How do I solve the "The Crowned Beast" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Crowned Beast" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the more unique and cryptic shrine quests in the game. It requires players to solve a riddle and interact with the environment in a specific way to reveal the hidden shrine. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to complete this quest, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

The quest begins in the Tabantha region, specifically at the Tabantha Stable. Speak to an NPC named Shada, who will give you the quest. She will recite a riddle: "The hero who wears the crown of bone, atop the dragon, must shoot the beast in the eye with an arrow to reveal the shrine." This riddle is the key to unlocking the hidden shrine, known as Sha Gehma Shrine.

To solve this riddle, you need to understand its components. The "crown of bone" refers to the Stalnox, a skeletal enemy that only appears at night. The "dragon" is Dinraal, one of the three dragons in the game, which flies through the Tabantha region. The "beast" in the riddle is the Stalnox, and the "eye" is its glowing weak point. The goal is to shoot the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye with an arrow while it is near Dinraal to reveal the shrine.

First, you need to prepare for the quest. Make sure you have a bow and arrows, as well as some cold-resistant gear or food, since the Tabantha region can be chilly. You may also want to bring some stamina-restoring items, as youÔÇÖll need to climb and glide to reach the right location. Additionally, having a horse can make traveling to the area easier.

The next step is to locate the Stalnox. Head to the Tabantha Great Bridge, which is northeast of the Tabantha Stable. At night, a Stalnox will spawn near the bridge. If it doesnÔÇÖt appear, wait until nighttime and try again. Once the Stalnox appears, youÔÇÖll need to position yourself so that Dinraal is nearby. Dinraal flies through the Tabantha Canyon, usually in the early morning hours. You can wait near the bridge or use a campfire to pass time until Dinraal appears.

When both the Stalnox and Dinraal are in the same area, the real challenge begins. You need to shoot the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye with an arrow while Dinraal is nearby. This can be tricky, as the Stalnox is a tough enemy and DinraalÔÇÖs flight path is unpredictable. One strategy is to climb to a high vantage point, such as the cliffs near the bridge, and wait for Dinraal to approach. When Dinraal is close, aim your bow at the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye and fire. If done correctly, the shrine will appear nearby.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind. First, make sure you have a clear line of sight to the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye. The Stalnox moves around a lot, so you may need to adjust your position. Second, be patient with DinraalÔÇÖs flight path. It may take a few tries to get the timing right. Third, if youÔÇÖre having trouble aiming, consider using a bow with a zoom function, such as the Phrenic Bow or Golden Bow, to make the shot easier.

Common mistakes to avoid include shooting the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye too early or too late. If you shoot the eye before Dinraal is close enough, the shrine wonÔÇÖt appear. Similarly, if you wait too long, Dinraal may fly away, and youÔÇÖll have to wait for it to return. Another mistake is not being prepared for the cold weather in the Tabantha region. Make sure you have the right gear or food to avoid taking damage from the cold.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can try. One is to use the Stasis rune to freeze the Stalnox temporarily, giving you more time to line up your shot. Another is to use a multi-shot bow, such as the Lynel Bow, to increase your chances of hitting the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye. Additionally, you can use the updrafts created by DinraalÔÇÖs flames to gain altitude and get a better vantage point.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players have found success by using the Paraglider to glide closer to Dinraal and the Stalnox, making the shot easier. Others have used the RevaliÔÇÖs Gale ability to quickly reach a high vantage point. However, these methods require more skill and preparation, so they may not be suitable for all players.

Once you successfully shoot the StalnoxÔÇÖs eye with an arrow while Dinraal is nearby, the Sha Gehma Shrine will appear. Enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward. The shrine itself contains a simple puzzle involving moving platforms and switches, which should be straightforward to solve.

In summary, the "Crowned Beast" shrine quest is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful preparation, precise timing, and a good understanding of the gameÔÇÖs mechanics. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you should be able to complete the quest and unlock the hidden shrine. Good luck, and enjoy your adventure in Hyrule!