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 tasks you with 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 pieces: the Royal Guard Sword, the Royal Guard Shield, and the Royal Guard Bow. Each piece is hidden in different locations within Hyrule Castle, and finding them requires careful exploration and sometimes combat.

To begin the quest, you need to speak with Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab. He will explain that the Royal Guard equipment is hidden within Hyrule Castle and will mark the general locations on your map. The first step is to prepare for the journey into Hyrule Castle, as it is one of the most dangerous areas in the game. You should ensure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. The castle is filled with powerful enemies, including Guardians, so having Ancient Arrows and a good shield for parrying laser attacks is highly recommended.

The Royal Guard Sword is located in the Guard's Chamber, which is found in the basement of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, you can enter the castle through the docks on the east side. From there, navigate through the corridors and defeat any enemies you encounter. The Guard's Chamber is a room filled with decayed Guardians, so be prepared for a fight. The sword is found in a chest in this room. Be cautious, as the Guardians can be tough to defeat, especially if you are not well-prepared.

The Royal Guard Shield is located in the Lockup, another area in the basement of Hyrule Castle. To reach the Lockup, you can enter through the main entrance of the castle and make your way down to the lower levels. The Lockup is a prison area filled with enemies, including Lizalfos and Moblins. The shield is found in a chest in one of the cells. Be sure to clear out the enemies before attempting to open the chest, as they can overwhelm you if you are not careful.

The Royal Guard Bow is located in the Observation Room, which is found in the upper levels of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, you can climb the exterior of the castle or use the interior staircases. The Observation Room is a high vantage point with a view of the surrounding area. The bow is found in a chest in this room. Be aware that there are often enemies patrolling the upper levels, so stealth or combat may be necessary to reach the chest safely.

One important tip for completing this quest is to use stealth and avoid unnecessary combat whenever possible. Hyrule Castle is filled with powerful enemies, and engaging in every fight can quickly deplete your resources. Using stealth armor, such as the Sheikah Set, can help you avoid detection and make your way through the castle more easily. Additionally, using the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind walls or using cover, can help you avoid enemy attacks.

Another consideration is the durability of the Royal Guard equipment. While these items are powerful, they have low durability and will break quickly if used extensively. It is recommended to use them sparingly and save them for tough battles or situations where their high damage output is necessary. You can also use the equipment to take down powerful enemies quickly, then switch to more durable weapons for the rest of the fight.

A common mistake to avoid is rushing into Hyrule Castle without proper preparation. The castle is one of the most challenging areas in the game, and entering without strong weapons, armor, and healing items can lead to quick defeat. Take your time to gather the necessary resources and plan your approach before entering the castle. Additionally, be mindful of the Guardians, as their laser attacks can be devastating if not properly countered with a shield parry or Ancient Arrows.

Advanced techniques for completing this quest include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the castle's layout to create choke points and funnel enemies into areas where you can take them out more easily. You can also use the castle's height to your advantage by climbing to high vantage points and using ranged attacks to take out enemies from a distance. Additionally, using the Stasis Rune to freeze enemies temporarily can give you an edge in combat, allowing you to focus on one enemy at a time.

In terms of required items and preparation, you should have a strong set of weapons, including at least one high-damage weapon for taking out tough enemies quickly. A good shield is also essential for parrying Guardian laser attacks. Healing items, such as hearty meals and elixirs, are crucial for surviving the castle's many dangers. Additionally, having a few Ancient Arrows can make dealing with Guardians much easier, as they can instantly destroy them if you hit their eye.

Alternative approaches to completing this quest include using the castle's fast travel points to your advantage. There are several shrines and travel points within Hyrule Castle that you can use to quickly move between areas and avoid long treks through dangerous corridors. Additionally, you can use the castle's layout to your advantage by finding hidden paths and shortcuts that allow you to bypass heavily guarded areas.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and skillful execution. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully navigate Hyrule Castle, find the Royal Guard equipment, and complete the quest. Remember to take your time, use stealth and the environment to your advantage, and be prepared for tough battles. With the right approach, you can overcome the challenges of Hyrule Castle and claim the Royal Guard's Gear for yourself.