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, specifically in 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 a hill near the Akkala Tower, and it is accessible after completing the "Robbie's Research" side quest. To start this quest, you must first speak with Purah at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. She will direct you to Robbie, who is located at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Once you arrive at the lab, you will need to light the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame, similar to the process at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. The blue flame can be found at the base of the hill, near a lantern. You will need to carry the flame using a torch or a wooden weapon, as it will extinguish if you run, swim, or get hit by rain or enemies. Lighting the furnace will activate the lab, allowing you to interact with Cherry, the robot assistant, who will sell you the Ancient Armor set, including the Ancient Greaves.

The Ancient Greaves cost 2,000 rupees, which is a significant amount, so you will need to prepare by gathering enough rupees. You can earn rupees by selling valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals. Additionally, you will need Ancient Materials to purchase the Ancient Greaves. Specifically, you will need 15 Ancient Screws, 15 Ancient Shafts, and 2 Ancient Cores. These materials are obtained by defeating Guardians, either the stationary ones found in shrines or the mobile ones roaming Hyrule Field and other areas. Guardians can be tough opponents, so it is recommended to have strong weapons, shields, and armor before engaging them. The Ancient Shield, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, is particularly effective against Guardian lasers, as it can deflect them back at the enemy.

When fighting Guardians, it is important to aim for their eye, as this is their weak point. Using a bow with Ancient Arrows can make the fight much easier, as these arrows deal massive damage to Guardians and can instantly destroy them if you hit the eye. If you do not have Ancient Arrows, you can still defeat Guardians by parrying their laser attacks with a shield. Timing is crucial here, as you need to press the parry button just as the Guardian's eye flashes before firing. Practice this technique to improve your chances of success. Additionally, using stealth to approach Guardians from behind can allow you to deal critical damage before they can react.

Once you have the required rupees and Ancient Materials, return to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and speak with Cherry to purchase the Ancient Greaves. These greaves provide 20 defense points and grant the Ancient Proficiency set bonus when worn with the rest of the Ancient Armor set. This bonus increases the damage of weapons made with Ancient Technology, such as the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw, making them even more effective against Guardians and other tough enemies.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of farming Ancient Materials. Guardians can be challenging, especially for players who are not well-prepared. To avoid frustration, make sure you have strong weapons, shields, and armor before attempting to farm Guardians. Additionally, avoid fighting multiple Guardians at once, as this can quickly overwhelm you. Instead, focus on taking them down one at a time, using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use trees or rocks as cover to avoid their laser attacks.

An advanced technique for farming Ancient Materials is to use the Master Sword, which deals extra damage to Guardians when it is glowing. This happens when you are near Guardians or in areas with high levels of corruption, such as Hyrule Castle. The Master Sword can make short work of Guardians, especially if you aim for their legs to immobilize them before targeting their eye. Another optimization is to use the Stasis+ rune to freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you a window to attack or reposition.

If you are struggling to gather enough Ancient Materials, an alternative approach is to focus on shrines that contain Guardians. These shrines often have stationary Guardians that are easier to defeat than the mobile ones. Additionally, some shrines contain treasure chests with Ancient Materials, so be sure to explore thoroughly. You can also use the Sheikah Sensor+ to locate Guardians more easily, as it can be set to detect them.

In summary, obtaining the Ancient Greaves requires preparation, patience, and skill. You will need to gather rupees and Ancient Materials, which can be challenging but rewarding. By following the steps outlined above, you can acquire the Ancient Greaves and enhance your combat capabilities, making you better equipped to face the game's toughest challenges. Remember to practice your combat techniques, manage your resources wisely, and explore thoroughly to maximize your chances of success.