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

To start "The Thunder Magnet" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to travel to the Faron region, specifically to the Lakeside Stable. This stable is located southeast of Lake Hylia, near the Floria River. The quest is given by an NPC named Kass, a Rito bard who often provides clues and hints for shrine quests and other challenges. Kass can be found sitting on a wooden platform near the stable, playing his accordion. When you approach him, he will begin singing a song that serves as the clue for the quest.

The song Kass sings mentions a "shrine that sleeps with the thunder" and hints at a location where lightning often strikes. This is a reference to the Shoda Sah Shrine, which is hidden in the area. The shrine is located on a small island in the middle of Lake Floria, directly east of the Lakeside Stable. The island is surrounded by water and has a large, flat rock in the center. This rock is the key to unlocking the shrine, as it is the spot where lightning frequently strikes during thunderstorms.

To complete the quest and reveal the shrine, you need to wait for a thunderstorm to occur. Thunderstorms are common in the Faron region, especially during rainy weather. When a thunderstorm begins, you will notice dark clouds, heavy rain, and frequent lightning strikes. During this time, you should head to the island in Lake Floria. Be cautious, as the lightning can be dangerous and may strike you if you are carrying metal equipment. To avoid being struck, unequip any metal weapons, shields, or bows before approaching the island.

Once you reach the island, stand near the large flat rock and wait for lightning to strike it. When the lightning hits the rock, the Shoda Sah Shrine will emerge from the ground, completing the quest. You can then enter the shrine to complete its challenge and claim your reward, which typically includes a Spirit Orb and a treasure chest containing useful items.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while attempting this quest. First, make sure to monitor the weather. If it is not raining or if there is no thunderstorm, the shrine will not appear. You can use the in-game weather forecast to plan your approach. Second, always unequip metal items during a thunderstorm to avoid being struck by lightning. This includes weapons, shields, and bows. If you are unsure which items are metal, check their descriptions in your inventory. Third, be patient. Thunderstorms can take some time to occur, so you may need to wait or pass time at a campfire until the right weather conditions appear.

A common mistake players make is not paying attention to the weather. If you attempt to complete the quest during clear weather, the shrine will not appear, and you may waste time. Another mistake is forgetting to unequip metal items, which can result in being struck by lightning and losing health or even dying. To avoid these issues, always check the weather and your equipment before approaching the island.

For advanced techniques, you can use the Thunder Helm, a special item obtained from completing the Divine Beast Vah Naboris quest. The Thunder Helm makes you immune to lightning, allowing you to carry metal items during a thunderstorm without risk. This can be particularly useful if you need to defend yourself while waiting for the shrine to appear. Additionally, you can use the Stasis rune to track lightning strikes. By activating Stasis, you can see where the lightning is likely to strike, helping you position yourself safely on the island.

In terms of preparation, you do not need any specific items to start the quest, but having weather-resistant gear or elixirs can help if you need to wait in the rain. The Climber's Set, which can be found in various shrines, is a good choice for navigating the wet terrain around Lake Floria. Additionally, having a few healing items or meals can be useful in case you take damage from lightning or other environmental hazards.

An alternative approach to completing the quest is to use the Revali's Gale ability, obtained from the Divine Beast Vah Medoh. This ability allows you to create an upward draft, making it easier to reach the island from a distance. If you do not have this ability, you can still swim or use a raft to reach the island, but be mindful of your stamina and the weather conditions.

In summary, "The Thunder Magnet" side quest involves locating Kass at the Lakeside Stable, listening to his song, and using the clues to find the Shoda Sah Shrine on the island in Lake Floria. By waiting for a thunderstorm and ensuring you are not carrying metal items, you can safely reveal the shrine and complete the quest. Pay attention to the weather, unequip metal gear, and use advanced techniques like the Thunder Helm or Stasis rune to optimize your approach. With proper preparation and patience, you can successfully complete this quest and unlock the hidden shrine.