Can You Break the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild?
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Yes, the Hylian Shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can indeed be broken. Despite its legendary status and reputation for durability, it is not invincible. Unlike the Master Sword, which has a unique mechanic of running out of energy before needing repair, the Hylian Shield operates like other shields in the game, possessing a finite amount of durability. Once that durability reaches zero, the shield will break. However, fear not, breaking this iconic shield doesn’t mean it’s lost forever; there are ways to obtain it again, albeit with some effort.
The Myth of the Unbreakable Shield
Many players mistakenly believe the Hylian Shield to be unbreakable due to its remarkable durability compared to other shields in the game. It boasts significantly higher durability and defense stats, making it a reliable defensive tool for even the most perilous encounters. However, no shield in Breath of the Wild is truly indestructible. Intense and prolonged use against powerful enemies or environmental hazards will eventually wear down even the Hylian Shield.
Why Does the Hylian Shield Break?
The decision to make the Hylian Shield breakable seems to be a conscious design choice by the game developers. This encourages players to be mindful of their equipment, even the most powerful pieces, and not take them for granted. It introduces an element of risk and resource management, making each encounter more strategic. The fact that you can reacquire the shield, albeit through a quest, provides a good balance between challenge and reward.
What Happens After the Hylian Shield Breaks?
Once the Hylian Shield breaks, it will disappear from your inventory. Unlike some other unique items in Breath of the Wild that might respawn or have specific locations, the Hylian Shield will no longer be found in the Hyrule Castle Lockup. This is where it is initially discovered. Instead, you’ll have to rely on a particular vendor to acquire a replacement.
Reacquiring the Hylian Shield
After the Hylian Shield breaks, you can buy another one from Granté in Tarrey Town. However, Granté only sets up shop after the construction of Tarrey Town is complete. This means you need to undertake a rather long side questline to bring Tarrey Town to its full glory. Once the town is established and Granté sets up shop, you can buy another Hylian Shield for 3,000 Rupees. This makes reacquiring the shield expensive and encourages players to use it wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand the nuances of the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild:
1. How Many Hylian Shields Can I Have?
Link can only have one Hylian Shield at a time. The game keeps track of whether you have it, and if you break it, a new one can be purchased. Storing it in your home doesn’t circumvent the restriction.
2. Is the Hylian Shield Worth the Effort?
Absolutely! It’s the best overall shield in the game in terms of both durability and defense. Obtaining it initially from Hyrule Castle and replacing it later makes it a valuable asset to have for any player.
3. What is the Hylian Shield’s Defense and Durability?
The Hylian Shield boasts an impressive 80 defense and 800 base durability. This makes it significantly superior to any other shield found in the game.
4. Can Ganon Break the Hylian Shield?
Yes, absolutely. Even Ganon’s attacks can break the Hylian Shield. While it has high durability, it’s not impervious to even the most powerful forces in the game.
5. Do I Have to Rebuild Tarrey Town to Get a Replacement?
Yes, you must complete the entire Tarrey Town questline to unlock Granté’s shop, where you can buy a replacement Hylian Shield.
6. How Much Does the Hylian Shield Cost to Buy?
After you’ve broken your first Hylian Shield, you can buy a replacement for 3,000 Rupees from Granté in Tarrey Town.
7. Is the Hylian Shield Unbreakable in Other Zelda Games?
The Hylian Shield is not unbreakable in all Zelda games. In many it has a traditional durability system, though some versions are effectively indestructible. It’s a unique feature to Breath of the Wild that the Hylian Shield can break.
8. Can the Hylian Shield be Repaired?
No, you cannot repair the Hylian Shield. Once its durability is depleted, it breaks, and you’ll need to purchase a replacement from Granté.
9. Where Can I Find the Hylian Shield Initially?
The first Hylian Shield is found inside a treasure chest in the Hyrule Castle Lockup.
10. Is the Hylian Shield the Best Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, the Hylian Shield is also the best shield in Tears of the Kingdom with a base defense of 90 and high durability. You find it in a different location this time around, within the Hyrule Castle Docks.
11. Can You Rebuy the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, you can re-buy the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom from Cece after completing “The Mayoral Election” Side Adventure in Hateno Village for 3,000 rupees.
12. What is the Difference Between the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield?
The Master Sword does not break in the traditional sense but runs out of energy and needs to recharge. The Hylian Shield, in contrast, has a finite amount of durability and will break after sustaining too much damage.
13. Is There a Duplication Glitch for the Hylian Shield?
While duplication glitches have been discovered, they are generally patched out of the game. Relying on these is not a guaranteed strategy for getting multiple Hylian Shields.
14. What are the Key Steps to Getting a Replacement Hylian Shield?
First, you must obtain the Hylian Shield from Hyrule Castle. If it breaks, you then must complete the Tarrey Town side quest to make Granté’s shop available. Then, you can buy another for 3,000 rupees.
15. What Should I Fuse With the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
While you can fuse items to shields, fusing them to the Hylian Shield might diminish it’s iconic and aesthetic nature. Consider fusing items to other, less valued shields for increased durability or attack boosts.
Conclusion
While it is disappointing when your prized Hylian Shield breaks in Breath of the Wild, it’s important to understand that this is a part of the game mechanics. The shield’s breakable nature encourages thoughtful use and careful resource management. The good news is that you can always acquire another one once you’ve fully established Tarrey Town, which further solidifies its place as an important item to seek out in Hyrule. So keep battling on, adventurer, and be sure to keep an eye on your shield’s durability!