What Shield Deflects Guardian Beams? Your Ultimate Guide to Guardian Defense in Zelda: Breath of the Wild
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The short answer is: any shield in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can deflect Guardian beams. However, the effectiveness and method of deflection vary.
Understanding Guardian Deflection Mechanics
Guardians, those menacing, laser-shooting relics of ancient Hyrule, are a formidable foe. While their powerful beams can seem insurmountable, Link has several options for turning the tide using shields. The key to deflecting Guardian beams lies in understanding two primary methods: perfect parries and automatic reflection with specific shields.
The Perfect Parry: Skill and Timing
The most readily available, yet challenging, method of deflecting Guardian beams involves performing a perfect parry. This technique requires impeccable timing. When a Guardian locks onto Link and charges its beam, a distinct targeting system “beep” sound will occur. The moment the Guardian’s eye glows blue, just before the laser fires, is the precise moment to press the A button while your shield is raised (holding ZL).
Mastering the perfect parry allows you to deflect Guardian beams with any shield, even a humble pot lid! Successfully parrying not only negates the beam’s damage but also sends it back at the Guardian, dealing significant damage. The beauty of this method is that it doesn’t damage your shield if executed correctly. However, a mistimed parry can lead to shield damage or complete disintegration, leaving Link vulnerable.
The Ancient Shield: Automatic Reflection
For players seeking a more forgiving approach, the Ancient Shield, obtainable from Robbie’s Tech Lab in Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, offers automatic beam reflection. This shield, forged with ancient Sheikah technology, possesses the unique ability to deflect Guardian beams without the need for precise timing.
Simply holding the Ancient Shield up as the Guardian fires will automatically reflect the beam. While convenient, the Ancient Shield isn’t invincible. It has a durability rating, and repeated hits will eventually cause it to break. However, it’s far more durable against Guardian beams compared to standard shields. It can be purchased for 1,000 Rupees and requires specific Guardian parts to acquire.
Guardian Shield: Another Powerful Option
Besides the Ancient Shield, Guardian Shields found in shrines or obtainable via amiibo provide a good middle ground.
Guardian Shield ++
The Guardian Shield ++ will auto-reflect guardian scout beams, but not their desperation attack.
Choosing the Right Shield and Method
The “best” approach for deflecting Guardian beams depends on your skill level, resources, and preferred playstyle.
- New Players: The Ancient Shield provides a reliable safety net and allows you to learn Guardian attack patterns without the constant fear of shield breakage.
- Skilled Players: Mastering the perfect parry with any shield offers a cost-effective and satisfying way to defeat Guardians.
- Resourceful Players: The Guardian Shield, combined with decent parry skills, offers a good mix of durability and offensive capability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can any shield deflect Guardian beams?
Yes, any shield in Breath of the Wild can deflect Guardian beams if you execute a perfect parry.
2. What is the best shield for deflecting Guardian beams?
The Ancient Shield is arguably the best due to its automatic reflection capability, eliminating the need for precise timing.
3. How do I perform a perfect parry?
Raise your shield by holding ZL, and press A the instant before the Guardian beam fires, when you see the energy building around the eye.
4. Does the Ancient Shield take damage from Guardian beams?
Yes, the Ancient Shield has durability and will eventually break from repeated hits, although it is more durable than standard shields.
5. Where can I get the Ancient Shield?
You can purchase the Ancient Shield from Robbie’s Tech Lab in Akkala Ancient Tech Lab for 1,000 Rupees and specific Guardian parts.
6. What are the best Guardian parts to farm?
The most useful Guardian parts for upgrades and purchases are Ancient Screws, Ancient Springs, Ancient Gears, Ancient Shafts, Ancient Cores, and Giant Ancient Cores.
7. Can Daruk’s Protection deflect Guardian beams?
Yes, Daruk’s Protection creates a temporary barrier that can deflect Guardian beams, though it is better used for melee attacks.
8. How can I practice parrying Guardian beams?
Save your game near a Guardian and repeatedly practice your timing. Load the save if your shield breaks, and you run out of shields, or you get killed.
9. Can you deflect Guardian Scout beams?
Yes, you can deflect Guardian Scout beams with a perfect parry using any shield or with a Guardian Shield.
10. What happens if I fail to parry a Guardian beam?
If you fail to parry, the beam will hit your shield, causing damage. If your shield’s durability is low or the beam is powerful, your shield may break, leaving you vulnerable.
11. Is it possible to defeat a Guardian without a shield?
Yes, skilled players can defeat Guardians using alternative methods such as perfect dodging with a one-handed weapon, or even using items like Stasis to temporarily freeze them.
12. Can I use the Master Sword to deflect Guardian beams?
No, the Master Sword cannot be used to deflect Guardian beams like a shield. It is primarily a weapon.
13. Do different types of Guardians have different beam attacks?
Yes, different types of Guardians have variations in their beam attacks. Stationary Guardians fire a single, powerful beam, while Skywatchers are more difficult and have multiple beams.
14. Does shield quality affect the parry window?
No, the parry window is the same regardless of the shield quality. The primary difference is in the shield’s durability.
15. Are there other ways to counter Guardian attacks besides deflecting beams?
Yes, you can also use Ancient Arrows to instantly defeat Guardians, target their legs with weapons to immobilize them, or use the environment to your advantage.
Conclusion: Mastering Guardian Defense
Defeating Guardians in Breath of the Wild requires a blend of skill, strategy, and the right equipment. Whether you choose to master the perfect parry with any shield or rely on the automatic reflection of the Ancient Shield, understanding the mechanics of Guardian defense is crucial for surviving in Hyrule. The most important thing to note is that any shield can deflect a guardian beam. It depends on your skill and how often you want to farm Guardian parts. The choice is yours, hero!
If you’re interested in learning more about the educational potential of games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.