How do I solve the "The Water Guides" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The "The Water Guides" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and engaging challenge that requires players to solve an environmental puzzle to reveal a hidden shrine. This quest is located in the Zora's Domain region, specifically near the East Reservoir Lake. To begin the quest, you must speak with an NPC named Ledo, who can be found near the lake. Ledo will explain that the shrine is hidden and can only be revealed by following the guidance of the water. This quest involves manipulating the water flow in the area to uncover the shrine, and it requires careful observation and problem-solving.
To start, you will need to prepare by ensuring you have the necessary tools and abilities. The most important item for this quest is the Cryonis Rune, which allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water. This rune is essential for solving the puzzle, as it will be used to redirect the flow of water. Additionally, having a decent supply of arrows and a bow can be helpful, though not strictly necessary. It is also a good idea to have some healing items or food, as there may be enemies in the area that you need to deal with.
The first step in solving the puzzle is to locate the water source that Ledo mentions. This is a small waterfall located near the East Reservoir Lake. The waterfall flows into a channel that leads to a series of gates. These gates control the flow of water, and your goal is to manipulate them to guide the water to the correct location. To do this, you will need to use the Cryonis Rune to create ice pillars in specific spots to block or redirect the water flow.
Start by examining the area around the waterfall. You will notice that there are several gates that can be opened or closed by hitting switches. These switches are typically marked by glowing orbs, and they can be activated by hitting them with an arrow or by using a weapon. The first switch is located near the base of the waterfall. Hit this switch to open the first gate, allowing water to flow into the channel.
Next, follow the channel downstream. You will encounter a second gate that is currently closed. To open this gate, you will need to create an ice pillar in the water just before the gate. Use the Cryonis Rune to create the pillar, which will block the flow of water and cause it to rise. As the water level rises, it will activate a pressure plate that opens the second gate. This allows the water to continue flowing downstream.
Continue following the channel, and you will come across a third gate. This gate is more complex, as it requires you to redirect the water flow to activate the switch. To do this, create another ice pillar in the water just before the gate. This will cause the water to flow around the pillar and into a side channel. The side channel leads to a switch that, when activated, will open the third gate. Hit the switch with an arrow or weapon to open the gate and allow the water to flow further downstream.
Once all the gates are open and the water is flowing freely, follow the channel to its end. You will notice that the water is now flowing into a large pool. This pool is the key to revealing the hidden shrine. Use the Cryonis Rune to create an ice pillar in the center of the pool. As the water level rises, it will activate a mechanism that causes the shrine to rise from the depths of the pool. The shrine, known as the Dagah Keek Shrine, will now be accessible.
When approaching the shrine, be prepared for a potential encounter with enemies. There may be Lizalfos or other creatures in the area, so having a weapon ready is advisable. Once you have dealt with any threats, enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward.
Some important tips and considerations for this quest include being patient and observant. The puzzle requires careful manipulation of the water flow, and it may take a few attempts to get it right. Make sure to save your game before starting the quest, as this will allow you to retry if you make a mistake. Additionally, using the Cryonis Rune effectively is crucial, so practice creating and removing ice pillars to get a feel for how they interact with the water.
Common mistakes to avoid include not paying attention to the water flow and missing the switches. It is easy to overlook the switches, especially if they are hidden or require precise aiming. Make sure to thoroughly explore the area and look for any glowing orbs or other indicators of switches. Another mistake is not creating the ice pillars in the correct locations. The pillars need to be placed strategically to block or redirect the water flow, so take your time to find the optimal spots.
Advanced techniques or optimizations for this quest include using the Stasis Rune to temporarily freeze the switches, giving you more time to hit them with an arrow or weapon. This can be particularly useful if the switches are difficult to reach or require precise timing. Additionally, using a long-range bow can make it easier to hit the switches from a distance, reducing the need to get close to potential enemies.
In terms of alternative approaches, some players may choose to use bombs to activate the switches instead of arrows or weapons. This can be effective, but it requires careful placement to avoid damaging the gates or other parts of the puzzle. Another alternative is to use the Magnesis Rune to manipulate metal objects in the area, though this is less common and may not be as effective as using the Cryonis Rune.
Overall, "The Water Guides" shrine quest is a rewarding challenge that tests your problem-solving skills and ability to manipulate the environment. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you should be able to successfully reveal the hidden shrine and complete the quest.
To start, you will need to prepare by ensuring you have the necessary tools and abilities. The most important item for this quest is the Cryonis Rune, which allows you to create ice pillars in bodies of water. This rune is essential for solving the puzzle, as it will be used to redirect the flow of water. Additionally, having a decent supply of arrows and a bow can be helpful, though not strictly necessary. It is also a good idea to have some healing items or food, as there may be enemies in the area that you need to deal with.
The first step in solving the puzzle is to locate the water source that Ledo mentions. This is a small waterfall located near the East Reservoir Lake. The waterfall flows into a channel that leads to a series of gates. These gates control the flow of water, and your goal is to manipulate them to guide the water to the correct location. To do this, you will need to use the Cryonis Rune to create ice pillars in specific spots to block or redirect the water flow.
Start by examining the area around the waterfall. You will notice that there are several gates that can be opened or closed by hitting switches. These switches are typically marked by glowing orbs, and they can be activated by hitting them with an arrow or by using a weapon. The first switch is located near the base of the waterfall. Hit this switch to open the first gate, allowing water to flow into the channel.
Next, follow the channel downstream. You will encounter a second gate that is currently closed. To open this gate, you will need to create an ice pillar in the water just before the gate. Use the Cryonis Rune to create the pillar, which will block the flow of water and cause it to rise. As the water level rises, it will activate a pressure plate that opens the second gate. This allows the water to continue flowing downstream.
Continue following the channel, and you will come across a third gate. This gate is more complex, as it requires you to redirect the water flow to activate the switch. To do this, create another ice pillar in the water just before the gate. This will cause the water to flow around the pillar and into a side channel. The side channel leads to a switch that, when activated, will open the third gate. Hit the switch with an arrow or weapon to open the gate and allow the water to flow further downstream.
Once all the gates are open and the water is flowing freely, follow the channel to its end. You will notice that the water is now flowing into a large pool. This pool is the key to revealing the hidden shrine. Use the Cryonis Rune to create an ice pillar in the center of the pool. As the water level rises, it will activate a mechanism that causes the shrine to rise from the depths of the pool. The shrine, known as the Dagah Keek Shrine, will now be accessible.
When approaching the shrine, be prepared for a potential encounter with enemies. There may be Lizalfos or other creatures in the area, so having a weapon ready is advisable. Once you have dealt with any threats, enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward.
Some important tips and considerations for this quest include being patient and observant. The puzzle requires careful manipulation of the water flow, and it may take a few attempts to get it right. Make sure to save your game before starting the quest, as this will allow you to retry if you make a mistake. Additionally, using the Cryonis Rune effectively is crucial, so practice creating and removing ice pillars to get a feel for how they interact with the water.
Common mistakes to avoid include not paying attention to the water flow and missing the switches. It is easy to overlook the switches, especially if they are hidden or require precise aiming. Make sure to thoroughly explore the area and look for any glowing orbs or other indicators of switches. Another mistake is not creating the ice pillars in the correct locations. The pillars need to be placed strategically to block or redirect the water flow, so take your time to find the optimal spots.
Advanced techniques or optimizations for this quest include using the Stasis Rune to temporarily freeze the switches, giving you more time to hit them with an arrow or weapon. This can be particularly useful if the switches are difficult to reach or require precise timing. Additionally, using a long-range bow can make it easier to hit the switches from a distance, reducing the need to get close to potential enemies.
In terms of alternative approaches, some players may choose to use bombs to activate the switches instead of arrows or weapons. This can be effective, but it requires careful placement to avoid damaging the gates or other parts of the puzzle. Another alternative is to use the Magnesis Rune to manipulate metal objects in the area, though this is less common and may not be as effective as using the Cryonis Rune.
Overall, "The Water Guides" shrine quest is a rewarding challenge that tests your problem-solving skills and ability to manipulate the environment. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you should be able to successfully reveal the hidden shrine and complete the quest.