How do I start the "The Eye of the Sandstorm" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To start "The Eye of the Sandstorm" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to travel to the Gerudo Desert region, specifically to the area near the Gerudo Tower. This quest is tied to the discovery of the Korsh O'hu Shrine, which is hidden within a sandstorm. The quest involves navigating through the sandstorm to locate the shrine, and it requires careful preparation and strategy to complete successfully.

First, you need to reach the Gerudo Desert. If you haven't already unlocked the Gerudo Tower, you should do so, as it provides a good vantage point for planning your approach. From the tower, glide down toward the southwestern part of the desert, where you will encounter a massive sandstorm. The sandstorm obscures your vision, making it difficult to see landmarks or navigate effectively. This is the area where the Korsh O'hu Shrine is hidden, and the quest begins when you interact with the pedestal near the edge of the sandstorm.

Before entering the sandstorm, it is highly recommended to prepare adequately. One of the most important items you will need is the Thunder Helm, which can be obtained by completing the "Divine Beast Vah Naboris" questline and helping the Gerudo people. The Thunder Helm protects you from lightning strikes, which are common in the desert. If you don't have the Thunder Helm, you can use other lightning-resistant gear or elixirs, but the helm is the most reliable option. Additionally, you should bring plenty of food and elixirs to restore health and stamina, as the desert environment can be harsh.

Once you are prepared, head to the southwestern part of the desert, near the edge of the sandstorm. You will find a pedestal with an inscription that reads, "The eye of the sandstorm holds the key." This is the starting point for the quest. To locate the shrine, you need to find the "eye" of the sandstorm, which is a calm area within the storm where the shrine is located. The sandstorm makes it difficult to see, so you will need to rely on other methods to navigate.

One effective strategy is to use the mini-map on your Sheikah Slate. The mini-map will still function even though your vision is obscured, allowing you to track your movement and direction. Start by heading directly south from the pedestal. As you move, keep an eye on the mini-map to ensure you are going in a straight line. The shrine is located approximately 800 meters south of the pedestal, so you will need to cover a significant distance. Be prepared for enemies such as Moldugas and Lizalfos, which can attack you while you are navigating the sandstorm.

Another important tip is to use a sand seal to traverse the desert more quickly. Sand seals can be rented from the Gerudo Town stables, and they allow you to move faster across the sand. However, be cautious when using a sand seal in the sandstorm, as the reduced visibility can make it difficult to avoid obstacles or enemies. If you prefer to go on foot, make sure to conserve your stamina and avoid unnecessary combat.

As you approach the eye of the sandstorm, you will notice that the wind begins to die down, and the visibility improves. This is a sign that you are close to the shrine. Once you reach the calm area, you will find the Korsh O'hu Shrine. Interact with the shrine to complete the quest and gain access to its challenges.

Common mistakes to avoid include entering the sandstorm without proper preparation, such as lacking lightning-resistant gear or sufficient healing items. Additionally, some players may get disoriented and lose their way in the sandstorm, so it is crucial to use the mini-map and maintain a consistent direction. Another mistake is engaging in unnecessary combat, which can drain your resources and make the journey more difficult.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can consider. If you have the Master Cycle Zero from the DLC, you can use it to traverse the desert quickly, though it requires careful handling in the sandstorm. Additionally, if you have the Revali's Gale ability, you can use it to gain altitude and get a better view of the surrounding area, though this is less effective in the thick sandstorm.

In summary, "The Eye of the Sandstorm" shrine quest requires careful preparation, navigation, and strategy. By using the mini-map, preparing with the right gear, and avoiding unnecessary combat, you can successfully locate the Korsh O'hu Shrine and complete the quest. Whether you choose to use a sand seal, go on foot, or employ advanced techniques, the key is to stay focused and methodical in your approach.