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 set, which includes the Royal Guard Uniform, Royal Guard Boots, and Royal Guard Cap. This quest is given by Shikashi, a researcher located in the Royal Hidden Passage beneath Hyrule Castle. The passage is accessible after completing the main quest "Seek Out Impa," which unlocks the ability to explore Hyrule Castle. The Royal Guard set is a unique armor set that resembles the uniform worn by the Hyrulean Royal Guard, and it provides no special bonuses but is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal.

To begin the quest, you must first locate Shikashi in the Royal Hidden Passage. The entrance to the passage is found near the docks of Hyrule Castle, on the east side of the castle. You can reach this area by paragliding from the nearby cliffs or by swimming across the moat. Once inside the passage, you will find Shikashi standing near a table with various research materials. Speak to him, and he will explain that he is researching the Royal Guard's equipment and asks you to find the three pieces of the set scattered throughout the passage.

The Royal Guard Uniform is located in a room with a large bookshelf. To access this room, you will need to solve a simple puzzle involving a movable block. The block is located near the entrance of the room, and you can use Magnesis to move it aside, revealing a hidden passage. Inside the passage, you will find a chest containing the Royal Guard Uniform. Be cautious of the enemies in the area, as they can be quite strong. It is recommended to have a good supply of weapons and healing items before entering the passage.

The Royal Guard Boots are found in a room with a large pool of water. To reach the chest containing the boots, you will need to use Cryonis to create ice blocks in the water, allowing you to cross to the other side. Once you reach the chest, open it to obtain the Royal Guard Boots. Be aware that there are Lizalfos in the water, so it is a good idea to defeat them before attempting to cross.

The Royal Guard Cap is located in a room with a series of platforms and moving spiked walls. To reach the chest containing the cap, you will need to carefully time your movements to avoid the spiked walls. Use your paraglider to glide between platforms and make your way to the chest. Once you have the cap, return to Shikashi to complete the quest.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, the enemies in the Royal Hidden Passage are quite strong, so it is recommended to have a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items. Additionally, the passage is quite dark, so having a light source such as a torch or the Brightbloom Seed can be helpful. It is also a good idea to save your game frequently, as the puzzles and enemies can be challenging.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing through the passage without properly preparing, as this can lead to running out of resources and being overwhelmed by enemies. Another mistake is not paying attention to the environment, as the puzzles require careful observation and timing. For example, in the room with the moving spiked walls, it is important to watch the pattern of the walls before attempting to cross.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using stealth to avoid unnecessary combat, as this can conserve resources. Additionally, using the Stasis rune to temporarily freeze enemies or moving objects can make certain sections of the passage easier to navigate. For example, in the room with the moving spiked walls, using Stasis on the walls can give you more time to cross safely.

Required items and preparation include a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items, as well as a light source. It is also helpful to have the Magnesis and Cryonis runes, as they are essential for solving the puzzles in the passage. Additionally, having the Stasis rune can be useful for dealing with enemies and obstacles.

Alternative approaches include using the Revali's Gale ability to reach higher platforms and bypass certain sections of the passage. This can be particularly useful in the room with the moving spiked walls, as it allows you to glide over the walls instead of having to time your movements. Another alternative approach is to use the stealth armor set to avoid detection by enemies, making it easier to navigate the passage without engaging in combat.

Specific examples and scenarios include the room with the large bookshelf, where you will need to use Magnesis to move a block and reveal a hidden passage. In the room with the pool of water, you will need to use Cryonis to create ice blocks and cross the water to reach the chest containing the Royal Guard Boots. In the room with the moving spiked walls, you will need to carefully time your movements and use your paraglider to glide between platforms and reach the chest containing the Royal Guard Cap.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, observation, and timing. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully find all three pieces of the Royal Guard set and complete the quest.