How do I start the "The Mystery Polluter" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To start "The Mystery Polluter" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to travel to Zora's Domain, a key location in the game. This quest is one of the many side quests that add depth to the game's world and provide additional rewards and story elements. Here is a detailed guide on how to initiate and complete this quest.

First, you need to reach Zora's Domain. This area is located in the Lanayru region, northeast of Hyrule Castle. The journey to Zora's Domain can be challenging due to the constant rain, which makes climbing difficult. To make your way there, follow the path from Kakariko Village or the Lanayru Tower. Along the way, you will encounter Zora NPCs who will guide you toward the domain. Once you arrive, you will find a bustling area filled with Zora characters and important story elements related to the Divine Beast Vah Ruta.

To start "The Mystery Polluter" quest, you need to speak with an NPC named Laflat. She is a Zora who can be found near the center of Zora's Domain, close to the throne room. Laflat is concerned about the pollution in the East Reservoir Lake, which is affecting the water quality and the health of the Zora. She will ask you to investigate the source of the pollution and put a stop to it.

The next step is to travel to the East Reservoir Lake. This area is located just east of Zora's Domain. You can reach it by following the path that leads out of the domain and heading toward the lake. Once you arrive, you will notice a large amount of sludge and ooze in the water. This is the pollution that Laflat is concerned about. Your task is to find the source of this sludge and eliminate it.

The source of the pollution is a group of Octoroks that are hiding in the lake. These enemies are responsible for the sludge, and you need to defeat them to clean up the water. Octoroks are common enemies in Breath of the Wild, and they can be found in various bodies of water. They attack by spitting rocks or sludge at you, so be prepared to dodge their attacks.

To defeat the Octoroks, you can use a variety of weapons and strategies. One effective method is to use a bow and arrow to shoot them from a distance. This allows you to take them out without getting too close and risking damage from their attacks. Alternatively, you can use melee weapons, but be cautious of their sludge attacks, which can slow you down and make it harder to move.

Once you have defeated all the Octoroks in the area, the sludge will clear, and the water will return to its normal state. You can then return to Laflat in Zora's Domain to report your success. She will thank you for your help and reward you with a Silver Rupee, which is worth 100 rupees. This is a valuable reward that can be used to purchase items or upgrade your equipment.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough arrows and weapons before heading to the East Reservoir Lake. Octoroks can be tough to defeat if you are not prepared, so having a good supply of arrows and a strong bow will make the task easier. Additionally, be mindful of the environment. The lake area can be slippery, and the sludge can slow you down, so take your time and plan your movements carefully.

A common mistake to avoid is underestimating the Octoroks. While they may seem like simple enemies, their sludge attacks can be frustrating and can make the fight more difficult than it needs to be. Make sure to keep your distance and use ranged attacks whenever possible. Another mistake is not checking the entire lake for Octoroks. There may be more than one group of enemies, so make sure to explore the entire area to ensure you have defeated all of them.

For advanced techniques, you can use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks in the water, which can provide cover from the Octoroks' attacks. You can also use the Stasis rune to freeze an Octorok temporarily, giving you time to line up a shot or prepare for an attack.

In terms of required items and preparation, you will need a bow and arrows, as well as some melee weapons. It is also a good idea to have some healing items, such as food or elixirs, in case you take damage during the fight. If you have the Zora Armor set, it can be helpful for swimming and moving through the water more easily.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use stealth. If you are skilled at sneaking, you can try to get close to the Octoroks without being detected and take them out quickly. This can be a more challenging method, but it can also be more rewarding if you enjoy stealth gameplay.

In conclusion, "The Mystery Polluter" is a straightforward but enjoyable side quest that adds to the richness of Zora's Domain. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully complete the quest and earn a valuable reward. Make sure to prepare adequately, use the right strategies, and explore the area thoroughly to ensure you defeat all the Octoroks and clear the pollution from the lake.