Where is the "The Test of Will" shrine quest located in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Test of Will" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is located in the Gerudo Desert region, specifically in the southwestern part of the map. This quest is tied to the hidden shrine called "Dako Tah Shrine," which is not visible until you complete the quest. The quest is given by Rotana, a Gerudo scholar who can be found in Gerudo Town. She is located in the northern part of the town, inside a house with a small garden. Rotana will ask you to find a way to reveal the hidden shrine by solving a riddle related to the desert's natural phenomena.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Rotana. She will provide you with a riddle: "The sun shines upon the statue's resting place, and the pedestal awaits its offering. When the light of the sun strikes the pedestal, the shrine will reveal itself." This riddle is the key to unlocking the shrine. The statue mentioned in the riddle is located in the desert, and you will need to find it to proceed. The statue is situated in the southern part of the Gerudo Desert, near the East Barrens. It is a large stone statue of a Gerudo warrior holding a sword, and it is surrounded by a circular pedestal with a small indentation in the center.

The mechanics of this quest revolve around the sun's position in the sky. The shrine will only appear when the sun's light hits the pedestal at the correct angle. This means you will need to wait until the sun is in the right position, which occurs during the late morning or early afternoon in-game time. To ensure you are ready, you can use a campfire to pass time until the sun is in the correct position. Once the sun is aligned, you will need to place an object in the indentation on the pedestal. The object required is a luminous stone, which can be found in various locations throughout Hyrule, including the Gerudo Highlands and the Eldin region. If you do not have a luminous stone, you can purchase one from a traveling merchant or mine it from ore deposits.

Once you place the luminous stone on the pedestal, the shrine will rise from the sand, and you can enter it to complete the quest. Inside the shrine, you will face a series of puzzles that test your problem-solving skills. The puzzles involve manipulating objects with the Magnesis rune, which allows you to move metal objects. You will need to use this ability to move platforms and create pathways to reach the shrine's altar. One of the puzzles requires you to stack metal crates to create a bridge, while another involves using a metal ball to activate a switch. These puzzles are relatively straightforward, but they require careful positioning and timing to complete successfully.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind when attempting this quest. First, make sure you have a luminous stone before heading to the statue. This will save you time and prevent you from having to backtrack. Second, pay attention to the sun's position and use a campfire to adjust the time if necessary. Third, be prepared for the shrine's puzzles by ensuring you have the Magnesis rune unlocked and ready to use. Finally, if you encounter any enemies in the desert, such as Lizalfos or Molduga, it is best to avoid them or defeat them quickly to avoid wasting resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include not having a luminous stone when you reach the statue, which will prevent you from completing the quest. Another mistake is not waiting for the correct time of day, as the shrine will not appear if the sun is not in the right position. Additionally, some players may struggle with the shrine's puzzles, so it is important to take your time and think carefully about how to manipulate the objects with Magnesis.

Advanced techniques for this quest include using the sun's position to your advantage by planning your approach ahead of time. You can also use the Sheikah Sensor to detect nearby luminous stones if you do not have one. Additionally, if you are skilled at combat, you can defeat any enemies in the area to clear the path to the statue.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players may choose to explore the desert and find the statue before speaking to Rotana. This can save time, but it may also make the quest less straightforward, as you will not have the riddle to guide you. Another alternative is to use a guide or walkthrough to locate the statue and complete the quest more quickly, though this may reduce the sense of accomplishment.

Overall, the "Test of Will" shrine quest is a rewarding challenge that requires careful observation and problem-solving. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips in mind, you can successfully complete the quest and unlock the Dako Tah Shrine. This will not only provide you with a Spirit Orb but also deepen your understanding of the game's mechanics and world.