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 is located in the Korok Forest, which is found deep within the Lost Woods. The quest requires you to complete a trial that tests your ability to navigate and survive using only wooden weapons and equipment. This quest is tied to the Shae Katha Shrine, which is hidden and only accessible after completing the trial. Here is a detailed guide to help you successfully complete this quest.

To begin the quest, you must speak to Chio, a Korok located near the entrance to the Korok Forest. He will explain the rules of the trial. The key mechanic of this quest is that you are only allowed to use wooden weapons, bows, and shields. Any metal equipment, including weapons, bows, shields, and even armor, is prohibited. If you use any metal items during the trial, you will fail and have to start over. This restriction makes the quest particularly challenging, as wooden weapons are generally weaker and less durable than their metal counterparts.

Before starting the trial, it is crucial to prepare properly. You will need to gather a set of wooden weapons, bows, and shields. These can be found throughout the game world, but some reliable locations include the Great Plateau, the forests near Kakariko Village, and the area around the Korok Forest itself. Make sure to stock up on arrows as well, as you will need them for ranged combat. Additionally, consider cooking some meals or elixirs that provide temporary boosts to your stamina, defense, or attack power, as these can be very helpful during the trial.

Once you are ready, speak to Chio again to begin the trial. The trial takes place in a small area of the Korok Forest, and your objective is to defeat all the enemies within the time limit. The enemies you will face include Bokoblins, Moblins, and a few Lizalfos. All of these enemies will be using wooden weapons as well, so the combat will be relatively balanced. However, wooden weapons break easily, so you will need to manage your resources carefully.

One important strategy is to use stealth to your advantage. Sneak up on enemies and perform sneak strikes to deal extra damage and conserve your weapons. You can also use the environment to your advantage by luring enemies into traps or using explosive barrels to deal damage. Another useful tactic is to use your bow to take out enemies from a distance, especially those that are perched on higher ground or are difficult to reach with melee weapons.

During the trial, be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye out for additional wooden weapons and arrows that may be scattered around the area. These can be crucial if your current weapons break. Also, try to avoid taking unnecessary damage, as healing items are limited and you do not want to waste them.

One common mistake players make is accidentally using a metal weapon or shield during the trial. This can happen if you forget to unequip your metal items before starting the quest. To avoid this, double-check your inventory and make sure you are only carrying wooden equipment. Another mistake is not managing your weapons properly, leading to situations where you run out of usable weapons mid-combat. To prevent this, always have a backup weapon ready and switch to it before your current one breaks.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make to complete the trial more efficiently. One technique is to use the environment to your advantage by setting grass on fire to create updrafts, allowing you to glide over enemies and attack from above. Another advanced tactic is to use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily, giving you a window to attack or reposition yourself. These techniques require good timing and precision but can make the trial much easier.

Once you have defeated all the enemies within the time limit, the Shae Katha Shrine will appear. Enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward. The shrine itself contains a simple puzzle that involves using the Magnesis rune to move metal blocks and create a path to the altar. This is a straightforward puzzle compared to the trial you just completed, so it should not pose much of a challenge.

In summary, the "Test of Wood" shrine quest is a challenging but rewarding trial that tests your ability to survive and fight using only wooden equipment. Proper preparation, careful resource management, and strategic combat are key to completing this quest successfully. By following the tips and strategies outlined above, you should be able to overcome the trial and unlock the Shae Katha Shrine. Good luck, and may the spirit of the forest guide you!