How do I get the Ancient Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
To obtain the Ancient Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you will need to engage with the game's ancient technology mechanics, specifically by visiting the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The Ancient Shield is one of the most durable and powerful shields in the game, offering high defense and the unique ability to reflect Guardian laser beams without requiring a perfect parry. This makes it an invaluable tool for dealing with Guardians, especially in the late game. Here is a detailed guide on how to acquire the Ancient Shield, including the steps, required items, and tips to make the process smoother.
First, you need to unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This lab is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, in the Akkala region. To reach it, you can travel to the Akkala Tower and glide eastward toward the lab, which is situated on a hill overlooking the ocean. Before you can use the lab, you must complete a short quest called "Robbie's Research." This quest involves lighting the furnace outside the lab with a blue flame, similar to the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab quest. You will need to carry the blue flame from the ancient furnace near the Akkala Stable, which is located southwest of the lab. Be cautious of enemies and rain, as both can extinguish the flame. Once the furnace is lit, you can access the lab and speak to Robbie, who will allow you to purchase ancient gear, including the Ancient Shield.
To purchase the Ancient Shield, you will need two key resources: ancient materials and rupees. Specifically, you will need 1,000 rupees, 10 ancient gears, 15 ancient springs, and 1 ancient core. These materials are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, which can be found in various locations across Hyrule, such as Hyrule Castle, the Central Hyrule region, and the Akkala Citadel Ruins. Guardians come in different forms, including decayed Guardians, stalkers, and skywatchers. Decayed Guardians are the easiest to defeat, as they are stationary and can be taken down with well-timed parries or by using ancient or Guardian weapons. Stalkers and skywatchers are more challenging but drop better loot, including ancient cores, which are essential for crafting the shield.
Once you have gathered the required materials, return to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and speak to Cherry, the robot assistant. Select the Ancient Shield from the list of available items and confirm the purchase. The shield will then be added to your inventory. It is worth noting that the Ancient Shield has a durability of 32, which is relatively high compared to other shields, and its ability to automatically deflect Guardian lasers makes it a top-tier choice for combat against these enemies.
There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing the Ancient Shield. First, farming ancient materials can be time-consuming, so it is a good idea to focus on areas with high Guardian density, such as the Central Hyrule region. Using ancient or Guardian weapons can also make the process easier, as these weapons deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, wearing the Ancient Armor set, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides a significant damage boost against Guardians, making fights quicker and more efficient.
A common mistake to avoid is attempting to farm Guardians without proper preparation. Guardians are formidable enemies, and without the right gear or strategy, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Make sure to stock up on healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, and consider upgrading your armor at Great Fairy Fountains to increase your survivability. Another mistake is neglecting to save before engaging a Guardian, as a single misstep can result in a quick defeat.
For advanced players, there are optimizations that can speed up the process of obtaining the Ancient Shield. One strategy is to use the Master Sword, which glows and deals extra damage when near Guardians, making it an excellent weapon for farming ancient materials. Additionally, using stealth to approach Guardians can allow you to deal critical damage before they activate, giving you an early advantage in combat. If you have completed the "EX Ancient Lab Rumors" DLC quest, you can also obtain the Ancient Shield as a reward for completing the "EX Treasure: Ancient Mask" quest, which involves finding a hidden chest in the Hyrule Field region.
In summary, obtaining the Ancient Shield requires a combination of resource gathering, combat skill, and strategic planning. By focusing on farming Guardians, preparing adequately for battles, and utilizing the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, you can add this powerful shield to your arsenal and significantly improve your ability to handle some of the game's toughest enemies. Whether you are tackling Hyrule Castle or exploring Guardian-infested areas, the Ancient Shield is a valuable asset that can make your journey through Breath of the Wild much smoother.
First, you need to unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This lab is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, in the Akkala region. To reach it, you can travel to the Akkala Tower and glide eastward toward the lab, which is situated on a hill overlooking the ocean. Before you can use the lab, you must complete a short quest called "Robbie's Research." This quest involves lighting the furnace outside the lab with a blue flame, similar to the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab quest. You will need to carry the blue flame from the ancient furnace near the Akkala Stable, which is located southwest of the lab. Be cautious of enemies and rain, as both can extinguish the flame. Once the furnace is lit, you can access the lab and speak to Robbie, who will allow you to purchase ancient gear, including the Ancient Shield.
To purchase the Ancient Shield, you will need two key resources: ancient materials and rupees. Specifically, you will need 1,000 rupees, 10 ancient gears, 15 ancient springs, and 1 ancient core. These materials are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, which can be found in various locations across Hyrule, such as Hyrule Castle, the Central Hyrule region, and the Akkala Citadel Ruins. Guardians come in different forms, including decayed Guardians, stalkers, and skywatchers. Decayed Guardians are the easiest to defeat, as they are stationary and can be taken down with well-timed parries or by using ancient or Guardian weapons. Stalkers and skywatchers are more challenging but drop better loot, including ancient cores, which are essential for crafting the shield.
Once you have gathered the required materials, return to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and speak to Cherry, the robot assistant. Select the Ancient Shield from the list of available items and confirm the purchase. The shield will then be added to your inventory. It is worth noting that the Ancient Shield has a durability of 32, which is relatively high compared to other shields, and its ability to automatically deflect Guardian lasers makes it a top-tier choice for combat against these enemies.
There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when pursuing the Ancient Shield. First, farming ancient materials can be time-consuming, so it is a good idea to focus on areas with high Guardian density, such as the Central Hyrule region. Using ancient or Guardian weapons can also make the process easier, as these weapons deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, wearing the Ancient Armor set, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides a significant damage boost against Guardians, making fights quicker and more efficient.
A common mistake to avoid is attempting to farm Guardians without proper preparation. Guardians are formidable enemies, and without the right gear or strategy, you may find yourself overwhelmed. Make sure to stock up on healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, and consider upgrading your armor at Great Fairy Fountains to increase your survivability. Another mistake is neglecting to save before engaging a Guardian, as a single misstep can result in a quick defeat.
For advanced players, there are optimizations that can speed up the process of obtaining the Ancient Shield. One strategy is to use the Master Sword, which glows and deals extra damage when near Guardians, making it an excellent weapon for farming ancient materials. Additionally, using stealth to approach Guardians can allow you to deal critical damage before they activate, giving you an early advantage in combat. If you have completed the "EX Ancient Lab Rumors" DLC quest, you can also obtain the Ancient Shield as a reward for completing the "EX Treasure: Ancient Mask" quest, which involves finding a hidden chest in the Hyrule Field region.
In summary, obtaining the Ancient Shield requires a combination of resource gathering, combat skill, and strategic planning. By focusing on farming Guardians, preparing adequately for battles, and utilizing the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, you can add this powerful shield to your arsenal and significantly improve your ability to handle some of the game's toughest enemies. Whether you are tackling Hyrule Castle or exploring Guardian-infested areas, the Ancient Shield is a valuable asset that can make your journey through Breath of the Wild much smoother.