Does Parrying a Guardian Laser Damage Your Shield?
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The short answer is: no, parrying a Guardian laser does not damage your shield if executed correctly. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, a perfect parry, also known as a Perfect Guard, deflects the Guardian’s laser beam back at the enemy without causing any durability loss to your shield. However, it’s crucial to understand the mechanics behind this technique to avoid shield damage and maximize your chances of survival when facing these formidable foes.
Understanding the Mechanics of Parrying
The Timing is Key
The secret to a successful parry lies in timing. When a Guardian is about to unleash its laser, you need to press the A button right as the beam is about to hit your shield. This requires precision and practice. The visual cue of the Guardian’s laser charging up, along with the distinct “beep” sound, are your indicators. Successfully parrying results in the laser being reflected back at the Guardian, dealing damage and often stunning it.
Failing to Parry Correctly
If you attempt to parry too early or too late, the laser will simply hit your shield normally. This will cause significant damage, and depending on the shield’s durability, it could even break in one hit if it’s a weaker shield. A failed parry does not offer any protection or reflection; it’s essentially like just blocking the laser, with the associated shield damage consequences.
The Role of Shield Durability
While parrying itself doesn’t damage your shield, the durability of the shield is a critical factor. If you simply block a Guardian laser without parrying, most standard shields will break instantly. Certain shields have a higher durability and can withstand more hits, but even the best of these will eventually break under sustained laser fire if you’re not parrying.
The Exception: The Ancient Shield
The Ancient Shield is an exception to the typical parrying rules. This shield, obtained from Robbie’s Tech Lab, possesses a unique property: it automatically reflects Guardian lasers without the need for a parry. When hit by a laser beam, the Ancient Shield reflects the energy back at the Guardian, all while retaining its durability. This makes the Ancient Shield an incredibly valuable tool when facing Guardians. The Ancient Shield also has a higher base shield guard of 70 and durability of 32.
The Hylian Shield: Durability and Longevity
The Hylian Shield is renowned for its exceptional durability. It is capable of withstanding a significant number of Guardian laser blasts (around 27 if it’s undamaged) before breaking if you’re just blocking the shots, however, even this mighty shield will eventually break. However, as with other shields, if you do not parry the lasers, the shield’s durability will take a toll. This makes the Hylian Shield an extremely valuable asset in facing Guardians. Even though it’s extremely durable, it is always better to parry to conserve its integrity and avoid any chance of it being broken.
FAQs: All About Parrying Guardian Lasers
1. What is a perfect parry or Perfect Guard?
A perfect parry, also known as Perfect Guard, is a defensive maneuver where you press the A button right as an attack is about to hit your shield. This deflects the attack back at the attacker without damaging your shield.
2. What happens if I miss the parry timing?
If you miss the parry timing, the Guardian laser will hit your shield as if you were just blocking normally, causing significant damage to your shield. If the shield is weak enough it will break on the impact.
3. Does the shield’s strength affect the parry?
No, the shield’s strength doesn’t affect your ability to perform a perfect parry. Even a weaker shield can deflect a Guardian laser if the parry is timed correctly. However, stronger shields will take less durability damage while trying to get the timing perfect.
4. How can I tell when to parry a Guardian laser?
You should pay attention to the Guardian’s eye, waiting for the laser to start charging and for a “beep” noise. Press the A button just as the laser beam is about to hit your shield.
5. Can any shield parry a Guardian laser?
Yes, you can parry a Guardian laser with any shield as long as you time the button press correctly. However, shields can break if you fail to parry and simply block the laser.
6. Can I dodge a Guardian laser?
Dodging a Guardian laser is difficult as they have auto targeting. Parrying or using an Ancient Shield are the most effective ways to deal with them.
7. What is special about the Ancient Shield?
The Ancient Shield automatically reflects Guardian lasers back at the enemy without requiring a parry. This makes it very useful but can be expensive to acquire. It also has a base shield guard of 70, along with a base durability of 32.
8. Does the Hylian Shield break from Guardian lasers?
Yes, even the Hylian Shield will eventually break if it is hit by enough Guardian lasers without parrying. However, it is extremely durable and can withstand about 27 hits if it’s undamaged, making it a strong defensive option. However, even with this high resistance, it is always best to learn and properly apply parrying with this shield.
9. What is the durability of the Hylian Shield?
The Hylian Shield has the highest base durability in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Its durability is approximately 800.
10. How many hearts of damage does a Guardian laser do?
Guardian laser damage varies, but it usually takes between 11.5 to 14.5 hearts of damage if you simply block without a parry, and no added defense.
11. Is parrying the only way to avoid damage from Guardian lasers?
No, the Ancient Shield automatically reflects lasers, and you can try to avoid the lasers by moving out of their path. However, parrying is the most consistent method with any shield.
12. How do I get the Ancient Shield?
You can acquire the Ancient Shield from Robbie’s Tech Lab for 1,000 Rupees and a collection of Ancient materials.
13. How do I get a Guardian Shield ++?
Guardian Shields ++ can be found in “A Major Test of Strength” shrines, or in Treasure Chests when scanning the Breath of the Wild Guardian amiibo.
14. Does the Guardian Shield regenerate?
Yes, after a short cooldown of ten seconds, a Guardian Shield will become usable again. However, the shield’s durability takes longer to completely regenerate.
15. Where can I get the Hylian Shield?
The Hylian Shield is found in a chest in the docking bay beneath Hyrule Castle in Tears of the Kingdom. In Breath of the Wild, it can be found in the Hyrule Castle Lockup. It’s not easy to acquire, but well worth the effort.
Conclusion
In summary, while simply blocking a Guardian laser with your shield will cause damage, parrying a Guardian laser, when done correctly, will not damage your shield. Mastering the art of the perfect parry is crucial to conserving shield durability and turning the Guardians’ lasers against them. The Ancient Shield is a valuable alternative that automatically reflects the lasers, but with other shields, parrying is the key to survival in the face of these formidable enemies. Remember to practice your timing, and you’ll soon be deflecting lasers with ease.