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Of all the changes that Nintendo made to the Zelda series with Breath of the Wild, the biggest is likely the replacement of traditional dungeons with the new shrine system. These new mini-dungeons are found throughout Hyrule, acting as both the main location to acquire Breath of the Wild's upgrade item, and an intricate system of fast-travel points. While the decision was, and will likely remain, controversial, this open-world iteration of Hyrule may not have worked with traditional Zelda mechanics.
The Saas Ko'sah shrine is located in the heart of Hyrule Castle. Though it is not part of a shine quest, its hidden nature makes it far easier to miss than most shrines. Though it is worth doing for the spirit orb alone, having a fast-travel point into Hyrule Castle makes completing this shrine a necessity.
How to Enter Hyrule Castle in Breath of the Wild
Before making the trek to Hyrule Castle, make sure to prepare plenty of Hearty and Mighty meals. Before the task is complete, Link will have to complete a Major Test of Strength, which will go far faster with a level three Mighty meal.
In order for Link to access Saas Ko'sah shrine, he must first make his way into Hyrule Castle. Most players will know that in Breath of the Wild, Link can access just about anywhere he wants from very early in the game. However, Link must first complete the Great Plateau before being set free in the Hyrule's vast, open world.
Once Link is free to roam Hyrule, and the map has fully or partially uncovered, head directly north from the Great Plateau tower to reach Central Hyrule, and the castle itself. For players who might be further along in the game, there are towers and shrines that can get Link much closer to Hyrule Castle. Here are just a few:
Central Tower: This tower is roughly halfway between the Great Plateau tower and Hyrule Castle. New players can stop and activate this tower on their way through Hyrule Field.
Woodland Tower: This tower, found just south of the entrance to the Great Hyrule Forest, will allow Link to enter the castle grounds from the north side, which is technically the rear. This will be the best option for players who have it unlocked.
Namika Ozz, Katah Chuki, and Noya Neha Shrines: All three of these shrines will allow Link to fast-travel to points just outside the castle.
All of these options will place Link near Hyrule Castle. Link will have several more options for reaching the island itself. The entire castle structure is surrounded by a swiftly-moving moat, making a quick swim almost impossible. The best options are either Cryonis, in which Link uses ice to cross, or Revali's Gale, which allows Link to glide across.
Another option can be found near the large tower that shoots up exactly north of the castle. Link can glide across from the high ground. The Woodland Tower will be the closest fast-travel point for this option.
Once on the island, Link will need to reach the Docks in order to access Saas Ko'sah shrine.
How to Reach the Docks in Hyrule Castle
Given that the Docks are much harder to reach by water, this guide is going to focus on the sole corridor that leads down from the Library.
How to Reach the Library:
The easiest way to reach the Library is to cross the moat on the north side of the castle, and enter one of the many 'tunnel' entrances. From the point shown in the image above, glide across the moat to the area directly across. There will be a small section of a castle wall a single castle tower above it. Watch for the Guardian Turret at the top.
For the next task, Link will have several options. Directly behind the castle wall is a large rock cliff. Link must make his way to the top. He can climb from the bottom if he has the stamina, or he can use Revali's Gale from anywhere in the area to reach the top. At the top of the cliff, Link will find a small entrance that leads to stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, link will find a Glowing Eyeball using malice to block the path. Destroy it to enter the Library.
How to Reach the Docks:
Link will notice that the Library is quite a large chamber. Inside will be several lizalfos enemies, including archers with shock arrows. As long as he is cautious, there is no need to take out every enemy. Here, Link will need to use magnesis to reveal several areas being blocked by false magnetic bookshelves.
From the Library entrance, the correct path to take through the bookshelf to the left. Moving the shelf will reveal a metal box, this will let Link know he is on the right path. The tunnel that follows leads directly to the Docks, with no chance of leading Link anywhere else.
How to Activate Saas Ko'sah Shrine in Hyrule Castle
Find the Unlit Brazier:
As Link exits the tunnel from the Library, he will find himself on a small ledge that overlooks the Docks down below. In this small area is a large, unlit brazier. To activate the shrine, Link must simply light the brazier. If he does not have fire arrows, he can use one of the many smaller braziers to light a regular arrow.
When the brazier is lit, the shrine will appear in the large open area that Link passed through when entering. The shrine itself contains A Major Test of Strength. This particular iteration contains magnetic cubes in the floor that Link can raise by using magnesis. This works well when the Guardian does its spin attack.
The Major Test of Strength can be time-consuming. This is where the previously mentioned Mighty meal will come in handy. Other than the floor, this shrine is the same as any Major Test of Strength. The Guardian will wield '++' level weapons, so make sure to dress appropriately. Then, enjoy having a fast-travel location in the heart of Hyrule Castle. It will come in handy when heading out to get Breath of the Wild's Hylian Shield.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available now on Nintendo Switch. Its sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom will be released on May 12, 2023, for Nintendo Switch.