What is the best way to use the Ancient Short Sword in combat in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The Ancient Short Sword is one of the most powerful one-handed weapons in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, especially when used against Guardians and other ancient enemies. Its high base damage, combined with its unique properties, makes it a valuable tool in combat. However, to maximize its effectiveness, you need to understand its mechanics, how to use it strategically, and how to prepare for battles where it shines.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Ancient Short Sword. This weapon deals 40 base damage, which is already impressive for a one-handed sword. However, its true strength comes into play when fighting Guardians or other ancient enemies. When used against these foes, the Ancient Short Sword deals 1.5 times its normal damage, effectively increasing its damage output to 60. This makes it one of the best weapons for taking down Guardians quickly. Additionally, the sword is durable, with a relatively high durability rating compared to other weapons, meaning it wonÔÇÖt break as easily during prolonged fights.
To use the Ancient Short Sword effectively, you need to prepare properly. One of the best ways to enhance its power is by wearing the Ancient Armor set, which can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. When wearing the full set, you gain the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of all ancient weapons, including the Ancient Short Sword, by 80%. This bonus stacks with the 1.5x damage multiplier against Guardians, making the sword incredibly powerful. For example, with the Ancient Proficiency bonus, the swordÔÇÖs damage against Guardians increases to 108 (40 x 1.5 x 1.8). This makes it possible to defeat even the toughest Guardians in just a few hits.
In combat, the Ancient Short Sword is best used in close-quarters fights, particularly against Guardians. When facing a Guardian Stalker, for example, you can use the sword to target its legs. Breaking a GuardianÔÇÖs legs immobilizes it, making it easier to land consecutive hits. If youÔÇÖre fighting a Guardian Scout in a shrine, the swordÔÇÖs high damage output allows you to defeat it quickly before it can counterattack. For flying Guardians, you can use the sword after parrying their laser beams with a shield, which stuns them and leaves them vulnerable to melee attacks.
One important tip is to conserve the Ancient Short Sword for battles where it is most effective. While it is a powerful weapon, it is also expensive to replace, requiring Ancient Springs, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores to craft at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Therefore, avoid using it against weaker enemies like Bokoblins or Lizalfos, as it would be a waste of its durability. Instead, save it for Guardian encounters or other high-priority targets.
A common mistake players make is using the Ancient Short Sword without the Ancient Proficiency bonus. Without this bonus, the sword is still strong, but it doesnÔÇÖt reach its full potential. Always wear the full Ancient Armor set when using the sword to maximize its damage output. Another mistake is failing to parry Guardian lasers. Parrying is a crucial skill when fighting Guardians, as it allows you to stun them and create openings for attacks. Practice your timing to ensure you can consistently parry their beams.
For advanced techniques, consider combining the Ancient Short Sword with other combat strategies. For example, you can use Stasis+ to freeze an enemy, giving you time to land multiple hits with the sword. Additionally, you can use elemental effects to your advantage. For instance, if youÔÇÖre fighting a group of enemies, you can use an ice weapon to freeze them, then switch to the Ancient Short Sword to deal massive damage while theyÔÇÖre immobilized.
Preparation is key when using the Ancient Short Sword. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to sustain yourself during tough fights. You should also carry a strong shield, like the Ancient Shield, which can reflect Guardian lasers without requiring precise parry timing. This can be especially useful if youÔÇÖre still mastering the parry mechanic.
An alternative approach to using the Ancient Short Sword is to pair it with other ancient weapons, such as the Ancient Bladesaw or Ancient Bow. The Ancient Bow, in particular, is excellent for sniping Guardian eyes from a distance, allowing you to weaken them before closing in with the sword. This combination of ranged and melee attacks can make Guardian encounters much more manageable.
In specific scenarios, such as the Hyrule Castle area, where Guardians are abundant, the Ancient Short Sword is invaluable. For example, when infiltrating the castle, you can use the sword to quickly dispatch the Guardian Turrets that line the walls. Similarly, in the Trial of the Sword DLC, the Ancient Short Sword can be a game-changer during the later floors, where you face powerful enemies like Lynels and Guardians.
In summary, the Ancient Short Sword is a highly effective weapon when used correctly. Its high damage output, especially against Guardians, makes it a must-have for challenging encounters. By wearing the Ancient Armor set, practicing parrying, and conserving the sword for high-priority targets, you can maximize its potential. Avoid common mistakes like using it against weak enemies or neglecting the Ancient Proficiency bonus. With proper preparation and strategy, the Ancient Short Sword can help you overcome even the toughest foes in Hyrule.
First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Ancient Short Sword. This weapon deals 40 base damage, which is already impressive for a one-handed sword. However, its true strength comes into play when fighting Guardians or other ancient enemies. When used against these foes, the Ancient Short Sword deals 1.5 times its normal damage, effectively increasing its damage output to 60. This makes it one of the best weapons for taking down Guardians quickly. Additionally, the sword is durable, with a relatively high durability rating compared to other weapons, meaning it wonÔÇÖt break as easily during prolonged fights.
To use the Ancient Short Sword effectively, you need to prepare properly. One of the best ways to enhance its power is by wearing the Ancient Armor set, which can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. When wearing the full set, you gain the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of all ancient weapons, including the Ancient Short Sword, by 80%. This bonus stacks with the 1.5x damage multiplier against Guardians, making the sword incredibly powerful. For example, with the Ancient Proficiency bonus, the swordÔÇÖs damage against Guardians increases to 108 (40 x 1.5 x 1.8). This makes it possible to defeat even the toughest Guardians in just a few hits.
In combat, the Ancient Short Sword is best used in close-quarters fights, particularly against Guardians. When facing a Guardian Stalker, for example, you can use the sword to target its legs. Breaking a GuardianÔÇÖs legs immobilizes it, making it easier to land consecutive hits. If youÔÇÖre fighting a Guardian Scout in a shrine, the swordÔÇÖs high damage output allows you to defeat it quickly before it can counterattack. For flying Guardians, you can use the sword after parrying their laser beams with a shield, which stuns them and leaves them vulnerable to melee attacks.
One important tip is to conserve the Ancient Short Sword for battles where it is most effective. While it is a powerful weapon, it is also expensive to replace, requiring Ancient Springs, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores to craft at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Therefore, avoid using it against weaker enemies like Bokoblins or Lizalfos, as it would be a waste of its durability. Instead, save it for Guardian encounters or other high-priority targets.
A common mistake players make is using the Ancient Short Sword without the Ancient Proficiency bonus. Without this bonus, the sword is still strong, but it doesnÔÇÖt reach its full potential. Always wear the full Ancient Armor set when using the sword to maximize its damage output. Another mistake is failing to parry Guardian lasers. Parrying is a crucial skill when fighting Guardians, as it allows you to stun them and create openings for attacks. Practice your timing to ensure you can consistently parry their beams.
For advanced techniques, consider combining the Ancient Short Sword with other combat strategies. For example, you can use Stasis+ to freeze an enemy, giving you time to land multiple hits with the sword. Additionally, you can use elemental effects to your advantage. For instance, if youÔÇÖre fighting a group of enemies, you can use an ice weapon to freeze them, then switch to the Ancient Short Sword to deal massive damage while theyÔÇÖre immobilized.
Preparation is key when using the Ancient Short Sword. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to sustain yourself during tough fights. You should also carry a strong shield, like the Ancient Shield, which can reflect Guardian lasers without requiring precise parry timing. This can be especially useful if youÔÇÖre still mastering the parry mechanic.
An alternative approach to using the Ancient Short Sword is to pair it with other ancient weapons, such as the Ancient Bladesaw or Ancient Bow. The Ancient Bow, in particular, is excellent for sniping Guardian eyes from a distance, allowing you to weaken them before closing in with the sword. This combination of ranged and melee attacks can make Guardian encounters much more manageable.
In specific scenarios, such as the Hyrule Castle area, where Guardians are abundant, the Ancient Short Sword is invaluable. For example, when infiltrating the castle, you can use the sword to quickly dispatch the Guardian Turrets that line the walls. Similarly, in the Trial of the Sword DLC, the Ancient Short Sword can be a game-changer during the later floors, where you face powerful enemies like Lynels and Guardians.
In summary, the Ancient Short Sword is a highly effective weapon when used correctly. Its high damage output, especially against Guardians, makes it a must-have for challenging encounters. By wearing the Ancient Armor set, practicing parrying, and conserving the sword for high-priority targets, you can maximize its potential. Avoid common mistakes like using it against weak enemies or neglecting the Ancient Proficiency bonus. With proper preparation and strategy, the Ancient Short Sword can help you overcome even the toughest foes in Hyrule.