Secret of the Cedars BOTW: Complete Guide & Tips

Blogs rtdfsg 25 Jun , 2026 0

Secret of the Cedars BOTW is a phrase that sparks curiosity among Breath of the Wild players searching for hidden shrines, ancient trees, and mysterious puzzles tucked away in Hyrule’s cedar groves. Whether you’re a newcomer learning exploration basics or a seasoned player hunting every Korok seed, this guide walks you through the best strategies, exact steps for common cedar-area shrine quests, puzzle tips, and the rewards you can expect.

Introduction: Why the secret of the cedars matters

The idea of a secret cedar grove in Breath of the Wild taps into two of the game’s greatest pleasures: discovery and reward. The secret of the cedars botw often refers to hidden shrines, ancient trees tied to shrine quests, and treasure chests concealed among dense forests. These cedar areas can hide useful Shrine rewards, Korok seeds, or lore that deepens your connection to Hyrule. This guide explains how to find cedar groves, how to approach shrine puzzles, and how to use game mechanics—like climbing, gliding, and the Sheikah Sensor—to make the search fast and fun.

1. Where to look: cedar groves, Lost Woods, and nearby landmarks

Finding the right location is half the battle. In Breath of the Wild, cedar or fir-like trees tend to cluster in a few notable regions. Here are reliable places and landmarks to check when hunting for the secret of the cedars:

Lost Woods and Korok Forest — dense trees, fog, and environmental puzzles. A classic spot where cedar-like trees and mysterious shrines appear. Keep the Master Sword lore in mind when exploring.
West Necluda and Hateno foothills — cedar groves near ruins and small villages. These areas often hide small shrine quests and treasure chests under tree roots.
Hyrule Ridge and Hebra foothills — cedar lines along ridges can conceal hidden chests, and some shrine quests ask you to move or light things around ancient trees.
Ruins near Kakariko Village — watch for cedar clusters adjacent to ruins or Sheikah towers; they sometimes connect to side quests and shrine puzzles.

Tip: Use Sheikah Towers and map markers to triangulate your search. If you found a small shrine-related clue, place a pin and scan the surrounding cedar groves for changed ground textures or unusual stone placements.

2. Common shrine quest types hidden among cedars

Shrine and side quests that involve cedar groves tend to use environmental puzzles that reward observation and patience. Common quest mechanics include:

Light and shadow puzzles: Positioning a lamp, creating shadows with tree trunks, or using metallic objects to reflect light can open pathways.
Weight and motion puzzles: Pushable blocks, moving statues, or placing boulders to hold down pressure plates near tree roots.
Sound-based clues: Listening to wind through trees or following the tune of an in-game NPC that guides you to a hidden path.
Korok seed hiding spots: Look under leaves, behind roots, or at the base of large cedar trunks where a pattern of stones or leaves cues a Korok.

Example: A cedar grove shrine quest might require you to align three lit braziers so their combined shadows create a stepping pattern. Use wooden boxes and Magnesis to reposition items, then hop across the shadow-platforms to reach a hidden cliff shrine.

3. Step-by-step approach to solving cedar-area shrine puzzles

Follow a reliable process to avoid frustration and to maximize efficiency when tackling cedar-associated shrine quests.

Survey the area: Before moving anything, take a full circle look around—use your scope or zoom. Note odd rock formations, roots with gaps, or faint pathways between trees.
Scan the environment: Use the Sheikah Sensor or scope to locate glowing objects, shrines, or rupee-like glimmers. Make sure your Sheikah Sensor is tuned to shrines or to a specific item if the quest requires it.
Mark likely spots: Drop pins on your map for suspicious trees, piles of leaves, or unusual stone patterns. This helps when the puzzle requires revisiting multiple locations.
Experiment with physics: Use Stasis, Magnesis, and Cryonis (when water is present) to manipulate the environment. Many cedar puzzles reward clever uses of physics rather than brute force.
Use stealth and patience: Sometimes creatures protect cedar-area treasures. Sneak to avoid alarms and wait out patrols rather than rushing with sword and shield.

Tip: Keep a supply of arrows with elemental effects—fire arrows can light distant braziers in cedar canopies, ice arrows can freeze water to create walking paths, and shock arrows can interact with metallic tree-bound devices.

4. Tools, armor, and abilities that help in cedar groves

Preparing your loadout will make cedar groves less frustrating and more fun. The right gear helps with climbing, weather, and puzzle solutions:

Climbing gear: Climbing-enhancing armor or elixirs reduce stamina drain while scaling cedar trunks or cliff faces.
Stealth armor: Useful when searching for Korok seeds or when avoiding guardians and patrols near ruins.
Magnesis and Stasis rune: Magnesis moves metal levers; Stasis lets you freeze moving tree platforms or falling logs mid-motion to create steps.
Paraglider readiness: Leave stamina for gliding, especially in cedar groves found along ridges. Gliding from a high cedar often reveals hidden nooks below.
Sheikah Sensor and sensor+: Tune to shrines, chests, or custom objects if you’ve unlocked Sensor+ to quickly home in on cedar-area secrets.

Example loadout for a cedar excursion: Climbing Bandana, Climbing Gear, Stamina-boost elixir, 20 shock/fire arrows, and a melee weapon with decent durability. This balances exploration with puzzle-solving versatility.

5. Rewards and what to expect from cedar shrines

What you claim by solving the secret of the cedars varies, but most rewards are designed to progress Link’s abilities or give useful resources:

Shrine Spirit locations: Many cedar-related discoveries lead to a shrine you can clear for a Spirit Orb. Collecting Spirit Orbs increases your heart containers or stamina wheel.
Treasure chests: Expect weapons, rupees, rare materials, and occasionally unique items tied to side quests near cedars.
Korok seeds: Small leaf/pattern puzzles or buried seed spots often hide Korok seeds, useful for expanding your inventory.
Armor upgrades clues: Some cedar-side questlines give clues or items necessary for armor upgrades in Hateno or Kakariko Village.

Tip: Always bring a bow with multiple arrow types; many cedar shrines demand ranged solutions that reward with chests full of rupees and upgrade materials.

6. Example cedar shrine walkthrough (common puzzle pattern)

Below is a practical example you can adapt to many cedar-area puzzles. This pattern appears often: three markers hidden among trees that must be activated in sequence.

Walkthrough:

Step 1: Arrive at the cedar grove and place a pin where a faint glowing runestone sits. Use your scope—if you see three runestones spaced unevenly, you’ve found the right grove.
Step 2: Investigate each runestone from a consistent vantage point. Notice if any shadows or leaf patterns align when you stand on a particular rock.
Step 3: Use a wooden crate or a boulder to create a makeshift platform that lets you reach a higher branch where a hidden switch sits.
Step 4: Light braziers in a clockwise order using a fire source carried from your camp or with a fire arrow. Lighting in the right order reveals a stone staircase or opens a hidden alcove.
Step 5: Enter the alcove as it opens and clear the shrine trial. Claim your Spirit Orb and any chest loot.

Tip: If braziers relight or the alcove closes, reset by walking away 20–30 meters and reapproaching. The game sometimes requires an area reload to progress triggers.

FAQ: Quick answers to common questions about the secret of the cedars BOTW

Q: Where exactly is the Secret of the Cedars in Breath of the Wild?

A: There isn’t a single fixed “Secret of the Cedars” location; the term often describes hidden shrines and cedar groves across Hyrule—especially in the Lost Woods, Hebra foothills, and scattered groves near ruins. Use Sheikah Towers and map markers to isolate likely cedar clusters.
Q: How do I find Korok seeds in cedar groves?

A: Look for leaf patterns, circles of stones, small piles of twigs, or a single differently colored rock. Use the scope and walk close to suspicious spots—Korok seeds are often at the base of large trunks or under piles of leaves.
Q: What gear helps solve cedar shrine puzzles?

A: Climbing gear, stealth armor, the Sheikah Sensor, and a variety of arrow types are most useful. Magnesis and Stasis runes are frequently required to move metal pieces or create temporary platforms.
Q: Are there unique quests tied to cedar groves?

A: Yes. Several side quests connect to ancient trees, like delivering items to village elders or triggering shrine trials by restoring a sacred site. These quests often yield useful materials or lead to shrines.
Q: Can weather affect my search in cedar areas?

A: Absolutely. Rain makes climbing difficult, snow reduces movement, and fog in places like the Lost Woods can disorient you. Use elixirs and wait out storms, or seek higher ground and glide into clear air.

Additional tips and tricks for mastering cedar groves

Here are practical, time-saving tips that players consistently find helpful:

Save often: Create manual saves before interacting with tricky puzzle elements or pushing heavy objects—some physics interactions can send items irretrievably off a cliff.
Use elemental arrows wisely: Elemental effects are often built into cedar puzzles. Carry a balanced stock and switch arrow types when enemies or puzzles call for it.
Listen for audio cues: Breath of the Wild uses sound to nudge players. A tone or the rustle of leaves might indicate a hidden mechanism or a Korok nearby.
Explore at different times of day: Night can reveal visual cues (glowing fungi, lit pathways) that are invisible during the day. Changing time with your paraglider or wait feature can reveal secrets.
Visit nearby villages for hints: NPCs in Hateno and Kakariko Village sometimes drop lore or hints that point toward cedar quests and shrine clues.

Conclusion: Embrace exploration to unlock the secret of the cedars

Discovering the secret of the cedars botw is less about a single answer and more about exploration, observation, and creativity. Cedar groves hide puzzles that reward patience, curiosity, and clever use of Sheikah runes. Whether your goal is Shrine rewards, Korok seeds, or simply the joy of uncovering hidden Hyrule lore, the steps and tips above will make your cedar expeditions more productive and enjoyable. Pack the right gear, scan carefully, and remember: the most satisfying prize is often the discovery itself.

FAQ (Repeated for quick reference)

Q: Do cedar shrines respawn?
A: Shrines themselves do not respawn; once cleared you keep the Spirit Orb. Some nearby chests and enemies may respawn after blood moons, though.
Q: Can I get multiple Korok seeds in one cedar grove?
A: Yes. Groves with varied terrain or many tree roots often contain several Korok puzzles. Scan systematically to avoid missing small seeds.
Q: Is there a shortcut to the Lost Woods cedar areas?
A: Use the Korok Forest tower for a vertical view to plot a safer route. Remember the Lost Woods’ wind direction and torch mechanics to avoid getting lost.
Q: Will DLC content change cedar secrets?
A: Certain DLC packs add new challenges and gear that can change how you approach cedar puzzles, but core shrine mechanics remain the same.
Q: Any last-minute tip for the Master Sword seekers near cedar groves?
A: Before attempting Master Sword-related activities, boost your stamina and hearts. Cedar groves near Korok Forest can be part of the journey to the Master Sword, so be prepared for combat and environmental trials.