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There are some items in video game history that are so ubiquitous, it is nearly impossible to imagine their associated games without them. While there are several items from several games that fit the bill, it's hard to imagine two items more iconic than The Legend of Zelda's Master Sword and Hylian Shield. While not every iteration of the Hero has used this arsenal, they are, by far, the most commonly associated with Link. Given this fact, it is hardly surprising that they are both heavily featured in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
There is little doubt that roaming the vast open world of Hyrule would hardly feel complete without the Sword that Seals the Darkness and the incredibly reliable Hylian Shield. But while the Master Sword is given considerable attention, including an entire 'quest' to find its hidden location, the Hylian Shield is relegated to a rather simple one-off challenge in Hyrule Castle. Still, if Link holds the Master Sword in one hand, he must at least have the option to hold the shield in the other.
How to Enter Hyrule Castle in Breath of the Wild
Technically, Link can head into Hyrule Castle and retrieve the Hylian Sheild any time after leaving the Great Plateau. However, this area is filled with dangerous enemies, and is much easier to infiltrate when Link has increased his stamina and heart level.
The shield itself is found deep in the heart of Hyrule Castle. The castle complex, which is built into a large hill on which the castle sits, is a complicated series of caves and tunnels. It is very easy for Link to get lost, turned around, and generally confused while trying to make his way to whichever part of the castle he is attempting to visit.
In this case, Link wants to enter the castle and reach the Lockup area. This section is located on the west side of the complex, and is accessible by entering one of the many highlighted cave openings. Remember that, while on the island, Link will no longer have access to the Sheikah Slate map, or the mini-map. Instead, a 3-D model of Hyrule Castle will take their place, giving Link a detailed view of every path, tunnel, and cave entrance in the complex.
To reach the Lockup, players will want to look for first opening on the western side of the main bridge.The entrance is found at the very bottom edge of the complex, just above the water. Link will have to blast away the rocks that cover the opening before he can enter. Once inside, look for a mining cart sitting on a track. To move the cart, get inside and apply Stasis. Use a large, blunt weapon to achieve maximum power and distance. The player will likely have to complete the process twice to travel the full length of the track. When the track ends, the infiltration of Hyrule Castle begins.
Experienced players will also notice that Link can enter the complex at a different cave entrance, which is technically closer to the Lockup. While this is true, there is more opposition at this entrance, making it better for players who already know the castle layout.
How to Get the Hylian Shield in Breath of the Wild.
Reaching the Lockup:
At the end of the track, Link will find a large, open chamber cave with a shallow hot spring pool. Take the path that leads up and above the hot springs. The game will notify the player they are entering the 'West Passage.'
Keep going until Link seemingly reaches a dead end. Look for the section of the wall that can clearly be destroyed, and use Link's bombs to clear it out. Head left through the hole, then a quick left and right turn to head down a long corridor. As Link heads down the path, the 'Lockup' title should pop up when passing a large, barred section on the left. Keep heading down to the very end of the corridor, it will be hard to tell at first, but at the end, there is a small opening. Turn left into the back of the cell.
At first, the cell door will be shut. Look to the left of the door to find a small, bent section that allows Link to shoot the Glowing Eyeball. This will remove the Malice from a latch, opening Link's cell door, along with the door's of other cells containing enemies.
Once the enemies are gone, head back into the cell and face the latch to get Link reoriented. From this point, turn left and head down and through the open space between the bars. When through the door, turn right to see the large Stalnox on the chamber floor. Defeating this beast is the key to retrieving the Hylian Shield.
Defeat the Stalnox:
Killing the Stalnox comes down to one weak point: its big, bulbous eyeball. Link should always be trying to dislodge the eye from the Stalnox's head. When this happens, the beast will be rendered harmless for several moments, giving Link free regin to attack the eye separate of the body.
When Link gets a direct hit with a basic arrow, the Stalnox will cover its face and fall on its rear. This is the only time Link should attack the body directly.
Claim the Hylian Shield:
Once the Stalnox is defeated, a treasure chest will appear in the arena. Open it to claim the one and only Hylian Shield.
How to Replace the Hylian Shield when Lost
The Hylian Shield is almost indestructible. Almost. When it inevitably breaks after parrying hundreds of Guardian beams and taking thousands of hits from the enemies of Hyrule, there is only one place it can be replaced. However, before that can be done, Link must complete Breath of the Wild's 'Tarrey Town' side quest.
Once Tarrey Town is complete, look for the house with a mule outside. It will be packed with goods, indicating there is a merchant nearby. Head to the outdoor balcony to find Granté, the rare armor merchant. If Link has the Hylian Shield in his inventory, then Granté will not have it on offer. But when Link loses it, it can be purchased for a cost of 3,000 rupees. Link can only have one Hylian Shield at a time, and the game will know if Link stashes one at his home in Hateno Village. And, obviously, Link cannot buy a shield from Granté until he has already acquired it from Hyrule Castle.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is available now on Nintendo Switch. Its sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, will be released on May 12, 2023, for Nintendo Switch.