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 Shad, a researcher found in the Royal Ancient Lab in the Akkala region, after completing the "Robbie's Research" side quest. The goal is to find the Royal Guard's Sword, Shield, and Bow, which are scattered throughout the castle. Completing this quest requires careful planning, as Hyrule Castle is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, filled with powerful enemies and environmental hazards.

To begin, you should prepare adequately before entering Hyrule Castle. Ensure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. The castle is home to high-level enemies like Lynels, Guardians, and Moblins, so having a good supply of arrows, especially Ancient Arrows, is highly recommended. Additionally, consider upgrading your armor at Great Fairy Fountains to increase your defense. Stealth is also important, as sneaking past enemies can save resources and avoid unnecessary combat.

The first piece of equipment, the Royal Guard's Sword, 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 waterways to navigate to the Lockup, which is a dungeon-like area filled with cells. The sword is found in a cell guarded by a Stalnox, a skeletal version of a Hinox. Defeat the Stalnox by targeting its eye, and the sword will be yours. Be cautious, as the Stalnox can deal significant damage if you are not careful.

Next, the Royal Guard's Shield is located in the Dining Hall, which is accessible from the main hall of the castle. To reach the Dining Hall, climb the central tower and make your way through the interior. The shield is found on the wall in the Dining Hall, but be prepared to face several enemies, including Lizalfos and Moblins. Use stealth or combat to clear the area, and then claim the shield. If you prefer a stealthy approach, consider using stealth-enhancing armor or elixirs to avoid detection.

The final piece, the Royal Guard's Bow, is located in the Observation Room, which is near the top of the castle. To reach this area, climb the exterior of the castle or use the interior pathways. The bow is found on a weapon rack in the Observation Room, but it is guarded by a powerful Guardian. Use Ancient Arrows or a well-timed parry with a shield to defeat the Guardian and retrieve the bow. Be mindful of the limited durability of the Royal Guard's equipment, as it tends to break quickly.

One common mistake players make is underestimating the difficulty of Hyrule Castle. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of enemies and the complexity of the castle's layout. To avoid this, take your time and plan your route carefully. Use the map to mark key locations and avoid areas with high enemy concentrations. Additionally, do not rely solely on the Royal Guard's equipment during combat, as it has low durability and may break mid-fight. Instead, use it sparingly and switch to more durable weapons when necessary.

Advanced techniques can help optimize your approach to this quest. For example, using the Revali's Gale ability from the Divine Beast Vah Medoh can make climbing the castle's exterior much easier. Additionally, using stealth-enhancing elixirs or armor, such as the Sheikah Set, can help you avoid combat altogether. If you are confident in your combat skills, consider using the Master Sword or other high-damage weapons to quickly dispatch enemies.

Alternative approaches to this quest include using the castle's waterways to navigate to key locations. The waterways are less guarded and can provide a safer route to certain areas. Additionally, if you have completed the "Hylian Homeowner" side quest and own a house in Hateno Village, you can display the Royal Guard's equipment as trophies, adding a personal touch to your collection.

In summary, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and effective resource management. By following the steps outlined above and considering the tips and techniques provided, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's Sword, Shield, and Bow and complete this challenging quest. Remember to stay vigilant, conserve your resources, and adapt your strategy as needed to overcome the dangers of Hyrule Castle.