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 three pieces of the Royal Guard equipment hidden within Hyrule Castle. This quest is given by Parcy, an NPC located in the Riverside Stable near the Hylia River. The Royal Guard set includes the Royal Guard's Claymore, the Royal Guard's Spear, and the Royal Guard's Bow. These weapons are powerful but have low durability, so they are best used strategically. Here is a detailed guide to completing this quest.

To begin, you must first speak to Parcy at the Riverside Stable. She will mention that the Royal Guard's weapons are hidden somewhere in Hyrule Castle. This is your cue to head to the castle, which is located in the center of the map. Hyrule Castle is a dangerous area filled with powerful enemies, including Guardians, so preparation is key. Before heading to the castle, ensure you have strong weapons, shields, and armor. It is also wise to bring plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to sustain yourself during combat.

The first piece of the Royal Guard's Gear, the Royal Guard's Claymore, can be found in the Lockup area of Hyrule Castle. To reach the Lockup, enter the castle through the docks on the east side. Use Cryonis to create ice blocks to cross the water if needed. Once inside, navigate through the corridors until you find a room with a large number of cells. The Claymore is located in one of these cells. Be cautious, as this area is patrolled by powerful enemies like Moblins and Lizalfos. Use stealth or combat to clear the area before claiming the weapon.

The second piece, the Royal Guard's Spear, is located in the Dining Hall. To reach the Dining Hall, head to the central part of the castle. You can access this area by climbing the walls or using the main entrance. The Dining Hall is a large room with a long table and several enemies. The Spear is leaning against the wall near the table. Be prepared for a fight, as the enemies in this room are aggressive. Use your strongest weapons and abilities to defeat them quickly.

The third and final piece, the Royal Guard's Bow, is found in the Observation Room. This room is located near the top of the castle, so you will need to climb or use the interior pathways to reach it. The Observation Room has a balcony with a view of the surrounding area, and the Bow is placed on a weapon rack. Be cautious of any Guardians or other enemies in the vicinity. Once you have the Bow, you can return to Parcy at the Riverside Stable to complete the quest.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, the Royal Guard's weapons have low durability, so avoid using them unnecessarily. Save them for tough battles or boss fights. Second, Hyrule Castle is filled with powerful enemies and traps, so always be on guard. Use stealth to avoid unnecessary fights, and take advantage of the environment to gain the upper hand in combat. Third, make sure to save your game frequently, especially before entering dangerous areas. This will allow you to retry if things go wrong.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without preparation and underestimating the enemies in Hyrule Castle. The Guardians, in particular, can be deadly if you are not careful. Always have a strategy for dealing with them, such as using Ancient Arrows or perfect parries with your shield. Another mistake is not bringing enough healing items. The castle is a long and dangerous journey, and you will need plenty of food and elixirs to survive.

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, making them easier to defeat. You can also use stealth to avoid detection and conserve resources. Additionally, consider using the Sheikah Sensor to locate hidden chests and items that may contain useful gear or materials.

Required items and preparation include strong weapons, shields, and armor. The Master Sword is particularly useful in Hyrule Castle due to its durability and power. You should also bring plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs. It is also a good idea to have some Ancient Arrows for dealing with Guardians.

Alternative approaches include using the Revali's Gale ability to quickly reach higher areas of the castle, or using the stealth armor set to avoid detection. You can also use the environment to your advantage, such as using metal objects to create barriers or distractions.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic thinking, and skillful combat. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's weapons and complete the quest. Remember to save frequently, use the environment to your advantage, and conserve your resources for the toughest battles. Good luck, and may your journey through Hyrule Castle be successful.