What materials are needed to upgrade the Ancient Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

To upgrade the Ancient Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, near the Akkala region. The Ancient Shield is part of the Ancient Armor set, which is based on Sheikah technology and provides excellent defense against Guardian attacks. Upgrading the shield requires specific materials and a bit of preparation, so hereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you through the process.

First, you need to unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. To do this, you must complete the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which starts at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. Speak to Purah, who will direct you to Robbie in Akkala. Once you arrive at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, youÔÇÖll need to light the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame, similar to what you did at the Hateno lab. This will activate the lab and allow you to interact with Robbie, who will then offer to sell you Ancient gear, including the Ancient Shield.

The Ancient Shield itself can be purchased from Robbie for 1,000 rupees, 10 Ancient Springs, 15 Ancient Gears, and 1 Giant Ancient Core. These materials are obtained by defeating Guardians, which can be found in various locations across Hyrule, such as the Central Hyrule region, Hyrule Castle, and the surrounding areas. Guardians are tough enemies, so itÔÇÖs important to be well-prepared before engaging them. Equip yourself with weapons that deal high damage, such as the Master Sword or Guardian weapons, and consider wearing the Ancient Armor set for increased defense against Guardian attacks.

Once you have the Ancient Shield, you can upgrade it at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. However, upgrading the shield is not as straightforward as upgrading other pieces of armor. The Ancient Shield does not have multiple upgrade levels like the Ancient Armor set. Instead, it is already a high-tier shield with excellent durability and the unique ability to deflect Guardian beams automatically when you hold it up. This makes it one of the best shields in the game for dealing with Guardians.

If youÔÇÖre looking to enhance your overall defense against Guardians, you can upgrade the Ancient Armor set at Great Fairy Fountains. The Ancient Armor set consists of the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. Each piece requires different materials to upgrade, such as Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, Ancient Gears, and Giant Ancient Cores. Upgrading the full set to its maximum level will grant you the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of Ancient and Guardian weapons when the full set is worn.

When farming for Ancient materials, itÔÇÖs important to prioritize defeating Guardian Stalkers and Guardian Scouts, as they drop the most valuable materials. Guardian Stalkers are the large, spider-like Guardians that roam the overworld, while Guardian Scouts are found in shrines and Divine Beasts. Using Ancient or Guardian weapons against them will deal extra damage, making the fights easier. Additionally, using the Stasis+ rune can help you freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you a window to attack their weak points.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of fighting Guardians, especially early in the game. ItÔÇÖs crucial to have a good supply of healing items and to practice perfect parries with your shield to deflect Guardian beams. If youÔÇÖre not confident in your combat skills, consider using stealth to avoid Guardians until youÔÇÖre better equipped.

In terms of resource management, itÔÇÖs a good idea to save your Giant Ancient Cores for upgrading the Ancient Armor set or purchasing the Ancient Shield, as they are rare and valuable. Ancient Springs and Gears are more common, so you can use them more freely for other upgrades or purchases.

For advanced players, optimizing your approach to farming Ancient materials can save time and effort. For example, using the Master SwordÔÇÖs beam attack from a distance can help you take down Guardians without getting too close. Additionally, using the Ancient Bow, which has a long range and high durability, can make it easier to target Guardian weak points.

In summary, upgrading the Ancient Shield involves purchasing it from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and ensuring you have the necessary materials by defeating Guardians. While the shield itself cannot be upgraded further, enhancing the Ancient Armor set and mastering combat techniques against Guardians will significantly improve your effectiveness in battles. By following these strategies and tips, youÔÇÖll be well-prepared to face the challenges of Hyrule and make the most of the Ancient ShieldÔÇÖs unique abilities.