What are the steps to complete the "The Lost Pilgrimage" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "Lost Pilgrimage" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique and engaging side quest that involves stealth and careful observation. This quest is located in the Kakariko Village area and is given by an NPC named Oaki, a young Korok. The goal of the quest is to follow Oaki without being detected as he leads you to a hidden shrine. Here is a detailed guide to completing this quest successfully.

To begin the quest, you need to speak with Oaki, who is found near the entrance to Kakariko Village. He will tell you about a secret shrine and challenge you to follow him without being seen. This initiates the quest, and Oaki will start moving toward the shrine's location. The key mechanic here is stealth. You must stay hidden and avoid being detected by Oaki, who will periodically look back to check if you are following him. If he sees you, the quest will reset, and you will need to start over from the beginning.

The first step is to prepare for the quest. While no specific items are required, having stealth-enhancing gear or food can make the task easier. The Stealth Set, which can be purchased in Kakariko Village, is highly recommended as it reduces the noise you make while moving. Alternatively, you can cook meals with stealth-boosting ingredients like Silent Shrooms or Sneaky River Snails. These will temporarily increase your stealth, making it harder for Oaki to detect you.

Once you are ready, follow Oaki from a safe distance. Stay behind trees, rocks, or other environmental objects to remain hidden. Use the crouch button to move quietly, as running or walking normally will create noise and alert Oaki. Pay close attention to his movements and pauses. Oaki will stop occasionally to look around, and this is when you need to be extra cautious. If you see him turning around, quickly hide behind cover until he resumes his path.

The path Oaki takes is relatively straightforward, but there are a few tricky spots where you need to be careful. For example, there is a narrow section with limited cover where Oaki will stop and look around for a longer time. In this area, it is best to wait until he starts moving again before following. Another challenging part is when Oaki crosses a small bridge. The open space makes it easy for him to spot you, so wait until he is on the other side before crossing.

One common mistake players make is getting too close to Oaki. While it might be tempting to stay right behind him, this increases the risk of being detected. Instead, maintain a safe distance and use the environment to your advantage. Another mistake is rushing through the quest. Patience is key, as moving too quickly can lead to unnecessary detection. Take your time and observe Oaki's patterns.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use. If you have the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect shrines, you can activate it to help locate the shrine's general direction. This can give you an idea of where Oaki is heading, allowing you to plan your movements more effectively. Additionally, if you have the Stasis rune, you can use it to freeze Oaki temporarily if you accidentally get too close. This can give you a moment to reposition yourself without being detected.

An alternative approach to this quest is to use the Revali's Gale ability, if you have unlocked it. This allows you to glide over obstacles and bypass some of the trickier sections of the path. However, this method requires precise timing and positioning to avoid being seen by Oaki.

Once you successfully follow Oaki to the end of the path, he will lead you to the hidden shrine, called the Ta'loh Naeg Shrine. This shrine is a blessing shrine, meaning there are no puzzles or enemies inside. Simply interact with the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward, which includes a Spirit Orb.

In summary, the "Lost Pilgrimage" shrine quest requires patience, stealth, and careful observation. By preparing with stealth-enhancing gear or food, maintaining a safe distance, and using the environment to your advantage, you can successfully follow Oaki to the hidden shrine. Avoid common mistakes like getting too close or rushing, and consider advanced techniques or alternative approaches if you have the necessary abilities. With these strategies, you will be able to complete the quest and uncover the Ta'loh Naeg Shrine.