Hyrule Castle is a nightmare. Let’s just be honest about that right upfront. If you’re playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’ve probably spent most of your time picking mushrooms in Hateno or trying not to freeze to death in the Hebra Mountains. But eventually, the allure of the royal guard uniform botw players obsess over becomes too strong to ignore. It’s arguably the slickest-looking gear in the game. It’s also tucked away in the most dangerous zip code on the map.
Most people want this set because it makes Link look like a high-ranking officer of the Calamity-era military, but the actual perks are what keep it in your inventory. It reduces the stamina used for swim dashes, climbing jumps, and charged attacks. Basically, it’s the "Generalist’s Dream" armor. You aren't just wearing it for the aesthetic; you’re wearing it so you can climb a cliffside without chugging three stamina elixirs halfway up.
Where the Royal Guard Uniform Actually Hides
You can’t just buy this at a shop in Kakariko. It’s DLC content, specifically from the Ex: Treasure: Royal Guard side quest included in The Master Trials pack. If you don't have the DLC, you’re out of luck. But if you do, you’ll find the clues scattered in the Riverside Stable, though most people just skip the reading and head straight for the castle walls.
The set is split into three pieces: the cap, the boots, and the uniform itself. They aren't in a neat little row. That would be too easy for Nintendo. Instead, they’re hidden in corners of Hyrule Castle that most players avoid because of the terrifying piano music that starts playing the second a Guardian spots you.
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Sneaking Into the Guards' Chamber
The main piece of the royal guard uniform botw hunt is in the Guards' Chamber. Getting there is a bit of a trek. If you enter through the main gate, you’re basically asking for a laser beam to the face. It’s much smarter to approach from the west side of the castle, near the docks. There’s a secret entrance that leads you into the library. From the library, you can navigate your way toward the Guards' Chamber.
Inside, you’ll find two Lizalfos who really don't want you touching their stuff. Kill them. Or don't. You can technically just grab the chest and run like a coward, which is a perfectly valid strategy in this game. The chest is sitting on a wooden platform near some weapon racks. It’s a purple-ish chest with "EX" on it, so you can’t miss it.
The Cap and The Boots: A High-Stakes Scavenger Hunt
The boots are tucked away in the Guards' Chamber too, but they’re in a different spot than you’d think. Look for a small room near the main chamber area. It’s behind a wall you can blow up with a remote bomb. Honestly, half of Hyrule Castle is just "blow up this wall to find cool stuff." The boots are vital because, let’s face it, the outfit looks ridiculous if you’re still wearing Hylian trousers with that fancy top.
Now, the cap. This is the part that kills people.
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The Royal Guard Cap is located in the room directly above the Sanctum—the place where Calamity Ganon is chilling. You have to climb. A lot. You can take the stairs, but that involves fighting high-level Mobs and Lynels. Most veterans just use Revali's Gale to fly up the outside of the spires. There’s a room right above the boss arena with a stunning view of the ruined kingdom and a single EX chest containing the cap.
It’s quiet up there. A weirdly peaceful moment in a very violent location.
Is the Defense Stat Actually Worth It?
Here is the thing no one tells you: the defense is terrible.
The royal guard uniform botw starts with a defense rating of only 4 per piece. That’s 12 total for the set. If a silver Lynel so much as sneezes on you while you're wearing this, you’re seeing the "Game Over" screen. Unlike the Ancient Armor or the Soldier's Set, you cannot upgrade the Royal Guard uniform at the Great Fairy Fountains. It is what it is.
So, why bother?
It’s all about the set bonus. When you have all three pieces equipped, you get the "Charge Attack Stamina Up" bonus. It significantly cuts down the stamina drain when you’re spinning a heavy claymore around like a maniac. It also includes "Climbing Jump Stamina Up" and "Swim Dash Stamina Up." It’s essentially the Climbing Gear, the Zora Armor, and the Barbarian Set mashed into one, but less effective than any of them individually. It's the ultimate "I’m exploring and I want to look cool" outfit.
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Why People Get This Armor Wrong
A common misconception is that this armor makes you stealthier around Guardians. It doesn't. It's not the Ancient Set. You are still very much a target. Another mistake is thinking you can find it in the base game. I've seen people spend hours scouring the castle because they didn't realize they hadn't actually downloaded the DLC packs. Check your quest log for "Ex Treasure: Royal Guard" before you start your raid.
The lore behind the set is actually pretty depressing, too. The item descriptions mention that it was the formal attire for the Royal Guard, but it was basically for show. It wasn't meant for heavy combat against ancient killing machines. It was meant for protecting the Royal Family during ceremonies. This explains why the defense stats are so low—it’s decorative gold and high-quality fabric, not enchanted plate mail.
Survival Tips for the Castle Raid
If you’re going in early-game to snag the royal guard uniform botw pieces, bring plenty of Ancient Arrows. You can get a few for free from Beedle at certain stables or find them in chests around the world. One shot to the eye will delete a Guardian Sentry, making your life a whole lot easier.
- Ancient Shields: If you can’t aim, just hold a shield. Ancient shields automatically reflect beams.
- Stasis+: This is your best friend. Freeze a Guardian for three seconds, and you have enough time to reposition or hide behind a pillar.
- The Back Door: Always enter through the Docks or the Lockup. The front gate is a death trap.
Once you have the set, you’re basically ready to take on the world—or at least look like you’re in charge while you're hunting for Korok seeds in the rain.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head to the castle, make sure you have the Phantom Armor first. Since you can't upgrade the Royal Guard set, you'll want the Phantom Armor (also DLC) for its high base defense and attack buff to help you clear the Lizalfos and Mobs guarding the uniform pieces. Once you have the Royal Guard set, use it primarily for exploration and traversal in low-risk areas like the Central Hyrule plains or the Faron woods where its stamina-saving properties shine. If you find yourself in a high-stakes fight, swap back to the Ancient Set or the Soldier's Set immediately to avoid being one-shotted by elite enemies. Keep a stock of "Enduring" meals (made with Endura Carrots) to supplement the stamina buffs, as the set reduces drain but doesn't give you extra bars.