Where is the "The Skull's Eye" shrine quest located in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Skull's Eye" shrine quest is one of the many shrine quests in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is located in the Akkala region, specifically near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This quest involves solving a puzzle related to a large skull-shaped rock formation, which hides the entrance to the Dah Hesho Shrine. Below is a detailed guide on how to complete this quest, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and more.

To begin the quest, you need to speak to an NPC named Jochi Quihu, who is found near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Jochi Quihu will mention a large skull-shaped rock formation and suggest that there might be something hidden inside it. This is your clue to investigate the skull-shaped rock, which is located to the northeast of the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, near the coast. The skull is easily identifiable due to its unique shape and size.

Once you reach the skull-shaped rock, you will notice that its eye sockets are blocked by large boulders. The objective of the quest is to clear these boulders to reveal the shrine hidden inside. To do this, you need to use a combination of environmental observation and puzzle-solving skills. The key mechanic here is using the environment to your advantage. Specifically, you need to find a way to destroy or move the boulders blocking the eye sockets.

One effective strategy is to use bomb arrows or regular bombs to destroy the boulders. If you have bomb arrows, you can shoot them at the boulders from a distance, causing them to explode and clear the way. If you do not have bomb arrows, you can use the remote bombs from your Sheikah Slate. Place a bomb near the boulder, move to a safe distance, and detonate it. This will destroy the boulder and reveal the shrine.

Another approach is to use a heavy weapon or a metal object to push the boulders out of the way. If you have a two-handed weapon like a claymore, you can use its charged spin attack to break the boulders. Alternatively, if you have the Magnesis rune, you can find a nearby metal object, lift it with Magnesis, and use it to push the boulders aside. This method requires some precision, as you need to position the metal object correctly to move the boulders.

Once the boulders are cleared, the Dah Hesho Shrine will be revealed inside the skull-shaped rock. Enter the shrine to complete the quest and receive your reward, which includes a Spirit Orb and any treasure chests inside the shrine. The Spirit Orb can be used to increase your health or stamina at a Goddess Statue, while the treasure chests may contain useful items like weapons, shields, or materials.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure you have enough arrows or bombs before attempting to clear the boulders. Running out of resources mid-quest can be frustrating and may require you to backtrack to restock. Second, be mindful of your surroundings, as there may be enemies nearby that could interrupt your progress. Clearing the area of enemies before focusing on the puzzle can save you time and resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include using the wrong type of weapon or tool to clear the boulders. For example, using a one-handed sword or a bow without bomb arrows will not be effective in breaking the boulders. Additionally, failing to position yourself correctly when using Magnesis or bombs can result in the boulders not being cleared properly. Take your time to aim and position your attacks carefully.

Advanced techniques or optimizations for this quest include using the Stasis rune to freeze the boulders and then hitting them with a heavy weapon to launch them out of the way. This method can be faster and more efficient than using bombs, especially if you have a strong weapon. Additionally, if you have the upgraded Stasis rune, you can use it to freeze multiple boulders at once, making the process even quicker.

Required items and preparation for this quest include having at least a few bomb arrows or remote bombs, a heavy weapon, and the Magnesis and Stasis runes. It is also helpful to have some healing items and a decent supply of arrows, as you may encounter enemies or need to use your bow for other purposes.

Alternative approaches to completing this quest include using environmental elements like nearby explosive barrels or rolling boulders down a hill to clear the eye sockets. If you are creative, you can find other ways to manipulate the environment to achieve the same result. For example, if there are explosive barrels nearby, you can shoot them with a fire arrow to cause a chain reaction that destroys the boulders.

In conclusion, "The Skull's Eye" shrine quest is a straightforward but rewarding challenge that tests your puzzle-solving and resource management skills. By following the steps outlined above, you can efficiently complete the quest and uncover the hidden Dah Hesho Shrine. Remember to prepare adequately, use the right tools, and be mindful of your surroundings to ensure a smooth and successful experience.