What is the best way to use the Dragonbone Boko Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The Dragonbone Boko Shield is a mid-tier shield found in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, often carried by stronger Bokoblins in areas like the Eldin region or Hyrule Castle. While it is not the most durable or powerful shield in the game, it can be a valuable tool in combat if used strategically. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to make the most of the Dragonbone Boko Shield, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.
The Dragonbone Boko Shield has a base defense of 18 and moderate durability. Its primary advantage is its availability in the early to mid-game, especially in areas where stronger enemies are found. However, it is made of wood, which means it is vulnerable to fire. This is an important consideration when fighting enemies that use fire-based attacks, such as Fire Wizzrobes or Lizalfos with fire arrows. If the shield catches fire, it will burn and break, leaving you defenseless. To avoid this, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid using the shield in fire-heavy environments unless absolutely necessary.
One of the best ways to use the Dragonbone Boko Shield is for parrying. Parrying is a combat mechanic where you press the A button while holding ZL to raise your shield, then press A again at the right moment to deflect an enemyÔÇÖs attack. This is particularly useful against Guardians, as a perfectly timed parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing massive damage. The Dragonbone Boko ShieldÔÇÖs decent defense makes it a good option for practicing parries, as it can withstand a few hits if you mistime your parry. However, keep in mind that parrying too often will wear down the shieldÔÇÖs durability, so use it sparingly unless you have a backup shield.
Another effective strategy is to use the shield for shield surfing. Shield surfing is a fun and fast way to travel downhill, but it also damages your shield over time. The Dragonbone Boko Shield is not the best choice for shield surfing due to its moderate durability, but it can be used in a pinch if you need to escape a dangerous situation quickly. To shield surf, jump while holding your shield, then press A to slide down slopes. Be cautious, as shield surfing on rough terrain or for long distances will break the shield faster.
When using the Dragonbone Boko Shield in combat, itÔÇÖs important to manage its durability. Avoid blocking attacks from powerful enemies like Lynels or Guardians unless you are confident in your parrying skills. Instead, use the shield to block weaker attacks from Bokoblins or Moblins, and switch to a more durable shield like the Royal Shield or Ancient Shield when facing tougher foes. Additionally, always carry a backup shield in case the Dragonbone Boko Shield breaks during a fight.
Preparation is key when using the Dragonbone Boko Shield. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, to sustain yourself if your shield breaks. You should also consider upgrading your armor to increase your defense, as this will reduce the damage you take and lessen the strain on your shield. The Hylian Shield, found in Hyrule Castle, is a great alternative if you need a more durable option, but it requires completing a mini-boss fight to obtain.
Advanced players can optimize their use of the Dragonbone Boko Shield by combining it with other combat techniques. For example, you can use the shield to block an enemyÔÇÖs attack, then quickly counter with a flurry rush or a charged attack. Flurry rushes are triggered by performing a perfect dodge, which slows down time and allows you to unleash a series of rapid attacks. This strategy works well against fast enemies like Lizalfos or Lynels, as it minimizes the damage your shield takes while maximizing your offensive output.
In summary, the Dragonbone Boko Shield is a versatile tool that can be used effectively in combat if you understand its strengths and limitations. Focus on parrying weaker attacks, avoid fire-based enemies, and always have a backup plan in case the shield breaks. With proper preparation and strategic use, the Dragonbone Boko Shield can help you survive many of the challenges in Breath of the Wild.
The Dragonbone Boko Shield has a base defense of 18 and moderate durability. Its primary advantage is its availability in the early to mid-game, especially in areas where stronger enemies are found. However, it is made of wood, which means it is vulnerable to fire. This is an important consideration when fighting enemies that use fire-based attacks, such as Fire Wizzrobes or Lizalfos with fire arrows. If the shield catches fire, it will burn and break, leaving you defenseless. To avoid this, always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid using the shield in fire-heavy environments unless absolutely necessary.
One of the best ways to use the Dragonbone Boko Shield is for parrying. Parrying is a combat mechanic where you press the A button while holding ZL to raise your shield, then press A again at the right moment to deflect an enemyÔÇÖs attack. This is particularly useful against Guardians, as a perfectly timed parry can reflect their laser beams back at them, dealing massive damage. The Dragonbone Boko ShieldÔÇÖs decent defense makes it a good option for practicing parries, as it can withstand a few hits if you mistime your parry. However, keep in mind that parrying too often will wear down the shieldÔÇÖs durability, so use it sparingly unless you have a backup shield.
Another effective strategy is to use the shield for shield surfing. Shield surfing is a fun and fast way to travel downhill, but it also damages your shield over time. The Dragonbone Boko Shield is not the best choice for shield surfing due to its moderate durability, but it can be used in a pinch if you need to escape a dangerous situation quickly. To shield surf, jump while holding your shield, then press A to slide down slopes. Be cautious, as shield surfing on rough terrain or for long distances will break the shield faster.
When using the Dragonbone Boko Shield in combat, itÔÇÖs important to manage its durability. Avoid blocking attacks from powerful enemies like Lynels or Guardians unless you are confident in your parrying skills. Instead, use the shield to block weaker attacks from Bokoblins or Moblins, and switch to a more durable shield like the Royal Shield or Ancient Shield when facing tougher foes. Additionally, always carry a backup shield in case the Dragonbone Boko Shield breaks during a fight.
Preparation is key when using the Dragonbone Boko Shield. Before engaging in combat, make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as cooked meals or elixirs, to sustain yourself if your shield breaks. You should also consider upgrading your armor to increase your defense, as this will reduce the damage you take and lessen the strain on your shield. The Hylian Shield, found in Hyrule Castle, is a great alternative if you need a more durable option, but it requires completing a mini-boss fight to obtain.
Advanced players can optimize their use of the Dragonbone Boko Shield by combining it with other combat techniques. For example, you can use the shield to block an enemyÔÇÖs attack, then quickly counter with a flurry rush or a charged attack. Flurry rushes are triggered by performing a perfect dodge, which slows down time and allows you to unleash a series of rapid attacks. This strategy works well against fast enemies like Lizalfos or Lynels, as it minimizes the damage your shield takes while maximizing your offensive output.
In summary, the Dragonbone Boko Shield is a versatile tool that can be used effectively in combat if you understand its strengths and limitations. Focus on parrying weaker attacks, avoid fire-based enemies, and always have a backup plan in case the shield breaks. With proper preparation and strategic use, the Dragonbone Boko Shield can help you survive many of the challenges in Breath of the Wild.