Where is the best place to farm Ancient Materials for upgrades in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Farming Ancient Materials in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is essential for upgrading the Ancient Armor set and crafting powerful Ancient weapons and shields at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. These materials, such as Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, Ancient Gears, Ancient Springs, Ancient Cores, and Giant Ancient Cores, are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, which are scattered across Hyrule. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm these materials.

First, itÔÇÖs important to understand the mechanics of obtaining Ancient Materials. Guardians come in several forms, including decayed Guardians, Guardian Stalkers, Guardian Skywatchers, and Guardian Turrets. Decayed Guardians are the most common and are found in areas like Hyrule Field and Central Hyrule. They are immobile and easier to defeat compared to the more aggressive Guardian Stalkers and Skywatchers. Each Guardian type drops different materials, with higher-tier Guardians like Stalkers and Skywatchers having a better chance of dropping rare items like Ancient Cores and Giant Ancient Cores.

To begin farming, youÔÇÖll need to prepare adequately. Equip yourself with weapons that are effective against Guardians, such as the Master Sword, Ancient weapons, or weapons with high durability. The Master Sword is particularly useful because it deals extra damage to Guardians when glowing. Additionally, stock up on arrows, especially Ancient Arrows, which can one-shot Guardians if aimed at their eye. YouÔÇÖll also want to have a good supply of healing items and elixirs, as Guardians can deal significant damage.

One of the best locations to farm Ancient Materials is the area around Hyrule Castle. This region is densely populated with Guardians, including decayed Guardians, Stalkers, and Skywatchers. Start by approaching from the north or east side of the castle, where youÔÇÖll find several decayed Guardians. Use your bow to target their eye, which will stun them and allow you to deal critical damage. If you have Ancient Arrows, use them sparingly on tougher Guardians like Stalkers or Skywatchers to conserve resources.

Another excellent farming spot is the Akkala region, particularly around the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The area is filled with decayed Guardians, and the nearby labyrinth also contains a Guardian Stalker. The advantage of farming here is that you can quickly travel to the Tech Lab to trade in your materials for Ancient gear or upgrades.

When engaging Guardians, always aim for their eye to stun them. This not only prevents them from attacking but also increases your chances of landing critical hits. For Guardian Stalkers, focus on destroying their legs first to immobilize them, making them easier to defeat. Use your shield to parry their laser attacks, which requires precise timing but can save you from taking damage and conserve your weaponsÔÇÖ durability.

A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of Guardian Stalkers and Skywatchers. These enemies are highly mobile and can quickly overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre not prepared. Always keep a safe distance and use the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid their attacks. Additionally, avoid farming in areas with multiple Guardians at once unless youÔÇÖre confident in your combat skills.

For advanced players, consider using the Ancient Armor set, which increases your damage output with Ancient weapons and provides additional defense against Guardian attacks. This set can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and upgraded using the materials you farm. Another optimization is to use food buffs, such as dishes that increase your attack power or defense, to make the farming process more efficient.

If youÔÇÖre looking for an alternative approach, you can also farm Ancient Materials by completing certain shrines that contain Guardian Scouts. These mini-bosses drop Ancient Materials upon defeat and are generally easier to handle than full-sized Guardians. The Major Tests of Strength shrines, in particular, are a good source of Ancient Cores and Giant Ancient Cores.

In summary, farming Ancient Materials requires preparation, strategic combat, and knowledge of Guardian behavior. Focus on areas with high Guardian density, use effective weapons and techniques, and always be ready to adapt to the situation. With patience and practice, youÔÇÖll gather the materials needed to upgrade your gear and craft powerful Ancient technology.