Where can I find the "The Test of Wood" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Test of Wood" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the many shrine quests that players can undertake to discover hidden shrines. This quest is unique because it requires players to use wooden weapons and avoid using any metal items, as metal will attract lightning during a thunderstorm. The quest is located in the Faron region, specifically in the area near the Lakeside Stable. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest.

To begin the quest, you need to speak to an NPC named Shoda at the Lakeside Stable. Shoda will tell you about a shrine hidden in the forest nearby, but he will warn you that the area is dangerous due to frequent thunderstorms. He will also mention that using metal items in this area is a bad idea because they will attract lightning. This is the key mechanic of the quest: you must avoid using any metal weapons, shields, or bows, as they will make you a target for lightning strikes. Instead, you will need to rely on wooden weapons and equipment.

Before starting the quest, it is important to prepare. Make sure you have a good supply of wooden weapons, such as the Korok Leaf, Wooden Mop, or any other wooden melee weapons. You should also have a wooden shield, like the Pot Lid or the Forest Dweller's Shield. Additionally, it is a good idea to have some food or elixirs that can restore health or provide resistance to electricity, as the area is filled with electric enemies like Electric Chuchus and Electric Keese. If you have the Rubber Armor set, wearing it can provide additional protection against electric attacks.

Once you are prepared, head to the area south of the Lakeside Stable, near the Floria Bridge. You will notice that the weather in this area is often stormy, with frequent thunderstorms. As you approach the forest, you will see a large tree with a hollow trunk. This is where the shrine is hidden. However, to reveal the shrine, you need to complete a small puzzle. Inside the hollow tree, you will find a pedestal with a slot for a weapon. You need to place a wooden weapon into this slot to activate the shrine.

The challenge here is that the area is filled with enemies, including Lizalfos and Electric Chuchus. These enemies can be tough to deal with, especially since you are limited to using wooden weapons. One strategy is to use stealth to avoid unnecessary fights. You can crouch and move slowly to avoid alerting the enemies. If you do need to fight, try to use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the Korok Leaf to blow enemies off cliffs or into water. You can also use bombs to deal damage without risking a lightning strike.

Once you have placed a wooden weapon into the pedestal, the shrine will appear. The shrine itself is called the Shai Utoh Shrine, and it contains a simple puzzle that involves using wooden weapons to hit switches and activate platforms. The mechanics inside the shrine are similar to the quest itself: you must avoid using metal items and rely on wooden weapons to solve the puzzles. The final challenge in the shrine is a combat trial where you must defeat a Guardian Scout using only wooden weapons. This can be tricky, but with careful timing and strategy, it is manageable.

One common mistake players make is forgetting to unequip metal items before entering the area. Even if you have wooden weapons, wearing metal armor or carrying a metal shield can still attract lightning. Make sure to switch to wooden or non-metal equipment before starting the quest. Another mistake is underestimating the enemies in the area. The Electric Chuchus and Lizalfos can deal significant damage, especially if you are not prepared. Make sure to have plenty of healing items and consider using elixirs to boost your resistance to electricity.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make. If you have the Master Sword, you can use it in the shrine, as it does not attract lightning. However, this is only useful after you have completed the initial part of the quest and revealed the shrine. Another optimization is to use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily, giving you time to position yourself or set up an attack. This can be especially useful when dealing with the Lizalfos.

In summary, the "The Test of Wood" shrine quest requires careful preparation and strategy. You need to avoid using metal items, rely on wooden weapons, and be cautious of the electric enemies in the area. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully complete the quest and unlock the Shai Utoh Shrine.