Vanished to Oblivion: Unraveling the Mystery of the Ancient Arrow’s Destination
The Ancient Arrow in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a potent weapon forged with ancient Sheikah technology. When striking a non-boss or non-Guardian enemy, these arrows don’t simply kill; they erase the target from existence. The prevailing understanding, supported by in-game hints and player experience, suggests that the Ancient Arrows send enemies to a realm of oblivion, a non-existence, ripping them from the fabric of Hyrule itself. This is why enemies struck by these arrows vanish in a flash of blue light, leaving no trace, no loot, and no experience. It’s a one-way trip to nowhere.
What We Know About the Ancient Arrow’s Effect
The game’s description hints at this “oblivion,” and the practical effect reinforces it. Unlike regular enemies who, upon defeat, drop materials and contribute to a hidden experience counter, those vanquished by Ancient Arrows offer nothing. The game treats them as if they never existed in the first place. The enemy is consigned to a state of nothingness, bypassing the usual game mechanics of death and respawn cycles.
Furthermore, the cutscene mentioned, when monsters respawn from dark portals, suggests a connection to a different dimension or rift. The theory that the Ancient Arrow forcibly returns monsters to that rift, from which they initially spawned, has merit. This could explain why those enemies are completely removed, unlike regular deaths, and their essence might be sent back to their original source.
Speculation and Lore Implications
While the precise destination remains shrouded in mystery, several interpretations can be explored.
- A different dimension: Perhaps the Ancient Arrows tap into a dimension separate from Hyrule, a void where annihilated beings are cast. This dimension could be related to the origins of monsters or the source of Calamity Ganon’s power.
- Disintegration at the atomic level: It’s possible the Ancient Arrow doesn’t transport the enemy anywhere, but rather disintegrates it at a subatomic level, essentially breaking it down into its constituent particles and scattering them.
- Erasing from the timeline: A more outlandish, but nonetheless intriguing theory, is that the Ancient Arrow disrupts the enemy’s existence within the timeline itself. This would explain why the enemy doesn’t respawn or drop loot, as it was never present in the first place.
Regardless of the precise mechanism, the Ancient Arrow’s effect is clear: total annihilation. It is a tool of last resort, best used when survival is paramount and the prospect of obtaining resources is secondary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ancient Arrows
Here are some of the most common questions players have about Ancient Arrows in Breath of the Wild:
What exactly do Ancient Arrows do to enemies?
Ancient Arrows obliterate non-boss and non-Guardian enemies from existence. Upon impact, the enemy vanishes in a blue flash, leaving no drops or materials behind. They are essentially removed from the game world.
Do Ancient Arrows work on Lynels?
Yes, Ancient Arrows work on Lynels. They will instantly defeat a Lynel, but you will not receive any of the valuable Lynel drops, such as weapons, horns, or hooves. Because of the valuable items a player can get from a defeated Lynel, most players avoid this method.
Do enemies killed by Ancient Arrows drop loot?
No, enemies killed by Ancient Arrows do not drop any loot, materials, or weapons. This is a crucial drawback to consider before using them, as you will forfeit any potential rewards.
What happens when you use an Ancient Arrow on Ganon or the Blights?
Ancient Arrows deal significantly increased damage to Ganon and the Blight Ganons, but they do not instantly defeat them. They are a useful tool for accelerating these boss fights, especially when combined with Ancient Armor and other damage-boosting effects.
Do Ancient Arrows disappear after being shot?
No, Ancient Arrows do not disappear after being shot at an object or if you miss an enemy. Link can retrieve them, making them a valuable resource to conserve.
Are Ancient Arrows good against Hinox?
No, Ancient Arrows are not particularly effective against Hinox. While they will deal damage, they will not instantly defeat them like they do with regular enemies, and Hinox also will not drop any materials.
Can you use Ancient Arrows on the Yiga Clan?
Yes, Ancient Arrows work on the Yiga Clan members, instantly defeating them. However, like with other standard enemies, they will not drop any loot.
How many Ancient Arrows do I need to beat Ganon?
You don’t need Ancient Arrows to beat Ganon, but they can make the fight significantly easier. 10-15 Ancient Arrows is a reasonable amount to bring into the final battle to supplement your other weapons.
Are Ancient Arrows a one-shot kill for all enemies?
Ancient Arrows are only a one-shot kill for non-boss and non-Guardian enemies. Bosses and Guardians take increased damage but are not instantly defeated.
Where can I buy Ancient Arrows?
Ancient Arrows can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. You will need Ancient parts (screws, springs, cores, etc.), arrows, and Rupees to purchase them.
How many hearts should you have before fighting Ganon?
While there’s no hard and fast rule, having at least 20 hearts before facing Ganon is recommended. This provides a decent buffer against his attacks. Having 30 Heart Containers in Breath of the Wild is more than enough to defeat Calamity Ganon.
Does the Master Sword work against Lynels?
Yes, the Master Sword works against Lynels, especially when it is empowered near Calamity Ganon or other areas with a strong Malice presence. It’s a durable and reliable weapon for these challenging encounters.
Do Ancient Blades work on Lynels?
Yes, Ancient Blades will immediately defeat a Lynel. However, this is not recommended as you won’t get their drops, and the Ancient Blade is consumed in the process.
What is the best bow to use with Ancient Arrows against Ganon?
Lynel Bows, which fire multiple arrows at once while only consuming one arrow from your inventory, are excellent choices for maximizing the effectiveness of Ancient Arrows against Ganon. The Forest Dweller’s Bow also functions similarly.
Where can I find the Games Learning Society Website to learn more about Game-Based Learning?
You can visit the Games Learning Society website to explore the intersection of games and education. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
While the ultimate destination remains a topic of speculation, the impact of the Ancient Arrow is undeniable: complete and utter erasure from Hyrule. Understanding this effect is key to strategically employing this powerful, yet resource-intensive, weapon. The Ancient Arrow’s mystery continues to fascinate players, adding depth to the lore and gameplay of Breath of the Wild.