Can Any Shield Deflect Guardian Beams? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, any shield can deflect Guardian beams in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. However, the way you deflect those beams and the consequences for your shield vary greatly depending on your technique. A simple block will likely disintegrate most shields, while a perfect parry is the key to survival and strategic advantage. This article dives deep into the mechanics of Guardian beam deflection, exploring different shields, techniques, and strategies to help you become a master Guardian slayer.
The Art of the Perfect Parry
The perfect parry, executed by pressing the ‘A’ button at the precise moment a Guardian’s eye flashes blue just before firing, is the most efficient method. When timed correctly, the laser is reflected back at the Guardian, causing significant damage, and the shield suffers no durability loss. This requires practice and precision, but the reward is immense. Imagine standing your ground against a colossal Guardian Stalker, effortlessly deflecting its deadly beams with even the humblest of shields – that’s the power of the perfect parry.
Shield Durability and Guardian Beams
While any shield can be used to deflect a beam, not all shields are created equal. Regularly blocking (holding the ‘ZL’ button) instead of parrying will cause shields to take damage, and Guardian beams inflict substantial wear and tear. Wooden shields are particularly vulnerable and will likely break after only one or two direct hits. Metal shields fare better, but even the strongest non-ancient shields will eventually succumb to the relentless assault of Guardian lasers.
Ancient Shields: A Specialized Defense
The Ancient Shield, crafted using ancient Sheikah technology, is specifically designed to deflect Guardian beams. Its unique property allows it to automatically deflect beams upon raising the shield, without the need for a perfect parry. However, this comes at a cost: the shield’s durability is depleted with each deflection. While convenient, relying solely on the Ancient Shield’s automatic deflection can lead to its rapid destruction.
Utilizing Daruk’s Protection
Daruk’s Protection, one of the Champion abilities, offers another method of defense. When activated, it creates a red crystal barrier that deflects all incoming attacks, including Guardian beams. This provides a temporary window of invincibility and allows you to retaliate without taking damage. However, Daruk’s Protection has a limited number of uses before needing to recharge, so strategic usage is crucial.
Hylian Shield: The Ultimate Defense (Almost)
The Hylian Shield is renowned for its exceptional durability and defensive power. It can withstand numerous attacks, including Guardian beams, making it a reliable option for those who prefer blocking over parrying. However, even the mighty Hylian Shield is not indestructible. It will eventually break under sustained assault, especially from powerful enemies like Guardians.
Mastering Movement and Timing
Beyond shields and special abilities, movement is key. Dodging and weaving around Guardian attacks can reduce your reliance on shield defense. Learning the timing of Guardian beam attacks allows you to position yourself strategically for a perfect parry or to create distance for a counter-attack.
Ultimately, mastering the art of deflecting Guardian beams is a combination of skill, strategy, and resource management. By understanding the nuances of shield durability, perfecting your parry timing, and utilizing all available tools, you can confidently face even the most formidable Guardians. If you are interested in learning more about game strategies, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, which studies games and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about deflecting Guardian beams, offering deeper insights and practical tips:
1. Can a pot lid actually deflect a Guardian beam?
Yes! Believe it or not, any shield, including a humble pot lid, can deflect a Guardian beam if you execute a perfect parry. However, a pot lid will likely break immediately if you try to just block the beam.
2. Does the type of Guardian affect beam deflection?
No, the type of Guardian (Stalker, Scout, Turret) does not affect the mechanics of beam deflection. The timing for the perfect parry remains the same.
3. How can I practice perfect parries?
Find a Guardian Stalker in Hyrule Field and save your game nearby. Practice parrying its beams, and if you fail, simply reload your save. Repetition is key.
4. Does the Ancient Armor set affect my ability to deflect beams?
The Ancient Armor set increases your defense, making you more resistant to damage, but it does not directly affect your ability to deflect beams.
5. What happens if I try to deflect a beam with a broken shield?
A broken shield will not deflect the beam and you will take full damage.
6. Is there a specific distance I need to be from a Guardian to deflect a beam?
While you can technically parry at a distance, it becomes increasingly difficult to time the parry accurately as the distance increases due to laser travel time. Close to medium range is ideal.
7. Can elemental shields (Flame Shield, Icy Shield, Thunder Shield) deflect beams?
Yes, elemental shields function the same as regular shields when it comes to deflecting Guardian beams. They can be used for perfect parries, but they also suffer durability loss from regular blocking.
8. Does the Shield of the Mind’s Eye help with parrying?
The Shield of the Mind’s Eye has a unique parrying bonus, making the parry window slightly larger, and it also allows for dodging attacks. This means that your window for a perfect parry is bigger.
9. Can I deflect beams while riding a horse?
No, you cannot deflect Guardian beams while riding a horse. Link needs to be on foot to use a shield.
10. How does the Master Cycle Zero affect my ability to deflect beams?
The Master Cycle Zero has no impact on your ability to deflect beams. It’s solely a mode of transportation.
11. Can I use Urbosa’s Fury to counter Guardian beams?
Urbosa’s Fury can stun Guardians, but it does not directly deflect their beams. It’s best used to create an opening for attack after a successful parry.
12. Is there any way to repair a broken Hylian Shield?
In Tears of the Kingdom, you can re-purchase the Hylian Shield from the Bargainer Statue in the Depths after it breaks. In Breath of the Wild, once broken, it is gone.
13. Does upgrading my shield at a Great Fairy Fountain improve its ability to deflect beams?
No, upgrading your shield does not improve its ability to deflect beams. It only enhances its defense and durability.
14. What is the best strategy for dealing with multiple Guardians at once?
Prioritize taking them down one at a time. Use stealth to your advantage and try to separate them. Perfect parrying is crucial, as it allows you to inflict significant damage without taking any yourself.
15. Can I use a shield to deflect other types of energy attacks besides Guardian beams?
You can use shields to deflect other types of energy attacks, such as those from Lynels, but the timing and effectiveness may vary. Experiment and adapt your strategy accordingly. The mechanics for most energy projectiles will have a very similar timing though.