How do I get the Giant Ancient Core in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Giant Ancient Core is one of the rarest and most valuable materials in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is primarily used for upgrading certain pieces of the Ancient Armor set at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and for purchasing high-tier Ancient weapons and shields. Obtaining this item requires patience, preparation, and a good understanding of the game's mechanics. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to acquire the Giant Ancient Core.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand where Giant Ancient Cores can be found. They are primarily dropped by Guardian enemies, specifically Guardian Stalkers, Guardian Skywatchers, and Guardian Turrets. However, the drop rate is extremely low, making it a rare find. They can also occasionally be found in chests within shrines, particularly in Major Tests of Strength shrines, which are more challenging shrines that pit Link against powerful Guardian Scouts.

To increase your chances of obtaining a Giant Ancient Core, you should focus on farming Guardian enemies. Guardian Stalkers are the most common type of Guardian found in the overworld, often patrolling areas like Hyrule Field and Central Hyrule. Guardian Skywatchers are flying Guardians that can be found near Hyrule Castle and in certain regions like the Tabantha Frontier. Guardian Turrets are stationary and are typically found in areas like the Akkala region and around Hyrule Castle.

When farming Guardians, itÔÇÖs crucial to prepare adequately. Equip yourself with powerful weapons, such as the Master Sword, Ancient weapons, or high-damage bows like the Savage Lynel Bow. Ancient weapons are particularly effective against Guardians because they deal bonus damage to them. Additionally, wearing the Ancient Armor set, which can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, will increase your damage output against Guardians when the set bonus is active.

To defeat Guardians efficiently, aim for their eye, which is their weak point. A well-placed arrow to the eye will stun them, giving you an opportunity to deal significant damage. If youÔÇÖre using a shield, you can parry their laser attacks with perfect timing, which will reflect the attack back at them and deal massive damage. This technique requires practice, but itÔÇÖs one of the most effective ways to take down Guardians quickly.

Another strategy is to use Ancient Arrows, which can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. These arrows are incredibly powerful and can one-shot most Guardians, including Stalkers and Skywatchers. However, they are expensive, costing 90 rupees, 1 Ancient Screw, 1 Ancient Shaft, and 1 Ancient Spring each. Use them sparingly unless you have a surplus of materials and rupees.

When farming Guardians, itÔÇÖs also important to manage your resources. Guardians drop various materials, such as Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, and Ancient Shafts, which are useful for crafting and upgrading. Make sure to collect these materials as they can be used to purchase Ancient Arrows or upgrade your Ancient Armor. Additionally, always carry plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, as Guardians can deal significant damage if youÔÇÖre not careful.

If youÔÇÖre having trouble finding Guardians in the overworld, you can also try Major Tests of Strength shrines. These shrines contain powerful Guardian Scouts that drop rare materials, including Giant Ancient Cores, albeit at a low rate. Completing these shrines not only provides valuable loot but also helps you practice your combat skills against Guardian-type enemies.

One common mistake to avoid is wasting resources on weaker Guardians, such as Decayed Guardians, which do not drop Giant Ancient Cores. Focus your efforts on the more powerful variants like Stalkers, Skywatchers, and Turrets. Additionally, avoid engaging multiple Guardians at once unless youÔÇÖre confident in your combat abilities, as they can overwhelm you quickly.

For advanced players, optimizing your farming route can save time and increase efficiency. For example, you can create a loop around Hyrule Field and Central Hyrule, where Guardian Stalkers are abundant. Use your Sheikah Sensor+ to detect nearby Guardians, and mark their locations on your map for future reference. This way, you can revisit these areas after a blood moon, when all enemies respawn.

In summary, obtaining a Giant Ancient Core requires a combination of preparation, combat skill, and patience. Focus on farming powerful Guardians, use effective weapons and techniques, and manage your resources wisely. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll increase your chances of acquiring this rare and valuable material, which is essential for upgrading your Ancient gear and enhancing your overall gameplay experience.