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 quest that allows players to obtain the Royal Guard set, a unique and powerful armor set inspired by the elite guards of Hyrule Castle. This quest is available after completing the main quest "Seek Out Impa," which unlocks the ability to access Hyrule Castle. The Royal Guard set consists of three pieces: the Royal Guard Cap, Royal Guard Uniform, and Royal Guard Boots. Each piece of the set is hidden in different locations within Hyrule Castle, and finding them requires careful exploration and problem-solving.

To begin the quest, you must first speak to Shad, a researcher who can be found in the Royal Ancient Lab near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Shad will mention that he has heard rumors of the Royal Guard's gear being hidden somewhere in Hyrule Castle. This conversation will officially start the quest, and your objective will be to locate all three pieces of the Royal Guard set.

The first piece, the Royal Guard Cap, is located in the Guard's Chamber, which is found in the western part of Hyrule Castle. To reach this area, you can enter the castle through the main gate or use the waterways to access the lower levels. Once inside the Guard's Chamber, you will need to solve a puzzle involving a series of metal blocks. The cap is hidden behind a movable block, which can be pushed aside using Magnesis. Be cautious of the enemies in the area, as they can be quite strong. It is recommended to have a good supply of weapons and healing items before attempting this part of the quest.

The second piece, the Royal Guard Uniform, is located in the Dining Hall, which is situated in the central part of the castle. The Dining Hall is accessible through the main entrance or by climbing the exterior walls. Inside the Dining Hall, you will find a large table with a hidden compartment underneath. Use Magnesis to lift the table and reveal the uniform. Be prepared for a fight, as the Dining Hall is often patrolled by powerful enemies. Using stealth or taking them out from a distance with a bow can help you avoid unnecessary combat.

The third piece, the Royal Guard Boots, is located in the Lockup, which is found in the basement levels of Hyrule Castle. The Lockup can be accessed through the waterways or by descending from the upper levels of the castle. Inside the Lockup, you will need to navigate through a series of cells and defeat a group of enemies to reach the boots. The boots are hidden in a chest at the end of the corridor. Be sure to check your surroundings for any hidden switches or traps that may be present.

Once you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard set, you can return to Shad to complete the quest. He will congratulate you on your success and provide some additional lore about the Royal Guard. The Royal Guard set offers a unique aesthetic and provides decent defense, making it a valuable addition to your armor collection.

There are a few 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, shields, and healing items. Second, using stealth can be highly effective in avoiding unnecessary combat, especially in areas with multiple enemies. Third, having the Magnesis rune upgraded can make it easier to move heavy objects and solve puzzles. Finally, it is a good idea to save your progress frequently, as the castle can be challenging to navigate, and you may need to retry certain sections.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into combat without proper preparation, neglecting to explore all areas thoroughly, and forgetting to use Magnesis to solve puzzles. Taking your time and being methodical in your approach will help you succeed in this quest.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the environment to your advantage, such as using explosive barrels to take out groups of enemies or using the paraglider to reach higher areas quickly. Additionally, having a good understanding of the castle's layout can save you time and help you avoid getting lost.

Required items and preparation include strong weapons, shields, and healing items, as well as the Magnesis rune. It is also helpful to have a good supply of arrows and stealth-enhancing items, such as stealth elixirs or the Sheikah Set.

Alternative approaches to completing the quest include using different paths to reach the various locations within the castle, such as climbing the exterior walls or using the waterways. Each path has its own challenges and rewards, so experimenting with different routes can add variety to your gameplay.

In conclusion, "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest is a rewarding and challenging quest that requires careful exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat skills. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully obtain the Royal Guard set and add a unique and powerful armor set to your collection.