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 Floria, near the Floria River. The quest is given by an NPC named Kass, a Rito bard who is often found playing his accordion near shrines or stables. Kass is a recurring character in the game, and he provides many shrine quests and side quests through his songs and riddles.

When you arrive at Lakeside Stable, you will find Kass standing near the entrance, playing his accordion. Speak to him, and he will tell you about a mysterious shrine hidden in the area. He will sing a song that contains clues about how to unlock the shrine. The lyrics of the song mention a "thunder magnet" and a "stormy plateau," which are key to solving the quest. The shrine in question is the Shora Hah Shrine, and it is located on the Thundra Plateau, a high area northwest of the stable.

To complete the quest, you need to reach the Thundra Plateau and solve the puzzle to reveal the shrine. The plateau is surrounded by a perpetual thunderstorm, which makes it dangerous to approach with metal equipment. The storm will cause lightning to strike any metal objects you are carrying, including weapons, shields, and bows. This is where the "thunder magnet" clue comes into play. The plateau has a large metal sphere that acts as a lightning rod, and you need to use this sphere to solve the puzzle.

Before heading to the Thundra Plateau, it is important to prepare properly. First, unequip any metal weapons, shields, or bows to avoid being struck by lightning. You can use wooden or non-metal equipment instead. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring some stamina-restoring food or elixirs, as climbing the plateau requires a fair amount of stamina. If you have the Climbing Gear or other stamina-boosting armor, equip it to make the climb easier.

Once you reach the Thundra Plateau, you will see the large metal sphere and several stone structures. The goal is to place the metal sphere into a socket on one of the stone structures to reveal the shrine. However, the sphere is initially stuck in a depression, and you need to use the lightning storm to your advantage. When lightning strikes the sphere, it will be launched into the air, allowing you to move it. You can use this mechanic to guide the sphere into the socket.

To do this, wait for a lightning strike to hit the sphere, then quickly grab it with Magnesis (a Rune ability from the Sheikah Slate) and move it toward the socket. Be careful not to stand too close to the sphere when lightning strikes, as you could be hit by the resulting explosion. It may take a few tries to get the timing right, but once the sphere is in the socket, the Shora Hah Shrine will appear.

One common mistake players make is trying to carry the sphere without using the lightning strikes. This is nearly impossible due to the sphere's weight and the storm's interference. Another mistake is not preparing properly by removing metal equipment, which can lead to unnecessary damage or death from lightning strikes. Additionally, some players may not realize that the sphere needs to be launched by lightning, so they spend too much time trying to move it manually.

An advanced technique is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can position yourself so that the sphere is between you and the socket when lightning strikes, making it easier to guide the sphere into place. You can also use Cryonis to create ice blocks as barriers to help direct the sphere's movement.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players have found success by using Stasis on the sphere to freeze it in place after a lightning strike, giving them more time to position it. However, this method requires precise timing and may not be as reliable as using Magnesis.

Overall, "The Thunder Magnet" side quest is a unique and challenging puzzle that requires careful preparation and clever use of the game's mechanics. By following these steps and tips, you should be able to successfully complete the quest and unlock the Shora Hah Shrine.