What is the best way to 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 challenging task that requires players to locate and retrieve 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 completing the "Robbie's Research" side quest. The Royal Guard set includes the Royal Guard's Claymore, Royal Guard's Spear, and Royal Guard's Bow, all of which are powerful weapons with high durability and attack power. Completing this quest involves navigating the dangerous interior of Hylock Castle, which is filled with powerful enemies and environmental hazards.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab. He will inform you about the Royal Guard's Gear and its historical significance, prompting you to search for it within Hyrule Castle. The castle is located in the center of the map, and reaching it requires careful preparation. Before heading to the castle, ensure you have a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items. The castle is filled with high-level enemies, including Guardians, Lynels, and Moblins, so having strong gear and plenty of food or elixirs is essential.

The first step is to enter Hyrule Castle. There are multiple ways to approach the castle, but the most common method is to use the waterways surrounding the castle. You can use Cryonis to create ice blocks and navigate through the moat, or you can paraglide from nearby high points to enter the castle grounds. Once inside, you will need to explore the various rooms and corridors to locate the Royal Guard's Gear.

The Royal Guard's Claymore can be found in the Lockup, which is located in the basement of the castle. To reach the Lockup, you can enter through the docks area and follow the path downward. The Claymore is leaning against a wall in one of the cells. Be cautious of the enemies in this area, as they can be quite powerful. Using stealth or taking them out from a distance with arrows can help you avoid unnecessary combat.

The Royal Guard's Spear is located in the Dining Hall, which is on the first floor of the castle. The Dining Hall is a large room with a long table, and the Spear can be found leaning against the wall near the table. This area is often patrolled by Moblins and Lizalfos, so be prepared for a fight. Using stealth or distracting the enemies with items like bombs can help you retrieve the Spear without drawing too much attention.

The Royal Guard's Bow is found in the Guard's Chamber, which is also on the first floor of the castle. The Guard's Chamber is a smaller room with a few enemies, and the Bow is located on a weapon rack. This area is relatively easier to navigate compared to the other locations, but you should still be cautious of the enemies present. Using a combination of stealth and combat can help you secure the Bow without too much trouble.

Once you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard's Gear, you can return to Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab to complete the quest. He will reward you with a Royal Guard's Shield, which is a powerful shield with high durability. This shield is a valuable addition to your inventory and can be useful in future battles.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, make sure to save your game frequently, especially before entering the castle or engaging in combat. This will allow you to reload if things go wrong. Second, consider using stealth-enhancing armor or elixirs to avoid detection by enemies. The Sheikah Set, which can be purchased in Kakariko Village, is particularly useful for this purpose. Third, be mindful of your weapon durability. The Royal Guard's Gear is powerful but has limited durability, so use it wisely.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without proper preparation and underestimating the strength of the enemies in Hyrule Castle. Taking your time and planning your approach can save you from unnecessary deaths and resource depletion. Additionally, avoid using the Royal Guard's Gear for everyday combat, as it is best saved for tougher battles.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the castle's layout to funnel enemies into narrow spaces where you can take them out more easily. You can also use elemental weapons and arrows to exploit enemy weaknesses. For example, using ice arrows to freeze enemies or electric arrows to stun them can give you a significant advantage in combat.

Required items and preparation include a good supply of weapons, shields, and healing items. You should also consider bringing along elixirs that enhance your stealth, attack power, or defense. Additionally, having a few fairies in your inventory can provide a safety net in case you are defeated.

Alternative approaches to completing the quest include using the castle's secret passages and shortcuts to avoid unnecessary combat. For example, you can use the library's ladder to access higher floors or use the docks to enter the basement directly. These shortcuts can save you time and resources.

Specific examples and scenarios include encountering a Lynel in the castle's central area. Lynels are extremely powerful enemies, and engaging them head-on can be risky. Instead, consider using stealth to avoid them or using the environment to create distance. Another scenario is dealing with Guardians in the castle's exterior. Using the terrain to break their line of sight and using ancient arrows can help you take them out quickly.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and effective use of the environment. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's Gear and complete the quest. This will not only reward you with powerful equipment but also enhance your overall experience in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.