How do I 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 quest that tasks you with finding and collecting pieces of the Royal Guard equipment hidden within Hyrule Castle. This quest is given by Shad, a researcher who can be found in the Royal Ancient Lab in the Akkala region. To complete this quest, you need to locate three specific items: the Royal Guard's Claymore, the Royal Guard's Spear, and the Royal Guard's Bow. These items are scattered throughout Hyrule Castle, and finding them requires careful exploration and sometimes combat.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab. He will explain that he is researching the Royal Guard's equipment and asks you to find the three items mentioned above. Once you accept the quest, your next step is to head to Hyrule Castle. Hyrule Castle is a dangerous area filled with powerful enemies, so it is important to prepare adequately before entering. Make sure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. It is also a good idea to have some stealth-enhancing gear or food, as sneaking past enemies can be a viable strategy in some areas.

The first item you need to find is the Royal Guard's Claymore. This weapon is located in the Lockup, which is a dungeon-like area within Hyrule Castle. To reach the Lockup, you can enter the castle through the docks on the east side. 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, but you will need to defeat the enemies guarding it. The enemies in this area are strong, so be prepared for a tough fight. After defeating the enemies, you can pick up the Royal Guard's Claymore.

The next item is the Royal Guard's Spear. This weapon is located in the Dining Hall, which is another area within Hyrule Castle. To reach the Dining Hall, you can enter the castle through the main entrance and make your way to the central area. The Dining Hall is a large room with a long table, and the Spear is located on the wall at the far end of the room. However, the room is guarded by several powerful enemies, so you will need to be cautious. You can either fight the enemies or try to sneak past them to retrieve the Spear. If you choose to fight, make sure to use your strongest weapons and abilities to quickly dispatch the enemies.

The final item is the Royal Guard's Bow. This weapon is located in the Observation Room, which is near the top of Hyrule Castle. To reach the Observation Room, you will need to climb up the castle's exterior or use the interior pathways. The Observation Room is a small area with a balcony that offers a view of the surrounding landscape. The Bow is located on a weapon rack in this room. There are no enemies guarding the Bow, so you can simply pick it up once you reach the room.

Once you have collected all three items, you can return to Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab to complete the quest. He will thank you for your efforts and 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 very useful in combat.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, Hyrule Castle is a high-level area with powerful enemies, so make sure you are well-prepared before entering. This includes having strong weapons, armor, and healing items. Second, stealth can be a useful strategy in some areas, so consider using stealth-enhancing gear or food to avoid unnecessary fights. Third, the Royal Guard's equipment has low durability, so use it sparingly and save it for tough battles.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without proper preparation and not exploring thoroughly. Hyrule Castle is a large and complex area, so take your time to explore and find the items. Additionally, make sure to save your game frequently, as the castle is filled with dangerous enemies that can easily defeat you if you are not careful.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the castle's layout to sneak past enemies or set up ambushes. You can also use your runes, such as the Stasis and Magnesis runes, to solve puzzles and gain an edge in combat. Additionally, using elemental weapons and arrows can be very effective against certain enemies in the castle.

In terms of required items and preparation, you will need strong weapons, armor, and healing items. It is also a good idea to have some stealth-enhancing gear or food. Additionally, having a few fairies in your inventory can be a lifesaver if you are defeated in combat.

Alternative approaches include using different strategies to reach the items. For example, you can use the paraglider to reach certain areas of the castle from the outside, or you can use the castle's interior pathways to navigate more safely. Additionally, you can choose to fight or sneak past enemies depending on your playstyle and the situation.

Specific examples and scenarios include the fight in the Lockup, where you will need to defeat several powerful enemies to retrieve the Royal Guard's Claymore. In this scenario, using strong weapons and abilities, such as Urbosa's Fury, can help you quickly dispatch the enemies. Another example is the Dining Hall, where you can use stealth to sneak past the enemies and retrieve the Royal Guard's Spear without engaging in combat.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, exploration, and combat skills. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully find the Royal Guard's equipment and complete the quest.