What is the solution to the "The Eye of the Sandstorm" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Eye of the Sandstorm" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique challenge that requires players to navigate through a sandstorm in the Gerudo Desert to find a hidden shrine. This quest is tied to the Gerudo region and involves solving an environmental puzzle to reveal the shrine. Here is a detailed guide to completing this quest, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Rotana, a Gerudo scholar, in Gerudo Town. She can be found in the town's library, which is located near the palace. Rotana will tell you about a shrine hidden in the desert, but the sandstorm makes it impossible to see. She will give you a clue: "When the light of the seventh star shines upon the pedestal, the shrine will reveal itself." This clue is key to solving the puzzle.

The shrine is located in the southwestern part of the Gerudo Desert, near the South Lomei Labyrinth. To reach the area, you will need to prepare for the harsh desert environment. Equip heat-resistant armor, such as the Desert Voe set, or consume heat-resistant elixirs or food. Additionally, bring plenty of stamina-restoring items, as you will need to climb and run through the sand.

Once you arrive at the location, you will notice a large stone pedestal surrounded by a sandstorm. The sandstorm severely limits visibility, making it difficult to navigate. However, the key to solving the puzzle lies in the pedestal and the surrounding environment. The pedestal has a circular indentation that resembles an eye, and the clue about the "seventh star" refers to the seven statues surrounding the pedestal.

To reveal the shrine, you must wait until nighttime and observe the statues. Each statue has a glowing orb in its hand, and one of these orbs will light up when the "seventh star" (a specific constellation) aligns with it. This alignment occurs at a specific time during the night, usually around midnight. When the correct statue's orb lights up, you must place a luminous stone in the pedestal's indentation. Luminous stones can be found throughout Hyrule, particularly in caves and mountainous areas.

Once the luminous stone is placed, the sandstorm will clear, and the shrine, named "Dako Tah Shrine," will rise from the sand. Enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward, which includes a Spirit Orb.

Here are some important tips and considerations for this quest. First, make sure to arrive at the pedestal during the day so you have time to prepare and observe the statues. The sandstorm makes it difficult to see, so use your Sheikah Sensor to locate the pedestal if needed. Second, bring multiple luminous stones in case you make a mistake or need to retry the puzzle. Third, be patient and wait for the correct statue to light up. Rushing the process can lead to confusion and wasted time.

Common mistakes to avoid include placing the luminous stone too early or on the wrong statue. Pay close attention to the glowing orbs and wait for the correct one to light up. Additionally, do not attempt this quest without proper heat resistance, as the desert environment can quickly drain your health.

Advanced techniques include using the Paraglider to navigate the desert more efficiently and marking the pedestal's location on your map to avoid getting lost in the sandstorm. You can also use the Stasis rune to temporarily freeze enemies or obstacles that may hinder your progress.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players have reported success by using the Magnesis rune to manipulate metal objects in the area, though this is not necessary for solving the puzzle. Additionally, if you have the Master Cycle Zero from the DLC, you can use it to traverse the desert quickly and avoid enemy encounters.

In summary, the "Eye of the Sandstorm" shrine quest requires careful observation, preparation, and patience. By following the clues, waiting for the correct statue to light up, and placing a luminous stone on the pedestal, you can reveal the hidden shrine and complete the quest. With the right preparation and strategy, this challenging puzzle can be solved efficiently, allowing you to continue your adventure in the vast world of Hyrule.