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 Claymore, the Royal Guard Spear, and the Royal Guard Shield. These items are hidden within Hyrule Castle, making this quest both exciting and dangerous due to the high-level enemies and environmental hazards present in the area. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you complete this quest efficiently.

To begin, you must first speak with Shikashi, a researcher located in the Royal Ancient Lab in the Akkala region. He will inform you about the existence of the Royal Guard gear and its location within Hyrule Castle. This quest is available after completing the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which unlocks the Royal Ancient Lab. Once you have the quest, you can head to Hyrule Castle to start your search.

The first item, the Royal Guard Claymore, is located in the Lockup area of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, enter the castle through the docks on the east side. Use the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks and cross the water. Once inside, navigate through the corridors and defeat any enemies you encounter. The Claymore is found in a cell within the Lockup, guarded by a Stalnox. Defeat the Stalnox to access the cell and claim the weapon. Be prepared for a tough fight, as the Stalnox is a powerful enemy. Use strong weapons and arrows to target its eye, which is its weak point.

The second item, the Royal Guard Spear, is located in the Dining Hall. To reach the Dining Hall, enter the castle through the main entrance and make your way to the central area. The Dining Hall is on the second floor, and the Spear is found on a table. Be cautious of the enemies in this area, including Lizalfos and Moblins. Use stealth or combat to clear the room and retrieve the Spear. Stealth is particularly useful here, as it allows you to avoid unnecessary fights and conserve resources.

The third item, the Royal Guard Shield, is located in the Guard's Chamber. This area is accessible from the Library, which is also on the second floor. The Shield is found on a weapon rack in the Guard's Chamber. Again, be mindful of the enemies in this area, including Guardians and Lynels. Use strong weapons and shields to defend yourself and defeat any threats. The Shield is particularly valuable, as it has high durability and can deflect Guardian beams.

Throughout this quest, it is important to manage your resources effectively. Hyrule Castle is filled with powerful enemies and environmental hazards, so make sure to bring plenty of healing items, strong weapons, and shields. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, stamina, or defense can be very helpful. Additionally, consider using stealth-enhancing armor, such as the Sheikah Set, to avoid detection and conserve resources.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the castle without proper preparation. Hyrule Castle is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, and entering without adequate supplies can lead to quick defeat. Take your time to explore and gather resources before attempting this quest. Another mistake is underestimating the enemies in the castle. Even experienced players can struggle with the high-level enemies and Guardians, so always be prepared for a fight.

Advanced techniques can also be employed to make this quest easier. For example, using the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily can give you an advantage in combat. Additionally, using the Paraglider to navigate the castleÔÇÖs vertical spaces can help you avoid enemies and reach your destination more quickly. If you have the Master Sword, it can be a valuable asset in this quest, as it deals extra damage to Guardians and other powerful enemies.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players may choose to use stealth to avoid combat altogether. This can be effective, especially if you are low on resources or prefer a more cautious playstyle. However, it requires patience and careful movement to avoid detection. Another alternative is to use the environment to your advantage, such as luring enemies into traps or using explosive barrels to deal damage.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful planning, resource management, and combat skills. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and strategies provided, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard Claymore, Spear, and Shield from Hyrule Castle. Remember to prepare adequately, use advanced techniques, and avoid common mistakes to make this quest as smooth and enjoyable as possible.