Conquer Level 3 in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with These Expert Tips
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offers players an expansive open world filled with challenges, puzzles, and enemies to overcome. One of the early tests players face is Level 3, also known as the Ja Baij Shrine. This article will provide expert tips and strategies to help you conquer this level and progress further in your adventure across Hyrule.

Understanding Level 3: Ja Baij Shrine
The Ja Baij Shrine is located on the eastern side of the Great Plateau, the starting area of Breath of the Wild. This shrine is notable for introducing players to the Remote Bomb rune, a versatile tool that becomes essential throughout the game.
Accessing the Shrine
Before you can tackle the challenges within, you'll need to reach the shrine itself. The area surrounding Ja Baij is guarded by inactive Guardians that will awaken as you approach. These formidable foes can be deadly for unprepared players.
Tips for Reaching the Shrine:
- Use stealth to avoid alerting the Guardians
- If spotted, use the terrain for cover
- Climb over walls to bypass Guardians entirely
- For the daring, use a Guardian's beam to destroy blocking boulders
Mastering the Remote Bomb Rune
The primary focus of the Ja Baij Shrine is to teach players how to effectively use the Remote Bomb rune. This powerful ability allows Link to create and detonate explosives at will.
Types of Remote Bombs
- Spherical bombs - These roll and are useful for reaching distant targets
- Cubic bombs - These stay in place and are ideal for precise placement
Key Remote Bomb Techniques:
- Place bombs strategically to clear obstacles
- Use bombs to damage enemies from a safe distance
- Combine bombs with environmental hazards for maximum effect
Navigating the Shrine's Challenges
The Ja Baij Shrine consists of several rooms, each presenting unique puzzles that require clever use of the Remote Bomb rune.
The Moving Platform Challenge
One of the key obstacles in the shrine involves a moving platform and large boulders blocking the path.
Strategy:
- Use a cubic bomb for stability on the moving platform
- Place the bomb at the edge of the platform
- Detonate when the platform aligns with the boulders
- Time your detonation carefully to clear the path
The Bomb Launcher Puzzle
This section introduces devices that can launch bombs across the room.
Tips for Success:
- Use spherical bombs for this challenge
- Drop the bomb into the launcher's tunnel
- Time your detonation to destroy blocks at a distance
- Experiment with different launch angles
Combat Strategies for Level 3
While the Ja Baij Shrine focuses on puzzles, combat skills are crucial for the journey to and from the shrine, as well as throughout Breath of the Wild.
Effective Use of Weapons
Breath of the Wild's weapon durability system requires players to be strategic with their arsenal.
Weapon Management Tips:
- Collect and use a variety of weapons
- Save stronger weapons for tougher enemies
- Use weaker weapons to clear out minor foes
- Remember that a weapon's final strike before breaking deals bonus damage
Mastering Combat Techniques
Skilled combat can help you overcome challenges with minimal resource consumption.
Advanced Combat Moves:
- Perform perfect dodges to trigger Flurry Rushes
- Use perfect guards to reflect attacks
- Utilize the environment for creative combat solutions
Maximizing Your Exploration
While conquering Level 3 is your primary goal, effective exploration can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Gathering Resources
The world of Hyrule is rich with resources that can aid your quest.
Resource Gathering Tips:
- Collect ingredients for cooking
- Harvest plants and minerals for elixirs and upgrades
- Break crates and barrels for additional items
Utilizing the Environment
Breath of the Wild's interactive environment offers numerous advantages to observant players.
Environmental Strategies:
- Use Magnesis to move metal objects
- Create updrafts with fire to reach high places
- Chop down trees for makeshift bridges or weapons
Cooking and Preparation
Before tackling Level 3, proper preparation through cooking can give you a significant advantage.
Best Recipes for Early Game
Certain recipes provide substantial benefits that can turn the tide of battle or exploration.
Recommended Recipes:
- Hearty Durian dishes for bonus hearts
- Endura Carrot meals for extra stamina
- Mighty Banana concoctions for attack boosts
Mastering Movement and Traversal
Efficient movement is key to both exploring and combat in Breath of the Wild.
Advanced Movement Techniques
Mastering these techniques can give you an edge in various situations.
Key Movement Skills:
- Perfect your shield surfing for quick descents
- Master the art of paragliding for extended air time
- Utilize bomb jumps for reaching difficult areas
Shrine Completion and Rewards
Upon solving all the puzzles in the Ja Baij Shrine, you'll face the final challenge.
Monk Encounter
At the end of each shrine, including Ja Baij, you'll meet a monk who will bestow upon you a Spirit Orb.
Spirit Orb Utilization:
- Collect four Spirit Orbs to exchange for a Heart Container or Stamina Vessel
- Plan your upgrades based on your playstyle and immediate needs
Beyond Level 3: Applying Your Skills
The skills and items acquired in Level 3 will serve you well throughout your adventure in Breath of the Wild.
Bomb Rune Applications
The Remote Bomb rune has numerous uses beyond the Ja Baij Shrine.
Creative Bomb Uses:
- Clear paths blocked by breakable rocks
- Create distractions to lure enemies
- Fish in bodies of water without a fishing rod
Combining Runes for Advanced Techniques
As you progress, you'll gain access to more runes. Combining these with the bomb rune can lead to powerful strategies.
Advanced Rune Combinations:
- Use Stasis on objects, then bomb them for increased momentum
- Combine Magnesis with bombs for improvised wrecking balls
- Use Cryonis to create platforms for strategic bomb placement
Combat Evolution
As you venture further into Hyrule, enemies will become more challenging. The skills learned in Level 3 form the foundation for advanced combat techniques.
Thunderclap Rush
This advanced technique combines multiple game mechanics for devastating effect.
Performing a Thunderclap Rush:
- Initiate a flurry rush
- Tap attack and arrow shot simultaneously
- Chain bullet time and flurry rushes for massive damage
Perfect Daruk's Rush
This high-level technique requires precise timing and understanding of game mechanics.
Executing a Perfect Daruk's Rush:
- Jump into an attack
- Disable Daruk's Protection mid-jump
- Block the attack and backflip for a shield block reset
- Enter bullet time for a powerful aerial assault
Korok Seed Hunting
While not directly related to Level 3, Korok seeds are a crucial collectible in Breath of the Wild. Many of the skills learned in the Ja Baij Shrine can aid in finding these elusive creatures.
Korok Seed Hunting Tips:
- Use bombs to reveal hidden Koroks under suspicious rock piles
- Look for out-of-place objects in the environment
- Pay attention to patterns in nature that seem unnatural
Shrine Quests and Side Adventures
As you explore beyond Level 3, you'll encounter numerous shrine quests and side adventures. The problem-solving skills honed in the Ja Baij Shrine will prove invaluable in these endeavors.
Approaching Side Content:
- Apply the logical thinking required in shrine puzzles to overworld challenges
- Use your runes creatively to solve environmental puzzles
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches
Mastering the Art of Exploration
Breath of the Wild's open world design encourages thorough exploration. The confidence gained from conquering Level 3 should embolden you to venture further into Hyrule's vast landscapes.
Exploration Strategies:
- Use high vantage points to survey the land and mark points of interest
- Follow roads to discover stables and other points of civilization
- Look for unusual landmarks that might hide secrets or shrines
Conclusion
Conquering Level 3 in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is just the beginning of your epic journey through Hyrule. The skills, items, and confidence gained from overcoming the challenges in the Ja Baij Shrine will serve as a solid foundation for the adventures that lie ahead. Remember to approach each obstacle with creativity, utilize your runes effectively, and never shy away from experimenting with new techniques. With these expert tips in mind, you're well-equipped to face the myriad challenges that await in this breathtaking open world. So go forth, hero of Hyrule, and may the goddess Hylia smile upon your quest!