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 you if youÔÇÖre not careful. The key to defeating them lies in exploiting their weak point, which is the glowing eye on their body. Hitting this eye with an arrow or a well-timed attack will stun them and interrupt their laser attack. Additionally, their legs are vulnerable to melee attacks, but targeting the eye is the most effective way to deal damage.

To prepare for the fight, youÔÇÖll need a few essential items. A strong bow is crucial, as it allows you to hit the GuardianÔÇÖs eye from a distance. Bows like the Royal Bow or the Ancient Bow are excellent choices due to their range and accuracy. YouÔÇÖll also want to stock up on arrows, especially Ancient Arrows if you have them, as they deal significant damage to Guardians. If you donÔÇÖt have Ancient Arrows, regular arrows will work, but youÔÇÖll need to be more precise. Additionally, having a shield with a high durability rating, such as the Ancient Shield, can help you deflect the GuardianÔÇÖs laser beam if you time your parry correctly. Finally, bring healing items like hearty meals or fairies to recover health if you make a mistake.

Now, letÔÇÖs go through the step-by-step strategy. When you approach a Decayed Guardian, it will immediately lock onto you with its laser targeting system. This is indicated by a red beam that follows you. The laser will charge for a few seconds before firing, giving you a small window to react. The best way to avoid the laser is to use cover, such as ruins or trees, to break its line of sight. Once youÔÇÖre in position, aim your bow at the GuardianÔÇÖs eye and fire an arrow. If you hit the eye, the Guardian will be stunned, and its laser attack will be interrupted. This is your opportunity to deal damage. You can either continue firing arrows at the eye or move in close to attack its legs with a melee weapon. Be cautious, though, as getting too close can trigger its spin attack.

One important tip is to use the environment to your advantage. If youÔÇÖre fighting a Decayed Guardian in an area with ruins or obstacles, use them to block the laser while you reposition yourself. Additionally, if you have the Stasis+ rune upgraded, you can freeze the Guardian temporarily, giving you more time to aim and attack. This is particularly useful if youÔÇÖre struggling with timing your shots.

A common mistake to avoid is panicking when the Guardian locks onto you. ItÔÇÖs easy to get flustered and run in the wrong direction, but staying calm and using cover is key. Another mistake is wasting arrows by missing the eye. Take your time to aim carefully, as each shot counts. If youÔÇÖre low on arrows, consider using melee weapons to attack the legs, but be mindful of the spin attack.

For advanced techniques, mastering the parry mechanic can make the fight much easier. If you have a shield, you can parry the GuardianÔÇÖs laser beam by pressing the A button just as the laser is about to hit you. This requires precise timing, but if done correctly, the laser will be reflected back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage. This method is especially effective if youÔÇÖre low on arrows or want to conserve resources.

Alternative approaches include using stealth to get close to the Guardian without being detected. If you have the Sheikah stealth armor or stealth-enhancing food, you can sneak up on the Guardian and attack its legs before it has a chance to fire its laser. This method is riskier but can be effective if youÔÇÖre confident in your stealth skills.

In specific scenarios, such as fighting multiple Decayed Guardians in areas like Hyrule Castle, itÔÇÖs important to prioritize one Guardian at a time. Use cover to isolate each one and take them down individually. If youÔÇÖre overwhelmed, consider using Ancient Arrows to quickly eliminate them, though these are rare and should be used sparingly.

In summary, defeating a Decayed Guardian requires preparation, precision, and strategy. Use a strong bow to target the eye, take advantage of the environment for cover, and consider advanced techniques like parrying or stealth. With practice and the right approach, you can overcome these ancient foes and continue your journey through Hyrule.