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

Ancient Screws are a valuable material in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, primarily used for crafting and upgrading ancient technology-based gear at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. These screws are essential for creating powerful weapons, armor, and other items that can give you an edge in combat and exploration. To obtain Ancient Screws, you will need to defeat Guardians, which are mechanical enemies found 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 when defeated, though the drop rate can vary.

To begin your search for Ancient Screws, you should first identify areas where Guardians are commonly found. One of the most reliable locations is the Central Hyrule region, particularly around Hyrule Castle and the surrounding fields. Decayed Guardians are scattered throughout this area, often lying dormant until you approach them. These decayed Guardians are easier to defeat compared to their fully functional counterparts, making them a good starting point for farming Ancient Screws. Another excellent location is the Akkala region, where you can find Guardian Stalkers patrolling the area. These Guardians are more challenging but offer a higher chance of dropping valuable materials, including Ancient Screws.

When engaging Guardians, it is crucial to prepare adequately. Guardians are formidable enemies with powerful laser attacks that can deal significant damage. To increase your chances of success, consider equipping yourself with weapons that are effective against Guardians. Ancient weapons, such as the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw, are particularly effective due to their high damage output against mechanical enemies. Additionally, the Ancient Armor set, which can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides a significant defense boost against Guardian attacks. If you do not have access to ancient gear, using weapons with high durability and damage, such as Royal or Savage Lynel weapons, can also be effective.

One of the most effective strategies for defeating Guardians is to use perfect parries with your shield. When a Guardian locks onto you with its laser, it will emit a beeping sound and a red targeting laser. Just before the laser fires, press the A button to perform a perfect parry, which will reflect the laser back at the Guardian, dealing massive damage. This technique requires precise timing, so it may take some practice to master. If you are not confident in your parrying skills, you can also use arrows to target the Guardian's eye, which will stun it temporarily and give you an opportunity to attack.

Another important consideration is resource management. Guardians can be tough opponents, and you may need to use a significant amount of weapons, arrows, and healing items during the fight. Make sure to stock up on these resources before engaging Guardians. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, defense boosts, or attack boosts can also be beneficial. For example, cooking a dish with Hearty Radishes or Big Hearty Truffles will give you extra hearts, while dishes made with Mighty Bananas or Razor Shrooms will increase your attack power.

If you are struggling to defeat Guardians, there are alternative approaches to obtaining Ancient Screws. Some shrines contain chests that hold Ancient Screws, so completing shrine puzzles can be a viable way to acquire them. Additionally, certain quests and side quests may reward you with Ancient Screws upon completion. For example, the "Robbie's Research" side quest at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab involves gathering ancient materials, including Ancient Screws, to upgrade your Sheikah Slate. Completing this quest will not only reward you with Ancient Screws but also unlock the ability to purchase ancient gear.

In summary, obtaining Ancient Screws in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires defeating Guardians, which can be found in various locations throughout Hyrule. Preparing with the right weapons, armor, and resources is essential for success. Mastering combat techniques like perfect parries and targeting the Guardian's eye can make the fights more manageable. Additionally, exploring shrines and completing quests can provide alternative ways to acquire Ancient Screws. With careful preparation and strategy, you can gather the Ancient Screws needed to enhance your gear and tackle the challenges of Hyrule.