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

The Ancient Shield is one of the most powerful and durable shields in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It is part of the Ancient Armor set, which is tied to the Sheikah technology and is particularly effective against Guardians. To obtain the Ancient Shield, 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 Shield, including the mechanics, strategies, and tips to make the process easier.

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 visit the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab and speak with Purah, who will direct you to Robbie in Akkala. Once you arrive at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, you will need to light the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame. This 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. Once the furnace is lit, you can enter the lab and speak with Robbie.

To purchase the Ancient Shield, you will need to gather specific materials and rupees. The shield costs 1,000 rupees, 15 Ancient Springs, 10 Ancient Gears, and 1 Giant Ancient Core. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians, which are scattered throughout Hyrule. Guardians can be found in areas like Hyrule Castle, the Central Hyrule region, and the Akkala Citadel Ruins. Defeating Guardians can be challenging, so it is recommended to have strong weapons, shields, and armor. The Ancient Armor set, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides additional defense against Guardian attacks and is highly recommended for this task.

Once you have gathered the required materials and rupees, return to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and speak with Robbie. He will offer to sell you the Ancient Shield. The shield has a base durability of 32, which is higher than most shields in the game, and it can deflect Guardian laser beams without requiring a perfect parry. This makes it an invaluable tool for dealing with Guardians, especially in areas like Hyrule Castle where they are abundant.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind when obtaining the Ancient Shield. First, make sure to save your game before engaging with Guardians, as they can be difficult to defeat and you may lose valuable resources if you are not prepared. Second, consider using Ancient Arrows, which can be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, to quickly defeat Guardians. These arrows are expensive but highly effective, as they can instantly destroy a Guardian with a single shot to the eye. Third, if you are struggling to gather the necessary materials, you can also find Ancient Gears, Springs, and Cores in chests within shrines or by defeating Guardian Scouts in shrines.

A common mistake to avoid is attempting to fight Guardians without proper preparation. Guardians are some of the toughest enemies in the game, and they can quickly overwhelm you if you are not equipped with the right gear. Make sure to have a strong shield, such as the Ancient Shield or the Hylian Shield, and consider using food or elixirs to boost your defense and attack power. Additionally, avoid fighting multiple Guardians at once, as this can lead to a quick defeat.

For advanced techniques, you can use the Ancient Shield to parry Guardian laser beams without needing to time your parry perfectly. This makes it easier to defeat Guardians, especially in tight spaces where dodging is difficult. You can also use the shield to reflect laser beams back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage. Another optimization is to use the Ancient Armor set in conjunction with the Ancient Shield, as the set bonus increases your damage output when using Ancient weapons and shields.

In summary, obtaining the Ancient Shield requires visiting the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, gathering specific materials, and defeating Guardians. The shield is a powerful tool for dealing with Guardians and is highly recommended for players exploring areas like Hyrule Castle. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully acquire the Ancient Shield and enhance your combat capabilities in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.