Decayed Guardian
A Decayed Guardian ready to shoot at Link
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Location | Overworld | |
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The Decayed Guardian is a type of Guardian that appears in Breath of the Wild.
Breath of the Wild
Decayed Guardians track Link with a red beam before unleashing a powerful blast.
Characteristics
This type of Guardian was once a powerful beast, similar to the Stalker seen before. It has been mostly destroyed, with no working legs and, for the most part, is partially submerged under ground. It's also implied that some were simply partially unearthed by the Sheikah a hundred years prior to the events of the game. They can still be as deadly as the Stalkers though, however their health pool is not nearly as high.
The attacks are the same, they still use the trademarked laser beam, which should not be taken lightly.
Defeating
Decayed Guardians have 500 HP. Decayed Guardians have less total HP than a Guardian Stalker whose legs have been cut (500 HP to a Stalker's 900 HP after being cut). This makes them the least resistant form of Guardian in the game excluding Guardian Scouts and Sentries.
Like Beamos that have appeared in modern Zelda games including Skyward Sword, Link is able to defeat this creature by shooting its eye with the use of a Bow and Arrow. Ancient Arrows in particular are very powerful against these enemies, since one successful shot to the eye will take it down instantly. The Master Sword is also a wise choice, since its damage is elevated to 60 when in the presence of a Guardian.
Other strategies that can be used to defeat Guardians include utilizing the Perfect Guard ability, where Link can deflect the Guardian's laser with his shield at the right moment to take down the Decayed Guardian upon one successful deflect. Link should be wary though, since if he fails to Perfect Guard, the laser may still hit him and cause significant damage. The laser may also hit his shield, which often causes it to break with a single shot.
Trivia
- The Decayed Guardians surrounding Ja Baij Shrine are the only Malice-blighted enemies in the Great Plateau, those being the first encounters Link will face with said enemies.
- These are not the only Guardians in the game that appear "decayed". Dormant, fully legged Guardian Stalkers can also appear blackened and mossy, and may rouse upon Link's approach.
- The majority of Hyrule's Decayed Guardians are mere husks that never awaken from their stasis. These deceased units can be searched for ancient materials.