How to Flip an Ancient Guardian in Breath of the Wild: A Comprehensive Guide
The burning question on every Hylian adventurer’s mind: How do you flip an Ancient Guardian in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? The answer is simple: use Cryonis. This isn’t about defeating them, but rather exposing the goodies hidden beneath a specific type of Guardian: the flippable Guardian ruin. These are typically immobile and lying face-down, ripe for a little icy manipulation. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Locate a Flippable Guardian Ruin: As mentioned in the initial article, one reliable location is south of Lanayru Tower, within the monster base. Look for a large, flat Guardian ruin lying on its front. Be prepared to deal with the surrounding Stalkoblins and Black Bokoblin!
- Equip the Cryonis Rune: Ensure you have the Cryonis Rune equipped. If you haven’t obtained it yet, you’ll need to visit the Shrine on the Great Plateau where it’s awarded.
- Identify a Water Source: Cryonis allows you to create pillars of ice on water surfaces. Look for a small pool or even a puddle near the Guardian ruin.
- Create an Ice Pillar: Target the water source and use the Cryonis Rune to create a pillar of ice. The height of the pillar is crucial. You want it tall enough to lever the Guardian, but not so tall that it sends the ruin flying. Experimentation might be required.
- Position the Pillar: The pillar needs to be strategically placed underneath one edge of the Guardian. Aim for a point that provides maximum leverage.
- Flip the Guardian: If your pillar is correctly positioned and of the right height, creating it should cause the Guardian ruin to flip over. The ancient parts underneath will now be accessible.
- Collect Your Loot: Usually, you’ll find Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, and other valuable ancient materials. These are essential for upgrading your armor and crafting powerful weapons.
This technique is particularly useful early in the game when resources are scarce and facing active Guardians is a daunting prospect. It’s a safe and reliable way to acquire valuable ancient components without risking life and limb. Now, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions to further expand your knowledge. Engaging with video games enhances our problem-solving abilities, aligning with the goals of the Games Learning Society who explore the intersection of games and education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 common questions about Ancient Guardians and related mechanics in Breath of the Wild, answered in detail:
How do I effectively defeat active Guardians?
While flipping Guardians is about resource gathering, defeating them is about survival and obtaining even rarer components. Ancient weapons are your best bet. Specifically, Ancient Arrows are incredibly effective when aimed directly at the Guardian’s eye. They deal massive damage. Parrying the Guardian’s laser beam with your shield at the precise moment of firing also deals significant damage and can stun them. Experiment with timing to perfect your parry.
What are the different types of Guardians?
There are several types of Guardians:
- Guardian Stalkers: The most common, mobile Guardians with legs.
- Guardian Skywatchers: Flying Guardians, often found patrolling around Hyrule Castle.
- Guardian Turrets: Immobile Guardians, typically found in fixed locations.
- Decayed Guardians: Inactive Guardian husks, easily defeated.
- Guardian Scouts: Found inside Shrines, they come in varying strengths (I, II, III, IV).
- Flippable Guardian Ruins: The inactive, face-down Guardians we’re discussing in this guide.
What is the weakness of a Guardian Stalker?
As mentioned before, the eye is the primary weakness. Precise arrow shots to the eye will stun them, giving you an opening for melee attacks or further arrow fire. Cutting off their legs weakens them significantly.
Can I parry a Guardian’s laser with any shield?
While any shield can technically be used to parry, using a sturdy shield with high durability is recommended. Regular wooden shields are likely to break after a single parry. The Hylian Shield is ideal, but any metal shield with good defense will work.
Where can I find Ancient Arrows?
You can purchase Ancient Arrows from Cherry, the ancient oven, inside the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. You’ll need Rupees and specific ancient parts to buy them. They can also be found in treasure chests, but this is less reliable.
Are Ancient Arrows a one-hit kill for Guardians?
When aimed directly at the eye, Ancient Arrows will usually defeat a Guardian Stalker in one hit. However, higher-level Guardian Scouts within Shrines may require multiple hits.
Where can I farm Ancient Cores?
Guardian Stalkers are a good source of Ancient Cores. They have a chance to drop them after being defeated. Locations with multiple Stalkers, such as around Hyrule Field, are excellent farming spots. Remember that they respawn during the Blood Moon. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how these in-game mechanics encourage strategic thinking and resource management.
What does Teli sell, and where can I find him?
Teli, the traveling merchant, sells Ancient Cores. He can be found on the road between Hateno Village and Fort Hateno. He only sells one Ancient Core per day, and only during rainy weather.
Do Guardian Scouts drop Ancient Cores?
Yes, Guardian Scouts III and IV have a rare chance of dropping Giant Ancient Cores.
How many legs does a Guardian Stalker have?
Guardian Stalkers have eight legs. Destroying these legs makes them immobile and easier to defeat.
What is a Perfect Guard, and how do I perform it against a Guardian?
A Perfect Guard is executed by pressing the A button (or the parry button) right before an enemy attack connects. Against a Guardian’s laser, time your parry perfectly as the beam is about to hit your shield. A successful Perfect Guard will reflect the laser back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage.
Is there an easy way to defeat Guardians early in the game?
Early in the game, resources are scarce, so direct confrontation can be difficult. Using terrain to your advantage is key. Hiding behind objects to avoid the laser, and utilizing bombs to damage the legs, can help. The Cryonis method described above avoids direct combat altogether.
Can I damage my own shield while parrying a Guardian’s laser?
Yes, even a successful parry can damage your shield. Repeated parries will eventually break even durable shields. The Hylian Shield is the most resilient, but even it can break under constant assault.
What happens when a Blood Moon occurs?
The Blood Moon is a recurring event where previously defeated enemies respawn, including Guardians. This makes farming for ancient parts a cyclical process.
How much health does an Ancient Guardian have?
While the “Ancient Guardian” term is somewhat ambiguous, if referring to the powerful Stalker variant, they possess considerable health. The provided article mentions 2500 health, although this is variable based on game difficulty modes.
By mastering the Cryonis technique for flipping inactive Guardians and understanding the combat strategies for dealing with active ones, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges of Hyrule and acquire the powerful ancient technology within. Good luck, Hylian hero!