How do I complete 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 a unique challenge that requires players to rely on wooden weapons and tools to complete a combat trial. This quest is located in the Korok Forest, near the Great Deku Tree. To begin the quest, speak to Chio, a Korok standing near the entrance to the forest. He will explain that you must complete a trial using only wooden equipment, as metal weapons and tools are not allowed. This quest is tied to the Shae Katha Shrine, which becomes accessible once you complete the trial.

To start the quest, you will need to prepare by gathering wooden weapons and tools. These can include items like wooden clubs, Korok leafs, and wooden bows. You can find these items scattered throughout the Korok Forest or by cutting down trees with a weapon or bomb. It is important to note that any metal weapons or shields you have equipped will be removed from your inventory during the trial, so make sure to unequip them beforehand. Additionally, you should stock up on healing items, such as food or elixirs, as the trial involves combat and you will not have access to your usual arsenal.

Once you are ready, speak to Chio again to begin the trial. You will be transported to a combat arena where you must defeat a series of enemies using only wooden weapons. The enemies you face will include Bokoblins and Moblins, all of which are also armed with wooden weapons. The key to success in this trial is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use a Korok leaf to blow enemies off cliffs or into water, or you can set fire to grass or wooden structures to create distractions or deal damage.

One important strategy is to conserve your weapons. Wooden weapons have low durability and can break easily, so it is important to use them wisely. Try to use stealth to take out enemies one by one, or use bombs to deal damage without using your weapons. If you run out of weapons, you can pick up the weapons dropped by defeated enemies, but be aware that these will also be wooden and have limited durability.

Another important tip is to use your shield effectively. While you cannot use metal shields, you can still use wooden shields to block attacks and parry enemy strikes. Parrying is especially useful in this trial, as it allows you to deflect enemy attacks and create openings for counterattacks. Additionally, you can use your shield to surf down slopes or glide over gaps, which can help you navigate the arena and avoid enemy attacks.

One common mistake players make in this trial is relying too heavily on melee combat. While it is possible to defeat enemies with wooden weapons, it is often more efficient to use ranged attacks or environmental hazards. For example, you can use a wooden bow to shoot enemies from a distance, or you can use a Korok leaf to blow enemies into fire or off cliffs. Additionally, you should avoid using bombs too frequently, as they can also damage you if you are too close to the explosion.

Advanced techniques for this trial include using the environment to create traps or distractions. For example, you can set fire to grass or wooden structures to create a wall of fire that enemies will avoid, or you can use a Korok leaf to blow enemies into water or off cliffs. Additionally, you can use stealth to sneak up on enemies and perform sneak attacks, which deal extra damage and conserve your weapons.

In terms of preparation, it is important to have a variety of wooden weapons and tools, as well as plenty of healing items. You should also consider upgrading your stamina or health before attempting the trial, as it can be challenging if you are not well-prepared. Additionally, you should practice using wooden weapons and shields in combat before attempting the trial, as they behave differently from metal weapons and require a different approach.

Alternative approaches to this trial include using stealth to avoid combat altogether, or using the environment to defeat enemies without using your weapons. For example, you can use a Korok leaf to blow enemies into water or off cliffs, or you can set fire to grass or wooden structures to create distractions or deal damage. Additionally, you can use bombs to deal damage without using your weapons, though this should be done carefully to avoid damaging yourself.

In conclusion, the "Test of Wood" shrine quest is a challenging trial that requires players to rely on wooden weapons and tools to defeat enemies. By using the environment to your advantage, conserving your weapons, and using stealth and ranged attacks, you can successfully complete the trial and unlock the Shae Katha Shrine. With proper preparation and strategy, this trial can be a rewarding and enjoyable challenge.