Where is the best place to farm Ancient Materials for upgrades in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Farming Ancient Materials in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is essential for upgrading the Ancient Armor set and crafting powerful Ancient weapons and shields at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. These materials, such as Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, Ancient Gears, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores, are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, which are scattered across Hyrule. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm these materials.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of obtaining Ancient Materials. Guardians come in several forms, including decayed Guardians, Guardian Stalkers, Guardian Skywatchers, and Guardian Turrets. Decayed Guardians are the most common and are found in areas like Hyrule Field, Central Hyrule, and the Akkala region. Guardian Stalkers are mobile and more dangerous, while Skywatchers fly and Turrets are stationary. Each type drops different materials, with higher-tier Guardians like Stalkers and Skywatchers having a better chance of dropping rare items like Ancient Cores and Giant Ancient Cores.

To begin farming, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. Equip yourself with weapons that are effective against Guardians, such as the Master Sword, Ancient weapons, or Guardian-specific weapons like the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw. These weapons deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, having a strong shield, like the Ancient Shield, is crucial for deflecting Guardian laser beams. If you donÔÇÖt have these, you can use regular shields with perfect parry timing. Stock up on healing items and consider wearing the Ancient Armor set, which provides Guardian resistance and increases damage with Ancient weapons.

One of the best locations for farming Ancient Materials is the area around Hyrule Castle. This region is densely populated with Guardians, including decayed Guardians, Stalkers, and Skywatchers. Start by approaching from the north or east side of the castle, where youÔÇÖll find several decayed Guardians. Use your weapons to destroy their legs first, which immobilizes them and makes them easier to defeat. After defeating a Guardian, collect the materials it drops. Be cautious of other enemies in the area, such as Lynels or Bokoblins, which can complicate the farming process.

Another excellent location is the Akkala region, particularly around the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The fields near the lab are filled with decayed Guardians, and the nearby labyrinth has a Guardian Stalker. This area is relatively safe compared to Hyrule Castle, making it a good spot for players who are still building their combat skills. Additionally, the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab allows you to convert Ancient Materials into powerful gear, so farming here is convenient.

For advanced players, the Central Tower area in Hyrule Field is a high-risk, high-reward location. This area is swarming with Guardian Stalkers and Skywatchers, making it a prime spot for farming rare materials like Ancient Cores. However, the density of enemies means youÔÇÖll need to be well-prepared with strong weapons, shields, and healing items. Using stealth or long-range weapons like bows can help you pick off Guardians one by one without alerting the entire area.

A common mistake to avoid is engaging multiple Guardians at once without a clear strategy. Guardians are highly dangerous, and their laser attacks can quickly deplete your health. Always focus on one Guardian at a time, and use the environment to your advantage. For example, hiding behind ruins or trees can block their line of sight, giving you time to heal or plan your next move. Additionally, avoid farming in areas with extreme weather conditions, such as thunderstorms or sandstorms, as these can hinder your ability to fight effectively.

An advanced technique for farming Ancient Materials is using the Ancient Arrow, which can instantly defeat most Guardians. However, this method is costly, as Ancient Arrows require Ancient Materials to craft. Use them sparingly, preferably on Guardian Stalkers or Skywatchers, to maximize their value. Another optimization is to use the Sheikah Sensor+ to track Guardians. Upgrade your Sheikah Sensor at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab to detect Guardians, making it easier to locate them in the wild.

If youÔÇÖre struggling with combat, an alternative approach is to farm decayed Guardians in the Thyphlo Ruins or the Coliseum Ruins. These areas have fewer enemies and are less dangerous than Hyrule Castle or Central Hyrule. Additionally, you can use stealth to sneak up on decayed Guardians and attack their weak points without alerting other enemies.

In summary, farming Ancient Materials requires preparation, strategy, and careful execution. Focus on areas with high Guardian density, such as Hyrule Castle, Akkala, and Central Hyrule, and equip yourself with Guardian-effective weapons and armor. Avoid engaging multiple Guardians at once, and use advanced techniques like Ancient Arrows and the Sheikah Sensor+ to optimize your farming. With patience and practice, youÔÇÖll gather the materials needed to upgrade your gear and craft powerful Ancient technology.