What is the solution to 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. This quest is located in the Tabantha region, near the Tabantha Bridge Stable. Here is a detailed guide to help you complete this quest.

To begin the quest, you need to speak to Shada, an NPC located at the Tabantha Bridge Stable. She will give you a riddle: "The ancient hero's shade sleeps where the shadow of the crown points when the sun sets on the peak of the mountain." This riddle is the key to finding the hidden shrine. The "crown" refers to the large stone structure shaped like a crown on top of a nearby hill, and the "ancient hero's shade" refers to the shrine itself.

The first step is to locate the crown-shaped structure. From the Tabantha Bridge Stable, head northwest toward the hill with the crown. You can easily spot it from a distance due to its unique shape. Once you reach the crown, you need to wait until sunset. The riddle mentions that the shrine is located where the shadow of the crown points when the sun sets on the peak of the mountain. This means you need to observe the shadow cast by the crown at sunset.

As the sun sets, the shadow of the crown will extend outward. You need to follow this shadow to its tip. The shadow will point directly to the location of the hidden shrine. The shrine is buried underground, so you will need to use the Magnesis rune to pull it out. Once you reach the tip of the shadow, look for a metal platform embedded in the ground. Use Magnesis to lift the platform, revealing the hidden shrine, Sho Dantu Shrine.

One important tip is to ensure you arrive at the crown structure well before sunset. This gives you time to position yourself correctly and observe the shadow as it forms. If you arrive too late, you may miss the shadow and have to wait another in-game day. Additionally, make sure you have the Magnesis rune unlocked, as it is essential for revealing the shrine.

A common mistake players make is misinterpreting the riddle. Some may think the shrine is located directly under the crown or on the mountain peak. However, the key is to follow the shadow at sunset. Another mistake is not waiting long enough for the shadow to fully extend. Be patient and watch the shadow carefully.

For advanced players, you can optimize this quest by using the Sheikah Sensor to detect the shrine once you are close to its location. This can help confirm you are in the right spot before using Magnesis. Additionally, if you have the Travel Medallion from the DLC, you can place it near the crown structure to quickly return if you need to retry.

Preparation for this quest is minimal. You do not need any special items or weapons, but having a horse can make traveling to the crown structure faster. If you are low on health or stamina, consider cooking some meals or elixirs beforehand, as the area around the stable has plenty of resources.

An alternative approach is to use the environment to your advantage. If you have the Paraglider, you can glide down from the crown structure to the shadow's tip, saving time. Additionally, if you have the Stasis rune, you can use it to freeze any enemies in the area, allowing you to focus on the quest without interruptions.

In summary, the "Crowned Beast" shrine quest requires careful observation and patience. By following the shadow of the crown at sunset and using the Magnesis rune, you can reveal the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. Pay attention to the riddle, arrive early, and use the environment to your advantage to complete this quest efficiently.