What is the best way to use the Royal Guard's Halberd in combat in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Royal Guard's Halberd is one of the most powerful polearms in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, boasting high damage output but low durability. To use it effectively in combat, you need to understand its strengths and weaknesses, as well as how to maximize its potential while minimizing the risk of it breaking prematurely. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to use the Royal Guard's Halberd effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Royal Guard's Halberd. This weapon has a base attack power of 32, which is quite high for a polearm, but its durability is among the lowest in the game. This means it can deal significant damage but will break quickly if used carelessly. The weapon is best suited for high-stakes situations, such as fighting powerful enemies like Lynels, Guardians, or bosses, where its high damage can make a difference. However, because of its fragility, you should avoid using it for trivial fights or against weaker enemies.

To use the Royal Guard's Halberd effectively, you need to focus on precision and efficiency. One of the best strategies is to use it in conjunction with flurry rushes. A flurry rush is triggered by performing a perfect dodge, which slows down time and allows you to unleash a rapid series of attacks. Since the Royal Guard's Halberd has high damage, each hit during a flurry rush will deal significant damage to your enemy. To perform a flurry rush, lock onto an enemy with ZL, wait for their attack, and press X to jump sideways or backwards at the right moment. If timed correctly, youÔÇÖll enter slow motion and can press Y repeatedly to attack.

Another effective technique is to use the weaponÔÇÖs reach to your advantage. Polearms like the Royal Guard's Halberd have a longer range than most weapons, allowing you to keep a safe distance from enemies while dealing damage. This is particularly useful against enemies with wide, sweeping attacks, such as Lynels or Hinoxes. By staying just outside their attack range, you can poke at them without risking a counterattack. This strategy works best when combined with careful movement and positioning.

One common mistake players make is using the Royal Guard's Halberd for extended periods without considering its durability. Since the weapon breaks quickly, itÔÇÖs important to use it sparingly and only when necessary. For example, if youÔÇÖre fighting a Lynel, you might want to save the Royal Guard's Halberd for the final phase of the battle when the enemyÔÇÖs health is low, rather than using it from the start. This ensures that the weaponÔÇÖs high damage is used to finish the fight quickly, rather than being wasted on the early stages.

Preparation is key when using the Royal Guard's Halberd. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have backup weapons in case the halberd breaks. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have healing items and armor with high defense or specific resistances, depending on the enemy youÔÇÖre facing. For example, if youÔÇÖre fighting a Lynel, wearing armor with high defense or using food buffs that increase your attack power can give you an edge. Additionally, consider using elixirs or meals that boost your stamina, as this will allow you to perform more dodges and flurry rushes.

Advanced players can optimize their use of the Royal Guard's Halberd by combining it with other combat techniques. For example, you can use elemental arrows or environmental hazards to weaken enemies before engaging them with the halberd. If youÔÇÖre fighting a group of enemies, you might use a bomb arrow to scatter them, then pick off the survivors with the halberd. Alternatively, you can use the weaponÔÇÖs high damage to quickly eliminate a single strong enemy, such as a Guardian Stalker, before it can retaliate.

In specific scenarios, the Royal Guard's Halberd can be a game-changer. For example, during the fight against Calamity Ganon, the weaponÔÇÖs high damage can help you quickly deplete his health during the final phase of the battle. Similarly, when facing a Silver Lynel, the halberdÔÇÖs reach and damage output can make the fight more manageable, especially if youÔÇÖre skilled at dodging and countering.

In conclusion, the Royal Guard's Halberd is a powerful but fragile weapon that requires careful use. By focusing on precision, efficiency, and preparation, you can maximize its potential and make it a valuable tool in your arsenal. Avoid using it for trivial fights, and instead save it for high-stakes battles where its high damage can make a difference. With the right strategies and techniques, the Royal Guard's Halberd can help you overcome even the toughest enemies in Hyrule.