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 Shikashi, a researcher located in the Royal Hidden Passage beneath Hyrule Castle. To start the quest, you must first speak to Shikashi, who will explain that he is searching for the Royal Guard's gear, which includes the Royal Guard's Sword, Royal Guard's Shield, and Royal Guard's Bow. These items are scattered throughout Hyrule Castle, and your goal is to locate and retrieve them.

To begin, you will need to prepare for the journey into Hyrule Castle. This area is filled with powerful enemies, including Guardians, Lynels, and other high-level foes, so it is essential to come prepared. Make sure you have strong weapons, shields, and armor, as well as plenty of healing items. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, defense boosts, or attack boosts can be very helpful. Additionally, having a few fairies in your inventory can save you from unexpected deaths. It is also a good idea to bring along some ancient arrows, as they can quickly dispatch Guardians if you find yourself in a tough spot.

Once you are ready, head to Hyrule Castle. You can enter the castle through several routes, but the most straightforward way is to approach from the north side, near the docks. From there, you can make your way into the castle's interior. The Royal Guard's gear is located in specific areas within the castle, so you will need to explore thoroughly.

The Royal Guard's Sword can be found in the Guard's Chamber, which is located in the basement of the castle. To reach this area, you will need to navigate through the castle's lower levels, which are filled with enemies and traps. The sword is located on a weapon rack in the Guard's Chamber, so be sure to check all the rooms carefully. Once you find the sword, pick it up and add it to your inventory.

The Royal Guard's Shield is located in the Lockup, which is another area in the castle's basement. The Lockup is a bit more challenging to reach, as it is guarded by several powerful enemies. You will need to defeat these enemies or sneak past them to reach the shield. The shield is located on a weapon rack in one of the cells, so be sure to search all the cells thoroughly. Once you find the shield, pick it up and add it to your inventory.

The Royal Guard's Bow is located in the Observation Room, which is on one of the upper levels of the castle. To reach this area, you will need to climb up through the castle's interior or use the paraglider to reach higher platforms. The bow is located on a weapon rack in the Observation Room, so be sure to check all the rooms carefully. Once you find the bow, pick it up and add it to your inventory.

After you have collected all three pieces of the Royal Guard's gear, return to Shikashi in the Royal Hidden Passage. He will be pleased to see that you have found the items and will reward you with a diamond, which is a valuable gem that can be sold for rupees or used to upgrade certain armor sets.

There are a few important tips and considerations to keep in mind while completing this quest. First, be aware that the Royal Guard's gear has low durability, so it is best to use these items sparingly or save them for special occasions. Second, the castle is filled with powerful enemies, so it is important to approach each encounter carefully. Use stealth to avoid unnecessary fights, and make use of your strongest weapons and shields when you do need to engage in combat. Finally, be sure to save your game frequently, as the castle can be a dangerous place, and you don't want to lose progress if you are defeated.

Common mistakes to avoid include rushing into the castle without proper preparation, as this can lead to quick deaths and frustration. It is also important to avoid using the Royal Guard's gear in regular combat, as it will break quickly and you will need to find it again if you want to complete the quest. Additionally, be sure to explore the castle thoroughly, as the gear is hidden in specific locations and can be easy to miss if you are not paying attention.

Advanced techniques and optimizations include using the paraglider to reach higher areas of the castle quickly, as this can save time and help you avoid enemies. You can also use stealth to sneak past enemies and avoid unnecessary fights, which can conserve your resources and make the quest easier to complete. Additionally, using ancient arrows to take out Guardians quickly can save you a lot of trouble, as these enemies can be very difficult to defeat with regular weapons.

In terms of required items and preparation, you will need strong weapons, shields, and armor, as well as plenty of healing items. Cooking meals that provide extra hearts, defense boosts, or attack boosts can be very helpful, and having a few fairies in your inventory can save you from unexpected deaths. It is also a good idea to bring along some ancient arrows, as they can quickly dispatch Guardians if you find yourself in a tough spot.

Alternative approaches to completing the quest include using the Master Sword, which is a powerful weapon that can be very effective against the enemies in the castle. Additionally, you can use the Stasis rune to freeze enemies and give yourself an advantage in combat. Finally, you can use the Magnesis rune to move metal objects and create barriers or platforms, which can help you navigate the castle more easily.

In conclusion, completing "The Royal Guard's Gear" side quest requires careful preparation, thorough exploration, and strategic combat. By following the steps outlined above and keeping the tips and considerations in mind, you can successfully retrieve the Royal Guard's gear and complete the quest. Good luck, and happy exploring!