How do I upgrade the Ancient Short Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Upgrading the Ancient Short Sword in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild involves understanding the game's ancient technology mechanics and utilizing the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The Ancient Short Sword is a powerful weapon that deals extra damage to Guardians and other ancient enemies, making it a valuable tool for players who frequently face these foes. However, the sword itself cannot be upgraded directly. Instead, players can acquire stronger versions of ancient weapons or enhance their effectiveness through other means, such as using the Ancient Proficiency set bonus from the Ancient Armor set. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to maximize the potential of ancient weapons like the Ancient Short Sword.

First, to obtain the Ancient Short Sword, you must visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, near the Akkala region. The lab is run by Robbie, a Sheikah researcher who specializes in ancient technology. To gain access to the lab, you must complete the side quest "Robbie's Research," which involves lighting the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame. This quest requires you to carry the blue flame from the ancient furnace near the lab to the lab itself, while avoiding rain and enemies that can extinguish the flame. Once the lab is operational, you can purchase the Ancient Short Sword and other ancient weapons using ancient materials.

The Ancient Short Sword costs 1,000 rupees, 15 ancient springs, 5 ancient shafts, and 2 ancient cores. These materials are obtained by defeating Guardians, either in shrines or in the overworld. Guardians are formidable enemies, so itÔÇÖs important to prepare before engaging them. Equip yourself with weapons that deal high damage, such as the Master Sword or other ancient weapons, and use shields with the Perfect Guard technique to deflect their laser beams. Additionally, wearing the Ancient Armor set, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides extra defense against Guardian attacks and boosts the damage of ancient weapons.

Once you have the Ancient Short Sword, you can enhance its effectiveness by wearing the full Ancient Armor set. When all three pieces of the set are equipped, you gain the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of ancient weapons by 80%. This bonus makes the Ancient Short Sword even more powerful, especially against Guardians and other ancient enemies. To upgrade the Ancient Armor set, you need to visit Great Fairy Fountains and provide the necessary materials. Upgrading the armor to its maximum level requires a significant amount of ancient materials, so be prepared to farm Guardians and shrines for these resources.

A common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of farming ancient materials. Guardians are tough enemies, and their parts are not guaranteed drops. To optimize your farming, focus on Guardian Stalkers and Guardian Scouts in shrines, as they are easier to defeat than flying or stationary Guardians. Additionally, using the Master Sword or ancient weapons with the Ancient Proficiency bonus will make the farming process faster and more efficient. Another mistake is neglecting to upgrade the Ancient Armor set, which is crucial for maximizing the damage output of ancient weapons. Always prioritize upgrading your armor to improve your survivability and combat effectiveness.

For advanced players, combining the Ancient Short Sword with other strategies can yield even better results. For example, using attack-boosting food or elixirs before engaging in combat can further increase your damage output. Cooking dishes with ingredients like Mighty Bananas, Razor Shrooms, or Dragon Horns can provide significant attack boosts. Additionally, using the Stasis+ rune to freeze enemies temporarily can give you an advantage in combat, allowing you to land critical hits or reposition yourself strategically.

In summary, while the Ancient Short Sword itself cannot be upgraded, you can enhance its effectiveness by acquiring the Ancient Armor set and utilizing the Ancient Proficiency bonus. Farming ancient materials from Guardians is essential for purchasing and upgrading these items, so be prepared for challenging battles. By combining these strategies with attack-boosting food and advanced combat techniques, you can make the most of the Ancient Short Sword and other ancient weapons in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.