How do I defeat a Guardian Decayed in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Defeating a Guardian Decayed in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires a combination of strategy, timing, and the right equipment. Guardian Decayed are stationary enemies found in various locations across Hyrule, often near ruins or shrines. They are remnants of the ancient Sheikah technology and are highly dangerous due to their powerful laser attacks. However, with the right approach, they can be defeated efficiently.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Guardian Decayed have two main attacks: a laser beam and a sweeping laser. The laser beam is a single, high-damage shot that targets Link directly. The sweeping laser is a slower, area-of-effect attack that covers a wide arc. Both attacks are telegraphed by a red targeting laser that appears before the Guardian fires. This gives you a brief window to react. The key to defeating a Guardian Decayed is to either deflect its laser attacks or destroy it before it can fire.

To prepare for the fight, youÔÇÖll need a few essential items. A strong shield is crucial, as it allows you to parry the GuardianÔÇÖs laser attacks. The Ancient Shield, obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, is particularly effective because it can automatically deflect lasers without requiring perfect timing. However, if you donÔÇÖt have this shield, any shield will work as long as you time your parries correctly. YouÔÇÖll also want to have a powerful weapon, such as the Master Sword or an Ancient weapon, to deal significant damage. Additionally, carrying some healing items, like hearty meals or fairies, is recommended in case you take damage.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the step-by-step strategy. When you approach a Guardian Decayed, it will immediately target you with its red laser. As soon as you see the laser, get ready to parry. To parry, hold your shield up and press the A button just as the GuardianÔÇÖs eye flashes blue. This will deflect the laser back at the Guardian, dealing massive damage. If you time it correctly, you can defeat the Guardian in just a few parries. If you miss the parry, quickly move out of the way to avoid the laser. You can also use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind cover to break the GuardianÔÇÖs line of sight.

If you prefer a more aggressive approach, you can attack the Guardian directly. Aim for its eye, as this is its weak point. Using a bow with Ancient or Bomb arrows can deal significant damage. If youÔÇÖre close enough, you can also use melee weapons to attack its legs or body. However, be cautious, as the Guardian can still fire its laser at close range. If youÔÇÖre using melee attacks, try to stay behind the Guardian to minimize the risk of being hit.

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when fighting a Guardian Decayed. One is panicking and trying to run away. The GuardianÔÇÖs laser has a long range, and running away will only make it harder to avoid the attack. Instead, stay calm and focus on timing your parries or dodges. Another mistake is using weak weapons or shields. Guardian Decayed have high health and defense, so using low-tier weapons will only prolong the fight and waste your resources. Make sure to use your strongest weapons and shields to maximize your efficiency.

For advanced techniques, you can use the Stasis+ rune to freeze the Guardian temporarily. This gives you a few seconds to attack without worrying about its laser. You can also use the environment to your advantage by luring the Guardian into traps or using explosive barrels to deal extra damage. Additionally, if you have the Master Sword, it will deal extra damage to Guardians, making the fight much easier.

In terms of alternative approaches, you can use stealth to avoid the Guardian altogether. If youÔÇÖre not confident in your combat skills, you can sneak around the Guardian using stealth-enhancing armor or elixirs. However, this wonÔÇÖt help you if you need to defeat the Guardian for a quest or to access a shrine. Another alternative is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use Magnesis to drop metal objects on the Guardian or use Cryonis to create barriers that block its line of sight.

In specific scenarios, such as the Guardian Decayed near the Ja Baij Shrine, you can use the terrain to your advantage. The shrine is located on a small island surrounded by water, so you can use Cryonis to create ice blocks to block the GuardianÔÇÖs laser or to create a path to the shrine without engaging the Guardian. However, if you need to defeat the Guardian to access the shrine, youÔÇÖll need to use the strategies mentioned above.

In conclusion, defeating a Guardian Decayed requires careful preparation, precise timing, and the right equipment. By mastering the parry technique, using powerful weapons, and avoiding common mistakes, you can take down these formidable enemies with ease. Whether you choose to deflect their lasers, attack them directly, or use advanced techniques, the key is to stay calm and focused. With practice, youÔÇÖll be able to defeat Guardian Decayed efficiently and continue your journey through Hyrule.