How do I solve the "The Test of Strength" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The "Test of Strength" shrines in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are a series of combat-focused shrines that challenge players to defeat a Guardian Scout, a smaller version of the game's larger Guardian enemies. These shrines are scattered throughout Hyrule and are categorized into three difficulty levels: Minor, Moderate, and Major Tests of Strength. Each level increases the Guardian Scout's health, attack power, and the complexity of its moveset. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to approach and complete these shrines.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Guardian Scout in these shrines is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a sword, spear, and sometimes a laser beam. The Minor Test of Strength shrines feature a Scout with basic attacks, while Moderate and Major Tests introduce more advanced techniques like spinning attacks, charged laser beams, and area-of-effect shockwaves. The key to defeating these enemies lies in understanding their attack patterns, managing your stamina, and using the environment to your advantage.
Before entering a Test of Strength shrine, itÔÇÖs important to prepare. Make sure you have a good supply of weapons, as the Guardian Scout can deal significant damage and wear down your equipment. Shields are also crucial, as they can block most of the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks, including its laser beam. Additionally, consider cooking meals that boost your defense or attack power. Dishes made with ingredients like Armored Carp, Ironshroom, or Mighty Bananas can give you an edge in combat. ItÔÇÖs also wise to have a few fairies or hearty meals to restore health if needed.
When you enter the shrine, the Guardian Scout will activate and immediately engage you in combat. The first step is to observe its attack patterns. In Minor Tests, the Scout will typically perform a three-hit sword combo, a spear thrust, and occasionally a laser beam. Moderate and Major Tests add spinning attacks and shockwaves, which can knock you back and deal heavy damage. To avoid these attacks, use your shield to block or dodge at the right moment to trigger a Flurry Rush, which allows you to land multiple hits in slow motion.
One effective strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. The shrines often have pillars or walls that you can use to break the ScoutÔÇÖs line of sight, forcing it to reposition and giving you an opportunity to attack. Additionally, you can use bombs to deal damage from a distance, though this method is slower and less effective than direct combat. If you have access to elemental weapons or arrows, these can also be useful. For example, shock arrows can stun the Scout, giving you a chance to land several hits.
Resource management is crucial during these fights. Avoid using your best weapons early on, as the ScoutÔÇÖs health pool increases with the difficulty level. Instead, use weaker weapons to chip away at its health and save your stronger weapons for the final stages of the fight. Similarly, conserve your stamina for dodging and sprinting, as running out of stamina at a critical moment can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
Common mistakes to avoid include being too aggressive and not paying attention to the ScoutÔÇÖs attack patterns. Rushing in without a plan can lead to quick defeats, especially in Moderate and Major Tests. Another mistake is neglecting to use your shield, which can block most of the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks and prevent unnecessary damage. Finally, donÔÇÖt forget to heal when necessary. ItÔÇÖs easy to get caught up in the fight and forget to restore your health, leading to an untimely defeat.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to make the fight easier. One technique is to parry the ScoutÔÇÖs laser beam with your shield. Timing this correctly can reflect the beam back at the Scout, dealing significant damage. Another advanced strategy is to use UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, a Champion ability that unleashes a powerful lightning attack, to quickly deplete the ScoutÔÇÖs health. If you have the Master Sword, itÔÇÖs particularly effective against Guardians, dealing extra damage and lasting longer than other weapons.
In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to use stealth to get the first hit. Sneaking up on the Scout before it activates can give you a free strike, though this is more difficult in shrines where the Scout is already active. Another approach is to use the Stasis rune to freeze the Scout temporarily, allowing you to land several hits before it can react. This is especially useful in Major Tests, where the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks are more dangerous.
Specific examples of Test of Strength shrines include the "Shae Loya Shrine" in the Gerudo Desert, which is a Minor Test, and the "Mijah Rokee Shrine" in the Eldin region, which is a Major Test. Each shrine follows the same basic structure but increases in difficulty based on the ScoutÔÇÖs level. By understanding the mechanics, preparing adequately, and using effective strategies, you can successfully complete any Test of Strength shrine and claim the Spirit Orb and treasure chests inside.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. The Guardian Scout in these shrines is equipped with a variety of weapons, including a sword, spear, and sometimes a laser beam. The Minor Test of Strength shrines feature a Scout with basic attacks, while Moderate and Major Tests introduce more advanced techniques like spinning attacks, charged laser beams, and area-of-effect shockwaves. The key to defeating these enemies lies in understanding their attack patterns, managing your stamina, and using the environment to your advantage.
Before entering a Test of Strength shrine, itÔÇÖs important to prepare. Make sure you have a good supply of weapons, as the Guardian Scout can deal significant damage and wear down your equipment. Shields are also crucial, as they can block most of the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks, including its laser beam. Additionally, consider cooking meals that boost your defense or attack power. Dishes made with ingredients like Armored Carp, Ironshroom, or Mighty Bananas can give you an edge in combat. ItÔÇÖs also wise to have a few fairies or hearty meals to restore health if needed.
When you enter the shrine, the Guardian Scout will activate and immediately engage you in combat. The first step is to observe its attack patterns. In Minor Tests, the Scout will typically perform a three-hit sword combo, a spear thrust, and occasionally a laser beam. Moderate and Major Tests add spinning attacks and shockwaves, which can knock you back and deal heavy damage. To avoid these attacks, use your shield to block or dodge at the right moment to trigger a Flurry Rush, which allows you to land multiple hits in slow motion.
One effective strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. The shrines often have pillars or walls that you can use to break the ScoutÔÇÖs line of sight, forcing it to reposition and giving you an opportunity to attack. Additionally, you can use bombs to deal damage from a distance, though this method is slower and less effective than direct combat. If you have access to elemental weapons or arrows, these can also be useful. For example, shock arrows can stun the Scout, giving you a chance to land several hits.
Resource management is crucial during these fights. Avoid using your best weapons early on, as the ScoutÔÇÖs health pool increases with the difficulty level. Instead, use weaker weapons to chip away at its health and save your stronger weapons for the final stages of the fight. Similarly, conserve your stamina for dodging and sprinting, as running out of stamina at a critical moment can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
Common mistakes to avoid include being too aggressive and not paying attention to the ScoutÔÇÖs attack patterns. Rushing in without a plan can lead to quick defeats, especially in Moderate and Major Tests. Another mistake is neglecting to use your shield, which can block most of the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks and prevent unnecessary damage. Finally, donÔÇÖt forget to heal when necessary. ItÔÇÖs easy to get caught up in the fight and forget to restore your health, leading to an untimely defeat.
For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to make the fight easier. One technique is to parry the ScoutÔÇÖs laser beam with your shield. Timing this correctly can reflect the beam back at the Scout, dealing significant damage. Another advanced strategy is to use UrbosaÔÇÖs Fury, a Champion ability that unleashes a powerful lightning attack, to quickly deplete the ScoutÔÇÖs health. If you have the Master Sword, itÔÇÖs particularly effective against Guardians, dealing extra damage and lasting longer than other weapons.
In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to use stealth to get the first hit. Sneaking up on the Scout before it activates can give you a free strike, though this is more difficult in shrines where the Scout is already active. Another approach is to use the Stasis rune to freeze the Scout temporarily, allowing you to land several hits before it can react. This is especially useful in Major Tests, where the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks are more dangerous.
Specific examples of Test of Strength shrines include the "Shae Loya Shrine" in the Gerudo Desert, which is a Minor Test, and the "Mijah Rokee Shrine" in the Eldin region, which is a Major Test. Each shrine follows the same basic structure but increases in difficulty based on the ScoutÔÇÖs level. By understanding the mechanics, preparing adequately, and using effective strategies, you can successfully complete any Test of Strength shrine and claim the Spirit Orb and treasure chests inside.