Zelda Fateful Stars Trial
The world of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is filled with hidden puzzles and ancient trials, each offering a unique challenge to players willing to explore. Among these, the Fateful Stars Trial stands out as one of the most mysterious and clever shrine puzzles in the game. Found inside the Keo Ruug Shrine located in the Korok Forest, this trial demands a mix of observation, patience, and logical thinking. Players who enjoy carefully analyzing clues and solving riddles will find the Fateful Stars Trial particularly rewarding, both in its design and the satisfaction it brings upon completion.
Location of the Fateful Stars Trial
Finding the Keo Ruug Shrine
The Fateful Stars Trial is located within the Keo Ruug Shrine, which can be found inside the Great Hyrule Forest. This area is accessible after navigating the Lost Woods, a foggy maze that resets your progress if you take the wrong path. Once you reach Korok Forest and activate the Master Sword pedestal, you’ll find the shrine nearby among the trees. It is always active and doesn’t require any additional side quest or special gear to enter.
Recommended Preparations
- No combat is required inside the shrine
- Carry a torch to help navigate the Lost Woods if necessary
- Activate the shrine for fast travel once discovered
Understanding the Trial’s Objective
The Puzzle Setup
Upon entering the shrine, you’ll see a wide room with four large stone bowls (or basins), several glowing orbs on the ground, and two engraved plaques on either side of the room. The goal is to place each orb into the correct basin, based on clues given by the plaques and the constellations visible on the walls. While it might seem overwhelming at first, the solution relies on counting and pattern recognition.
What the Plaques Say
There are two key plaques located on the front left and right sides of the room. They each state:
Look to the stars for guidance. The constellations are the key.
This hint suggests that the glowing star patterns carved into the shrine’s far wall are connected to the orbs and bowls in some meaningful way.
Solving the Fateful Stars Puzzle
Step-by-Step Solution
The main idea is to match the number of times each constellation appears on the shrine wall with the correct bowl number. Each bowl is marked with a number from 1 to 5, indicated by small pillars in front of them. You must count how many times each constellation appears on the star wall and place the corresponding orb into the bowl that matches that number.
To clarify the steps:
- Stand in front of the constellation wall and identify each unique pattern.
- Count how many times each pattern appears across all columns.
- Match the orb in front of each constellation symbol to the bowl marked with the number equal to that count.
- Place all four orbs into the correct bowls, then interact with the terminal near the entrance to complete the puzzle.
Constellation Patterns
There are four constellation symbols on the wall directly behind the orb pedestals. These are the ones you must match. Carefully compare each to the full star wall across the shrine, and note how many times each symbol appears. The answer for the puzzle is as follows:
- Leftmost orb: Constellation appears 1 time → Place in Bowl 1
- Second orb from left: Constellation appears 2 times → Place in Bowl 2
- Third orb: Constellation appears 2 times → Place in Bowl 2
- Rightmost orb: Constellation appears 4 times → Place in Bowl 4
Once these are in place, the shrine will react and open the path to the monk, signaling that the trial has been completed.
Hidden Bonus Chest
Extra Challenge for a Reward
After completing the main puzzle and opening the path to the monk, a second set of constellations and pedestals appears on the side wall of the room. This extra challenge involves solving a slightly different puzzle to unlock a bonus treasure chest.
Solving the Extra Puzzle
Similar to the original, you’ll need to match four new constellation patterns with how many times each appears across the wall. Repeat the same process of observation and counting. The bonus chest typically contains a valuable weapon, such as a Knight’s Claymore, which can be very useful for your journey.
Tips for Solving Fateful Stars More Easily
Use the Camera Rune
The in-game camera rune can help you zoom in and compare star patterns more clearly. If you struggle with visually matching the constellations, take pictures of each symbol and reference them from the pause menu.
Mark with Arrows or Items
Although the shrine doesn’t allow use of most tools, you can mentally mark or draw diagrams on paper to track the number of appearances of each constellation. This can prevent miscounts and reduce the time spent rechecking.
Trial and Error
If unsure, feel free to experiment with orb placements. There is no penalty for incorrect placements, and you can simply remove and reposition the orbs as needed. The shrine only activates once the correct combination is entered.
Why the Fateful Stars Trial Stands Out
Emphasis on Observation
Unlike many other trials in Breath of the Wild, this one doesn’t rely on physics, combat, or speed. Instead, it tests your patience, memory, and attention to detail. For fans of logical reasoning and pattern recognition, it’s one of the most satisfying puzzles in the game.
A True Zelda-Style Puzzle
The Fateful Stars Trial reflects the heart of classic Zelda gameplay mysterious symbols, indirect clues, and an ancient sense of wonder. It’s a reminder that not every challenge needs a sword, and sometimes the answer is written in the stars above.
Great for Completionists
Completing this shrine helps toward unlocking one of the four Spirit Orbs needed to increase your health or stamina. It also grants access to another hidden treasure chest, making it a valuable stop for players aiming to 100% complete the game.
The Fateful Stars Trial in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers a memorable shrine experience that rewards patient thinking and close observation. By interpreting constellations and placing orbs in the correct positions, players can unlock not only the path forward but also a deeper appreciation for the game’s design. With no combat involved and a rewarding bonus chest, it’s a shrine that truly shines in its own unique way. Whether you’re a first-time player or returning for a 100% run, the Keo Ruug Shrine’s puzzle will leave a lasting impression among Zelda’s many creative trials.