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

The "Test of Wisdom" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique challenge that requires players to solve a puzzle to reveal the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. This quest is located in the Gerudo Highlands region, specifically near the Wasteland Tower. To begin the quest, you must speak to Rotana, a Gerudo scholar, who can be found in Gerudo Town. She will give you the quest and provide a clue about the location of the shrine. The key to solving this quest lies in understanding the mechanics of the puzzle and using the environment to your advantage.

The first step is to locate the pedestal that Rotana mentions. This pedestal is found on a plateau near the Wasteland Tower, to the northeast of Gerudo Town. The pedestal has a circular indentation that requires a specific orb to activate. The orb is located nearby, but it is hidden in a way that requires careful observation and problem-solving. The orb is buried in the sand, and you will need to use the Magnesis rune to pull it out. Once you have the orb, place it in the pedestal to reveal the Sho Dantu Shrine.

The mechanics of this quest revolve around the use of the Magnesis rune, which allows you to manipulate metal objects. This rune is essential for retrieving the orb from the sand. Additionally, the quest requires you to navigate the environment carefully, as the plateau is surrounded by cliffs and dangerous terrain. It is important to approach the pedestal from the correct angle to avoid falling or getting stuck.

Step-by-step instructions for completing the quest are as follows. First, travel to the Wasteland Tower and climb to the top to get a good view of the surrounding area. From the tower, you should be able to see the plateau where the pedestal is located. Glide down to the plateau and locate the pedestal. Use the Magnesis rune to scan the area for the buried orb. Once you find the orb, pull it out of the sand and carry it to the pedestal. Place the orb in the indentation to reveal the Sho Dantu Shrine.

Important tips and considerations for this quest include making sure you have the Magnesis rune unlocked and ready to use. It is also helpful to have a good supply of stamina-restoring food or elixirs, as climbing and gliding can deplete your stamina quickly. Additionally, be cautious of the enemies in the area, such as Lizalfos and Keese, which can attack you while you are focused on the puzzle.

Common mistakes to avoid include not scanning the area thoroughly with the Magnesis rune, which can cause you to miss the orb. Another mistake is approaching the pedestal from the wrong direction, which can make it difficult to place the orb correctly. It is also important to avoid falling off the plateau, as this can result in losing progress and having to start over.

Advanced techniques or optimizations for this quest include using the Paraglider to quickly reach the plateau from the Wasteland Tower. You can also use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily, giving you more time to focus on the puzzle. Additionally, if you have the Master Sword, it can be useful for dealing with any enemies that get in your way.

Required items and preparation for this quest include the Magnesis rune, which is essential for retrieving the orb. It is also helpful to have a good supply of stamina-restoring items, as well as weapons and armor to deal with any enemies you encounter. If you have the Sheikah Sensor upgraded, it can help you locate the pedestal more easily.

Alternative approaches to this quest include using a horse to reach the plateau more quickly, although this may require some careful navigation. You can also use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks to help you climb up to the plateau if you are having trouble with the terrain.

Specific examples and scenarios for this quest include encountering a group of Lizalfos near the pedestal. In this case, it is best to deal with the enemies first before attempting to solve the puzzle. Another scenario is finding the orb buried in a particularly tricky spot, requiring you to use the Magnesis rune from a specific angle to pull it out.

In conclusion, the "Test of Wisdom" shrine quest is a challenging but rewarding puzzle that requires careful observation and the use of the Magnesis rune. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully reveal the Sho Dantu Shrine and complete the quest.