Why Can’t I Use My Shield in Breath of the Wild? A Comprehensive Guide
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The frustration of facing a Bokoblin horde with your shield stubbornly refusing to raise is a common one for new and even seasoned The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild players. The simple answer is that your shield can only be activated when it is equipped and you are in the correct stance. You can’t just pull it out like a weapon. In Breath of the Wild, shields aren’t passive defensive items; they are tools that require active engagement. There are two primary reasons why your shield might not be activating: either you have not equipped it, or you are not holding the correct button. Let’s explore these, and other intricacies of shield use in Breath of the Wild.
Activating Your Shield: The Basics
Equipping Your Shield
The first and most critical step is ensuring your desired shield is actually equipped. Here’s how to do it:
- Pause the Game: Press the + button to open the main menu.
- Navigate to the Inventory: Use the L or R buttons to cycle to the “Inventory” screen.
- Select the Shield Tab: Press the ZL button to move the cursor to the shield tab which is symbolized with a shield icon.
- Choose Your Shield: Select the shield you wish to use from the inventory.
- Equip: Press the A button to equip it. You’ll see the shield appear on Link’s back.
Raising Your Shield
Once equipped, the way to actually raise your shield for defense is:
- Press and Hold ZL: Simply pressing the ZL button will raise your equipped shield in front of Link.
It’s crucial to hold the ZL button for the shield to remain raised. If you release the button, Link will lower his shield. Additionally, you can only use a shield while you aren’t actively using a one handed weapon.
Stance and Weapon Combinations
Shields can only be used effectively with specific stances:
- One-Handed Weapon: If you have a one-handed weapon equipped (e.g., swords, clubs, axes), your shield can be used. Holding ZL while holding a one handed weapon will raise your shield.
- No Weapon: If you are not wielding a weapon, you can equip a shield and use it.
- Sheathed Weapon: You can raise the shield even if you have a two-handed weapon equipped, as long as it is sheathed. However, you will not be able to use it while swinging the two handed weapon.
- Two-Handed Weapon: When using a two-handed weapon (e.g., greatswords, hammers, spears) the shield will be stowed, and pressing ZL will NOT raise it.
Understanding this weapon-shield dynamic is crucial for effective combat.
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
If you’ve followed the above steps and your shield is still not working, consider these common issues:
- Broken Shield: Shields in Breath of the Wild have durability and can break. If you are not being effective at blocking or parrying or if you see your shield is “damaged” in the inventory, it may mean your shield is on the verge of breaking, or is broken already. Check your inventory to see if the shield is still present and if it looks damaged.
- Misunderstanding Stance: If you are using a two-handed weapon and try to use your shield, it will not work because you cannot use a shield while actively wielding a two-handed weapon.
- Controller Issues: Ensure your ZL button on your controller is functioning correctly. Try using it in other games or menus to rule out hardware problems.
- Confusion with Target Button: Some might confuse the ZL button with the ZR (target) button, which locks the camera onto a target but does not raise your shield.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shields in Breath of the Wild
1. What are the different types of shields in Breath of the Wild?
Breath of the Wild offers a wide variety of shields, from basic wooden shields to more advanced metal ones. Examples include: Bokoblin Shield, Soldier’s Shield, Knight’s Shield, Royal Shield, and the highly coveted Hylian Shield.
2. Can shields break in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, almost all shields in Breath of the Wild are subject to durability and can break with repeated use. The only exception to this is the Hylian Shield, which can also be broken but is easy to reacquire.
3. What is the best shield in Breath of the Wild?
The Hylian Shield is widely considered the best shield in the game, boasting the highest base durability (800) and defense (80). It can block most attacks without breaking. However, many other shields can be found which have useful and specific traits that work in certain situations and the most useful shield for you will depend on the encounter you are involved in.
4. Where do I find the Hylian Shield?
The Hylian Shield can be found in the Hyrule Castle Lockup. You’ll need to defeat a Stalnox in order to access it.
5. Can the Hylian Shield be repaired?
No, the Hylian Shield cannot be repaired. However, you can purchase another one from Grante in Tarrey Town after obtaining the first one from Hyrule Castle.
6. How much does a replacement Hylian Shield cost?
A replacement Hylian Shield from Grante in Tarrey Town costs 3,000 Rupees.
7. What is shield surfing in Breath of the Wild?
Shield surfing is a fun and effective method of traversal. To shield surf, raise your shield (ZL), jump, and then press A in midair. This will make Link ride the shield across surfaces.
8. Do shields have different defensive properties?
Yes, shields differ in their defensive capabilities. Some shields are better at blocking elemental attacks, while others have higher durability and can withstand more damage.
9. Can shields deflect elemental attacks?
Some shields are more effective at blocking elemental attacks, such as those from Fire or Ice Wizzrobes. Metal shields are generally better against fire, while wooden shields might catch on fire.
10. What is shield parrying in Breath of the Wild?
Shield parrying is a precise defensive technique that can be used to deflect attacks from enemies or guardians and redirect projectiles. To parry, press A at the precise moment when an attack connects with your shield, a successful parry can redirect attacks back at enemies or completely nullify the damage.
11. Do all shields work for parrying?
Yes, all shields can be used for parrying, but shields with high durability may take a few more hits when you don’t time it perfectly.
12. Can shields be used offensively?
Yes, shield bashing is a useful offensive tool. When you have raised your shield (by pressing ZL), quickly press A to perform a shield bash. A shield bash uses a brief strike with your shield to stun the enemy and knock them back.
13. Is there a shield that doesn’t break?
The Master Sword is the only weapon in the game that doesn’t break (though it does have a recharging mechanic). However, while the Hylian Shield does break, it is relatively easy to reacquire in comparison with other shields.
14. Can I upgrade shields in Breath of the Wild?
No, you cannot directly upgrade shields in Breath of the Wild. You can, however, sometimes find shields with special properties in the world, and you can also find shields that have extra traits like better resistance to specific elements.
15. Does the type of shield I use matter against Ganon?
While the Hylian Shield is great for overall protection, an Ancient Shield might be useful against the Guardian technology that Ganon uses. The most important factor when fighting Ganon is your skill level, and what weapons and gear you’ve gathered along the way.
Understanding how shields work in Breath of the Wild is essential for survival and efficient combat. With the information provided above, you should be well on your way to mastering your shield, parrying attacks, and becoming a formidable force in Hyrule.