Where can I find the Korok seeds needed for the "Hestu's Gift" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To complete the "Hestu's Gift" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to collect all 900 Korok seeds scattered throughout the game world. These seeds are hidden in various locations and require you to solve small environmental puzzles or complete specific tasks to uncover them. The quest is tied to Hestu, a large Korok who can expand your inventory in exchange for Korok seeds. Once you have collected all 900 seeds and given them to Hestu, he will reward you with "Hestu's Gift," a unique item that serves as a trophy for your efforts.

The mechanics of finding Korok seeds involve exploring the vast open world of Hyrule and interacting with the environment in creative ways. Korok seeds are often hidden under rocks, inside tree stumps, or behind puzzles that require you to manipulate objects or complete challenges. Some common puzzles include lifting rocks to reveal a Korok, shooting targets with arrows, matching patterns, or racing against a timer to reach a specific location. Each Korok seed is tied to a specific location, and while some are easy to find, others are well-hidden and require careful observation.

To begin your search for Korok seeds, you should first ensure you have the necessary tools and abilities. A good bow and arrows are essential for solving target-based puzzles, while the Magnesis and Stasis runes are useful for manipulating objects. Additionally, having a reliable horse or the ability to climb and glide will help you traverse the terrain more efficiently. It is also helpful to have a map or guide that marks the locations of Korok seeds, as finding all 900 without assistance can be extremely time-consuming.

One effective strategy for collecting Korok seeds is to divide the map into sections and explore each area thoroughly. Start with regions that are easier to navigate, such as the Great Plateau or the areas around Kakariko Village and Hateno Village. As you explore, keep an eye out for unusual patterns or objects that stand out, such as a circle of rocks, a lone tree stump, or a group of flowers. These are often indicators of Korok puzzles. For example, if you see a circle of rocks with one missing, you can complete the pattern by placing a rock in the empty spot to reveal a Korok.

Another common puzzle involves shooting targets with arrows. These targets are usually balloons or acorns hanging from trees or cliffs. You need to hit the target within a limited number of shots to reveal the Korok. Similarly, some Koroks are hidden behind metal blocks that can be moved using the Magnesis rune to complete a pattern or structure. In other cases, you may need to race against a timer to reach a glowing circle before it disappears, or follow a trail of flowers that appear one at a time.

One important tip is to use the in-game map to mark locations where you have found Korok seeds. This will help you keep track of your progress and avoid revisiting the same areas. Additionally, using the Hero's Path mode in the DLC can show you where you have already explored, making it easier to identify areas you may have missed. It is also helpful to use the Korok Mask, which is part of the DLC and will shake when you are near a hidden Korok seed.

Common mistakes to avoid include overlooking subtle environmental clues or rushing through areas without thoroughly exploring. Some Korok seeds are hidden in plain sight but require careful observation to notice. For example, a small rock on top of a tall pillar or a suspicious arrangement of objects may indicate a Korok puzzle. Additionally, some puzzles require specific timing or precision, such as rolling a boulder into a hole or completing a race within the time limit. Taking your time and practicing these tasks will increase your chances of success.

Advanced techniques for finding Korok seeds include using the paraglider to reach high or remote locations, as many Koroks are hidden in hard-to-reach places. You can also use the Stasis rune to freeze objects and create makeshift platforms or bridges to access certain areas. Additionally, using the Master Cycle Zero from the DLC can help you cover large distances quickly, making it easier to explore the entire map.

In terms of preparation, it is important to stock up on arrows, as many Korok puzzles require shooting targets. You should also carry a variety of weapons and tools to handle different types of puzzles. For example, having a hammer or heavy weapon can help you break rocks or move heavy objects, while a long-range bow is useful for hitting distant targets.

Alternative approaches to finding Korok seeds include using online maps or guides that provide detailed locations of all 900 seeds. While this method takes away some of the exploration and discovery, it can save a significant amount of time and effort. Another approach is to focus on completing other side quests and main story missions while keeping an eye out for Korok seeds along the way. This allows you to make progress on multiple objectives simultaneously.

Specific examples of Korok puzzles include the rock pattern puzzles found in the Gerudo Highlands, where you need to complete a circle of rocks by placing the missing piece. Another example is the acorn shooting puzzles in the Faron region, where you need to hit a series of acorns hanging from trees. In the Hebra Mountains, you may encounter ice block puzzles that require you to melt or move ice to reveal a Korok. Each region of Hyrule has its own unique set of Korok puzzles, so exploring every area thoroughly is key to finding all 900 seeds.

In conclusion, collecting all 900 Korok seeds for "Hestu's Gift" is a challenging but rewarding task that requires patience, observation, and creativity. By using a combination of exploration, puzzle-solving, and strategic planning, you can uncover all the hidden Koroks and complete this side quest. Remember to use tools like the Korok Mask and online guides to aid your search, and take your time to thoroughly explore each region of Hyrule. With dedication and persistence, you will eventually collect all the seeds and receive Hestu's Gift as a testament to your efforts.