What is the reward for completing the "The Stolen Heirloom" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Stolen Heirloom" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a multi-step quest that involves solving a mystery and recovering a stolen heirloom for an NPC in Kakariko Village. The reward for completing this quest is the Thunderblade, a powerful one-handed sword that deals electric damage. This quest is also tied to the main story, as it involves Impa, one of the key characters in the game. Below is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To start the quest, you must first speak to Dorian, a Sheikah guard standing near Impa's house in Kakariko Village. Dorian will explain that a family heirloom, the Ceremonial Trident, has been stolen, and he suspects it was taken by someone in the village. He asks for your help in recovering it. This quest requires you to investigate the theft and find the culprit.

The first step is to gather clues. Dorian mentions that the thief left behind a trail of footprints. These footprints can be found near the water behind Impa's house. Use your Sheikah Sensor or simply follow the trail of wet footprints to the small pond behind the house. The footprints lead to a small cave entrance hidden behind some bushes. This is where the thief has taken the trident.

Before entering the cave, it is a good idea to prepare. The cave is guarded by a few enemies, including a couple of Lizalfos. Make sure you have a decent weapon, some arrows, and perhaps a few healing items. Stealth can also be helpful here, as you can avoid unnecessary combat by sneaking past the enemies. If you prefer to fight, use your bow to take out the Lizalfos from a distance before they can close in on you.

Once inside the cave, you will find the Ceremonial Trident stuck in the ground. However, the thief, a Yiga Clan member, will ambush you. The Yiga Clan is a group of skilled assassins who are enemies of the Sheikah and Link. This Yiga footsoldier will attack you with a windcleaver, a powerful two-handed sword that can create wind gusts. Be prepared for a tough fight. The Yiga footsoldier is fast and can teleport around the battlefield, making it difficult to land hits. Use your shield to block his attacks and look for openings to strike. Flurry rushes and perfect dodges can be very effective here.

After defeating the Yiga footsoldier, you can retrieve the Ceremonial Trident. Return to Dorian to complete the quest. He will thank you and reward you with the Thunderblade. This weapon is particularly useful against enemies weak to electric damage, such as those in the Gerudo Desert or during thunderstorms.

There are a few important tips to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure to save your game before entering the cave. The Yiga footsoldier can be a challenging opponent, and you don't want to lose progress if you are defeated. Second, if you are low on health or weapons, consider cooking some meals or elixirs to boost your stats before the fight. Third, if you are having trouble with the Yiga footsoldier, try using electric arrows or bombs to create distance and deal damage safely.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the Yiga footsoldier. This enemy is more powerful than most standard foes, and his teleportation ability can catch players off guard. Make sure to stay focused and avoid getting surrounded. Another mistake is not following the footprints carefully. The trail can be easy to miss, especially at night, so use your Sheikah Sensor or look for the wet marks on the ground.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use. If you have the Stealth Armor set, you can sneak past the Lizalfos outside the cave without engaging in combat. This saves time and resources. Additionally, if you have the Stasis rune upgraded, you can use it to freeze the Yiga footsoldier temporarily, giving you a chance to land a few free hits.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to use the environment to their advantage. For example, you can lure the Yiga footsoldier into the water and use electric attacks to deal extra damage. Alternatively, you can use the terrain to block his attacks and create openings for counterattacks.

Overall, "The Stolen Heirloom" is a rewarding quest that not only provides a powerful weapon but also deepens the story of Kakariko Village and the Sheikah. By following the steps outlined above and keeping these tips in mind, you should be able to complete the quest successfully and add the Thunderblade to your arsenal.