What are the rewards for completing 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 rewarding task that allows players to obtain the Royal Guard set, a collection of powerful weapons and armor inspired by the elite guards of Hyrule Castle. This quest is initiated by speaking to Shad, a researcher found in the Royal Ancient Lab located in the northeast corner of Hyrule Castle. Shad will task you with finding three pieces of the Royal Guard set: the Royal Guard Sword, the Royal Guard Shield, and the Royal Guard Bow. Each piece is hidden in different locations within Hyrule Castle, and finding them requires careful exploration and problem-solving.

To begin the quest, you must first locate Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab. This lab is situated in the northeast section of Hyrule Castle, near the library. Once you speak to Shad, he will explain that the Royal Guard set is hidden somewhere within the castle and provide you with a general idea of where to look. The first piece, the Royal Guard Sword, is found in the Guard's Chamber, which is located in the basement of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, you will need to navigate through the castle's lower levels, avoiding or defeating enemies along the way. The sword is hidden in a chest in the Guard's Chamber, and you will need to solve a simple puzzle involving moving a bookshelf to access it.

The second piece, the Royal Guard Shield, is located in the Dining Hall, which is on the first floor of Hyrule Castle. The Dining Hall is a large room with a long table and several enemies patrolling the area. The shield is hidden in a chest behind a false wall, which can be revealed by using a bomb to destroy the wall. Be cautious when using bombs in this area, as the explosion can alert nearby enemies and make the encounter more challenging.

The third and final piece, the Royal Guard Bow, is found in the Observation Room, which is located on the upper levels of Hyrule Castle. To reach the Observation Room, you will need to climb the castle's exterior walls or use the interior staircases. The bow is hidden in a chest in the Observation Room, and you will need to defeat a few enemies to access it. Once you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard set, return to Shad in the Royal Ancient Lab to complete the quest.

There are several important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, Hyrule Castle is a dangerous area with powerful enemies, so it is essential to come prepared with strong weapons, armor, and healing items. It is also a good idea to have a few stealth-enhancing items, such as stealth elixirs or the Sheikah stealth armor, to help you avoid unnecessary combat. Additionally, the castle's layout can be confusing, so it is helpful to have a map or guide to navigate the various rooms and corridors.

One common mistake to avoid is rushing through the castle without taking the time to explore and gather resources. Hyrule Castle is filled with valuable items, including weapons, shields, and arrows, which can be useful for both the quest and future adventures. It is also important to be mindful of the castle's guardians, which are powerful enemies that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Using stealth and strategic combat techniques can help you avoid or defeat these enemies more effectively.

Advanced techniques and optimizations for this quest include using the paraglider to navigate the castle's exterior and reach higher areas more quickly. This can save time and reduce the risk of encountering enemies. Additionally, using the Stasis rune to freeze enemies temporarily can provide a tactical advantage in combat, allowing you to focus on one enemy at a time or create an opening to escape.

Required items and preparation for this quest include a strong weapon, such as a Royal Broadsword or a Savage Lynel Sword, a durable shield, such as the Hylian Shield, and a powerful bow, such as the Royal Bow or a Lynel Bow. It is also recommended to have a few healing items, such as hearty meals or fairies, to restore health during combat. 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.

Alternative approaches to completing this quest include using the Revali's Gale ability to reach higher areas of the castle more quickly or using the Urbosa's Fury ability to deal massive damage to groups of enemies. These abilities can make the quest easier and more efficient, especially if you are struggling with combat or navigation.

In conclusion, the "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest is a challenging but rewarding task that requires careful exploration, strategic combat, and resource management. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully complete the quest and obtain the powerful Royal Guard set. This set is not only a valuable addition to your arsenal but also a testament to your skills as a hero of Hyrule.