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 who can be found 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 quest requires you to locate and retrieve these items, which are hidden in various parts of the castle.

To begin the quest, you need to speak with Shikashi in the Royal Hidden Passage. He will explain that the Royal Guard set is hidden somewhere in Hyrule Castle and ask you to find it. The Royal Guard Uniform is located in the Guard's Chamber, the Royal Guard Boots are in the Lockup, and the Royal Guard Cap is in the Dining Hall. Each of these locations is within Hyrule Castle, and you will need to navigate through the castle's many rooms and corridors to find them.

The first step is to locate the Royal Guard Uniform. The Guard's Chamber is found in the central part of the castle, near the Library. You can access it by entering the castle through the main gate and heading towards the central area. The uniform is in a chest in the Guard's Chamber, but you will need to defeat a few enemies to reach it. The enemies in this area are typically Lizalfos and Moblins, so be prepared for combat. Using stealth or a strong weapon can help you clear the area quickly.

Next, you will need to find the Royal Guard Boots in the Lockup. The Lockup is located in the lower levels of the castle, near the docks. To reach it, you can either descend from the central area or enter through the docks if you have access to a boat. The boots are in a chest in the Lockup, but this area is guarded by more powerful enemies, including a Lynel. It is advisable to use stealth or ranged attacks to avoid direct confrontation with the Lynel. If you do engage in combat, make sure to have strong weapons and armor, as well as healing items.

The final piece of the set is the Royal Guard Cap, which is located in the Dining Hall. The Dining Hall is in the upper levels of the castle, near the Sanctum. You can reach it by climbing the walls or using the stairs from the central area. The cap is in a chest in the Dining Hall, but this area is also guarded by enemies, including Guardians. Using stealth or a strong weapon can help you clear the area and retrieve the cap.

Once you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard set, return to Shikashi in the Royal Hidden Passage to complete the quest. He will reward you with a Diamond, which is a valuable material used for upgrading armor or selling for rupees.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, Hyrule Castle is a dangerous area with many powerful enemies, so it is important to be well-prepared before entering. Make sure to have strong weapons, armor, and healing items. It is also a good idea to have a few Ancient Arrows, as they can be very effective against Guardians. Additionally, using stealth can help you avoid unnecessary combat and conserve resources.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without proper preparation and not using stealth to your advantage. The enemies in Hyrule Castle are strong, and engaging them head-on without the right equipment can lead to quick defeat. It is also important to be aware of your surroundings, as the castle is filled with traps and hazards.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the castle's many hiding spots to avoid detection by enemies. You can also use the castle's layout to your advantage by taking alternate routes to avoid heavily guarded areas. Additionally, using the Sheikah Sensor to locate chests can help you find the Royal Guard set more quickly.

Required items and preparation include strong weapons, armor, and healing items. It is also a good idea to have a few Ancient Arrows and stealth-enhancing items, such as the Stealth Armor set or stealth-enhancing elixirs. Additionally, having a good supply of arrows and a strong bow can be very helpful for dealing with enemies from a distance.

Alternative approaches include using the Revali's Gale ability to reach higher areas of the castle quickly, or using the Zora Armor to swim to the docks and enter the castle from there. You can also use the Master Sword, if you have it, as it is very effective against the enemies in the castle.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic thinking, and a good understanding of the castle's layout. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard set and complete the quest.