How do I complete the "Flown the Coop" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Flown the Coop" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a relatively simple but charming quest that involves helping a young boy named Cottla reunite with her sister Koko. This quest is located in Kakariko Village, a central hub in the game where many important characters and quests are found. To complete this quest, you will need to interact with Cottla and follow her instructions to find her sister. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete the quest, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, you need to locate Cottla in Kakariko Village. She is usually found playing near the cooking pot in the center of the village, close to the general store. When you approach her, she will ask you to play hide-and-seek with her. This is the core mechanic of the quest. Cottla will hide somewhere in the village, and your task is to find her. The quest is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make it easier.

To start the quest, talk to Cottla and agree to play hide-and-seek. She will give you a hint about where she is hiding, which is usually something like, "I'm hiding somewhere near the water." This clue is important because it narrows down the search area. Kakariko Village is not very large, but it has several nooks and crannies where Cottla could be hiding. The key is to listen carefully to her hint and focus your search on areas that match the description.

Once you have the hint, begin searching the village. Cottla is usually hiding in one of a few common spots. One of the most frequent hiding places is near the small pond or stream that runs through the village. Check behind trees, near rocks, or around the edges of the water. Another common spot is near the entrance to the village, close to the bridge. She might also hide behind buildings or near the shrine located in the village. If you are having trouble finding her, try climbing to a higher vantage point, such as a rooftop or a hill, to get a better view of the area.

When you find Cottla, approach her and interact with her to complete the quest. She will be happy that you found her and will reward you with a Wildberry. While the reward is not particularly valuable, completing this quest is a good way to build rapport with the villagers and unlock additional dialogue and interactions.

There are a few tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough stamina to explore the village thoroughly. If you need to climb or run to search for Cottla, having a full stamina wheel will help. Second, pay attention to the time of day. Cottla is only available to play hide-and-seek during certain hours, usually in the afternoon or early evening. If you arrive at the village at night, you may need to wait until the next day to start the quest.

Common mistakes to avoid include ignoring Cottla's hint and searching randomly. This can waste time and make the quest more frustrating than it needs to be. Always listen to her clue and focus your search on the areas she mentions. Another mistake is not checking all possible hiding spots. Cottla can be quite clever in her hiding places, so be thorough in your search.

Advanced techniques or optimizations for this quest are minimal, as it is designed to be simple and accessible. However, if you want to speed up the process, you can use the Sheikah Sensor to detect Cottla's location. This requires you to have registered her in the Hyrule Compendium, which is not necessary for completing the quest but can be a helpful tool if you have it.

In terms of required items and preparation, you do not need any special equipment or items to complete this quest. However, having a full stamina wheel and a good understanding of Kakariko Village's layout will make the process smoother. If you are new to the village, take some time to explore and familiarize yourself with the area before starting the quest.

Alternative approaches to this quest are limited, as it is a straightforward hide-and-seek game. However, if you are having trouble finding Cottla, you can ask other villagers for hints. Some villagers may provide additional clues about her location, which can help narrow down your search.

In conclusion, the "Flown the Coop" side quest is a simple but enjoyable task that adds to the charm of Kakariko Village. By listening to Cottla's hint, thoroughly searching the village, and paying attention to the time of day, you can easily complete the quest and earn a small reward. While it may not be the most challenging or rewarding quest in the game, it is a great way to engage with the world and its characters.