Welcome to NGB! In this guide, we’ll walk you through Robbie’s Research Side Quest in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This quest introduces you to Robbie, the eccentric scientist behind the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. By helping him, you’ll unlock the ability to craft powerful ancient weapons and armor that are invaluable when facing Guardians and other late-game threats.
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Robbie’s Research Side Quest Guide
How to Start Robbie’s Research
To begin Robbie’s research, first speak with Purah at her lab in Hateno Village. After that, you’ll need to help her restore the blue flame in her lab. Once you’ve done this, talk to her again, and she’ll mention Robbie, which will start the side quest.
Robbie’s Research Walkthrough
Travel to Robbie’s Lab
To reach Robbie’s lab, you’ll need to travel to the northeastern corner of Akkala, near the Akkala Sea. The lab will be there on a clifftop, overlooking the labyrinth. Head inside and interact with the ancient statue inside. This will trigger an event where Robbie will appear behind Link and ask what he’s doing there.
Speak with him again afterward. He’ll say that he needs to see the wounds that Link suffered 100 years ago to prove that you are who you claim to be. Head into the menu and remove all of Link’s clothes before speaking with Robbie again. He’ll examine Link to confirm his identity and discuss teaming up to take down the Calamity.
Light the Ancient Furnace
First up, you’ll need to light the Ancient Furnace outside the lab with blue flames. If you don’t have a torch, you can find one in Robbie’s lab. From the entrance, take a right, and you’ll find it leaning against the wall. The blue flames can be found at Tumlea Heights, west of the lab. Head there and light the torch with the blue flame.
You’ll then need to walk all the way back to the lab with the torch lit. Keep an eye out for an unlit stone braizer along the way; you can light it with your torch. This will make it easier, as enemies will attack, and it will probably start raining. Head south from the Tumlea Heights, swing around Bloodleaf Lake, and back up to the lab. Depending on when you’re doing this quest, you may get jumped by some of the Yiga Clan.
After lighting the Ancient Furnace, speak with Robbie to let him know that the furnace has been lit. As a reward, you’ll receive 3 Ancient Arrows. Robbie will then say you can use Cherry to forge Ancient Soldier Gear, including armor and weapons, by handing over the required materials and some rupees. The side quest will then be completed.