How do I unlock the "The Stolen Heirloom" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To unlock "The Stolen Heirloom" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to follow a specific sequence of events and interact with key characters in Kakariko Village. This quest is tied to the main story progression and involves solving a mystery related to the Sheikah heirloom, which is a sacred artifact of the Sheikah tribe. Below is a detailed guide on how to unlock and complete this quest, including tips, strategies, and important considerations.

First, you must have progressed far enough in the main story to unlock Kakariko Village as a location. This village is one of the first major settlements you encounter after leaving the Great Plateau. Once you arrive in Kakariko Village, you will meet Impa, the village elder, who gives you the main quest to defeat the Divine Beasts. After speaking with Impa, you will also encounter Paya, her granddaughter, who plays a key role in "The Stolen Heirloom" quest.

To start the quest, you need to complete the main quest "Find the Fairy Fountain," which involves locating and activating the Great Fairy Fountain near Kakariko Village. This quest is given by Pikango, the painter who can be found near the village entrance. After completing this quest, return to Kakariko Village and speak with Paya. She will mention that the Sheikah heirloom, a sacred orb, has been stolen. This dialogue triggers the start of "The Stolen Heirloom" side quest.

The next step is to investigate the theft. Paya will tell you that the orb was stolen from the shrine behind Impa's house. Head to the shrine area and examine the pedestal where the orb was placed. You will notice footprints leading away from the shrine. Follow these footprints, which will guide you to a small pond near the village. Here, you will find Dorian, one of the village guards, standing near the pond. Speak with him, and he will reveal that he knows something about the theft but is hesitant to share the information.

To progress, you need to wait until nighttime. Return to the pond after 9 PM in-game time, and you will witness a cutscene where Dorian is confronted by two Yiga Clan members. The Yiga Clan is a group of Sheikah who have turned against Hyrule and serve Calamity Ganon. After the cutscene, you will need to defeat the Yiga Clan members. These enemies are relatively strong, so make sure you have decent weapons and armor. They use fast, close-range attacks, so keep your distance and use perfect dodges or parries to counter their moves.

Once you defeat the Yiga Clan members, Dorian will explain that the Yiga Clan was behind the theft of the Sheikah heirloom. He will also reveal that the orb is hidden in the nearby forest. Head to the forest area just outside Kakariko Village, and you will find the orb hidden in a hollow tree trunk. Pick up the orb and return it to the shrine behind Impa's house. Place the orb back on the pedestal to complete the quest.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough health and weapons before engaging the Yiga Clan members. They can deal significant damage, especially if you are not prepared. Second, use stealth to avoid detection if you want to observe the cutscene without being noticed. You can crouch and move slowly to stay hidden. Third, if you are having trouble finding the footprints, use the Sheikah Sensor to detect the orb's location.

A common mistake players make is not waiting until nighttime to trigger the cutscene with Dorian and the Yiga Clan members. Make sure you wait until after 9 PM in-game time to ensure the event occurs. Another mistake is not being prepared for the fight with the Yiga Clan members. They are fast and can overwhelm you if you are not careful. Make sure you have a good shield and weapons with decent durability.

For advanced players, you can optimize this quest by using stealth and avoiding combat altogether. If you are skilled at sneaking, you can observe the cutscene without being detected and then retrieve the orb without fighting the Yiga Clan members. This approach requires careful movement and timing but can save you resources and health.

In terms of required items, you do not need any specific equipment to complete this quest. However, having a good weapon, shield, and armor will make the fight with the Yiga Clan members easier. You may also want to bring some healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, to restore health during the battle.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use environmental elements to your advantage. For example, you can use the nearby trees and rocks to block the Yiga Clan members' attacks or create distance between yourself and the enemies. You can also use bombs or other ranged weapons to deal damage from a safe distance.

In summary, "The Stolen Heirloom" is a side quest that involves investigating a theft, following clues, and defeating enemies to recover a sacred artifact. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully complete this quest and earn the rewards. This quest also provides valuable insight into the Sheikah tribe and their connection to the Yiga Clan, adding depth to the game's story.