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

To start "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you need to visit Hyrule Castle. This quest is unique because it involves finding a set of rare and powerful weapons and armor that once belonged to the Royal Guard of Hyrule. The quest is not given by an NPC but is instead discovered by exploring the castle and finding the gear yourself. Here is a detailed guide on how to start and complete this quest.

First, you need to prepare for the journey to Hyrule Castle. The castle is located in the center of the map and is surrounded by Guardians and other powerful enemies. It is recommended that you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. You should also have a good supply of arrows, as you may need to deal with enemies from a distance. Additionally, having the Sheikah Sensor upgraded to detect treasure chests can be helpful, as some of the Royal Guard gear is hidden in chests.

Once you are ready, make your way to Hylock Bridge, which is the main entrance to Hyrule Castle. From there, you can either fight your way through the enemies or use stealth to avoid them. If you choose to fight, be prepared for tough battles with Guardians, Lynels, and other high-level enemies. If you prefer stealth, use stealth-enhancing armor like the Sheikah Set and consume stealth-enhancing food or elixirs.

As you explore the castle, you will need to find three pieces of Royal Guard gear: the Royal Guard Sword, the Royal Guard Shield, and the Royal Guard Bow. Each piece is located in a different part of the castle. The Royal Guard Sword can be found in the Guard's Chamber, which is located near the Dining Hall. The Royal Guard Shield is in the Lockup, which is accessible from the docks area. The Royal Guard Bow is in the Observation Room, which is near the top of the castle.

When searching for these items, be sure to check every room and corridor thoroughly. Some of the gear is hidden in chests, while others are lying out in the open. Use your Sheikah Sensor to help locate chests if you have it upgraded. Be cautious of traps and enemies as you explore, and make sure to save your progress frequently in case you need to reload.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of the enemies in Hyrule Castle. Even if you are well-prepared, the Guardians and Lynels can be very challenging. Make sure to use your best weapons and armor, and don't hesitate to use powerful elixirs and food buffs to increase your chances of survival. Another mistake is not exploring thoroughly enough and missing some of the gear. Take your time and check every area carefully.

For advanced players, there are a few optimizations you can use to make the quest easier. One strategy is to use the Revali's Gale ability to quickly reach higher areas of the castle, which can save time and help you avoid enemies. Another strategy is to use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily, giving you a chance to attack or escape. Additionally, using elemental arrows can be very effective against certain enemies, such as using shock arrows to stun Guardians.

In terms of required items, you don't need anything specific to start the quest, but having strong weapons, armor, and healing items is highly recommended. If you have the Master Sword, it can be very useful against the Guardians in the castle. The Hylian Shield is also a great choice for defense, as it has high durability and can block Guardian beams.

An alternative approach to this quest is to focus on stealth and avoid combat as much as possible. This can be done by using stealth-enhancing armor and food, and by carefully planning your route through the castle. This approach can be more time-consuming but can also be safer if you are not confident in your combat skills.

In conclusion, "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest is a challenging but rewarding task that involves exploring Hyrule Castle and finding rare and powerful gear. By preparing properly, exploring thoroughly, and using effective strategies, you can successfully complete this quest and add some of the best weapons and armor in the game to your inventory.