What is the best way to use the Ancient Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Ancient Shield is one of the most powerful shields in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and it is particularly effective against Guardians, which are some of the toughest enemies in the game. To use the Ancient Shield effectively, you need to understand its mechanics, how to obtain it, and how to maximize its potential in combat. Here is a detailed guide on how to use the Ancient Shield to its fullest.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about how to obtain the Ancient Shield. You can purchase it from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule. To buy the shield, you need to have completed the side quest "RobbieÔÇÖs Research," which involves lighting the furnace at the lab. Once the lab is operational, you can trade in Ancient Materials, such as Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores, along with rupees, to acquire the shield. The Ancient Shield costs 1,000 rupees, 10 Ancient Gears, 15 Ancient Springs, and 1 Giant Ancient Core. Make sure to gather these materials by defeating Guardians or exploring shrines and treasure chests.

The Ancient Shield has a durability of 32, which is relatively high compared to other shields. However, its most notable feature is its ability to automatically deflect Guardian laser beams without requiring a perfect parry. This makes it incredibly useful when facing Guardians, as it reduces the risk of taking damage. When a Guardian fires its laser at you, simply hold up the Ancient Shield, and it will deflect the beam back at the Guardian, often destroying it in one or two hits. This is a huge advantage, especially for players who struggle with the timing required for a perfect parry.

To use the Ancient Shield effectively, you should always keep it equipped when exploring areas with Guardians, such as Hyrule Castle or the Central Hyrule region. When you see a Guardian targeting you, immediately switch to the shield and hold it up. The shield will do the rest, deflecting the laser and potentially destroying the Guardian. This strategy is particularly useful when dealing with multiple Guardians, as it allows you to focus on positioning and avoiding other threats while the shield handles the lasers.

One important tip is to conserve the Ancient ShieldÔÇÖs durability. While it is durable, it will eventually break if used excessively. To avoid this, try to use the shield only when necessary, such as when facing Guardians or other high-threat enemies. For regular combat or weaker enemies, switch to a different shield to preserve the Ancient ShieldÔÇÖs durability. Additionally, you can repair the shield by visiting the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and paying a fee, but this can be costly and time-consuming.

A common mistake players make is relying too heavily on the Ancient Shield and neglecting other combat skills. While the shield is powerful, it is not invincible, and you should still practice perfect parries and dodges to improve your overall combat effectiveness. The Ancient Shield is a tool, not a crutch, and mastering other combat techniques will make you a more versatile and capable player.

For advanced players, you can combine the Ancient Shield with other strategies to maximize its effectiveness. For example, you can use the shield to deflect Guardian lasers while using elemental arrows or bombs to deal additional damage. This can be particularly useful when facing multiple Guardians or tougher enemies like Lynels. Additionally, you can use the shield in conjunction with the Master Sword or other high-damage weapons to quickly dispatch enemies.

Preparation is key when using the Ancient Shield. Make sure to stock up on healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, in case you take damage. You should also carry a variety of weapons and shields to handle different situations. For example, if you run out of durability on the Ancient Shield, you can switch to a different shield and use perfect parries to continue deflecting Guardian lasers.

In summary, the Ancient Shield is a powerful tool for dealing with Guardians and other high-threat enemies in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. By understanding its mechanics, conserving its durability, and combining it with other combat strategies, you can maximize its effectiveness and make your journey through Hyrule much easier. Remember to practice other combat skills and prepare adequately for each encounter to ensure success.