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

The "Test of Wood" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more unique and challenging shrine quests in the game. It requires players to navigate a specific area while adhering to strict rules, making it a test of both skill and patience. The shrine is hidden in the Korok Forest, which is located in the Great Hyrule Forest region. To begin the quest, you must speak to Chio, a Korok located near the entrance of the forest. He will challenge you to complete a trial that involves carrying a lit torch through a specific path without letting the flame go out. This quest is tied to the Daag Chokah Shrine, which is hidden and only accessible after completing the trial.

To start the quest, you need to have already reached the Korok Forest. This area is surrounded by a dense fog called the Lost Woods, which can be tricky to navigate. To find your way through the Lost Woods, you must follow the direction of the wind as indicated by the embers from the torches scattered along the path. If you go the wrong way, you will be teleported back to the entrance. Once you reach the Korok Forest, locate Chio near the large tree at the center of the area. He will explain the rules of the trial: you must carry a lit torch from the starting point to the end of the path without letting the flame go out. If the torch goes out, you must return to the start and try again.

The mechanics of this quest are straightforward but require careful attention. The torch must remain lit throughout the entire journey, which means you cannot run, jump, or use any abilities that might extinguish the flame, such as rolling or using the paraglider. You also cannot use any other weapons or items that might interfere with the torch. The path you must follow is marked by a series of unlit torches, and you must light each one as you progress. The key is to move slowly and deliberately, ensuring that the flame stays lit at all times.

To complete the quest, start by lighting the torch at the beginning of the path. You can use a fire source nearby, such as a campfire or another lit torch, to ignite your torch. Once your torch is lit, begin walking along the path, lighting each of the unlit torches as you go. The path is relatively straightforward, but there are a few twists and turns, so pay close attention to the direction of the torches. If you accidentally extinguish the flame, you will need to return to the start and relight the torch. This can be frustrating, so take your time and avoid rushing.

One important tip is to avoid areas with water or rain, as these can extinguish the flame. If it starts to rain during the trial, you may need to wait for the weather to clear before continuing. Additionally, be mindful of enemies along the path, as they can attack and potentially knock the torch out of your hand. If you encounter enemies, try to avoid them or use stealth to bypass them without engaging in combat. Another tip is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, if you need to cross a gap, look for a bridge or a safe path that allows you to keep the torch lit.

A common mistake players make is trying to rush through the trial. Moving too quickly can cause the flame to go out, especially if you encounter obstacles or uneven terrain. It is important to move at a steady pace and avoid any sudden movements. Another mistake is not paying attention to the torches along the path. If you miss lighting a torch, you may not be able to progress, so make sure to light each one as you go.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to make the trial easier. One strategy is to use the environment to shield the flame from wind or rain. For example, you can walk close to walls or trees to protect the torch from gusts of wind. Another optimization is to use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies or obstacles that might interfere with your progress. This can give you a brief window to move past them without risking the flame going out.

In terms of preparation, you do not need any special items to complete this quest, but having a few extra torches or fire arrows can be helpful in case you need to relight the torch. You should also make sure your stamina is fully upgraded, as the trial requires a lot of walking and careful movement. If you have the Flamebreaker armor set, it can provide some protection against fire-based attacks, but it is not necessary for this quest.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use a different fire source, such as a fire weapon or a fire arrow, to light the torches along the path. However, this method can be more challenging, as it requires precise aim and timing. Additionally, you still need to carry a lit torch to complete the trial, so this approach is not a complete substitute for the main method.

In conclusion, the "Test of Wood" shrine quest is a unique and challenging trial that tests your ability to navigate a specific path while keeping a flame lit. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, you can successfully complete the quest and unlock the Daag Chokah Shrine. Remember to take your time, pay attention to the environment, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a smooth and successful trial.