Flooded rooms, Guardian Scouts lighting you up, and one bad splash that sends you off a waterfall. Welcome to Kaya Wan Shrine.
Good news: you’ve got me. This shrine is a Cryonis flex-fest, and by the end you’ll be gliding in like a champ.
If you’re still trying to swim through shrine water… I’m begging you to stop. Let’s get it done.
Kaya Wan Shrine Location and Overview
This one is easy to find and surprisingly spicy once you’re inside. Here’s the quick rundown before you drop in.
- Location: Eastern edge of Central Hyrule, just north of Wetland Stable.
- Region: Lanayru Tower area, so pop the tower first if you want the map handy.
- Layout: Flooded rooms, a waterfall climb, Guardian Scouts, and a raft finale.
- Trial Name: Shields from Water.
- Must-Have Rune: Cryonis. No cap, this shrine is basically a Cryonis exam.
- Bring: A bow with plenty of arrows, a shield, and some healing food.
Kaya Wan Shrine Walkthrough: Step by Step
Follow this order and you’ll clear the shrine without swimming once. Water is the enemy here, so treat it that way.
- Step 1: Cross to the Waterfall. The entrance room is flooded, with a waterfall straight ahead. Use Cryonis to build an ice bridge across the water until you reach it.
- Step 2: Climb the Waterfall. Place Cryonis directly on the waterfall and a block of ice juts out the side. Use it as a platform, climb to the top, and move into the next room.
- Step 3: Snipe the First Guardian Scout. A Scout waits on a platform surrounded by water. Don’t slowly build a bridge while he fires beams at you. Shoot him in the eye with an arrow, knock him into the water to destroy him, then bridge over.
- Step 4: Grab the Floating Chest. Off to the right of the platform, a chest floats in the water. Build an ice bridge toward it, summon a platform underneath, jump on, and open it for an Ancient Core.
- Step 5: Exit the Room. Create an ice block at the far end of the room, climb up, and head out.
Now the shrine starts testing you.
- Step 6: Clear the Rushing Hall. You’ll find a long hall of rushing water with two Guardian Scouts on platforms. Hop onto an ice block and take them out fast with a powerful bow or an enhanced arrow. Need cover? Duck behind an ice block or raise your shield.
- Step 7: Open the Gate Chest. Once the Scouts are down, move forward slowly and look left for a gate with a chest behind it. Stand on an ice platform, create another one below the gate, and push it up. Inside is a Knight’s Broadsword.
- Step 8: Ride the Raft. Use the wooden raft in the water and guide it gently toward the end of the waterfall. Don’t panic-steer.
- Step 9: Jump and Glide. As the raft nears the edge, jump and use your Paraglider to reach the platform below. Interact with the glowing altar to meet Monk Kaya Wan and claim your Spirit Orb.
GG: Shrine cleared. That finish is clean.
Rewards and Loot
You’re not leaving empty-handed. This shrine pays out well for how short it is.
- Spirit Orb: Your main prize from Monk Kaya Wan. Stack these for more hearts or stamina.
- Ancient Core: From the floating chest. Great fuel for your Ancient gear upgrades.
- Knight’s Broadsword: From the gated chest. It’s a solid weapon, so don’t skip it.
Pro Tips
Want a smoother run? Lock these in.
- The Play: Always snipe Scouts first. An eye shot knocks them into the water and ends the fight. (Pro tip: Bomb arrows or enhanced arrows make this even faster.)
- Stop Doing This: Don’t jump into the water. You usually can’t climb back out, and in the rushing hall the current carries you off a waterfall.
- Why This Slaps: Ice blocks double as cover. Duck behind one when a Scout charges a shot, then pop out and fire back.
- Backtracking: After the gate chest, carefully grab onto an ice block to get back across. Climb up, then make a few more blocks to reach the edge of the water.
- Raft Timing: Don’t jump early. Let the raft get close to the end, then glide down and watch for missile fire near the altar. (Pro tip: Keep your stamina full before you leap.)
- Camera Control: Aim Cryonis carefully, especially on the waterfall. A misplaced block means redoing the climb.
Why Kaya Wan Shrine Matters
This shrine is a masterclass in Cryonis. Bridges, climbs, cover, and chest access all come from one rune.
It also rewards you for playing smart. Snipe, build, glide, and collect your loot.
Do this. Thank me later. Trust.
So, did you grab both chests, or did the Scouts catch you slipping? Drop your best Cryonis moment in the comments and let’s compare plays.
