How do I start the "A Gift of Nightshade" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To start the "A Gift of Nightshade" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to visit Kakariko Village, a central location in the game that serves as a hub for many side quests and story-related activities. This quest is given by Lasli, a Sheikah woman who runs the armor shop in the village. The quest revolves around collecting a specific item, Nightshade, which is a plant that grows in dark or shadowy areas. Here is a detailed guide on how to start and complete this quest, including tips, strategies, and considerations.

First, you need to locate Kakariko Village. It is situated in the eastern part of the map, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains. If you have already activated the Kakariko Village shrine, you can fast travel there. If not, you will need to make your way to the village by following the main road from the Dueling Peaks Stable or other nearby landmarks. Once you arrive, head to the armor shop, which is located near the center of the village. Look for Lasli, who is usually standing outside her shop during the day.

To initiate the quest, speak to Lasli. She will mention that she is looking for Nightshade to create a special dye for her fabrics. She will ask you to bring her 10 Nightshade plants. Nightshade is a relatively common plant, but it only grows in specific locations. It is typically found in dark or shadowy areas, such as under trees, in caves, or near cliffs. One of the best places to find Nightshade is in the forests around Kakariko Village itself. You can also find it in the Lanayru Wetlands, the Great Hyrule Forest, and other areas with dense foliage.

Once you have gathered 10 Nightshade plants, return to Lasli and give them to her. She will be delighted and reward you with a Purple Rupee, which is worth 50 Rupees. This completes the quest. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the process smoother and more efficient.

First, it is a good idea to have a decent amount of inventory space before starting this quest. Nightshade is a plant, so it will take up space in your materials inventory. If your inventory is full, you will need to make room by selling or cooking other items. Additionally, having a good supply of stamina or stamina-restoring items can be helpful, as you may need to climb or run to reach some of the Nightshade locations.

One common mistake players make is not checking the environment thoroughly. Nightshade can be easy to miss if you are not paying attention to the ground or the shadows. Make sure to explore areas thoroughly and look under trees, near cliffs, and in caves. Another mistake is not gathering enough Nightshade before returning to Lasli. If you only gather a few plants, you will need to make multiple trips, which can be time-consuming.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to speed up the process. If you have the Sheikah Sensor upgraded, you can set it to detect Nightshade, making it easier to locate the plants. Additionally, if you have the stealth armor set or stealth-enhancing food, you can move more quietly and avoid alerting enemies while gathering Nightshade. This can be particularly useful in areas with aggressive wildlife or monsters.

In terms of alternative approaches, you can also purchase Nightshade from certain merchants if you prefer not to gather it yourself. However, this can be expensive, as Nightshade is not a common item in shops. Another option is to grow Nightshade in your own garden if you have unlocked the Hateno Village house and the garden feature. This allows you to cultivate Nightshade and other plants at your leisure.

In conclusion, the "A Gift of Nightshade" side quest is a straightforward task that involves gathering a specific plant and delivering it to an NPC. By following the steps outlined above, you can complete the quest efficiently and earn a nice reward. Remember to explore thoroughly, manage your inventory, and use any available tools or optimizations to make the process easier. With a little patience and attention to detail, you will have no trouble completing this quest and continuing your adventure in Hyrule.