Shields in Breath of the Wild

features several different pieces of equipment to use as protection. The diverse range of Shields available allows Link to deviate from the standard Sword and Shield dynamic. Many of these Shields follow a series of archetypes, such as "Boko," "Soldier's," and "Traveler's." Initially, Link can carry up to five Shields at a time in his inventory; however, he can obtain additional slots by giving Korok Seeds to Hestu. Hestu will upgrade Link's slots up to a full page, or 20 slots, of weapons. If Link takes another Shield while his inventory is full, he will drop the Shield or put it back if it came from a Treasure Chest. Each Shield, including duplicates, occupies its own slot in the inventory.

Each hit a Shield receives lowers it durability, breaking once it reaches zero. Performing a Perfect Guard prevents the Shield from taking damage while stunning the enemy or deflecting its projectile. By using a Shield while jumping, Link is capable of Shield Surfing at the cost of the Shield's integrity provided the Shield is being ridden on coarse terrain. If Link Shield Surfs on snow or sand, the Shield will not take damage.