Weapons, Shields, Bows and Arrows

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild features a large variety of melee weapons and shields to use in combat. The overwhelming majority of weapons and shields are found while exploring Hyrule, either in treasure chests, stuck in the ground, or dropped from enemies. No weapons or shields can be purchased from general shops – with the exception of arrows for bows, which are listed further down this page.

All weapons and shields have a set durability. After using the weapon and shield in combat, it will deteriorate and eventually break. Using power attacks, setting a weapon on fire, and throwing a melee weapon will decrease a weapon’s durability. Once a weapon breaks, try to find another one quickly or equip a spare from your inventory.

Link will begin the game with 8 Melee Weapon Slots, 5 Bow Slots, and 4 Shield Slots. The inventory can be upgraded by finding Korok Seeds and giving them to Hetsu, a character exploring Hyrule. See the Korok Seeds page for more info.

Melee Weapons

A few weapon will be imbued with an elemental power; however, the extra effect doesn’t last forever. Use an elemental melee weapon while it’s glowing to deal extra elemental effects. Stop using the weapon for a few seconds to allow it to recharge before the element can be used again.

Breath of the Wild weapons are best categorized as one-handed and two-handed, as there are a variety of types and strengths. One-handed weapons consist of blades, clubs, and magical rods. Two-handed weapons consist of blades, axes, spears, clubs, and boomerangs. Only one-handed weapons can be used with shields.

Bows

In addition to melee weapons, Link can carry around Bows and Arrows. These can be instantly drawn out, even when a melee weapon is currently equipped. Aim for the head to stun a target, deal extra damage, and cause the enemy to drop their weapon.

All bows have a set durability. After using the bow in combat, it will deteriorate and eventually break. Once a bow breaks, try to find another one quickly or equip a spare from your inventory. Bows can have special effects, just like weapons.

Arrows

Unlike melee weapons, bows use weapons with different elemental properties. While bows cannot be purchased from shops, arrows can be found with every merchant and at each general shop. You can store hundreds of arrows in your inventory, unlike all other weapons and their limited slots.