Where is the shrine hidden in the Hyrule Castle Town area in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The shrine hidden in the Hyrule Castle Town area is called the Saas Ko'sah Shrine, and it is located beneath the ruins of the old town. This shrine is part of the "Shrouded Shrine" quest, which requires you to solve a puzzle to reveal its location. The shrine is not immediately visible, as it is buried underground and can only be accessed by completing a specific task. Here is a detailed guide on how to find and access the Saas Ko'sah Shrine.

To begin, you need to head to the Hyrule Castle Town Ruins, which are located just south of Hyrule Castle. The area is heavily guarded by powerful enemies, including Guardians, so it is advisable to prepare adequately before venturing into this region. Make sure you have strong weapons, shields, and armor, as well as plenty of healing items. Stealth is also crucial, as avoiding unnecessary combat can save you valuable resources.

Once you arrive at the ruins, look for a large stone structure with a pedestal in the center. This pedestal is part of the puzzle that will reveal the shrine. The pedestal has a slot for a Sheikah Orb, which you need to insert to activate the shrine. However, the orb is not immediately available. Instead, you must find it by solving a nearby puzzle.

The Sheikah Orb is located in a small pond to the east of the pedestal. To retrieve it, you will need to use the Cryonis rune, which allows you to create ice blocks in bodies of water. Approach the pond and use Cryonis to create an ice block beneath the orb. This will lift the orb out of the water, allowing you to pick it up. Be cautious, as there are enemies in the area that may attack you while you are focused on the puzzle.

With the Sheikah Orb in hand, return to the pedestal and place the orb in the slot. This will trigger a cutscene, revealing the Saas Ko'sah Shrine beneath the ground. The shrine will rise from the earth, and you can now enter it to complete the challenge inside.

Inside the shrine, you will face a combat trial known as "A Major Test of Strength." This means you will need to fight a powerful Guardian Scout IV, which is equipped with advanced weapons and abilities. To prepare for this fight, make sure you have a strong melee weapon, a sturdy shield, and plenty of healing items. The Guardian Scout will use a variety of attacks, including spinning blade strikes, laser beams, and energy blasts. Timing your dodges and parries is crucial to avoid taking damage.

One effective strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. The shrine's arena has pillars that you can use as cover to avoid the Guardian Scout's attacks. Additionally, you can use elemental weapons or arrows to exploit the Guardian Scout's weaknesses. For example, shock arrows can stun the enemy, giving you an opportunity to land several hits.

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

In summary, finding and accessing the Saas Ko'sah Shrine in the Hyrule Castle Town area involves solving a puzzle to retrieve a Sheikah Orb and then using it to reveal the shrine. Once inside, you must defeat a powerful Guardian Scout in a combat trial. Preparation is key, as the area is dangerous and the shrine's challenge is formidable. By following these steps and using the strategies outlined, you can successfully complete the Shrouded Shrine quest and earn valuable rewards.