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, but it requires careful use due to its limited durability. This shield is best used in high-stakes combat situations, such as fighting powerful enemies like Lynels or Guardians, where its high defense and durability can make a significant difference. To use the Royal Guard's Shield effectively, you need to understand its mechanics, manage its durability, and employ advanced combat techniques.

First, let's discuss the mechanics of the Royal Guard's Shield. This shield has a base defense of 70, making it one of the strongest shields in the game. However, its durability is relatively low compared to other high-tier shields like the Ancient Shield or the Hylian Shield. This means that while it can block powerful attacks, it will break after a certain number of uses. To maximize its effectiveness, you should reserve it for situations where its high defense is necessary, such as blocking powerful melee attacks or deflecting Guardian laser beams.

When using the Royal Guard's Shield in combat, the key is to focus on perfect parries and shield surfing. Perfect parries are essential for conserving the shield's durability. To perform a perfect parry, you need to press the A button just as an enemy's attack is about to hit you. This will deflect the attack without consuming the shield's durability. This technique is particularly useful against Guardians, as a perfect parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing significant damage. Practice timing your parries against weaker enemies before attempting it against tougher foes.

Shield surfing is another advanced technique that can be used with the Royal Guard's Shield. While shield surfing does consume durability, it can be a useful way to quickly reposition yourself in combat or escape from dangerous situations. To shield surf, hold your shield with ZL, jump with X, and then press A while in the air. This will allow you to slide across the ground, giving you a speed boost. Be cautious when using this technique with the Royal Guard's Shield, as it will wear down the shield faster.

Preparation is crucial when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have a backup shield in case the Royal Guard's Shield breaks. You should also stock up on healing items and meals that restore health or provide temporary buffs, such as defense or stamina boosts. Additionally, consider using armor sets that enhance your defense or provide other combat-related bonuses, such as the Ancient Armor set, which increases your resistance to Guardian attacks.

One common mistake to avoid is using the Royal Guard's Shield for blocking weaker attacks or against weaker enemies. Since the shield has limited durability, it's best to save it for situations where its high defense is necessary. Using it against weaker enemies or for blocking minor attacks will only waste its durability. Instead, use lower-tier shields for these situations and reserve the Royal Guard's Shield for tougher battles.

Advanced techniques for using the Royal Guard's Shield include combining it with other combat skills, such as flurry rushes and elemental attacks. For example, after performing a perfect parry, you can follow up with a flurry rush to deal additional damage to your enemy. You can also use elemental arrows or weapons in combination with the shield to exploit enemy weaknesses. For instance, using shock arrows against a Lynel can stun it, giving you an opportunity to land critical hits.

In specific scenarios, such as fighting a Lynel, the Royal Guard's Shield can be a lifesaver. Lynels are some of the toughest enemies in the game, and their powerful attacks can quickly deplete your health. By using the Royal Guard's Shield to block or parry their attacks, you can create openings to counterattack. For example, when a Lynel charges at you, you can perform a perfect parry to stun it, then follow up with a series of attacks using a high-damage weapon like a Savage Lynel Sword.

Alternative approaches to using the Royal Guard's Shield include relying on other high-tier shields or using different combat strategies altogether. For example, the Ancient Shield is another excellent option for deflecting Guardian lasers, and it has higher durability than the Royal Guard's Shield. If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, you might focus on dodging and using flurry rushes instead of relying on shields. However, the Royal Guard's Shield remains a valuable tool for players who prefer a defensive approach or need to block powerful attacks.

In conclusion, the Royal Guard's Shield is a powerful but fragile tool that requires careful management and strategic use. By focusing on perfect parries, shield surfing, and combining it with other combat techniques, you can maximize its effectiveness in high-stakes battles. Always be prepared with backup shields and healing items, and avoid using it unnecessarily to conserve its durability. With the right approach, the Royal Guard's Shield can be a game-changing asset in your journey through Hyrule.