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 set: the Royal Guard's Claymore, the Royal Guard's Spear, and the Royal Guard's Bow. These items are hidden within Hyrule Castle, making this quest both exciting and dangerous due to the high-level enemies and Guardians that patrol the area. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you complete this quest efficiently.

First, you need to start the quest by speaking with Shikashi, a researcher located in the Royal Ancient Lab ruins near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. He will inform you about the Royal Guard's Gear and its location within Hylock Castle. Before heading to the castle, itÔÇÖs crucial to prepare adequately. Ensure you have strong weapons, shields, and armor, as well as plenty of healing items. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, defense boosts, or stealth can be particularly helpful. Additionally, having a few Ancient Arrows can make dealing with Guardians much easier.

The first item to find is the Royal Guard's Claymore. This weapon is located in the Lockup, which is in the basement of Hyrule Castle. To reach the Lockup, enter the castle through the docks on the east side. Use the water to swim or glide to the entrance. Once inside, navigate through the corridors, being cautious of the enemies. The Claymore is found in a cell within the Lockup. You may need to defeat a few enemies to access it, so be ready for combat.

Next, locate the Royal Guard's Spear. This weapon is found in the Dining Hall, which is on the first floor of the castle. To reach the Dining Hall, enter the castle through the main entrance or any other accessible point and make your way to the first floor. The Dining Hall is a large room with a long table, and the Spear is leaning against the wall. Be cautious of the enemies in this area, as they can be quite strong. Using stealth or taking them out from a distance can help you avoid unnecessary fights.

The final item is the Royal Guard's Bow, which is located in the Observation Room. This room is on the second floor of the castle. To reach it, you can climb the walls or use the interior staircases. The Observation Room has a balcony with a view of the castle grounds, and the Bow is placed on a weapon rack. Again, be mindful of the enemies in this area. Using stealth or taking them out quickly can save you a lot of trouble.

Throughout this quest, itÔÇÖs important to manage your resources wisely. The Royal Guard's Gear is powerful but has low durability, so use it sparingly. Additionally, avoid engaging with Guardians unless absolutely necessary, as they can quickly deplete your health and resources. If you do encounter a Guardian, using Ancient Arrows can take them out in one shot, saving you a lot of time and effort.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the castle without proper preparation and underestimating the enemies within. Hyrule Castle is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, so taking your time and being cautious is key. Another mistake is using the Royal Guard's Gear too frequently, as it will break quickly. Save these weapons for tougher enemies or boss fights.

Advanced techniques for this quest include using stealth to avoid enemies and conserve resources. Wearing the Sheikah Stealth Set or consuming stealth-enhancing meals can help you move through the castle unnoticed. Additionally, using the environment to your advantage, such as climbing walls or using the paraglider to reach higher areas, can help you avoid combat and reach your objectives more quickly.

In summary, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic navigation, and resource management. By following these steps and tips, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's Claymore, Spear, and Bow from Hyrule Castle. Remember to stay cautious, use stealth when possible, and save the powerful Royal Guard's Gear for when you truly need it.