Shield guide for Zelda Breath Of The Wild (Botw). Learn how to use Shields in battle, get Perfect Guard, useful shielding tips, how to guard from incoming attacks and secure cover.
Table of Contents
How To Use Shield
Hold The ZL Button
When you have a shield equipped, simply press the ZL button to raise it and focus on your enemy. By holding up the shield, you can reduce the damage taken when attacked. However, using the shield will consume its durability, so it is ideal to avoid being hit by attacks as much as possible.
| Tips! | If your shield has higher defense than the enemy's attack power, you can stun the enemy. But if your shield is weak, it will be deflected, leaving you vulnerable after blocking one attack. Also, note that the shield cannot block lightning strikes, so be cautious on rainy days. |
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Greatsword, Spear, And Bow Can Only Be Used In Their Sheathed State
If you're using the Greatsword, Spear, or Bow, you can't ready them while holding a Shield which can only be done when they're sheathed. During combat, it's best to have your Sword equipped as a default so you can quickly switch weapons when an opportunity to attack the enemy arises.
Best Weapons & Armor - How To Get & LocationIt Will Result In A Perfect Guard If You Time It Well And Press A
When holding up your Shield, if you time it well and press A to deflect the enemy's attack on time, it will result in a Perfect Guard. If you perform a Perfect Guard, you can make the enemy stagger or even deflect beams without using up your Shield's durability.
You Can Also Shield Surf
| Control | ZL+X+A or midair ZL+A |
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While holding up your Shield, you can also perform Shield Surfing using the above command. It is possible to move quickly on sloping terrain by Shield Surfing. However, it is not recommended to use it excessively on rocky hills or grassy plains, as Shield durability will deplete outside of snowy mountains or deserts.
Perfect Guard Tips
Make Sure To Memorize The Enemy's Behavior Patterns
Performing a Perfect Guard depends on the player's skill, so it's important to thoroughly memorize the enemy's behavior patterns. The timing for hitting an attack after swinging varies depending on the enemy, so it is important to practice repeatedly to get the timing right.
In The Case Of The Guardian's Beam
You may have to adjust your timing slightly depending on the distance from the enemy, but with practice, it's also easy to deflect Guardian Beams. It is easier to deflect it successfully if you use Perfect Guard just before a Guardian's Beam is fired so make sure to watch for the blue light turning to white and listen for the "beep" sound to know when to perform Perfect Guard.
Don't Release Too Early
▲Releasing the shield too early will result in the inability to guard against the incoming attack and being directly hit by it.
Perfect Guard won't be successful unless you deflect the attack just before it hits you. If you press the A button too early, you won't be able to guard with the Shield due to timing of the deflection. This will result in a direct attack, so be sure to carefully assess the situation and deflect at the right time to avoid releasing the Shield too early.
Practice Battles Repeatedly With Save And Load Beforehand
If you're battling against tough enemies like Lynels or Guardians, it's recommended to save beforehand, as you can redo the fight from the beginning if you fail or die. By practicing Perfect Guard repeatedly, you can improve your skills.
BoTW Useful Guides and Articles
Early Game Guide
