The statues you need to find are glowing, and they will emit a faint light at night, making them easier to spot. You will need to search the surrounding area, including the cliffs and the nearby pond, to find all the statues.

One of the statues is located on a small island in the pond near the cursed statue. You can use Cryonis to create ice blocks and reach the island. Another statue is hidden in the grass near the cliffs, and you may need to cut the grass to find it. There is also a statue hidden behind a rock near the cliffs, and you will need to move the rock to access it. The final statue is located on a ledge above the cursed statue, and you can use the nearby cliffs to climb up and retrieve it.

Once you have found all the statues, you need to return them to the cursed statue. Place each statue in front of the cursed statue, and it will absorb them. After all the statues have been returned, the cursed statue will reveal the hidden shrine, known as the Myahm Agana Shrine. This shrine contains a motion control puzzle that you will need to solve to complete the shrine and obtain the Spirit Orb.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, it is helpful to complete this quest at night, as the glowing statues are easier to spot in the dark. Second, make sure to bring a weapon or tool that can cut grass, as one of the statues is hidden in the grass. Third, be prepared to use Cryonis to reach the statue on the island in the pond. Finally, take your time and thoroughly search the area, as the statues can be easy to miss if you are not paying close attention.

Common mistakes to avoid include not thoroughly searching the area and missing one of the statues. It is also important to make sure you are returning the correct statues to the cursed statue, as there are several non-glowing statues in the area that are not part of the quest. Additionally, be careful when using Cryonis to reach the statue on the island, as it can be easy to slip and fall into the water.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the Sheikah Sensor to detect the statues if you have upgraded it at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. This can make finding the statues much easier, especially if you are having trouble locating them. Additionally, you can use the Paraglider to reach the statue on the ledge above the cursed statue, which can save time and effort compared to climbing.

Required items and preparation for this quest include a weapon or tool to cut grass, such as a sword or a sickle, and the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks. It is also helpful to have the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect the statues, though this is not required. There are no specific combat requirements for this quest, so you do not need to prepare for any battles.

Alternative approaches to this quest include using the Magnesis rune to move the rock hiding one of the statues, though this is not necessary if you can simply push the rock out of the way. Additionally, you can use the Stasis rune to freeze the rock and then hit it with a weapon to move it, though this is also not required.

In conclusion, the "Cursed Statue" shrine quest is a unique and engaging puzzle that requires careful exploration and problem-solving. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully complete the quest and reveal the hidden Myahm Agana Shrine. This quest is a great example of the creative and varied challenges that The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has to offer, and it is a rewarding experience for players who take the time to fully explore and engage with the game's world.