What is the best way to use the Royal Guard's Shield 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 found in Hyrule Castle, specifically in the lockup area, and is part of the Royal Guard set. While it boasts high defense and durability, it is not indestructible, and its use should be strategic to maximize its effectiveness.
To begin with, the Royal Guard's Shield has a base defense of 70, making it one of the best shields for blocking attacks. However, its durability is lower compared to other high-tier shields like the Ancient Shield or the Hylian Shield. This means that while it can absorb a lot of damage, it will eventually break if used excessively. Therefore, it is best reserved for situations where you need maximum protection, such as fighting powerful enemies like Lynels or Guardians.
One of the key mechanics to understand when using the Royal Guard's Shield is shield parrying. Parrying is a technique where you press the A button while holding ZL to raise your shield, and then press A again at the right moment to deflect an enemy's attack. This is particularly useful against Guardians, as a well-timed parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing significant damage. The Royal Guard's Shield is excellent for this purpose due to its high defense, but be cautious, as mistiming a parry can result in the shield taking damage or breaking.
Another important strategy is to use the shield in combination with other combat techniques. For example, when fighting a Lynel, you can use the shield to block their powerful melee attacks while waiting for an opportunity to dodge and perform a flurry rush. Flurry rushes are triggered by dodging an attack at the last moment, which slows down time and allows you to unleash a series of rapid attacks. The Royal Guard's Shield can help you survive long enough to execute these maneuvers, but remember to switch to a different shield if it starts to show signs of breaking.
Resource management is crucial when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Since it is not easily replaceable, you should avoid using it for trivial tasks like shield surfing or blocking weak enemy attacks. Instead, save it for critical moments where its high defense is necessary. Additionally, consider carrying multiple shields to switch between them as needed. This way, you can preserve the Royal Guard's Shield for when it is most needed.
One common mistake players make is over-relying on the Royal Guard's Shield without considering its durability. While it is tempting to use it all the time due to its high defense, doing so will quickly deplete its durability. To avoid this, use it sparingly and only in situations where its high defense is essential. Another mistake is not practicing shield parrying, which can lead to wasted opportunities and unnecessary damage to the shield. Spend time practicing parrying with weaker shields before using the Royal Guard's Shield in combat.
Advanced techniques for using the Royal Guard's Shield include combining it with other high-tier weapons and armor. For example, wearing the Ancient Armor set and using Ancient weapons can significantly boost your damage output against Guardians, making the shield even more effective in these encounters. Additionally, using elemental arrows or environmental hazards can complement the shield's defensive capabilities, allowing you to control the battlefield and minimize the number of attacks you need to block.
Preparation is key when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, to sustain yourself during prolonged fights. It is also a good idea to have a backup shield in case the Royal Guard's Shield breaks. The Hylian Shield, which can be obtained in Hyrule Castle, is an excellent alternative due to its high durability and defense.
In specific scenarios, such as fighting a Guardian Stalker, the Royal Guard's Shield can be a lifesaver. Use it to block their laser attacks while closing the distance to deliver melee strikes. Alternatively, when facing a Lynel, use the shield to block their charges and sword swings while looking for openings to attack. Remember to keep an eye on the shield's durability and switch to a different one if it starts to crack.
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 understanding its mechanics, practicing advanced techniques, and managing your resources effectively, you can make the most of this high-tier shield and overcome even the toughest challenges in Hyrule.
To begin with, the Royal Guard's Shield has a base defense of 70, making it one of the best shields for blocking attacks. However, its durability is lower compared to other high-tier shields like the Ancient Shield or the Hylian Shield. This means that while it can absorb a lot of damage, it will eventually break if used excessively. Therefore, it is best reserved for situations where you need maximum protection, such as fighting powerful enemies like Lynels or Guardians.
One of the key mechanics to understand when using the Royal Guard's Shield is shield parrying. Parrying is a technique where you press the A button while holding ZL to raise your shield, and then press A again at the right moment to deflect an enemy's attack. This is particularly useful against Guardians, as a well-timed parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing significant damage. The Royal Guard's Shield is excellent for this purpose due to its high defense, but be cautious, as mistiming a parry can result in the shield taking damage or breaking.
Another important strategy is to use the shield in combination with other combat techniques. For example, when fighting a Lynel, you can use the shield to block their powerful melee attacks while waiting for an opportunity to dodge and perform a flurry rush. Flurry rushes are triggered by dodging an attack at the last moment, which slows down time and allows you to unleash a series of rapid attacks. The Royal Guard's Shield can help you survive long enough to execute these maneuvers, but remember to switch to a different shield if it starts to show signs of breaking.
Resource management is crucial when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Since it is not easily replaceable, you should avoid using it for trivial tasks like shield surfing or blocking weak enemy attacks. Instead, save it for critical moments where its high defense is necessary. Additionally, consider carrying multiple shields to switch between them as needed. This way, you can preserve the Royal Guard's Shield for when it is most needed.
One common mistake players make is over-relying on the Royal Guard's Shield without considering its durability. While it is tempting to use it all the time due to its high defense, doing so will quickly deplete its durability. To avoid this, use it sparingly and only in situations where its high defense is essential. Another mistake is not practicing shield parrying, which can lead to wasted opportunities and unnecessary damage to the shield. Spend time practicing parrying with weaker shields before using the Royal Guard's Shield in combat.
Advanced techniques for using the Royal Guard's Shield include combining it with other high-tier weapons and armor. For example, wearing the Ancient Armor set and using Ancient weapons can significantly boost your damage output against Guardians, making the shield even more effective in these encounters. Additionally, using elemental arrows or environmental hazards can complement the shield's defensive capabilities, allowing you to control the battlefield and minimize the number of attacks you need to block.
Preparation is key when using the Royal Guard's Shield. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, to sustain yourself during prolonged fights. It is also a good idea to have a backup shield in case the Royal Guard's Shield breaks. The Hylian Shield, which can be obtained in Hyrule Castle, is an excellent alternative due to its high durability and defense.
In specific scenarios, such as fighting a Guardian Stalker, the Royal Guard's Shield can be a lifesaver. Use it to block their laser attacks while closing the distance to deliver melee strikes. Alternatively, when facing a Lynel, use the shield to block their charges and sword swings while looking for openings to attack. Remember to keep an eye on the shield's durability and switch to a different one if it starts to crack.
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 understanding its mechanics, practicing advanced techniques, and managing your resources effectively, you can make the most of this high-tier shield and overcome even the toughest challenges in Hyrule.