What is the solution to the "The Test of Endurance" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Test of Endurance" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the many shrine quests that players can encounter while exploring the vast world of Hyrule. This quest is located in the Gerudo Desert region, specifically near the Wasteland Tower. The shrine associated with this quest is the Korsh O'hu Shrine, which is hidden beneath the sand and requires players to solve a puzzle to reveal its location. Below is a detailed guide on how to complete this shrine quest, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

To begin the "Test of Endurance" shrine quest, you must first speak to Rotana, a Gerudo scholar who can be found in Gerudo Town. She is located in the northern part of the town, near the library. Rotana will tell you about a shrine hidden beneath the sand in the desert and provide you with a clue: "The sun's light shines on the pedestal at the seventh pillar." This clue is essential for solving the puzzle and revealing the shrine.

The mechanics of this quest involve using the sun's position in the sky to align shadows with a pedestal. The pedestal is located near the Wasteland Tower, surrounded by seven stone pillars. These pillars cast shadows on the ground, and your goal is to find the correct pillar whose shadow aligns with the pedestal at a specific time of day. The key is to observe the shadows and determine which pillar's shadow points directly at the pedestal when the sun is at its highest point, which is around noon in the game.

To solve the puzzle, follow these step-by-step instructions. First, travel to the Wasteland Tower and glide down to the area with the seven stone pillars. You will notice a pedestal in the center of the pillars. Wait until noon by sitting at a campfire or passing time at an inn. At noon, the sun will be directly overhead, and the shadows will be at their shortest. Observe the shadows cast by the pillars. One of the pillars will cast a shadow that points directly at the pedestal. This is the seventh pillar mentioned in the clue.

Once you identify the correct pillar, stand on the pedestal and look toward the seventh pillar. Use your Sheikah Slate to take a picture of the pillar, as this will help you remember its location. Next, use the Magnesis rune to lift the metal block that is buried beneath the sand near the seventh pillar. Place the metal block on the pedestal to reveal the Korsh O'hu Shrine.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have the Magnesis rune unlocked, as it is required to lift the metal block. If you do not have this rune, you will need to complete the Ja Baij Shrine in the Great Plateau to obtain it. Second, be patient and wait until noon to observe the shadows accurately. If you attempt this quest at any other time of day, the shadows may not align correctly, making it difficult to identify the correct pillar. Third, bring plenty of food and elixirs to restore health and stamina, as the desert environment can be harsh and deplete your resources quickly.

Common mistakes to avoid include misidentifying the correct pillar and attempting to solve the puzzle at the wrong time of day. Some players may mistakenly believe that the seventh pillar is the one farthest from the pedestal, but this is not always the case. The correct pillar is the one whose shadow points directly at the pedestal at noon. Additionally, some players may try to use other runes or items to reveal the shrine, but only the Magnesis rune will work for this puzzle.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the sun's position to your advantage. If you are having trouble identifying the correct pillar, you can use the sun's movement to track the shadows over time. Start observing the shadows in the morning and watch how they change as the sun moves across the sky. This will help you determine which shadow aligns with the pedestal at noon. Additionally, you can use the camera rune to take pictures of the pillars and their shadows, allowing you to compare them and identify the correct one more easily.

Required items and preparation include the Magnesis rune, a weapon or tool to defend yourself against enemies in the desert, and plenty of food and elixirs. The desert is home to dangerous creatures like Moldugas and Lizalfos, so be prepared for combat. It is also a good idea to bring heat-resistant armor or elixirs to protect yourself from the extreme heat during the day.

Alternative approaches to this quest include using the sun's position to solve the puzzle without waiting until noon. If you are skilled at reading shadows, you can estimate the correct pillar based on the sun's position at any time of day. However, this method requires a good understanding of how shadows behave and may be more challenging for some players. Another alternative is to consult online guides or maps that show the exact location of the seventh pillar, but this may take away from the sense of discovery and accomplishment.

In conclusion, the "Test of Endurance" shrine quest is a challenging but rewarding puzzle that requires careful observation and patience. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully reveal the Korsh O'hu Shrine and complete the quest. Remember to use the sun's position to your advantage, bring the necessary items, and avoid common mistakes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Happy exploring!