How do I upgrade 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 material that cannot be directly upgraded. Instead, it is used as a crafting component for various items, particularly those related to ancient Sheikah technology. The Ancient Screw is primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, which are mechanical enemies found throughout Hyrule. These screws are essential for crafting and upgrading certain gear, such as the Ancient Armor set and Ancient weapons, at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. To make the most of Ancient Screws, you need to understand how to gather them efficiently and use them effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss how to obtain Ancient Screws. Guardians are the primary source of these materials. You can find Guardians in several locations, such as Hyrule Field, Central Hyrule, and near Hyrule Castle. Decayed Guardians, which are immobile and easier to defeat, are a good starting point for farming Ancient Screws. These Guardians can be found in areas like the ruins near the Temple of Time or the East Post Ruins. To defeat Guardians, you can use weapons like the Master Sword, Ancient weapons, or Guardian-specific weapons like the Ancient Bow or Ancient Arrow. Parrying their laser attacks with a shield is also an effective strategy, especially if you time it correctly.

Once you have collected Ancient Screws, you can use them at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, located in the northeastern part of Hyrule. To access the lab, you must first complete the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which involves lighting the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can trade Ancient Screws and other materials for powerful Ancient gear. For example, the Ancient Armor set, which provides increased defense and resistance to Guardian attacks, requires Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, and Ancient Gears. Similarly, Ancient weapons like the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw also require Ancient Screws as part of their crafting materials.

When farming Ancient Screws, itÔÇÖs important to manage your resources effectively. Guardians can be tough enemies, especially the mobile ones, so make sure you have enough weapons, shields, and healing items before engaging them. Using stealth or long-range attacks can help you take down Guardians without taking too much damage. Additionally, consider using the Stasis+ rune to freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you an opportunity to attack their weak points, such as their legs or eye.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of fighting Guardians, especially early in the game. If youÔÇÖre not prepared, Guardians can quickly deplete your health and break your weapons. To avoid this, focus on improving your combat skills and upgrading your gear before taking on tougher enemies. Another mistake is not saving Ancient Screws for important upgrades. While it might be tempting to sell them for rupees, Ancient Screws are more valuable when used for crafting high-tier gear.

For advanced players, optimizing your farming route can save time and resources. For example, you can mark Guardian locations on your map and create a loop that allows you to defeat multiple Guardians in one trip. Using the Travel Medallion, which can be obtained from the "EX Treasure: Ancient Mask" DLC quest, can help you quickly return to key farming spots. Additionally, using the Ancient Proficiency set bonus from the Ancient Armor set can increase your damage output when using Ancient weapons, making it easier to defeat Guardians.

In summary, Ancient Screws are a valuable resource in Breath of the Wild, used primarily for crafting and upgrading Ancient gear. To obtain them, you need to defeat Guardians, which can be challenging but rewarding. Managing your resources, improving your combat skills, and optimizing your farming route are key strategies for making the most of Ancient Screws. By focusing on these aspects, you can enhance your equipment and better prepare for the challenges of Hyrule.