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, as it provides increased defense and a set bonus that boosts damage when using Ancient or Guardian weapons. 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 the eastern side of the Akkala region, near the coast. To get there, you can travel from the Akkala Tower, which is a central point in the region. From the tower, head northeast, following the path that leads to the lab. Be prepared for some enemies along the way, including Guardians, so having a good supply of arrows and weapons is advisable. Once you arrive at the lab, you will meet Robbie, the researcher who runs the facility. He will explain that the lab requires an ancient flame to power its systems, which is located at the top of the nearby hill. You will need to light the furnace at the lab using this flame.

To light the furnace, you must carry the blue flame from the ancient furnace on the hill to the lab. This process is similar to the one you may have encountered at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab earlier in the game. You will need to use a torch or a weapon that can carry fire, such as a wooden weapon or an arrow lit with the flame. Be cautious, as rain will extinguish the flame, and enemies may attack you along the way. It is recommended to clear out any nearby enemies before attempting to carry the flame. Once you light the furnace, the lab will become operational, and you can start purchasing Ancient Gear, including the Ancient Greaves.

The Ancient Greaves cost 2,000 rupees and require specific materials to purchase. You will need 15 Ancient Springs, 10 Ancient Gears, and 5 Ancient Shafts. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians, particularly the smaller Guardian Scouts found in shrines or the decayed Guardians scattered across Hyrule. To farm these materials efficiently, focus on shrines that contain Guardian Scouts, as they are guaranteed to drop at least one or two of these items. Additionally, you can use Ancient Arrows to take down larger Guardians, which will yield more materials. It is also helpful to use weapons that deal extra damage to Guardians, such as the Master Sword or Guardian weapons, to make the farming process quicker.

Once you have the required materials and rupees, return to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and speak with Robbie. He will offer the Ancient Greaves for sale, along with other pieces of the Ancient Armor set. Purchasing the greaves will add them to your inventory, and you can equip them immediately. The Ancient Greaves provide a base defense of 20, which can be upgraded at a Great Fairy Fountain. To upgrade the greaves, you will need additional materials, including more Ancient parts and some rare items like Star Fragments. Upgrading the greaves will increase their defense and unlock the set bonus when worn with the full Ancient Armor set, which increases the damage of Ancient and Guardian weapons by 80%.

A common mistake players make is not preparing adequately for the journey to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The region is filled with powerful enemies, including Guardians, so having strong weapons, shields, and healing items is crucial. Another mistake is attempting to carry the blue flame during rain, which will extinguish it. Always check the weather before starting this task, and consider waiting for clear skies if necessary. Additionally, some players may overlook the importance of farming Guardian parts efficiently. Using the right weapons and focusing on shrines with Guardian Scouts can save a lot of time and effort.

For advanced players, optimizing the farming process for Ancient materials can be a game-changer. Using Ancient Arrows to one-shot Guardians is an effective strategy, though these arrows are expensive to craft. Alternatively, parrying Guardian laser beams with a shield can be a cost-effective way to defeat them, but it requires precise timing. Another optimization is to use the Master Sword, which deals extra damage to Guardians and does not break when used against them. This makes it an ideal weapon for farming Guardian parts.

In summary, obtaining the Ancient Greaves involves traveling to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, lighting the furnace with the ancient flame, and purchasing the greaves with rupees and Guardian materials. Preparation is key, as the journey can be dangerous, and farming the required materials efficiently will save time. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can add the Ancient Greaves to your arsenal and take advantage of their powerful defensive and offensive bonuses.