How do I start the "The Thunder Helm" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To start "The Thunder Helm" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to visit Gerudo Town, which is located in the Gerudo Desert in the southwestern part of Hyrule. This quest becomes available after you have completed the main quest "Divine Beast Vah Naboris," which involves freeing the Divine Beast from Calamity Ganon's control. Once you have completed this main quest, you can speak to Riju, the leader of the Gerudo, to initiate the side quest.

The Thunder Helm is a unique piece of headgear that provides immunity to lightning strikes, making it a valuable item for exploring areas with frequent thunderstorms. To obtain it, you must complete a series of tasks for the people of Gerudo Town. Riju will inform you that the Thunder Helm is a sacred treasure of the Gerudo, and she cannot simply give it to you. Instead, she will ask you to help the townspeople with their problems, and once you have done so, she will consider lending you the helm.

There are four specific side quests you need to complete in Gerudo Town to earn the Thunder Helm. These quests are "The Mystery Polluter," "The Search for Barta," "Medicinal Molduga," and "The Eighth Heroine." Each of these quests involves helping a different resident of Gerudo Town, and they range from solving environmental puzzles to defeating powerful enemies.

The first quest, "The Mystery Polluter," requires you to investigate the source of a foul smell in the town. You will need to speak to various NPCs and eventually discover that the smell is coming from a hidden Yiga Clan member. Defeating this Yiga Clan member will resolve the issue and complete the quest.

The second quest, "The Search for Barta," involves finding a missing Gerudo woman named Barta. She has gone to the East Barrens to hunt for Molduga, a dangerous sand-dwelling creature. You will need to locate her and help her defeat the Molduga. This quest requires combat skills and the ability to navigate the desert environment effectively.

The third quest, "Medicinal Molduga," requires you to collect Molduga Guts, which are dropped by Molduga. You will need to defeat at least one Molduga to obtain the guts and deliver them to the quest giver. This quest emphasizes combat and resource management, as Molduga are tough enemies that require careful strategy to defeat.

The fourth quest, "The Eighth Heroine," is a shrine quest that involves finding a statue of an eighth heroine in the Gerudo Highlands. This quest requires you to solve environmental puzzles and navigate treacherous terrain. Once you find the statue, you will need to take a picture of it and show it to the quest giver to complete the quest.

After completing all four quests, return to Riju, and she will reward you with the Thunder Helm. It is important to note that the Thunder Helm is not a permanent item; it is only lent to you, and you must return it to Riju after you are done using it. However, you can borrow it again whenever you need it.

Some important tips and considerations for completing these quests include ensuring you have adequate supplies, such as healing items and weapons, before attempting to fight Molduga or Yiga Clan members. Additionally, having the right armor, such as the Desert Voe set, can help you withstand the harsh desert environment. It is also helpful to have a good understanding of the game's combat mechanics, as some of these quests involve challenging battles.

Common mistakes to avoid include not preparing adequately for the Molduga fights, as these creatures can deal significant damage if you are not careful. Another mistake is not thoroughly exploring the Gerudo Highlands during "The Eighth Heroine" quest, as the statue can be difficult to find without careful navigation.

Advanced techniques for these quests include using stealth to avoid unnecessary fights and conserving resources. For example, you can use stealth to sneak up on the Yiga Clan member in "The Mystery Polluter" quest, making the fight easier. Additionally, using the right weapons and strategies, such as bomb arrows, can make defeating Molduga more manageable.

Required items and preparation include having a good supply of arrows, especially bomb arrows, as well as healing items like hearty meals. It is also helpful to have the Sand Boots, which allow you to move more easily in the desert sand.

Alternative approaches to these quests include using different strategies for combat, such as relying on stealth or using environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, you can use the environment to trap Molduga and make them easier to defeat.

Specific examples and scenarios include using the high ground to your advantage during the Molduga fights, as this can give you a better vantage point to attack. Additionally, using the camera rune to take pictures of the eighth heroine statue can help you remember its location and complete the quest more efficiently.

In summary, starting and completing "The Thunder Helm" side quest involves helping the people of Gerudo Town with their problems, which includes solving puzzles, defeating enemies, and navigating challenging terrain. By following the steps outlined above and preparing adequately, you can successfully complete the quest and obtain the Thunder Helm, a valuable item for your adventures in Hyrule.