How do I solve the "The Test of Strength" shrine quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The Test of Strength shrines in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are combat-focused trials that pit Link against a Guardian Scout, a smaller version of the game's larger Guardian enemies. These shrines are designed to test your combat skills, weapon durability, and ability to adapt to different enemy attack patterns. There are three difficulty levels for these shrines: Minor, Modest, and Major Tests of Strength, with the Major Tests being the most challenging. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to approach and complete these shrines successfully.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of the fight. Guardian Scouts are equipped with a variety of weapons, including a melee weapon, a ranged weapon, and sometimes a shield. They have a set of attack patterns that they cycle through, including melee swings, laser beams, and spinning attacks. The key to defeating them is to learn their attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses. For example, when the Guardian Scout charges its laser, you can use a well-timed shield parry to reflect the beam back at it, dealing significant damage. Alternatively, you can dodge the laser and close the distance to attack with melee weapons.
Preparation is crucial before entering a Test of Strength shrine. Make sure you have a good supply of weapons, as the Guardian Scouts are durable and will wear down your equipment. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, to restore health during the fight. If you have access to armor that boosts your defense or attack power, equip it before entering the shrine. Additionally, consider bringing weapons that deal extra damage to Guardians, such as ancient weapons or weapons with high durability.
When you enter the shrine, the Guardian Scout will activate and immediately begin attacking. The first phase of the fight typically involves the Scout using its melee weapon and laser attacks. Stay mobile and avoid standing still, as the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks are telegraphed but can be difficult to dodge if youÔÇÖre not paying attention. Use your shield to block melee attacks and parry laser beams. If youÔÇÖre not confident in your parry timing, you can also dodge the laser by sidestepping or backflipping.
As the fight progresses, the Guardian Scout will enter a second phase where it uses more powerful attacks, such as a spinning melee attack or a rapid-fire laser barrage. During the spinning attack, the Scout will move toward you while spinning its weapon. This attack can be difficult to avoid, but you can use the environment to your advantage by staying near walls or pillars to limit the ScoutÔÇÖs movement. Alternatively, you can use a well-timed dodge to avoid the attack and counter with your own melee strikes.
In the final phase of the fight, the Guardian Scout may use a powerful area-of-effect attack that creates a shockwave. This attack can be avoided by running away from the Scout or using a well-timed jump to avoid the shockwave. Once the Scout is defeated, it will drop valuable loot, including ancient materials and sometimes a powerful weapon. Be sure to collect these items before leaving the shrine.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the Major Test of Strength shrines. These shrines feature a Guardian Scout with significantly more health and stronger attacks than the Minor and Modest Tests. ItÔÇÖs important to come prepared with high-damage weapons and plenty of healing items. Another mistake is relying too heavily on one type of weapon. Guardian Scouts are resistant to certain types of damage, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to have a variety of weapons on hand, including melee weapons, bows, and elemental weapons.
Advanced techniques can help you optimize your performance in these shrines. For example, using elemental weapons can stun the Guardian Scout, giving you an opportunity to land several free hits. Additionally, using the Stasis+ rune can freeze the Scout temporarily, allowing you to reposition or set up a powerful attack. If youÔÇÖre skilled at perfect dodges, you can trigger a Flurry Rush, which allows you to land multiple hits in quick succession.
In summary, the Test of Strength shrines are challenging but manageable with the right preparation and strategy. Focus on learning the Guardian ScoutÔÇÖs attack patterns, use your shield and dodges effectively, and come prepared with a variety of weapons and healing items. With practice, youÔÇÖll be able to conquer these shrines and reap the rewards they offer.
First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of the fight. Guardian Scouts are equipped with a variety of weapons, including a melee weapon, a ranged weapon, and sometimes a shield. They have a set of attack patterns that they cycle through, including melee swings, laser beams, and spinning attacks. The key to defeating them is to learn their attack patterns and exploit their weaknesses. For example, when the Guardian Scout charges its laser, you can use a well-timed shield parry to reflect the beam back at it, dealing significant damage. Alternatively, you can dodge the laser and close the distance to attack with melee weapons.
Preparation is crucial before entering a Test of Strength shrine. Make sure you have a good supply of weapons, as the Guardian Scouts are durable and will wear down your equipment. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to bring healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, to restore health during the fight. If you have access to armor that boosts your defense or attack power, equip it before entering the shrine. Additionally, consider bringing weapons that deal extra damage to Guardians, such as ancient weapons or weapons with high durability.
When you enter the shrine, the Guardian Scout will activate and immediately begin attacking. The first phase of the fight typically involves the Scout using its melee weapon and laser attacks. Stay mobile and avoid standing still, as the ScoutÔÇÖs attacks are telegraphed but can be difficult to dodge if youÔÇÖre not paying attention. Use your shield to block melee attacks and parry laser beams. If youÔÇÖre not confident in your parry timing, you can also dodge the laser by sidestepping or backflipping.
As the fight progresses, the Guardian Scout will enter a second phase where it uses more powerful attacks, such as a spinning melee attack or a rapid-fire laser barrage. During the spinning attack, the Scout will move toward you while spinning its weapon. This attack can be difficult to avoid, but you can use the environment to your advantage by staying near walls or pillars to limit the ScoutÔÇÖs movement. Alternatively, you can use a well-timed dodge to avoid the attack and counter with your own melee strikes.
In the final phase of the fight, the Guardian Scout may use a powerful area-of-effect attack that creates a shockwave. This attack can be avoided by running away from the Scout or using a well-timed jump to avoid the shockwave. Once the Scout is defeated, it will drop valuable loot, including ancient materials and sometimes a powerful weapon. Be sure to collect these items before leaving the shrine.
One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the Major Test of Strength shrines. These shrines feature a Guardian Scout with significantly more health and stronger attacks than the Minor and Modest Tests. ItÔÇÖs important to come prepared with high-damage weapons and plenty of healing items. Another mistake is relying too heavily on one type of weapon. Guardian Scouts are resistant to certain types of damage, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to have a variety of weapons on hand, including melee weapons, bows, and elemental weapons.
Advanced techniques can help you optimize your performance in these shrines. For example, using elemental weapons can stun the Guardian Scout, giving you an opportunity to land several free hits. Additionally, using the Stasis+ rune can freeze the Scout temporarily, allowing you to reposition or set up a powerful attack. If youÔÇÖre skilled at perfect dodges, you can trigger a Flurry Rush, which allows you to land multiple hits in quick succession.
In summary, the Test of Strength shrines are challenging but manageable with the right preparation and strategy. Focus on learning the Guardian ScoutÔÇÖs attack patterns, use your shield and dodges effectively, and come prepared with a variety of weapons and healing items. With practice, youÔÇÖll be able to conquer these shrines and reap the rewards they offer.