How do I parry Guardian laser attacks in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Parrying Guardian laser attacks in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a crucial skill for surviving encounters with these powerful enemies. Guardians are some of the most dangerous foes in the game, capable of dealing massive damage with their laser beams. However, with precise timing and the right strategy, you can deflect their attacks and turn the tide of battle. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to parry Guardian lasers effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs break down the mechanics of parrying. Parrying is a defensive move that involves using your shield to deflect an enemyÔÇÖs attack. When you parry a GuardianÔÇÖs laser, the beam is reflected back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage and often destroying it in one hit. To perform a parry, you need to hold your shield up by pressing the ZL button and then press the A button at the exact moment the laser is about to hit you. Timing is critical, as pressing A too early or too late will result in the laser hitting you instead.

To practice parrying, start by finding a stationary Guardian, such as those found in the ruins around Hyrule Castle or in shrines. These Guardians are easier to parry because they donÔÇÖt move, allowing you to focus solely on timing. Stand at a medium distance from the Guardian, as this gives you enough time to react to the laser. When the Guardian locks onto you, youÔÇÖll see a red targeting laser. This is your cue to prepare for the parry. As soon as the targeting laser disappears and the GuardianÔÇÖs eye flashes blue, press the A button to parry. The timing is tight, so it may take a few attempts to get it right.

One important tip is to listen for the audio cue. Just before the Guardian fires its laser, youÔÇÖll hear a distinct beep. This sound can help you time your parry more accurately. Additionally, make sure youÔÇÖre using a shield that can withstand the impact of the laser. While any shield can technically parry a Guardian laser, weaker shields may break after a few successful parries. The Ancient Shield, obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, is particularly effective because it can automatically deflect Guardian lasers without requiring precise timing.

Common mistakes to avoid include panicking and pressing the parry button too early or too late. ItÔÇÖs also important not to stand too close to the Guardian, as this reduces your reaction time. If youÔÇÖre struggling with the timing, try practicing on weaker enemies like Bokoblins or Lizalfos to get a feel for the parry mechanic before taking on Guardians.

For advanced techniques, consider using the Stasis+ rune to freeze the Guardian temporarily. This gives you a brief window to position yourself and prepare for the parry. You can also use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind cover to break the GuardianÔÇÖs line of sight, forcing it to reposition and giving you more time to react.

Preparation is key when facing Guardians. Make sure you have plenty of shields, as they can break during the fight. Cooking meals that boost your defense or provide extra hearts can also help you survive if you miss a parry. Additionally, wearing armor with high defense, such as the Ancient Armor set, can reduce the damage you take from missed parries.

If parrying proves too difficult, there are alternative approaches to dealing with Guardians. Using Ancient Arrows, obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, can instantly defeat a Guardian with a single shot to the eye. Alternatively, you can use stealth to sneak up on a Guardian and attack its legs to disable it, then finish it off with melee attacks.

In specific scenarios, such as during the Divine Beast Vah Rudania quest, you may encounter multiple Guardians at once. In these situations, focus on one Guardian at a time and use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use pillars or walls to block their lasers while you take them down one by one.

Mastering the art of parrying Guardian lasers takes practice, but itÔÇÖs a valuable skill that can save you a lot of trouble in the game. With the right preparation, timing, and strategy, you can turn these formidable enemies into manageable challenges. Keep practicing, and soon youÔÇÖll be able to face Guardians with confidence.