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

The Hero's Cache is a side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild that involves finding a hidden treasure chest left behind by a legendary hero. This quest is part of the game's rich tapestry of optional activities that encourage exploration and reward players with valuable items. To begin this quest, you must first locate the NPC who gives it, and then follow a series of clues to uncover the treasure. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete The Hero's Cache side quest.

To start The Hero's Cache, you need to travel to the Outskirt Stable, which is located in the western part of Hyrule Field, near the edge of the Gerudo Desert. At the stable, you will find an NPC named Rensa, who is standing near the cooking pot. Rensa will tell you about a treasure chest hidden somewhere in the area, left behind by a hero who once stayed at the stable. He will give you a clue: "The hero's treasure lies where the three trees stand tall, and the sun's rays shine upon the shrine." This clue is the key to finding the treasure.

The first step is to locate the three trees mentioned in the clue. These trees are found to the east of the Outskirt Stable, near the edge of the plateau that overlooks the Coliseum Ruins. The trees are arranged in a triangular formation, and they are easy to spot because they are taller than the surrounding vegetation. Once you find the trees, you need to look for a spot where the sun's rays shine upon a shrine. This refers to the light that shines through the trees at a specific time of day, casting a shadow that points toward the treasure's location.

The best time to search for the treasure is during the morning, around 8:00 AM in-game time, when the sun is low in the sky and its rays shine directly through the trees. Stand near the three trees and observe the shadows they cast. The shadow of the central tree will point toward a small mound of dirt on the ground. This is where the treasure is buried. Use the Magnesis rune to locate the chest, which is buried just beneath the surface. Once you find it, dig it up using a shovel or by hitting the ground with a weapon.

The treasure chest contains a Silver Rupee, which is worth 100 rupees. This is a valuable reward, especially early in the game when rupees can be hard to come by. However, the real reward is the satisfaction of solving the puzzle and uncovering the hidden treasure.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind when completing this quest. First, make sure you have the Magnesis rune equipped, as it is essential for locating the buried chest. Second, pay close attention to the time of day, as the shadows cast by the trees will only point to the treasure during specific hours. If you arrive at the wrong time, you may have to wait or use a campfire to pass the time until the sun is in the correct position.

A common mistake players make is overlooking the importance of the sun's position. The clue specifically mentions the sun's rays, so it is crucial to search for the treasure when the sun is shining through the trees. If you try to find the chest at night or during the wrong time of day, you will not be able to see the shadow that points to the treasure.

For advanced players, there is an alternative approach to finding the treasure without relying on the shadows. If you have the Stasis rune upgraded, you can use it to highlight the buried chest, making it easier to locate. This method is faster but requires you to have completed the necessary upgrades for the Sheikah Slate.

In summary, The Hero's Cache is a straightforward but rewarding side quest that encourages players to pay attention to environmental clues and use their runes effectively. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily find the hidden treasure and claim your reward. This quest is a great example of how Breath of the Wild rewards exploration and careful observation, and it is a fun addition to the game's many optional activities.