How do I complete the "The Hero's Cache" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Hero's Cache" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a shrine quest that leads you to the hidden Sho Dantu Shrine. This quest is located in the Wasteland region of the Gerudo Desert, and it requires you to solve a puzzle involving a sand seal and a specific pattern in the sand. Here is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest.

To start the quest, you need to 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 legend of a hero who left a cache in the desert, and she will give you a clue about the location. The clue mentions a pattern in the sand that resembles a Vah Naboris, one of the Divine Beasts. This pattern is key to finding the shrine.

The next step is to head to the Wasteland region of the Gerudo Desert. The pattern you are looking for is located near the southwestern part of the desert, close to the Gerudo Great Skeleton. You will need a sand seal to traverse the desert efficiently. If you do not already have one, you can rent a sand seal from the sand seal rental place in Gerudo Town. Make sure to bring a shield as well, as you will need it to attach the sand seal and glide across the sand.

Once you reach the area near the Gerudo Great Skeleton, look for a large circular pattern in the sand. This pattern resembles the shape of Vah Naboris, with a central circle and two protruding lines that look like the Divine Beast's legs. The shrine is hidden beneath this pattern, but it will only appear if you complete the puzzle correctly.

To solve the puzzle, you need to create a specific pattern in the sand using the sand seal. Start by attaching the sand seal to your shield and then glide around the outer edge of the circular pattern. As you glide, the sand seal will create tracks in the sand. Your goal is to make the tracks form a complete circle around the central pattern, mimicking the shape of Vah Naboris. This requires precise movement, so take your time and make sure the tracks are clean and continuous.

Once you have completed the circle, the Sho Dantu Shrine will rise from the sand. Enter the shrine to complete the quest. Inside the shrine, you will find a minor test of strength, where you will need to defeat a Guardian Scout. Make sure you are well-prepared for combat, as the Guardian Scout can be challenging if you are not equipped with strong weapons and armor. Use your best weapons and shields, and consider using food or elixirs to boost your attack and defense if needed.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough stamina to glide around the pattern without stopping. If your stamina runs out, you will have to start over. You can increase your stamina by cooking and consuming stamina-restoring foods or elixirs. Second, pay attention to the shape of the pattern and try to mimic it as closely as possible. If the tracks are not clean or if there are gaps, the shrine may not appear. Finally, be prepared for the combat inside the shrine. The Guardian Scout can deal significant damage, so make sure you have plenty of healing items and strong weapons.

A common mistake players make is not paying attention to the shape of the pattern. If the tracks are not precise, the shrine will not appear, and you will have to start over. Another mistake is not being prepared for the combat inside the shrine. Make sure you have strong weapons and armor, and consider using food or elixirs to boost your stats.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can make. If you have the Master Cycle Zero from the DLC, you can use it to create the pattern more quickly and efficiently. Additionally, if you have the Sand Boots, they can help you move more easily in the sand, making it easier to create the pattern.

In terms of required items and preparation, you will need a sand seal, a shield, and strong weapons and armor for the combat inside the shrine. You may also want to bring stamina-restoring foods or elixirs to help with the gliding. If you have the Sand Boots or the Master Cycle Zero, they can make the quest easier.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use the sand seal to create the pattern from the inside out. Instead of gliding around the outer edge, you can start from the center and work your way out. This can be more challenging, but it can also be more precise if done correctly.

In conclusion, the "The Hero's Cache" shrine quest is a fun and challenging quest that requires you to solve a puzzle in the sand and defeat a Guardian Scout. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you should be able to complete the quest and find the Sho Dantu Shrine. Good luck, and enjoy your adventure in the Gerudo Desert.