Sasa Kai Shrine: Sign of the Shadow & A Modest Test of Strength Walkthrough

Where is Sasa Kai Shrine?

The shrine sits directly next to Gerudo Tower in the Gerudo Highlands, so head for the tower itself — the quest that reveals the shrine starts on its summit. Until you solve it, there is no visible shrine, only an inactive pedestal beside the buried structure at the tower’s base. For orientation, Sho Dantu Shrine lies to the northwest and Dako Tah Shrine to the southeast.

What should you bring?

No runes or special gear are required. You do need a bow with at least one arrow to fire at the sun for Sign of the Shadow, so restock before climbing. For the trial itself, bring a few sturdy weapons with durability to spare and some healing dishes — this is the ‘modest’ tier of Test of Strength, so if you are reasonably prepared you should be fine; no special armour or resistances are needed.

Video walkthrough

Breath of the Wild | Sign of the Shadow | Sasa Kai Shrine Guide — YouTube

How do you solve Sasa Kai Shrine?

One riddle to reveal the shrine, then one straight duel: read the tower’s shadow at mid-afternoon to unbury the entrance, then out-fight a Guardian Scout III in an open arena.

1. Reveal the Shrine with the Shadow Arrow

Climb Gerudo Tower in the Gerudo Highlands and talk to Kass at the top. He knows an ancient song of this place — agree to hear it. His verse: ‘As light shines from the northwest skies, from the tower’s shadow an arrow flies, pierce heaven’s light to reveal the prize.’ This starts the shrine quest Sign of the Shadow.

Look at the ground beside the tower: the shrine is buried, and only an inactive pedestal marks the spot where it will emerge.

Wait until about three in the afternoon. Only then does the light from the northwest sky cast Gerudo Tower’s shadow onto that pedestal.

Stand at the pedestal, inside the tower’s shadow, and look up toward the sun in the northwest sky.

Shoot an arrow at the sun — pierce heaven’s light. Sasa Kai Shrine rises out of the ground, completing the shrine quest.

2. Defeat the Guardian Scout III

Enter the shrine. The monk Sasa Kai greets you and announces that this is a combat trial.

Before engaging, equip your sturdiest weapons — bring enough durability to last a full duel — and keep healing food quick to reach.

Walk toward the centre of the large chamber. As you get near, a Guardian Scout III rises from a pit to fight, armed with a Guardian Sword+ and a Guardian Spear+.

Duel the Scout at your own pace: it’s mid-tier, not a Major test, so keep moving, let its swings finish, then step in and punish after each flurry. Chip it down steadily rather than trading hits.

When the Guardian Scout III is destroyed, the portcullis at the far end of the chamber rises, opening the way toward the monk’s pedestal.

3. Claim the Treasure and Spirit Orb

Head through and open the treasure chest behind the portcullis for a Frostblade.

Continue forward to Sasa Kai’s pedestal and speak with him to receive your Spirit Orb. He wishes you well and fades away, ending the trial.

What is in the chest?

What do people miss here?

• No shrine appears until the quest is done — if you’re staring at a lone pedestal, that’s the buried shrine. Go up Gerudo Tower and listen to Kass’s song first.
• Timing is everything: outside the mid-afternoon window the tower’s shadow doesn’t rest on the pedestal, and shooting the sun does nothing. Around 3 PM is when it lines up.
• You need a bow and at least one arrow to fire at the sun — arrive empty-handed and you cannot trigger the reveal.
• Don’t leave without the chest: the Frostblade is behind the portcullis past the arena. If you walk past it, you can re-enter the shrine any time to collect it.
• If the Guardian Scout III defeats you, you respawn and it resets to full health. The shrine stays revealed, so simply leave, restock weapons and food, and try again.

What else is nearby?

Which guides help next?

• All BotW shrine locations
• How to find shrines
• Tears of the Kingdom vs Breath of the Wild