What is the best shield for parrying in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The best shield for parrying in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Ancient Shield, which can be obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Parrying is a crucial combat mechanic that allows Link to deflect enemy attacks, including Guardian beams, by timing a shield bash perfectly. The Ancient Shield is particularly effective for parrying because it has a high durability and can automatically deflect Guardian beams without requiring precise timing, making it a top choice for players who struggle with the timing aspect of parrying.
To understand why the Ancient Shield is the best for parrying, itÔÇÖs important to first explain the mechanics of parrying. Parrying involves holding up your shield with the ZL button and pressing the A button at the exact moment an enemy attack is about to hit. If timed correctly, the attack is deflected, and in the case of Guardian beams, the beam is sent back at the Guardian, often destroying it in one hit. The timing window for parrying is tight, and it varies depending on the type of attack. For example, parrying a Guardian beam requires precise timing, as the beam travels quickly and must be deflected just before it hits Link.
The Ancient Shield simplifies this process because it has a unique property: it can automatically deflect Guardian beams without requiring the player to time the parry. This makes it an excellent choice for players who find the timing of parrying difficult or who want to conserve their focus during intense battles. However, itÔÇÖs worth noting that the Ancient Shield still requires manual parrying for other types of attacks, such as melee strikes from Bokoblins or Lynels.
To obtain the Ancient Shield, you must first unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This involves completing the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which requires you to light the furnace at the lab using a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can purchase the Ancient Shield from Cherry, the labÔÇÖs robot vendor, for 1,000 rupees, 10 Ancient Springs, 15 Ancient Gears, and 1 Giant Ancient Core. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians and searching for treasure chests in shrines or the overworld.
Preparation is key when aiming to use the Ancient Shield effectively. Before heading into battles, especially against Guardians, ensure you have enough durability on your shield. The Ancient Shield has a durability of 32, which is relatively high compared to other shields, but it can still break if overused. To maximize its lifespan, consider using it primarily for deflecting Guardian beams and switching to other shields for melee combat. Additionally, having a backup shield is always a good idea in case your Ancient Shield breaks during a fight.
One common mistake players make is relying too heavily on the Ancient Shield without practicing manual parrying. While the shieldÔÇÖs automatic deflection is convenient, mastering the timing of manual parries is essential for dealing with other enemies and conserving the shieldÔÇÖs durability. Another mistake is not upgrading LinkÔÇÖs armor or health before engaging in combat with Guardians. Guardians deal significant damage, and having high defense or extra hearts can make a big difference in surviving their attacks.
For advanced players, combining the Ancient Shield with other combat techniques can lead to highly effective strategies. For example, using the shield to deflect Guardian beams while simultaneously using a powerful bow like the Ancient Bow can quickly take down multiple Guardians. Additionally, pairing the shield with the Ancient Armor set, which increases damage with ancient weapons, can make Link a formidable opponent against Guardians and other enemies.
Alternative approaches to parrying include using other high-durability shields like the Hylian Shield, which has a durability of 800 and can also deflect Guardian beams with proper timing. The Hylian Shield is found in Hyrule CastleÔÇÖs lockup and is a great option for players who prefer a more traditional parrying experience. Another alternative is using the Shield of the MindÔÇÖs Eye, which has a lower durability but can be useful in specific scenarios where precision is required.
In specific scenarios, such as the "Test of Strength" shrines, parrying is an invaluable skill. These shrines feature Guardian Scouts that use powerful beam attacks, and successfully parrying these beams can quickly turn the tide of battle. The Ancient ShieldÔÇÖs automatic deflection makes these fights significantly easier, but practicing manual parries can also be beneficial for improving overall combat skills.
In conclusion, the Ancient Shield is the best shield for parrying in Breath of the Wild due to its unique ability to automatically deflect Guardian beams. Obtaining it requires some preparation and resource gathering, but its benefits in combat are well worth the effort. By mastering both the use of the Ancient Shield and manual parrying techniques, players can effectively handle a wide range of enemies and challenges throughout the game.
To understand why the Ancient Shield is the best for parrying, itÔÇÖs important to first explain the mechanics of parrying. Parrying involves holding up your shield with the ZL button and pressing the A button at the exact moment an enemy attack is about to hit. If timed correctly, the attack is deflected, and in the case of Guardian beams, the beam is sent back at the Guardian, often destroying it in one hit. The timing window for parrying is tight, and it varies depending on the type of attack. For example, parrying a Guardian beam requires precise timing, as the beam travels quickly and must be deflected just before it hits Link.
The Ancient Shield simplifies this process because it has a unique property: it can automatically deflect Guardian beams without requiring the player to time the parry. This makes it an excellent choice for players who find the timing of parrying difficult or who want to conserve their focus during intense battles. However, itÔÇÖs worth noting that the Ancient Shield still requires manual parrying for other types of attacks, such as melee strikes from Bokoblins or Lynels.
To obtain the Ancient Shield, you must first unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This involves completing the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which requires you to light the furnace at the lab using a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can purchase the Ancient Shield from Cherry, the labÔÇÖs robot vendor, for 1,000 rupees, 10 Ancient Springs, 15 Ancient Gears, and 1 Giant Ancient Core. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians and searching for treasure chests in shrines or the overworld.
Preparation is key when aiming to use the Ancient Shield effectively. Before heading into battles, especially against Guardians, ensure you have enough durability on your shield. The Ancient Shield has a durability of 32, which is relatively high compared to other shields, but it can still break if overused. To maximize its lifespan, consider using it primarily for deflecting Guardian beams and switching to other shields for melee combat. Additionally, having a backup shield is always a good idea in case your Ancient Shield breaks during a fight.
One common mistake players make is relying too heavily on the Ancient Shield without practicing manual parrying. While the shieldÔÇÖs automatic deflection is convenient, mastering the timing of manual parries is essential for dealing with other enemies and conserving the shieldÔÇÖs durability. Another mistake is not upgrading LinkÔÇÖs armor or health before engaging in combat with Guardians. Guardians deal significant damage, and having high defense or extra hearts can make a big difference in surviving their attacks.
For advanced players, combining the Ancient Shield with other combat techniques can lead to highly effective strategies. For example, using the shield to deflect Guardian beams while simultaneously using a powerful bow like the Ancient Bow can quickly take down multiple Guardians. Additionally, pairing the shield with the Ancient Armor set, which increases damage with ancient weapons, can make Link a formidable opponent against Guardians and other enemies.
Alternative approaches to parrying include using other high-durability shields like the Hylian Shield, which has a durability of 800 and can also deflect Guardian beams with proper timing. The Hylian Shield is found in Hyrule CastleÔÇÖs lockup and is a great option for players who prefer a more traditional parrying experience. Another alternative is using the Shield of the MindÔÇÖs Eye, which has a lower durability but can be useful in specific scenarios where precision is required.
In specific scenarios, such as the "Test of Strength" shrines, parrying is an invaluable skill. These shrines feature Guardian Scouts that use powerful beam attacks, and successfully parrying these beams can quickly turn the tide of battle. The Ancient ShieldÔÇÖs automatic deflection makes these fights significantly easier, but practicing manual parries can also be beneficial for improving overall combat skills.
In conclusion, the Ancient Shield is the best shield for parrying in Breath of the Wild due to its unique ability to automatically deflect Guardian beams. Obtaining it requires some preparation and resource gathering, but its benefits in combat are well worth the effort. By mastering both the use of the Ancient Shield and manual parrying techniques, players can effectively handle a wide range of enemies and challenges throughout the game.