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

Upgrading Ancient Weapons in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild involves a specific process tied to the game's ancient technology systems. These weapons, which include the Ancient Short Sword, Ancient Bladesaw, Ancient Spear, and Ancient Bow, are some of the most powerful tools in the game, especially against Guardians and other mechanical enemies. To upgrade or acquire these weapons, you must interact with the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, a key location in the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to upgrade Ancient Weapons, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, you need to unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This lab is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, in the Akkala region. To activate the lab, you must complete the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which begins at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab. After speaking with Purah in Hateno, youÔÇÖll be directed to Robbie in Akkala. Once you reach the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, youÔÇÖll need to light the furnace using a blue flame, similar to the process in Hateno. This will activate the lab and allow you to interact with Cherry, the ancient oven, who serves as the vendor for Ancient Weapons and armor.

To purchase Ancient Weapons, you need two key resources: Ancient Materials and Rupees. Ancient Materials are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, such as Guardian Scouts in shrines or decayed Guardians in the overworld. These materials include Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, Ancient Gears, and Ancient Cores. The most valuable material, Giant Ancient Cores, is rare and often dropped by stronger Guardians. Rupees are the in-game currency, which can be earned by selling items, completing quests, or finding treasure chests.

Once you have the required materials, you can purchase Ancient Weapons from Cherry. For example, the Ancient Short Sword costs 1,000 Rupees, 15 Ancient Springs, 5 Ancient Shafts, and 2 Ancient Cores. The Ancient Bow, one of the most sought-after weapons, costs 1,000 Rupees, 1 Giant Ancient Core, 10 Ancient Gears, and 15 Ancient Springs. Each weapon has its own material requirements, so youÔÇÖll need to farm Guardians and shrines to gather enough resources.

A key strategy for efficiently upgrading Ancient Weapons is to focus on farming Guardians. The best locations for this are Hyrule Field and Central Hyrule, where decayed Guardians are abundant. Using Guardian weapons or the Master Sword is highly effective against them, as these weapons deal bonus damage to mechanical enemies. Additionally, equipping the Ancient Armor set, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, increases your damage output against Guardians, making farming easier.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the importance of Giant Ancient Cores. These are required for the most powerful Ancient Weapons, such as the Ancient Bow, but they are rare drops. To maximize your chances of obtaining them, prioritize defeating Guardian Stalkers and Guardian Turrets, as they have a higher drop rate for Giant Ancient Cores. Another mistake is neglecting to upgrade your inventory space. Since Ancient Weapons are powerful but limited in durability, having more weapon slots allows you to carry multiple Ancient Weapons for extended use.

Advanced techniques include using Ancient Arrows, which can be purchased from Cherry, to instantly defeat Guardians. These arrows are expensive but incredibly effective, especially in combat scenarios where you need to eliminate Guardians quickly. Additionally, combining Ancient Weapons with attack-boosting food or elixirs can further enhance their effectiveness. For example, cooking a dish with Mighty Bananas or Razor Shrooms will temporarily increase your attack power, making your Ancient Weapons even more devastating.

Preparation is crucial for upgrading Ancient Weapons. Before heading to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, ensure you have enough Rupees and Ancient Materials. Farming Guardians and shrines beforehand will save time and allow you to purchase multiple weapons in one visit. If youÔÇÖre low on Rupees, consider selling rare gems like Diamonds or Luminous Stones, which can be found in abundance in certain regions.

An alternative approach is to focus on the Master Sword, which doesnÔÇÖt require Rupees or materials to upgrade. While the Master Sword has limited durability, it recharges over time and deals bonus damage against Guardians and in Divine Beasts. However, Ancient Weapons are still valuable for their high base damage and versatility, especially in late-game scenarios.

In summary, upgrading Ancient Weapons in Breath of the Wild requires careful planning, resource management, and efficient farming. By focusing on Guardian farming, gathering Ancient Materials, and preparing with the right gear and consumables, you can maximize the potential of these powerful weapons. Whether youÔÇÖre tackling Guardians, Divine Beasts, or challenging shrines, Ancient Weapons are a valuable asset in your arsenal.