Where can I find the Ancient Screw in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the Ancient Screw is a valuable material used for crafting and upgrading certain pieces of equipment, particularly those related to ancient Sheikah technology. This item is essential for players looking to enhance their gear at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab or for trading with certain NPCs. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain Ancient Screws, including strategies, tips, and considerations.

Ancient Screws are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, which are ancient mechanical enemies scattered throughout Hyrule. Guardians come in various forms, including decayed Guardians, Guardian Stalkers, Guardian Skywatchers, and Guardian Turrets. Each type of Guardian has a chance to drop Ancient Screws upon defeat, though the drop rate can vary. Decayed Guardians, which are immobile and often found in ruins or near shrines, are the most common source of Ancient Screws. These Guardians are easier to defeat compared to their more mobile counterparts, making them a good target for farming.

To efficiently farm Ancient Screws, you should first prepare by equipping yourself with weapons and shields that are effective against Guardians. Ancient or Guardian weapons, which can be found in shrines or purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, the Ancient Armor set, also available at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides a significant defense boost against Guardian attacks. If you donÔÇÖt have access to these items, any high-damage weapon or shield will suffice, though the fight may take longer.

When engaging a Guardian, timing is crucial. Guardians typically attack with a laser beam that can be deflected back at them using a well-timed shield parry. To perform a shield parry, hold your shield up with ZL and press A just as the GuardianÔÇÖs eye flashes blue, signaling an incoming attack. If timed correctly, the laser will be reflected, dealing massive damage to the Guardian. This technique is particularly effective against Guardian Stalkers and Turrets, as it can quickly deplete their health. For decayed Guardians, you can also target their eye with arrows to stun them temporarily, giving you an opportunity to deal damage with melee weapons.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of fighting multiple Guardians at once. If you find yourself in an area with several Guardians, such as the Central Hyrule region near Hyrule Castle, itÔÇÖs best to approach cautiously and take them on one at a time. Using the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind ruins or using elevated terrain, can help you avoid taking unnecessary damage. Additionally, using stealth to sneak up on Guardians can give you the upper hand, especially if you have the Sheikah Stealth Set equipped.

For players looking to optimize their farming route, the area around the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is a great place to start. This region is home to several decayed Guardians, and the lab itself offers a convenient fast travel point. Another effective farming location is the Forgotten Temple in the Hebra region, which contains numerous decayed Guardians in a confined space. However, be prepared for a challenging fight, as the temple is also guarded by a powerful Guardian Turret.

If youÔÇÖre struggling with combat or prefer a less confrontational approach, you can also find Ancient Screws in treasure chests scattered throughout shrines. Some shrines, particularly those with a focus on combat or puzzles involving Guardians, may contain chests with Ancient Screws as rewards. Completing these shrines not only provides you with valuable materials but also contributes to your overall progression in the game.

In summary, obtaining Ancient Screws in Breath of the Wild involves defeating Guardians, with decayed Guardians being the most accessible source. Preparing with the right equipment, mastering the shield parry technique, and choosing optimal farming locations are key to efficiently gathering this material. Whether you prefer direct combat or exploring shrines, Ancient Screws are a valuable resource for upgrading your gear and enhancing your capabilities in the game.