What is the best weapon for stealth kills in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The best weapon for stealth kills in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Eightfold Blade, a one-handed sword that can be found in the game. This weapon is particularly effective for stealth kills because it has a unique bonus: it deals double damage when used in a sneak strike. Sneak strikes occur when Link attacks an enemy from behind while undetected, making this weapon ideal for players who prefer a stealthy approach to combat. To maximize the effectiveness of stealth kills, you will need to combine the Eightfold Blade with the right armor, food, and strategies.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of stealth kills. Stealth kills rely on Link remaining undetected by enemies. This can be achieved by crouching, which reduces the noise Link makes while moving, or by wearing stealth-enhancing armor like the Sheikah Set. The Sheikah Set, which includes the Stealth Mask, Stealth Chest Guard, and Stealth Tights, can be purchased from the clothing shop in Kakariko Village. When fully upgraded at a Great Fairy Fountain, this set provides a significant stealth boost, making it easier to sneak up on enemies. Additionally, eating food or elixirs that increase stealth, such as those made with Silent Shrooms or Sneaky River Snails, can further enhance your ability to remain undetected.

To perform a stealth kill, you need to approach an enemy from behind while crouching. Make sure the enemyÔÇÖs awareness meter, represented by an eye icon above their head, remains closed. If the meter fills up and turns red, the enemy will detect you, and the opportunity for a sneak strike will be lost. Once you are close enough, press the attack button to perform a sneak strike. With the Eightfold Blade, this attack will deal double damage, often killing weaker enemies in a single hit. For stronger enemies, you may need to chain multiple sneak strikes by repositioning yourself after the first attack.

Preparation is key to successful stealth kills. Before engaging in combat, scout the area to identify enemy positions and patrol routes. Use the environment to your advantage by hiding behind objects, climbing to higher ground, or using tall grass to obscure your movements. If you are detected, you can use distractions like throwing objects or using the Stasis Rune to freeze enemies temporarily, giving you time to reposition or escape. Additionally, make sure your inventory is stocked with healing items and stealth-enhancing food in case things go wrong.

One common mistake players make is rushing into stealth kills without proper preparation. Failing to crouch or wearing noisy armor like metal sets can alert enemies, making it difficult to perform sneak strikes. Another mistake is not upgrading the Sheikah Set, as the base version provides only a minor stealth boost. Upgrading the set at a Great Fairy Fountain requires materials like Blue Nightshade, Silent Shrooms, and Sunset Fireflies, so be sure to gather these items beforehand.

Advanced techniques for stealth kills include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the Magnesis Rune to move metal objects and create distractions, or the Cryonis Rune to create ice blocks that block enemy sightlines. Additionally, you can use the Sheikah SlateÔÇÖs camera to mark enemies and track their movements, making it easier to plan your approach. If you are facing multiple enemies, consider using a combination of stealth kills and ranged attacks with a bow to thin their numbers before engaging in close combat.

Alternative approaches to stealth kills include using other weapons with sneak strike bonuses, such as the Windcleaver or the Forest DwellerÔÇÖs Sword. While these weapons do not deal as much damage as the Eightfold Blade, they can still be effective in certain situations. Additionally, you can use elemental weapons like Frostblades or Thunderblades to freeze or stun enemies, making it easier to perform follow-up attacks.

In specific scenarios, such as infiltrating enemy camps or taking down powerful foes like Lynels, stealth kills can be a game-changer. For example, in the Yiga Clan Hideout, stealth is essential to avoid detection by the powerful Yiga Blademasters. Using the Eightfold Blade and Sheikah Set, you can sneak past or eliminate these enemies without alerting the entire hideout. Similarly, when facing a Lynel, you can use stealth to get close and perform a sneak strike before engaging in direct combat, giving you an early advantage.

In conclusion, the Eightfold Blade is the best weapon for stealth kills in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild due to its sneak strike bonus. To maximize its effectiveness, combine it with the Sheikah Set, stealth-enhancing food, and careful planning. Avoid common mistakes like rushing into combat or neglecting armor upgrades, and use advanced techniques and alternative approaches to adapt to different situations. With the right preparation and strategy, stealth kills can be a powerful tool in your arsenal, allowing you to take down enemies quickly and efficiently.