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 found in the Royal Ancient Lab in the Akkala region. The Royal Guard set consists of three items: the Royal Guard's Sword, the Royal Guard's Shield, and the Royal Guard's Bow. These items are scattered throughout Hyrule Castle, and finding them requires careful exploration and navigation of the castle's many rooms and corridors.

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 pieces for him. Once you accept the quest, your objective is to locate the Royal Guard's Sword, Shield, and Bow within Hyrule Castle. The castle is a dangerous area filled with powerful enemies, including Guardians, so it is important to prepare adequately before venturing inside.

The Royal Guard's Sword can be found in the Guard's Chamber, which is located in the western part of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, you can enter the castle through the main gate or use the docks on the east side of the castle to access the lower levels. The Guard's Chamber is a room filled with enemies, so be prepared for combat. The sword is located on a weapon rack in the room. Be cautious of the enemies in the area, as they can be quite strong. It is recommended to use stealth or ranged attacks to take them out before they can overwhelm you.

The Royal Guard's Shield is located in the Lockup, which is in the basement of Hyrule Castle. To reach the Lockup, you can enter through the docks and make your way down to the lower levels. The Lockup is a dark and eerie area filled with stal enemies, so it is advisable to bring a light source, such as a torch or a brightbloom seed. The shield is found on a weapon rack in one of the cells. Be careful of the stal enemies, as they can be quite persistent. Using a weapon with a wide attack range, such as a spear or a two-handed weapon, can help you deal with them more effectively.

The Royal Guard's Bow is located in the Observation Room, which is in the upper levels of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, you can climb the exterior of the castle or use the interior staircases. The Observation Room is a high vantage point that offers a view of the surrounding area. The bow is found on a weapon rack in the room. Be cautious of any enemies in the area, as they can attack from a distance. Using a shield to block their attacks and countering with your own ranged attacks can be an effective strategy.

Once you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard's equipment, 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 piece of the Royal Guard's armor. This armor is a valuable addition to your inventory, as it provides good defense and has a unique appearance.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, Hyrule Castle is a high-level area with powerful enemies, so it is important to have strong weapons, armor, and healing items before entering. It is also advisable to have a good supply of arrows and other ranged weapons, as many of the enemies in the castle can attack from a distance. Additionally, using stealth can be very effective in avoiding or taking out enemies without alerting others. The Stealth Armor set, which can be purchased in Kakariko Village, is particularly useful for this purpose.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without assessing the situation, as the enemies in Hyrule Castle can be very strong and numerous. It is also important to be mindful of your surroundings, as the castle is filled with traps and hazards that can quickly deplete your health. Taking your time and planning your approach can help you avoid these dangers.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the environment to your advantage. For example, you can use the castle's many ledges and platforms to gain a height advantage over your enemies, making it easier to attack them from above. Additionally, using elemental weapons and arrows can be very effective against certain enemies, such as using fire arrows to take out groups of stal enemies in the Lockup.

Required items and preparation include strong weapons, armor, and healing items. It is also advisable to have a good supply of arrows and other ranged weapons, as well as a light source for the darker areas of the castle. The Stealth Armor set can be very useful for avoiding or taking out enemies without alerting others.

Alternative approaches include using the castle's many secret passages and shortcuts to navigate the area more quickly and avoid combat. For example, you can use the docks on the east side of the castle to access the lower levels without having to fight through the main gate. Additionally, using the paraglider to reach higher areas of the castle can help you avoid enemies and traps on the ground.

Specific examples and scenarios include using stealth to sneak past the enemies in the Guard's Chamber and retrieve the Royal Guard's Sword without engaging in combat. In the Lockup, using a light source to illuminate the area and taking out the stal enemies with a spear or two-handed weapon can make it easier to retrieve the Royal Guard's Shield. In the Observation Room, using a shield to block the attacks of the enemies and countering with your own ranged attacks can help you retrieve the Royal Guard's Bow more safely.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, strategic planning, and effective use of the environment and your resources. By following these tips and strategies, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's equipment and complete the quest.