What is the best way to use the Royal Guard's Shield in combat in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The Royal Guard's Shield is one of the most durable and powerful shields in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, making it a valuable asset in combat. However, its high durability and strength come with some limitations, so understanding how to use it effectively is crucial. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to make the most of the Royal Guard's Shield in combat.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Royal Guard's Shield. This shield has a base durability of 14 and a defense rating of 70, making it one of the strongest shields in the game. It is found in Hyrule Castle, specifically in the lockup area, and is often guarded by powerful enemies. Its high defense makes it ideal for blocking powerful attacks from enemies like Lynels, Guardians, and other high-tier foes. However, its durability is relatively low compared to other high-tier shields like the Ancient Shield or the Hylian Shield, so itÔÇÖs important to use it strategically.
To use the Royal Guard's Shield effectively, you should focus on its strengths: blocking and parrying. The shieldÔÇÖs high defense rating allows it to absorb significant damage, making it perfect for blocking powerful attacks. For example, when facing a Lynel, you can use the shield to block its charging attacks or sword swings without taking much damage. Similarly, against Guardians, the shield can block their laser beams, though itÔÇÖs more efficient to parry the beams to reflect them back at the Guardian.
Parrying is a key technique to master with the Royal Guard's Shield. To parry, hold ZL to raise your shield, then press A just before an enemyÔÇÖs attack lands. Timing is critical, as a mistimed parry can leave you vulnerable. Parrying is especially useful against Guardians, as a well-timed parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing significant damage. Practice parrying on weaker enemies first to get the timing down before using it in high-stakes battles.
One important tip is to avoid using the Royal Guard's Shield for shield surfing. Shield surfing consumes durability, and given the shieldÔÇÖs limited durability, itÔÇÖs best to reserve it for combat. Instead, use lower-tier shields or the Hylian Shield for surfing. Additionally, consider carrying multiple shields to switch between them during combat, preserving the Royal Guard's Shield for critical moments.
A common mistake is overusing the Royal Guard's Shield in situations where a lower-tier shield would suffice. For example, against weaker enemies like Bokoblins or Lizalfos, itÔÇÖs better to use a less durable shield to conserve the Royal Guard's Shield for tougher battles. Another mistake is failing to repair or replace the shield once its durability is low. Keep an eye on its condition and be prepared to switch to another shield if necessary.
Advanced techniques include combining the Royal Guard's Shield with other combat strategies. For instance, you can use the shield to block an enemyÔÇÖs attack, then quickly switch to a two-handed weapon for a counterattack. This is particularly effective against Lynels, where blocking their attacks with the shield can create openings for powerful strikes. Additionally, using elemental arrows or environmental hazards in conjunction with the shield can give you an edge in combat.
Preparation is key when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Ensure you have a good supply of healing items, as even with the shieldÔÇÖs high defense, you may still take some damage in tough battles. Cooking meals that boost your defense or provide extra hearts can help you survive longer in combat. Also, consider upgrading your armor to increase your overall defense, making you even more resilient in battle.
Alternative approaches include using the Royal Guard's Shield as a backup rather than your primary shield. For example, you might use the Hylian Shield for most battles and switch to the Royal Guard's Shield when facing particularly tough enemies. This approach helps preserve the Royal Guard's Shield for when itÔÇÖs truly needed.
In specific scenarios, the Royal Guard's Shield shines. For example, when fighting a Guardian Stalker, you can use the shield to block its laser beams while closing the distance for a melee attack. Against a Lynel, the shield can block its powerful charges and sword swings, allowing you to counterattack with a flurry rush or a well-placed arrow. In these situations, the shieldÔÇÖs high defense can be the difference between victory and defeat.
In conclusion, the Royal Guard's Shield is a powerful tool in Breath of the Wild, but it requires careful management and strategic use. By focusing on blocking and parrying, avoiding unnecessary durability loss, and combining it with other combat techniques, you can maximize its effectiveness in battle. With proper preparation and practice, the Royal Guard's Shield can help you overcome even the toughest enemies in Hyrule.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Royal Guard's Shield. This shield has a base durability of 14 and a defense rating of 70, making it one of the strongest shields in the game. It is found in Hyrule Castle, specifically in the lockup area, and is often guarded by powerful enemies. Its high defense makes it ideal for blocking powerful attacks from enemies like Lynels, Guardians, and other high-tier foes. However, its durability is relatively low compared to other high-tier shields like the Ancient Shield or the Hylian Shield, so itÔÇÖs important to use it strategically.
To use the Royal Guard's Shield effectively, you should focus on its strengths: blocking and parrying. The shieldÔÇÖs high defense rating allows it to absorb significant damage, making it perfect for blocking powerful attacks. For example, when facing a Lynel, you can use the shield to block its charging attacks or sword swings without taking much damage. Similarly, against Guardians, the shield can block their laser beams, though itÔÇÖs more efficient to parry the beams to reflect them back at the Guardian.
Parrying is a key technique to master with the Royal Guard's Shield. To parry, hold ZL to raise your shield, then press A just before an enemyÔÇÖs attack lands. Timing is critical, as a mistimed parry can leave you vulnerable. Parrying is especially useful against Guardians, as a well-timed parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing significant damage. Practice parrying on weaker enemies first to get the timing down before using it in high-stakes battles.
One important tip is to avoid using the Royal Guard's Shield for shield surfing. Shield surfing consumes durability, and given the shieldÔÇÖs limited durability, itÔÇÖs best to reserve it for combat. Instead, use lower-tier shields or the Hylian Shield for surfing. Additionally, consider carrying multiple shields to switch between them during combat, preserving the Royal Guard's Shield for critical moments.
A common mistake is overusing the Royal Guard's Shield in situations where a lower-tier shield would suffice. For example, against weaker enemies like Bokoblins or Lizalfos, itÔÇÖs better to use a less durable shield to conserve the Royal Guard's Shield for tougher battles. Another mistake is failing to repair or replace the shield once its durability is low. Keep an eye on its condition and be prepared to switch to another shield if necessary.
Advanced techniques include combining the Royal Guard's Shield with other combat strategies. For instance, you can use the shield to block an enemyÔÇÖs attack, then quickly switch to a two-handed weapon for a counterattack. This is particularly effective against Lynels, where blocking their attacks with the shield can create openings for powerful strikes. Additionally, using elemental arrows or environmental hazards in conjunction with the shield can give you an edge in combat.
Preparation is key when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Ensure you have a good supply of healing items, as even with the shieldÔÇÖs high defense, you may still take some damage in tough battles. Cooking meals that boost your defense or provide extra hearts can help you survive longer in combat. Also, consider upgrading your armor to increase your overall defense, making you even more resilient in battle.
Alternative approaches include using the Royal Guard's Shield as a backup rather than your primary shield. For example, you might use the Hylian Shield for most battles and switch to the Royal Guard's Shield when facing particularly tough enemies. This approach helps preserve the Royal Guard's Shield for when itÔÇÖs truly needed.
In specific scenarios, the Royal Guard's Shield shines. For example, when fighting a Guardian Stalker, you can use the shield to block its laser beams while closing the distance for a melee attack. Against a Lynel, the shield can block its powerful charges and sword swings, allowing you to counterattack with a flurry rush or a well-placed arrow. In these situations, the shieldÔÇÖs high defense can be the difference between victory and defeat.
In conclusion, the Royal Guard's Shield is a powerful tool in Breath of the Wild, but it requires careful management and strategic use. By focusing on blocking and parrying, avoiding unnecessary durability loss, and combining it with other combat techniques, you can maximize its effectiveness in battle. With proper preparation and practice, the Royal Guard's Shield can help you overcome even the toughest enemies in Hyrule.