The sprawling world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is brimming with hidden secrets and intriguing locations. One such place is the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, a remnant of a bygone Sheikah civilization that holds valuable resources for Link on his quest to defeat Calamity Ganon.
This enigmatic lab has piqued the curiosity of many players, and this guide delves deep into its history, functionalities, and importance within the game.
A Relic of the Sheikah Past: Unveiling the Lab’s History
Scattered throughout Hyrule are remnants of the Sheikah, a technologically advanced race that served the royal family for generations. The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab embodies this legacy, standing as a testament to their ingenuity.
Clues scattered around the lab suggest it once housed cutting-edge research and development for advanced weaponry and technology. However, the Calamity seemingly brought these advancements to a halt, leaving the lab abandoned and shrouded in mystery.
Location and Activation: Finding the Path to Ancient Technology
The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab rests on a hill overlooking the Akkala Sea in the game’s northeastern region. Players can find it by following the road north from the East Akkala Stable or by exploring the southeastern cliffs of the Akkala region.
However, upon reaching the lab, Link will find its entrance sealed and its furnace extinguished. To activate the lab and unlock its treasures, players must first complete a small quest.
They need to travel to Hateno Village and speak with Purah, another Sheikah researcher. She will reveal Robbie, her research partner, resides at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Following her directions, players can then head to the Spring of Courage located northwest of the lab.
A Treasure Trove of Ancient Technology: Unveiling the Lab’s Offerings
Once activated, the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab transforms into a valuable resource hub for Link. Here’s a breakdown of the key features players can utilize:
Robbie, the Sheikah Researcher:
Robbie acts as a vendor within the lab, offering a unique selection of items in exchange for Ancient Parts. These parts are obtained by defeating Guardians, ancient machines that roam Hyrule.
Ancient Gear:
Robbie sells various pieces of Ancient Gear, including the Ancient Sheikah Armor set, Ancient Weapons like the Ancient Bow and Ancient Spear, and Ancient Shields. These items are incredibly powerful, boasting high damage output and durability.
Upgrading this gear to its full potential requires additional Ancient Parts, making the lab a crucial location for acquiring and enhancing these formidable tools.
Travel Gate:
Activating the lab unlocks a Sheikah Travel Gate, allowing Link to fast travel directly to this location from any other activated Travel Gate in the game. This significantly improves exploration efficiency, especially when revisiting the lab to trade Ancient Parts for gear upgrades.
Beyond the Gear: Exploring the Lab’s Hidden Secrets
While acquiring Ancient Gear is the primary function of the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, the location holds some additional secrets for curious players:
Hidden Korok Seeds:
Keen-eyed explorers can find several Korok Seeds strategically hidden around the lab’s exterior. These seeds are a valuable collectible, rewarding players with inventory expansion as they collect them.
Examining the Lab’s Design:
The lab’s architecture and design offer subtle hints about the Sheikah technology housed within. Observant players might notice remnants of machinery and potential docking stations for the Guardians, further enriching the lore surrounding the Sheikah.
The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab: A Crucial Stop on Link’s Journey
The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab plays a critical role in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. By offering access to powerful Ancient Gear and a convenient Travel Gate, the lab empowers Link in his fight against Calamity Ganon.
For players seeking to optimize their gameplay and experience the full potential of Sheikah technology, the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is a must-visit location. Its activation quest adds a touch of adventure and exploration to the process, while the lab’s secrets and history provide a deeper connection to the game’s lore.
So, the next time you find yourself traversing the wilds of Akkala, remember the hidden gem that awaits. With a little determination and a blue flame in hand, you can unlock the treasures of the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and empower Link on his epic journey.
FAQs
Q: Where is the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab?
The Lab sits on the easternmost cliff of the Akkala Region, up the road from the East Akkala Stable and Katosa Aug Shrine.
Q: What happens after I talk to Purah?
Head to the Akkala Lab. You’ll find the furnace unlit, rendering the Lab inactive. Locate the torch inside the Lab (not outside!)
Q: Do I need a special torch to light the furnace?
Nope! You can use any lit torch, including those found near the Lab entrance or from enemy camps. Light the furnace and a scene will play, introducing Robbie.
Q: What can I do at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab?
This is where you trade your hard-earned Ancient Materials for powerful Ancient Armor and Weapons!
Q: Who do I trade with in the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab?
Robbie, the eccentric Sheikah researcher, will handle all your ancient tech needs.
Q: What kind of Ancient Armor can I buy?
You can purchase the full set of Ancient Armor, including the Ancient Helm, Cuirass, Greaves, and Boots.
Q: What kind of Ancient Weapons can I buy?
The Lab offers a variety of Ancient Weapons, like the Ancient Bow, Ancient Proficiency, Ancient Blade, and Ancient Spear.
Q: Are there any other items available at the Lab?
Yes! You can also buy Ancient Shields, which offer excellent defense against Guardian attacks.
Q: What kind of Ancient Materials do I need for trading?
You’ll need a variety of Ancient Materials, including Ancient Screws, Shafts, Gears, Cores, and Giant Ancient Cores.
Q: Where can I find Ancient Materials?
Defeating Guardian enemies and exploring Guardian Outposts is the primary way to collect Ancient Materials.
Q: Are there any other ways to get Ancient Materials?
Shrines sometimes reward you with Ancient Materials, and you might find them hidden in chests throughout Hyrule.
Q: How much do Ancient Armor and Weapons cost?
Prices vary depending on the item. Generally, stronger weapons and armor require more materials.
Q: What was the purpose of the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab?
It likely served as a research and development facility for Sheikah technology, particularly focusing on Ancient weapons and armor.
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