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Unveiling the Hylian Shield: Durability, Defense, and Everything You Need to Know

The Hylian Shield is arguably the most iconic piece of defensive equipment in the Legend of Zelda franchise. Its classic design and robust capabilities have made it a highly sought-after item in multiple games. In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the shield continues to be a prized possession. So, what’s the deal with its durability?

The maximum durability of the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild is 1160. This is achieved by obtaining a Hylian Shield with a “Durability Up +” modifier. In Tears of the Kingdom, while the exact numbers aren’t explicitly stated, the Hylian Shield retains its position as the most durable shield in the game. It can take a substantial amount of punishment before breaking, though it is, in fact, breakable. Let’s dive into the details.

Hylian Shield Deep Dive: Durability, Defense, and More

The Hylian Shield isn’t just about raw durability; it’s a combination of factors that make it the best shield in the game. We’ll explore these attributes and answer some common questions.

Durability Decoded

The Hylian Shield’s durability is its defining characteristic.

Breath of the Wild: The base durability is 800, which can be increased to a maximum of 1160 with the “Durability Up +” modifier. This essentially means the shield can withstand hundreds of attacks before breaking.
Tears of the Kingdom: While the specific number is not revealed in the game, the Hylian Shield is still the best shield in the game and considered the best overall shield in the game due to its high durability.

Defensive Prowess

Durability isn’t everything, and the Hylian Shield also boasts impressive defense.

Breath of the Wild: The base defense is 90, which can be boosted to 144 with the “Guard Up +” modifier. This high defense significantly reduces the damage Link takes when blocking attacks.
Tears of the Kingdom: The base defense is 90, which can be boosted to 122 (white bonus) or 144 (yellow bonus). The increase to defense is still substantial, making it the most protective shield available.

Beyond the Stats: Why It Matters

The Hylian Shield’s high durability and defense translate to practical advantages in gameplay. It allows players to:

Conserve resources: Less frequent shield replacements mean fewer trips to shops or less time spent searching for replacements.
Tank challenging enemies: Face off against Lynels, Guardians, and other formidable foes with confidence, knowing your shield can withstand significant damage.
Explore fearlessly: Venture into dangerous areas without constantly worrying about shield breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Hylian Shield

Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide additional insights and clarifications about the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Can the Hylian Shield break?

Yes, unlike in Skyward Sword, the Hylian Shield can break in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. However, its high durability makes it significantly more resistant to damage than other shields.
Where can I find the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild?

The Hylian Shield is located in the Hyrule Castle Lockup. You’ll need to defeat a Stalnox to access the chest containing the shield.
Where can I find the Hylian Shield in Tears of the Kingdom?

It’s initially found within the Hyrule Castle Docks, but only after investigating the castle following a story event.
What happens if my Hylian Shield breaks?

In both games, once you have obtained the Hylian Shield once, you can purchase another one from a specific NPC in the game. In Breath of the Wild, you can buy it from Grante in Tarrey Town. In Tears of the Kingdom, you can buy it from Cece at her shop in Hateno Village.
How much does it cost to replace the Hylian Shield?

Replacing the Hylian Shield is an investment. In both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, it costs 3,000 Rupees to purchase a new one.
Does fusing materials to the Hylian Shield affect its durability?

Yes, fusing materials affects its durability. The durability of the fused material does not increase the durability of the Hylian Shield, however.
What are the best materials to fuse to a shield for defense in Tears of the Kingdom?

Materials with high defense stats, such as Silver Lynel Saber Horns or Gleeok Horns, can be fused to shields to increase their defensive capabilities, which helps in blocking stronger attacks and conserving the shield’s durability.
Can Lynels break the Hylian Shield easily?

While Lynels are powerful enemies, the Hylian Shield can withstand a considerable number of their attacks. However, prolonged blocking against a Golden or Silver Lynel will eventually break the shield.
Is the Hylian Shield worth the effort to acquire?

Absolutely. The Hylian Shield’s combination of high durability and defense makes it an invaluable asset for exploration, combat, and general survival in Hyrule.
Can I have more than one Hylian Shield at a time without glitches/exploits?

Normally, no. The game is designed to only allow one Hylian Shield at a time. However, using glitches or exploits that have been patched out, it may be possible to have multiple shields, although this is not an intended game mechanic.
What is the weakest Lynel to practice with?

Red Lynels are the weakest variant. However, they become rarer as the game progresses, with the one on Ploymus Mountain being the most consistent location.
How many Guardian laser blasts can the Hylian Shield withstand?

The Hylian Shield can withstand many Guardian laser blasts, far more than any other shield in the game. Its high durability makes it ideal for deflecting Guardian attacks.
Can Ganon’s attacks break the Hylian Shield easily?

Ganon’s attacks, especially his gloom-infused attacks in Tears of the Kingdom, are particularly damaging to shields. Prolonged blocking against Ganon will eventually break even the Hylian Shield.
Is there a “Dark Hylian Shield” in the games?

No, there isn’t a “Dark Hylian Shield” in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom in the base game. The reference you mentioned is from a mod.
Where can I buy Hylian Rice?

You can purchase Hylian Rice from various merchants throughout Hyrule, including:
- Zora’s Domain General Store
- Lookout Landing General Store
- Gerudo Town Cooking Ingredient Store
- Hateno Village General Store

Conclusion: The Enduring Legend of the Hylian Shield

The Hylian Shield remains an essential tool for any adventurer traversing the lands of Hyrule. Its impressive durability and defensive capabilities provide unparalleled protection against the dangers that lurk around every corner. While it’s not indestructible, its longevity makes it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re battling Lynels, deflecting Guardian lasers, or exploring treacherous terrain, the Hylian Shield will be your steadfast companion.

To further explore the educational impact and design of games, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society fosters research and collaboration on how games can be used for learning and development. Understanding game mechanics, like shield durability, can offer insights into player engagement, game balancing, and overall learning effectiveness within games.

What is the max durability of the Hylian Shield?