How do I solve the "The Lost Pilgrimage" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Lost Pilgrimage" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and somewhat challenging side quest that requires stealth, patience, and careful observation. This quest is located in the Korok Forest, specifically near the Great Deku Tree. The quest is given by a Korok named Oaki, who challenges you to follow him through a forest trail without being detected. Successfully completing this quest will reveal the hidden "Dah Kaso" shrine.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Oaki, who is found near the Great Deku Tree. He will explain that he is on a pilgrimage and asks you to follow him without being seen. The key mechanic here is stealth. You must stay hidden and avoid being detected by Oaki as he moves along the path. If he spots you, the quest will reset, and you will need to start over from the beginning.

Step-by-step instructions for completing the quest are as follows. First, ensure you have the appropriate gear. Equipping stealth-enhancing armor, such as the Sheikah Set, can significantly reduce the noise you make while moving. Additionally, consuming stealth-enhancing food or elixirs can further improve your chances of remaining undetected. Once prepared, approach Oaki and initiate the quest. He will start moving along a winding path through the forest. Your goal is to follow him at a safe distance, using trees, bushes, and other environmental features to stay out of sight.

As you follow Oaki, pay close attention to his movements. He will occasionally stop and look around, so you must time your movements carefully. Use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind trees or crouching in tall grass. The Crouch ability is essential here, as it reduces the noise you make and makes it harder for Oaki to detect you. Additionally, avoid running or jumping, as these actions create more noise and increase the likelihood of being spotted.

One important tip is to maintain a consistent distance from Oaki. If you get too close, he will notice you, but if you fall too far behind, you may lose track of him. Use the camera to keep an eye on his position while staying hidden. Another useful strategy is to use the environment to block Oaki's line of sight. For example, if he turns to look in your direction, quickly move behind a tree or bush to break his line of sight.

Common mistakes to avoid include moving too quickly or making unnecessary noise. Rushing through the quest will almost certainly result in being detected. Additionally, avoid using bright or glowing items, such as torches or luminous stones, as these can draw attention to your position. It is also important to remain patient and not get frustrated if you are spotted. The quest can be challenging, but with careful observation and practice, you will succeed.

Advanced techniques for optimizing your approach include using the environment to create distractions. For example, throwing a rock or using a Korok leaf to create noise in a different direction can momentarily divert Oaki's attention, allowing you to move past a tricky spot. Additionally, using the Stasis rune to freeze Oaki temporarily can provide a brief window to reposition yourself, though this should be used sparingly to avoid detection.

Preparation is key for this quest. Ensure you have a full stamina wheel, as you may need to sprint briefly to catch up or reposition. Having a few stealth-enhancing meals or elixirs on hand can also be beneficial. If you do not have the Sheikah Set, consider purchasing it from the clothing shop in Kakariko Village before attempting the quest.

Alternative approaches include using the environment to your advantage in creative ways. For example, climbing trees or using the paraglider to move silently from above can provide a different perspective and make it easier to follow Oaki without being seen. However, these methods require precise timing and careful execution to avoid detection.

In conclusion, the "Lost Pilgrimage" shrine quest is a test of stealth and patience. By equipping the right gear, using the environment to your advantage, and maintaining a careful distance from Oaki, you can successfully complete the quest and reveal the hidden "Dah Kaso" shrine. Remember to stay calm, avoid making unnecessary noise, and use advanced techniques like distractions or the Stasis rune to optimize your approach. With practice and perseverance, you will master this challenging quest and reap the rewards.