How do I complete the "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a quest that involves finding and collecting pieces of the Royal Guard equipment hidden within Hyrule Castle. This quest is given by Shad, a researcher found in the Royal Ancient Lab in the Akkala region, after you have completed the "Robbie's Research" side quest. The Royal Guard set consists of three items: the Royal Guard's Sword, the Royal Guard's Shield, and the Royal Guard's Bow. These items are scattered throughout Hylock Castle, and finding them requires careful exploration and navigation of the castle's many rooms and corridors.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab. He will inform you about the existence of the Royal Guard's Gear and express his interest in studying it. Once the quest is activated, your objective is to locate the three pieces of equipment within Hyrule Castle. The castle is a dangerous area filled with powerful enemies, including Guardians, so it is important to prepare adequately before attempting this quest. Make sure you have a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items. Additionally, having stealth-enhancing armor or elixirs can help you avoid unnecessary combat.

The first piece of equipment, the Royal Guard's Sword, can be found in the Guard's Chamber, which is located in the western part of the castle. To reach this area, you can enter the castle from the west side and make your way through the dining hall and the library. The Guard's Chamber is a room filled with decayed Guardians, so be cautious as you approach. The sword is located on a weapon rack near the back of the room. Be sure to grab it quickly and be prepared to defend yourself if the Guardians activate.

The second piece, the Royal Guard's Shield, is located in the Lockup, which is in the basement of the castle. To access the Lockup, you can enter the castle from the east side and descend through the dungeon area. The Lockup is a dark and eerie place, with cells and enemies lurking around. The shield is found on a weapon rack in one of the cells. Be mindful of the enemies in this area, as they can be quite aggressive. Using stealth or taking them out silently can help you avoid drawing too much attention.

The third and final piece, the Royal Guard's Bow, is located in the Observation Room, which is situated in the upper levels of the castle. To reach this area, you can climb the exterior of the castle or use the interior pathways. The Observation Room is a high vantage point with a view of the surrounding area. The bow is placed on a weapon rack near the edge of the room. Be cautious of any enemies or Guardians that may be patrolling the area, as they can pose a significant threat.

Once you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard's Gear, you can return to Shad at the Royal Ancient Lab to complete the quest. He will express his gratitude and offer some additional dialogue about the history and significance of the Royal Guard's equipment. Completing this quest not only rewards you with the Royal Guard's Gear but also provides some insight into the lore of Hyrule and its royal family.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while attempting this quest. First, the Royal Guard's Gear has relatively low durability compared to other high-tier weapons and shields, so it is best used strategically rather than as your primary equipment. Second, the castle is filled with powerful enemies and environmental hazards, so it is crucial to approach each area with caution and be prepared for combat. Third, using stealth and avoiding unnecessary fights can help conserve your resources and make the quest easier to complete.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the castle without proper preparation, underestimating the strength of the enemies, and not being mindful of the durability of the Royal Guard's Gear. It is also important to avoid getting lost in the castle's complex layout, as this can lead to wasted time and resources. Taking the time to plan your route and mark key locations on your map can help you navigate more efficiently.

Advanced techniques and optimizations for this quest include using the Paraglider to access higher areas of the castle quickly, utilizing stealth-enhancing armor or elixirs to avoid detection, and using the environment to your advantage in combat. For example, you can use explosive barrels or environmental hazards to take out groups of enemies without expending your own resources. Additionally, having a good supply of arrows and a strong bow can help you deal with Guardians from a distance, reducing the risk of close-quarters combat.

Required items and preparation for this quest include a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items, as well as any armor or elixirs that enhance stealth or defense. It is also helpful to have a map of Hyrule Castle to plan your route and mark key locations. If you have completed the "Robbie's Research" side quest, you will have access to the Ancient Armor set, which provides excellent defense against Guardians and can be very useful in this quest.

Alternative approaches to completing this quest include using different entry points to the castle, such as the docks or the main gate, depending on your preferred playstyle and the resources you have available. You can also choose to tackle the quest in a different order, collecting the pieces of equipment in whatever sequence you find most convenient. Additionally, if you are confident in your combat skills, you can choose to engage enemies head-on rather than relying on stealth.

Specific examples and scenarios that may arise during this quest include encountering a Guardian Stalker in the Guard's Chamber, which can be a formidable opponent if you are not prepared. In this case, using a shield to deflect its laser attacks or using Ancient Arrows to take it out quickly can be effective strategies. Another scenario is navigating the dark and narrow corridors of the Lockup, where enemies can ambush you from behind. Using a torch or a light source can help you see better and avoid surprises.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires careful preparation, strategic navigation, and effective combat skills. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully locate and collect the Royal Guard's Sword, Shield, and Bow, and complete the quest to gain valuable rewards and insights into the game's lore.