The Skull Lake Trial

Reach Skull Lake

Skull Lake is in the deep northeastern Akkala region, identifiable on the map by its skull-shaped outline. It is north of Akkala Citadel and northeast of East Akkala Stable. Travel there at night — the skull shape is more easily observed from elevation. The lake has a dormant shrine pedestal on a small island at the center, visible but inactive in daylight. A stone tablet on the shore reads: "Only the crimson moon awakens the guardian of this trial."

Trigger or Wait for a Blood Moon

A Blood Moon occurs automatically roughly every three in-game days, turning the sky red at midnight. To trigger one intentionally, enter a long combat encounter or shelter in a shrine until the natural cycle arrives. Alternatively, save your game at Skull Lake and manually wait by sitting at a campfire (craft one with Flint and Wood) set to midnight on multiple consecutive rests until the sky reddens and the blood moon rises.

Defeat the Stalnox Within 5 Minutes

When the blood moon rises over Skull Lake, a Stalnox erupts from the water — a giant skeleton Hinox wielding a bone club. You have five minutes before the blood moon passes and it retreats. Attack the Stalnox's eye when it is open using arrows to stagger it. When it falls, rush in with your strongest melee weapons. In phase two, the Stalnox throws its eye — use Ultrahand to grab it and hurl it back, stunning the creature for a free attack window.

Claim the Crystal and Access Zaltwa Shrine

Defeating the Stalnox causes it to drop a glowing shrine crystal before dissolving. Pick it up with Ultrahand and carry it to the pedestal on the lake island. Insert the crystal — the Zaltwa Shrine rises from the water. Complete the shrine's bone-and-skeletal-mechanics puzzle (fusing Bokoblin horns and bone materials to solve weight and lever challenges) for a Light of Blessing.