The Ultimate Guide to Obtaining the Guardian Spear ++ in Breath of the Wild
The Guardian Spear ++ is a formidable weapon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, boasting a base power of 20. You can find Guardian Spear ++ inside Shrines of Trials, specifically wielded by Guardian Scout IVs. These powerful enemies are most commonly encountered in Shrines labeled ‘A Major Test of Strength’. Look for these shrines on your map and prepare for a challenging battle!
Understanding Guardian Weapon Acquisition
Delving into “Test of Strength” Shrines
The key to acquiring Guardian weapons, including the coveted Guardian Spear ++, lies in conquering the “Test of Strength” shrines. These shrines are categorized into Minor, Modest, and Major Tests of Strength, each presenting increasing difficulty and rewarding players with increasingly powerful weapons.
- Minor Test of Strength: Typically yields Guardian Spears.
- Modest Test of Strength: May offer Guardian Spears or Guardian Swords.
- Major Test of Strength: This is where you find Guardian Scout IVs wielding the Guardian Spear ++, as well as Guardian Swords ++ and Ancient Battle Axes ++.
Therefore, prioritize locating and completing Major Test of Strength shrines to consistently acquire the Guardian Spear ++. The weapon is a random drop from the Guardian Scout IV so sometimes you need to try again to get it.
Location Strategies for Major Test of Strength Shrines
While Shrine locations are fixed, pinpointing the most accessible Major Test of Strength shrines can significantly speed up your farming process. Some notable locations include:
-
Hylia Island: Located directly south of the Great Plateau, this area contains a Major Test of Strength shrine early in the game that is easily accessible.
-
Central Hyrule: Keep an eye out for shrines scattered throughout Central Hyrule. Though dangerous due to the presence of roaming Guardians, the high density of shrines makes it a worthwhile hunting ground.
-
Akkala Region: The Akkala region, particularly around the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, has several shrines that may contain a Major Test of Strength.
The Importance of Blood Moons
The Blood Moon phenomenon plays a crucial role in respawning enemies, including the Guardian Scout IVs within the Test of Strength shrines. When the Blood Moon rises, it resurrects all defeated monsters throughout Hyrule, allowing you to revisit completed shrines and fight the Guardian Scouts again for a chance to obtain more Guardian Spear ++ weapons. Be prepared and fast-travel to a nearby shrine location.
Maximizing Your Chances of Acquisition
Combat Strategies Against Guardian Scouts
Mastering combat strategies against Guardian Scouts is essential for efficiently farming Guardian weapons. The key is to exploit their weaknesses and minimize damage taken.
-
Perfect Guarding: Perfectly timing your shield block to deflect the Guardian Scout’s laser beam will stun them, allowing you to deal significant damage.
-
Flurry Rush: Dodging the Guardian Scout’s attacks at the last moment will trigger a Flurry Rush, enabling you to unleash a series of rapid attacks.
-
Ancient Arrows: While expensive, Ancient Arrows instantly kill most types of Guardians, including Scout IVs, making them an effective but costly farming method. You can purchase these at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab after completing Robbie’s Research.
Utilizing Buffs and Equipment
Before engaging a Guardian Scout IV, consider utilizing buffs and equipping appropriate gear to enhance your combat prowess.
-
Attack Up Buffs: Consuming food items that grant Attack Up buffs will significantly increase your damage output against the Guardian Scout.
-
Ancient Armor: Equipping the Ancient Armor set, purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, provides a significant defense boost against Ancient enemies and also amplifies damage when combined with Ancient or Guardian weapons. The set bonus requires two upgrades at a Great Fairy Fountain.
-
Master Sword: The Master Sword is a reliable weapon against all enemies and its power increases when fighting in areas corrupted by Malice, often found in the Test of Strength shrines.
Additional Tips and Tricks
-
Save Before Entering: Before entering a “Test of Strength” shrine, save your game. If the Guardian Scout doesn’t drop the desired weapon, you can reload your save and try again.
-
Durability Management: Monitor the durability of your weapons, especially when facing multiple enemies or powerful foes. Switching to a more durable weapon when necessary can prevent your primary weapon from breaking.
-
Explore Thoroughly: Don’t overlook any potential chests within the shrines. While the primary objective is to defeat the Guardian Scout, additional chests may contain valuable resources or even weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is the Guardian Spear ++?
The Guardian Spear ++ is an enhanced version of the Guardian Spear found in Breath of the Wild. It’s wielded by Guardian Scout IVs in Major Test of Strength shrines, and its design resembles a trident. It is distinguished by its higher attack power and durability compared to its lower-tier counterparts.
2. Are there any specific regions where Major Test of Strength shrines are more common?
While Major Test of Strength shrines are scattered throughout Hyrule, some players report a higher concentration in the Akkala region and areas surrounding Central Hyrule. Explore these areas thoroughly to maximize your chances of finding these challenging shrines.
3. Can I find Guardian Spear ++ weapons in chests?
While it’s possible to obtain the Guardian Spear from chests when scanning the Breath of the Wild Series Guardian amiibo, the Guardian Spear ++ is exclusively obtained as a drop from Guardian Scout IVs in Major Test of Strength shrines.
4. How does the Blood Moon affect my chances of getting a Guardian Spear ++?
The Blood Moon is essential for farming Guardian weapons. It respawns all defeated enemies, including the Guardian Scout IVs in Major Test of Strength shrines. This allows you to repeatedly challenge these enemies and obtain more Guardian Spear ++ weapons.
5. Is the Ancient Armor necessary for farming Guardian weapons effectively?
No, the Ancient Armor isn’t strictly necessary, but it significantly enhances your combat effectiveness against Guardians. The set bonus, activated when wearing the full upgraded set, increases damage dealt with Ancient and Guardian weapons, making the farming process faster and more efficient.
6. What are some alternative strategies for defeating Guardian Scouts if I’m not good at parrying?
If parrying is not your forte, try these alternative strategies:
- Dodging and Flurry Rush: Master the timing of your dodges to trigger Flurry Rush attacks.
- Distance and Arrows: Maintain distance and use regular arrows to attack, or use Ancient Arrows.
7. How durable is the Guardian Spear ++ compared to other spears in the game?
The Guardian Spear ++ possesses decent durability, but it is still susceptible to breaking after prolonged use. Regularly monitor its condition and switch to a backup weapon when necessary. Consider weapons with higher base durabilities, such as the Royal Halberd.
8. Does the Master Sword do extra damage against Guardian Scouts?
Yes, the Master Sword deals increased damage against enemies corrupted by Malice, which often includes Guardian Scouts. This makes it a highly effective weapon for tackling Test of Strength shrines.
9. Can I upgrade the Guardian Spear ++ at Great Fairy Fountains?
No, Guardian weapons, including the Guardian Spear ++, cannot be upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains. Their stats are fixed and cannot be improved.
10. What other Guardian weapons should I be on the lookout for?
Besides the Guardian Spear ++, keep an eye out for other powerful Guardian weapons, such as the Guardian Sword ++ and the Ancient Battle Axe ++, found in Major Test of Strength shrines. The Ancient Bow is another powerful weapon purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab that is quite effective at long distances.
11. Are there any side quests related to obtaining Guardian weapons?
While there isn’t a specific side quest directly rewarding Guardian weapons, completing Robbie’s Research at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab unlocks the ability to purchase Ancient weapons and Ancient Armor, significantly aiding your quest for Guardian gear.
12. How do I prepare for a Blood Moon?
The impending Blood Moon can be seen in the sky, and the game will give you a warning that it is approaching. It’s a great opportunity to quickly travel to a nearby Major Test of Strength shrine so that you can beat the Guardian Scout IV once the Blood Moon is completed.
13. What are the benefits of using Guardian weapons?
Guardian weapons offer increased damage output against Ancient enemies and, when combined with the Ancient Armor set, provide a significant boost to both attack and defense. They are essential tools for tackling difficult enemies. They also look incredibly cool when used, with their glowing blue aesthetic.
14. How can I maximize my weapon inventory space to carry more Guardian Spears ++?
- Hestu: Find Hestu to increase your weapon slots, as well as your shield and bow inventory slots.
- Weapon Storage: Once you’ve unlocked your house in Hateno Village, you can add weapon mounts so that you can store weapons when your inventory is full.
15. Are there any online communities or resources for sharing strategies and locations for farming Guardian Spears ++?
Yes! The Zelda community is vibrant and active online. Check out the Games Learning Society for forums, Discord servers, and other resources where players share tips, strategies, and locations for farming Guardian Spears ++ and other valuable items in Breath of the Wild. You can explore their resources and contribute your own strategies on their website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
By following these guidelines and mastering the techniques outlined above, you’ll be well-equipped to farm the Guardian Spear ++ and conquer the challenges of Breath of the Wild. Good luck, and happy hunting!