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

Defeating a Decayed Guardian in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires a mix of strategy, timing, and preparation. Decayed Guardians are stationary enemies found in ruins across Hyrule, often near shrines or in areas like the Central Hyrule region. They are remnants of the ancient Sheikah technology and can be intimidating due to their powerful laser attacks. However, with the right approach, they can be defeated efficiently.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics involved. Decayed Guardians have two main attacks: a laser beam and a close-range spin attack if you get too close. The laser beam is their primary threat, as it deals massive damage and can one-shot Link if he doesnÔÇÖt have enough health or defense. The laser takes a few seconds to charge, giving you a brief window to react. The key to defeating a Decayed Guardian is to exploit this charging time and either deflect the laser or avoid it entirely.

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 beam. The Ancient Shield, obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, is ideal because it can automatically deflect Guardian lasers without requiring perfect timing. However, if you donÔÇÖt have this shield, any shield will work as long as you master the parry timing. YouÔÇÖll also want to bring weapons with high damage output, such as Guardian or Ancient weapons, which deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, having some healing items, like hearty meals or fairies, is recommended in case you make a mistake.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the step-by-step strategy. The most reliable method to defeat a Decayed Guardian is to parry its laser beam. To do this, stand at a medium distance from the Guardian, close enough to trigger its attack but not so close that it uses its spin attack. When the Guardian locks onto you, it will glow red and emit a beeping sound. As soon as you hear the final beep and see the blue flash, press the A button to perform a shield parry. If timed correctly, the laser will reflect back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage. Three successful parries will destroy a Decayed Guardian.

If youÔÇÖre not confident in your parry timing, there are alternative approaches. One method is to use arrows to target the GuardianÔÇÖs eye. Shooting the eye with an arrow will stun the Guardian, interrupting its laser attack and giving you time to close in and attack its legs or body. Ancient Arrows are particularly effective, as they can instantly destroy a Decayed Guardian with a single shot to the eye. However, Ancient Arrows are rare and expensive, so use them sparingly.

Another strategy is to use stealth and the environment to your advantage. If you approach a Decayed Guardian from behind or while itÔÇÖs not looking, you can deal damage without triggering its laser attack. Additionally, you can use nearby objects, like rocks or trees, to block the laser while you reposition yourself.

Common mistakes to avoid include standing too close to the Guardian, which triggers its spin attack, and failing to time your parry correctly, resulting in taking heavy damage. ItÔÇÖs also important not to panic when the Guardian locks onto you. Stay calm, focus on the timing, and practice your parries.

For advanced techniques, you can combine parrying with other combat skills. For example, after a successful parry, you can quickly switch to a powerful weapon and attack the Guardian while itÔÇÖs stunned. This can speed up the fight and conserve your shieldÔÇÖs durability. Additionally, if you have the Stasis+ rune upgraded, you can freeze the Guardian temporarily, giving you a window to attack without worrying about its laser.

In summary, defeating a Decayed Guardian requires preparation, timing, and practice. Whether you choose to parry its laser, use arrows, or employ stealth, the key is to stay calm and exploit its weaknesses. With the right strategy, you can turn these formidable foes into a manageable challenge.