How do I start the "The Hero's Cache" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To start "The Hero's Cache" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to travel to the Outskirt Stable, which is located in the western part of Central Hyrule, near the edge of the Gerudo Desert. This stable is situated along the main road leading to the Gerudo region, making it a common stop for players traveling between Hyrule Field and the desert. The quest is given by an NPC named Rensa, who can be found standing near the entrance of the stable. Rensa is a former soldier who has a keen interest in training and combat, and he will offer you this quest as a way to test your skills.

The mechanics of this quest involve solving a puzzle to locate a hidden cache of weapons and items. Rensa will tell you about a secret stash of weapons that he buried somewhere near the stable, and he will give you a riddle to help you find it. The riddle goes like this: "The hero's cache lies where the three trees form a triangle near the stable." This clue is the key to finding the hidden cache, and it requires you to explore the area around the stable to locate the three trees that form a triangle.

To begin the quest, speak to Rensa at the Outskirt Stable. He will explain the riddle and challenge you to find the cache. Once you have the riddle, you need to search the area around the stable for three trees that form a triangle. The trees are located to the northeast of the stable, near a small hill. When you find the three trees, look for a spot in the center of the triangle they form. This is where the cache is buried. Use your Magnesis ability to locate the metal chest buried underground, and then dig it up to reveal the cache.

The cache contains a variety of weapons and items, including a Soldier's Broadsword, a Soldier's Shield, and some arrows. These items are useful for early-game players who are still building up their arsenal, but they may not be as valuable to more advanced players who have already acquired stronger weapons. However, the real reward of this quest is the satisfaction of solving the puzzle and the experience you gain from exploring the world and interacting with its characters.

One important tip for completing this quest is to use your Sheikah Sensor if you have it upgraded to detect treasure chests. This can make it easier to locate the buried cache once you are in the right area. Additionally, if you are having trouble finding the three trees, try climbing to a higher vantage point, such as the hill near the stable, to get a better view of the surrounding area. This can help you spot the trees more easily.

A common mistake players make is overcomplicating the riddle. The clue is straightforward, and the three trees are relatively close to the stable, so there is no need to search far and wide. Another mistake is forgetting to use Magnesis to locate the buried chest. Without this ability, it can be difficult to find the cache, as it is hidden underground and not visible to the naked eye.

For advanced players, this quest can be completed quickly and efficiently by using fast travel to the Outskirt Stable and then heading directly to the three trees. If you already have a good understanding of the game's map and the locations of various landmarks, you can save time by going straight to the cache without needing to explore extensively.

In terms of preparation, you do not need any special items or equipment to complete this quest. However, having the Magnesis ability is essential, as it is required to locate and retrieve the buried chest. If you have not yet acquired this ability, you will need to complete the "The Magnesis Trial" shrine quest in the Great Plateau to unlock it.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use a guide or map to locate the three trees and the cache directly. While this may take away some of the challenge and satisfaction of solving the riddle on your own, it can be a useful option for players who are stuck or in a hurry. There are many online resources and community guides available that provide detailed maps and step-by-step instructions for finding the cache.

In conclusion, "The Hero's Cache" is a simple but enjoyable side quest that rewards players with useful items and encourages exploration. By following the riddle and using your Magnesis ability, you can easily locate the hidden cache and complete the quest. Whether you are a new player looking to build up your inventory or an experienced adventurer seeking to complete every quest, this is a worthwhile challenge that adds to the richness of the game's world.