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 Shae Katha, a researcher located in the Royal Hidden Passage beneath Hyrule Castle. The passage can be accessed by entering the castle's docks area and finding the entrance near the water. Once inside, Shae Katha will explain that she is studying the Royal Guard's equipment and asks Link to retrieve three specific pieces of gear: the Royal Guard's Claymore, the Royal Guard's Spear, and the Royal Guard's Bow.

To complete this quest, you will need to explore Hyrule Castle thoroughly, as the items are scattered in different locations within the castle. The Royal Guard's Claymore can be found in the Lockup, a dungeon-like area within the castle. To reach the Lockup, head to the Dining Hall and look for a passage leading downward. The Claymore is located in a cell guarded by a powerful enemy, so be prepared for combat. The Royal Guard's Spear is located in the Observation Room, which is accessible by climbing the castle's central tower. The Spear is leaning against a wall in this room, but you may need to defeat a few enemies to reach it safely. The Royal Guard's Bow is found in the Guard's Chamber, a room near the castle's Sanctum. This area is heavily guarded, so stealth or combat skills will be necessary to retrieve the bow.

Once you have collected all three items, return to Shae Katha in the Royal Hidden Passage. She will examine the gear and express her gratitude, completing the quest. As a reward, you will be allowed to keep the Royal Guard's Claymore, Spear, and Bow, which are some of the most powerful weapons in the game. These weapons have high attack power but lower durability compared to other high-tier weapons, so use them strategically.

Preparation is key for this quest. Hyrule Castle is one of the most dangerous areas in the game, filled with powerful enemies like Lynels, Guardians, and Moblins. Before attempting this quest, ensure you have strong weapons, armor, and plenty of healing items. Stealth is also important, as avoiding unnecessary fights can save resources. Consider wearing the Stealth Set or using stealth-enhancing food to move through the castle undetected. Additionally, having a few Ancient Arrows can be helpful for dealing with Guardians quickly.

A common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of Hyrule Castle. Many players rush in without proper preparation and find themselves overwhelmed by the enemies. Take your time to explore and plan your route. Another mistake is using the Royal Guard's weapons carelessly. Since they have low durability, save them for tough battles rather than wasting them on weaker enemies.

Advanced techniques can make this quest easier. For example, using the Stasis Rune to freeze enemies temporarily can give you an advantage in combat. Additionally, mastering parrying with your shield can help you deflect Guardian lasers, saving you from taking damage. If you have the Master Sword, it is a reliable weapon for this quest due to its durability and power.

Alternative approaches include using the Revali's Gale ability to reach higher areas of the castle quickly, bypassing some enemies. You can also use the Cryonis Rune to create ice blocks in the castle's moat, providing a safe path to the docks area. If you prefer a more aggressive approach, consider using elemental weapons to exploit enemy weaknesses.

In summary, "The Royal Guard's Gear" is a challenging but rewarding side quest that requires careful planning and execution. By preparing adequately, using stealth and combat strategies, and managing your resources wisely, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's equipment and add powerful weapons to your arsenal. Remember to save the Royal Guard's weapons for critical moments, and enjoy the satisfaction of completing one of the game's more demanding tasks.