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

The "The Hero's Cache" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a relatively simple but rewarding quest that involves finding a hidden treasure chest. This quest is given by a character named Kass, who can be found near the Washa's Bluff area in the East Necluda region. Kass is a Rito bard who often provides clues to shrine quests and other hidden treasures through his songs. In this quest, Kass sings a riddle that hints at the location of a treasure chest hidden by a hero of old. The quest requires you to decipher the riddle and locate the chest, which contains a valuable item.

To begin the quest, you need to find Kass at Washa's Bluff. He is located on a small plateau near the edge of the cliff, overlooking the Necluda Sea. When you approach him, he will sing a song that contains the following riddle: "A hero of old hid a treasure here, where the land juts into the sea. Look for a bird that faces the sun, and dig at its feet for the key." This riddle is the key to finding the treasure chest.

The first step is to interpret the riddle. The line "where the land juts into the sea" suggests that the treasure is located near a peninsula or a point where the land extends into the water. Washa's Bluff itself is a good candidate, as it is a prominent landform that juts out into the Necluda Sea. The next clue, "Look for a bird that faces the sun," is a bit more cryptic. This likely refers to a rock formation or natural feature that resembles a bird and is oriented in a specific direction. In this case, the "bird" is a rock formation shaped like a bird's head, and it faces east, towards the rising sun.

Once you have identified the bird-shaped rock, the final clue, "dig at its feet for the key," tells you to dig at the base of the rock formation. To do this, you will need a shovel or a weapon that can be used to dig, such as a spade or a claymore. If you do not have a shovel, you can find one in various locations throughout the game, such as in stables or near farming areas. Once you have the necessary tool, approach the base of the bird-shaped rock and use the dig action to uncover the treasure chest.

The chest contains a Silver Rupee, which is worth 100 rupees. This is a significant reward for a side quest, especially in the early game when rupees can be hard to come by. The quest is relatively straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure success.

One important tip is to make sure you have the right tool for digging. If you do not have a shovel, you may need to search for one before attempting the quest. Additionally, it is a good idea to save your game before digging, just in case you make a mistake or miss the chest. This way, you can reload your save and try again without losing progress.

Another consideration is the time of day. The riddle mentions that the bird faces the sun, which rises in the east. Therefore, it is best to approach the quest during the morning when the sun is rising, as this will make it easier to identify the correct rock formation. If you attempt the quest at night or during the afternoon, the lighting may make it more difficult to see the bird-shaped rock.

A common mistake is misinterpreting the riddle and searching in the wrong location. The treasure is specifically located at the base of the bird-shaped rock on Washa's Bluff, so it is important to focus your search on this area. If you are having trouble finding the rock, try climbing to a higher vantage point to get a better view of the landscape.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to complete the quest more efficiently. One strategy is to use the Sheikah Sensor+ to detect treasure chests. If you have upgraded the sensor at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, you can set it to detect chests, which will help you locate the treasure more quickly. Additionally, if you have the Stasis rune upgraded, you can use it to highlight the chest, making it easier to spot.

In terms of preparation, you do not need any special items or equipment to complete this quest, aside from a digging tool. However, it is always a good idea to have a few healing items on hand, as the area around Washa's Bluff is home to some enemies, such as Bokoblins and Lizalfos. If you encounter any enemies, you can either fight them or avoid them to conserve resources.

An alternative approach to the quest is to use a guide or map to locate the treasure chest directly, bypassing the need to solve the riddle. However, this method takes away from the sense of discovery and accomplishment that comes with solving the puzzle on your own. If you prefer a more immersive experience, it is recommended to try solving the riddle first before resorting to external help.

In conclusion, "The Hero's Cache" is a rewarding side quest that challenges your puzzle-solving skills and rewards you with a valuable Silver Rupee. By carefully interpreting the riddle, using the right tools, and paying attention to the environment, you can successfully locate the treasure and complete the quest. Whether you are a new player or a seasoned veteran, this quest offers a fun and engaging way to explore the world of Hyrule and uncover its hidden secrets.