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

The Ancient Greaves are part of the Ancient Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, which is highly sought after for its defensive capabilities and its unique bonus against Guardian-type enemies. This set, including the Ancient Greaves, is particularly useful for players who want to tackle Guardians or the game's tougher challenges. To obtain the Ancient Greaves, you will need to visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, near the Akkala region. Here is a detailed guide on how to acquire the Ancient Greaves, including the mechanics, strategies, and tips to make the process smoother.

First, you need to reach the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This lab is situated on the eastern side of the Akkala region, near the top of a hill. To get there, you can travel from the Akkala Tower, which is a good starting point. From the tower, glide eastward toward the lab. Be prepared for some enemies along the way, such as Bokoblins and Lizalfos, so having a decent weapon and some healing items is recommended. Once you arrive at the lab, you will meet Robbie, the researcher who runs the lab. He will explain that the lab is powered by ancient blue flames, and you will need to light the furnace outside the lab to activate it.

To light the furnace, you must carry a blue flame from the ancient furnace located near the lab. This flame is found at the base of the hill, near the water. You will need to use a torch or a wooden weapon to carry the flame. Be cautious, as rain will extinguish the flame, and enemies may attack you while you are carrying it. If you are attacked, the flame will drop, and you will need to relight it. To avoid this, clear out any nearby enemies before starting the flame-carrying process. Once you light the furnace, the lab will activate, and you can interact with Robbie to purchase the Ancient Greaves.

The Ancient Greaves cost 2,000 rupees, along with 15 Ancient Springs, 10 Ancient Gears, and 1 Ancient Shaft. These materials are obtained by defeating Guardians, which can be found in various locations across Hyrule, such as the Central Hyrule region or the Akkala Citadel Ruins. Guardians are tough enemies, so it is important to prepare before engaging them. Equip yourself with strong weapons, shields, and armor, and consider using Ancient Arrows for a quicker takedown. Ancient Arrows can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab once it is activated, and they are highly effective against Guardians.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of carrying the blue flame to the lab. Rain is a major obstacle, as it will extinguish the flame. To avoid this, check the weather forecast by looking at the sky or using the Sheikah Sensor to predict rain. If rain is imminent, wait until it clears before attempting to carry the flame. Another mistake is not clearing out enemies before starting the flame-carrying process. Enemies can easily disrupt your progress, so take the time to eliminate them beforehand.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to make the process easier. If you have the Flamebreaker Armor set, which provides fire resistance, you can use it to reduce the damage from the blue flame. Additionally, if you have the Master Cycle Zero, you can use it to quickly transport the flame without worrying about enemies. However, this requires completing the "EX The Champions' Ballad" DLC questline.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to gather all the required materials before heading to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This way, you can purchase the Ancient Greaves immediately after activating the lab. Another approach is to focus on upgrading your Sheikah Slate abilities, such as Stasis, to make fighting Guardians easier. Stasis can freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you time to aim for their weak points.

In summary, obtaining the Ancient Greaves involves activating the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab by carrying a blue flame, gathering the necessary materials from Guardians, and purchasing the greaves from Robbie. Preparation is key, so ensure you have the right equipment and resources before starting. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can successfully add the Ancient Greaves to your armor collection and enhance your combat capabilities against Guardians and other tough enemies.