What is the best way to use the Ancient Shield during the Divine Beast quests 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 can be incredibly useful during the Divine Beast quests. This shield is crafted using Ancient Materials at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, and it has unique properties that make it stand out. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to best use the Ancient Shield during the Divine Beast quests.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of the Ancient Shield. The shield has a base durability of 32, which is higher than most shields in the game. It also has a base defense of 70, making it one of the most durable and protective shields available. However, its most unique feature is its ability to automatically deflect Guardian beams without requiring a perfect parry. This makes it incredibly useful when facing Guardians, which are common in and around the Divine Beasts.

To use the Ancient Shield effectively during the Divine Beast quests, you should first ensure you have it equipped before entering any Divine Beast. Each Divine Beast has its own set of challenges, but Guardians and their beams are a recurring threat. For example, in Vah Rudania, the Divine Beast of Death Mountain, youÔÇÖll encounter Guardian Scouts that shoot beams. The Ancient Shield can automatically deflect these beams, saving you from taking damage and allowing you to focus on solving puzzles or defeating enemies.

When facing a Guardian, simply hold up the Ancient Shield and let the beam hit it. The shield will automatically reflect the beam back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage. This is much easier than trying to time a perfect parry with a regular shield, especially if youÔÇÖre not confident in your timing. This mechanic is particularly useful in Vah Naboris, where youÔÇÖll face multiple Guardian Scouts in quick succession.

Preparation is key when using the Ancient Shield. Before heading into a Divine Beast, make sure you have enough health and stamina. Cook meals that provide extra hearts or temporary stamina boosts. Additionally, consider wearing armor that boosts your defense or provides elemental resistance, depending on the Divine Beast youÔÇÖre tackling. For example, in Vah Rudania, wearing the Flamebreaker Armor will protect you from the extreme heat.

One common mistake to avoid is over-relying on the Ancient Shield. While itÔÇÖs incredibly useful, itÔÇÖs not indestructible. The shield will eventually break after deflecting multiple beams, so always keep an eye on its durability. If you notice itÔÇÖs close to breaking, switch to another shield or use other tactics to deal with Guardians, such as using Ancient Arrows or dodging their attacks.

Advanced techniques involve combining the Ancient Shield with other strategies. For example, you can use Stasis+ to freeze a Guardian, giving you time to position yourself for a perfect beam reflection. Alternatively, you can use the shield to deflect beams while simultaneously attacking with a high-damage weapon, such as an Ancient Sword or a Savage Lynel Sword. This combination can quickly take down even the toughest Guardians.

Required items for crafting the Ancient Shield include 1,000 Rupees, 15 Ancient Springs, 10 Ancient Gears, and 1 Giant Ancient Core. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians or searching in shrines and treasure chests. If youÔÇÖre short on materials, consider farming Guardians in areas like Hyrule Field or around Hyrule Castle.

Alternative approaches include using other shields with high durability, such as the Hylian Shield, which can also deflect Guardian beams with a perfect parry. However, the Ancient ShieldÔÇÖs automatic deflection makes it the superior choice for players who struggle with timing. Another alternative is to avoid Guardians altogether by using stealth or taking alternate routes, though this isnÔÇÖt always possible in the Divine Beasts.

In specific scenarios, such as the final battle with Calamity Ganon, the Ancient Shield can be a lifesaver. GanonÔÇÖs attacks include powerful beams that can be deflected with the shield, giving you an edge in the fight. Similarly, in the Divine Beast Vah Medoh, the shield can help you deal with the airborne Guardians that shoot beams from above.

In conclusion, the Ancient Shield is a powerful tool for the Divine Beast quests, offering automatic beam deflection and high durability. By preparing properly, managing its durability, and combining it with other strategies, you can make the most of this shield and overcome the challenges of the Divine Beasts with ease. Whether youÔÇÖre facing Guardians, solving puzzles, or battling Blight Ganons, the Ancient Shield is a valuable asset in your journey through Hyrule.