What Happens When the Unthinkable Occurs: You Lose Your Hylian Shield!
Ah, the Hylian Shield: a symbol of Hyrule itself, a testament to Link’s courage, and arguably the most iconic piece of equipment in the entire Legend of Zelda franchise. Whether you’re adventuring in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, this shield is a reliable companion, deflecting Guardian lasers, enduring Bokoblin clubs, and generally making Link look incredibly cool. But what happens when the unthinkable occurs? What if, through some unfortunate circumstance – a Ganon fueled frenzy, a clumsy mistake, or even a glitch in the matrix – you lose your Hylian Shield?
Fear not, brave adventurer! While losing this treasure is certainly a moment of panic, it’s not the end of the world (or Hyrule). Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom offer ways to reclaim your Hylian Shield, ensuring that you’re not defenseless for long. However, the methods for getting it back differ slightly between the two games, so let’s delve into each scenario:
Breath of the Wild (BOTW)
In Breath of the Wild, once you’ve obtained the Hylian Shield from the depths of Hyrule Castle, a specific vendor becomes your lifeline in case of loss: Granté in Tarrey Town. You’ll only have access to Granté once you have completed the From the Ground Up side quest in Akkala. He resides on a balcony. If you go to his location during the day, you can’t see any shop merchandise. That’s because you’re in the wrong house. Granté will only sell you another Hylian Shield if you no longer have one in your inventory or stored at your house. Expect to pay a hefty sum of 3,000 Rupees for the replacement.
Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK)
Tears of the Kingdom offers a similar, albeit different, route to shield recovery. Your go-to person in this game is Cece at the armor shop in Hateno Village. However, access to her Hylian Shield reselling service requires completing the “The Mayoral Election” side adventure. Similar to Breath of the Wild, you will only be able to get the shield from Cece after you have already found it in Hyrule Castle and after having lost it. The resale price is the same at 3,000 Rupees.
Both methods provide a safety net, acknowledging that even the best shield in the game isn’t invincible, and accidents happen. While the Hylian Shield boasts exceptional durability, it can break if subjected to enough punishment. Thankfully, the game provides a second chance, allowing you to maintain that iconic look and unparalleled defense.
Preparing for the Worst
While knowing how to retrieve a lost Hylian Shield is essential, it’s equally important to take preventative measures. Here are a few tips to minimize the risk of losing it in the first place:
- Fuse: In Tears of the Kingdom, you can fuse materials to your shield. This is a crucial step to improving your shield’s overall defense and attack power.
- Be Mindful of Gloom: Tears of the Kingdom introduces Gloom, which can damage your equipment. Avoid prolonged exposure to Gloom, especially with your Hylian Shield equipped.
- Regularly Save: Make frequent saves, especially before engaging in challenging battles. This way, if the worst happens and your shield breaks, you can reload a previous save.
- Utilize Parry: Mastering the parry technique is crucial. Perfect parries not only negate damage but also prevent wear and tear on your shield.
- Don’t Use It for Everything: The temptation is there to block every rock, attack, and random flying object. Instead, consider a cheaper, more easily replaced shield for everyday travel.
- Upgrade it: Unfortunately, you can’t upgrade the Hylian Shield at Great Fairy Fountains, but make sure to fuse the best materials possible to it when in TOTK.
The Hylian Shield isn’t just a piece of equipment; it’s a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Knowing how to reclaim it after a loss allows you to continue your adventures with confidence, knowing that even in the face of adversity, Hyrule’s champion can always bounce back. This element of overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes is mirrored in the broader world of game-based learning, where failure can be a powerful tool for growth. You can read more about learning and games at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Hylian Shield
Hylian Shield FAQs
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Can the Hylian Shield break?
Yes, despite its legendary durability, the Hylian Shield can break in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Its high durability means it takes a significant amount of damage to break, but it’s not indestructible.
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How much durability does the Hylian Shield have?
In Breath of the Wild, the Hylian Shield has a durability of 800. In Tears of the Kingdom, the exact durability remains undisclosed, but it is similarly substantial.
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How do I get the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild?
You can find the Hylian Shield in Hyrule Castle. Specifically, it’s located in the Lockup. After entering the Lockup, fight the Stalnox to reveal the chest containing the shield.
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How do I get the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?
The location of the Hylian Shield is the same in Tears of the Kingdom as it is in Breath of the Wild. To get the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom, travel to Hyrule Castle, and it is located in the Lockup. After entering the Lockup, fight the Stalnox to reveal the chest containing the shield.
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Where is Granté in Tarrey Town (BOTW)?
Granté is located on a balcony in Tarrey Town (Akkala Region) . He’s only available after completing the “From the Ground Up” side quest. The house he is on will not have any shop merchandise during the day. You will need to climb to the balcony to find him.
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Where is Cece in Hateno Village (TOTK)?
Cece is located at the armor shop in Hateno Village. She will sell another Hylian Shield after you’ve completed “The Mayoral Election” side adventure, so you might be able to find her at the mayor’s house, too.
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How much does it cost to replace the Hylian Shield?
A replacement Hylian Shield costs 3,000 Rupees from either Granté in Breath of the Wild or Cece in Tears of the Kingdom.
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Can I get multiple Hylian Shields?
No. You can only have one Hylian Shield at a time through legitimate gameplay means. However, once you have found the Hylian Shield, after losing it, the game will allow you to purchase another one from the vendors mentioned above.
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What is the defense rating of the Hylian Shield?
The Hylian Shield has a base defense rating of 90 in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
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Can I upgrade the Hylian Shield?
In Breath of the Wild, the Hylian Shield cannot be upgraded at the Great Fairy Fountains. In Tears of the Kingdom, you cannot enhance the Hylian Shield at the Great Fairy Fountains.
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Is the Hylian Shield worth getting?
Yes, the Hylian Shield is well worth getting. Its high durability and defense make it an invaluable asset for both combat and exploration.
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How many hits can the Hylian Shield take from a Guardian laser?
The Hylian Shield can withstand approximately 27 Guardian lasers before breaking, assuming it hasn’t taken prior damage.
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Do I have to complete any quests to unlock the Hylian Shield replacement vendor?
Yes. In Breath of the Wild, you must complete the “From the Ground Up” side quest to unlock Granté. In Tears of the Kingdom, you must complete “The Mayoral Election” side adventure to unlock Cece.
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Can I buy the Hylian Shield before finding it in Hyrule Castle?
No, you must find the Hylian Shield in Hyrule Castle first before you can purchase a replacement from either Granté or Cece.
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What happens if I lose my Hylian Shield and don’t have enough Rupees to buy a new one?
If you lose your Hylian Shield and lack the necessary 3,000 Rupees, you’ll need to gather more Rupees through various activities like selling materials, completing quests, or playing minigames until you have enough to purchase a replacement from Granté or Cece.
Losing your Hylian Shield can feel like a major setback, but it’s a recoverable situation. With a bit of effort and resourcefulness, you can reclaim your shield and continue your adventure with confidence.