How to fight Guardians in Zelda Breath of the Wild?

Guardians are giant, spider-like creatures you occasionally will encounter in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Fighting them might cause a lot of problems. Below, you will find some advice on how to emerge victorious from these battles.

You can deflect the Guardian's laser by using the shield.

Guardians are huge, spider-like machines, which you can encounter in the game from time to time. They are very powerful opponents, who are able to evaporate all of your health with barely one shot of their laser. They often protect interesting locations or treasures, so it is very worthwhile to learn effective strategies on how to overcome them, in order to facilitate the playthrough:

1. Deflecting the beam with the shield - this is by far the most effective method that will quickly vanquish the Guardians, even in the early stages of the game. When facing off against the enemy, raise your shield and wait for the laser shot. For a moment, before the shot, Energy will start to gather around the Guardian's eye and the screen will brighten up. Immediately press the button responsible for parrying blows, and Link will deflect the beam straight into the opponent. Initially, this may prove to be quite difficult, but if you quickly master this technique, it will really pay off in the game. However, if you get hit by the laser, you will die on the spot unless equipped with powerful armour. You have to deflect from 1 to 3 rays to destroy the Guardian.
2. Complete the Vah Rudiana dungeon - upon completing this dungeon, you will gain the Daruk's Protection ability, which will allow you to neutralize one of the Guardian's attacks. This is very useful if you have not mastered the technique of reflecting the beams with your shield yet.
3. Acquire the Guardian Shield - this type of shield is particularly useful in the fights against the Guardians. It is enough that you raise your shield, and the laser will be reflected in the direction of your opponent. You do not have to bother yourself with blocking in the correct moment in order to deflect the beam, as it is with the first technique. This type of shield can be found, e.g. in Shrines.
4. Equip yourself with the Ancient Arrows - these are very powerful arrows, which will kill the Guardian after the first arrows finds its mark. This type of shot is very rare and it is a much better idea to learn the shield technique.