What is the best armor to use against Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

When preparing to face Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, choosing the right armor is crucial for maximizing your survivability and effectiveness in the battle. The best armor to use against Calamity Ganon depends on your playstyle, the resources you have available, and how much preparation you are willing to do. Below is a detailed breakdown of the mechanics, strategies, and considerations for selecting the best armor for this final battle.

First, it is important to understand the mechanics of Calamity Ganon's attacks. Calamity Ganon has two phases: the first phase is fought inside Hyrule Castle, and the second phase takes place outside in the open field. In both phases, Ganon uses a mix of melee attacks, ranged attacks, and elemental abilities. His attacks can deal significant damage, so having armor with high defense or specific resistances is key. Additionally, Ganon's attacks can inflict status effects like burning or freezing, so armor that provides elemental resistance can be very helpful.

The best armor for the fight is the Ancient Armor set, which can be obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This armor set provides high defense and a set bonus that increases the damage of Ancient and Guardian weapons. Since Calamity Ganon is a Guardian-type enemy, the Ancient Armor's set bonus makes it particularly effective. To obtain this armor, you will need to collect Ancient Materials, such as Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores, which can be obtained by defeating Guardians or found in shrines. You will also need Rupees to purchase the armor pieces. Once you have the full set, upgrading it at Great Fairy Fountains will further increase its defense and make you even more resilient against Ganon's attacks.

If you do not have the Ancient Armor, another strong option is the Barbarian Armor set, which can be found in the three labyrinths scattered across Hyrule. This armor increases your attack power, allowing you to deal more damage to Ganon. However, it does not provide the same level of defense as the Ancient Armor, so you will need to rely more on dodging and parrying to avoid taking damage. The Barbarian Armor is a good choice if you are confident in your combat skills and want to end the fight quickly.

For players who prefer a more defensive approach, the Champion's Tunic combined with the Hylian Trousers and the Diamond Circlet is a solid choice. The Champion's Tunic provides the highest defense of any single armor piece when fully upgraded, and the Diamond Circlet offers additional defense and Guardian resistance. This combination allows you to maximize your defense while still having some resistance to Ganon's attacks. However, this setup does not provide any set bonuses, so you will need to rely on your weapons and abilities to deal damage.

In terms of preparation, it is important to fully upgrade your chosen armor set before facing Calamity Ganon. Upgrading armor requires materials like Lynel parts, Dragon parts, and various monster drops, so you will need to spend some time farming these resources. Additionally, you should stock up on healing items, such as Hearty Durians or cooked meals that restore a large amount of health. Having a few Elixirs that provide temporary defense or attack boosts can also be helpful.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the importance of elemental resistance. Calamity Ganon's attacks can inflict burning or freezing, so having armor or elixirs that provide resistance to these effects can make the fight much easier. For example, the Flamebreaker Armor set, which can be purchased in Goron City, provides fire resistance and can be useful if you are struggling with Ganon's fire-based attacks. Similarly, the Snowquill Armor set from Rito Village provides cold resistance and can help mitigate freezing effects.

Advanced techniques for the fight include using Perfect Dodges and Flurry Rushes to avoid Ganon's attacks and deal extra damage. These techniques require precise timing, so practicing them before the fight is recommended. Additionally, using the Master Sword or other powerful weapons, such as the Bow of Light, can help you deal significant damage to Ganon. The Master Sword is particularly effective because it glows with extra power when near Ganon, dealing double damage.

In summary, the best armor to use against Calamity Ganon depends on your playstyle and preparation. The Ancient Armor set is the most effective overall due to its high defense and set bonus, but the Barbarian Armor and Champion's Tunic are also strong options. Fully upgrading your armor, stocking up on healing items, and practicing combat techniques are essential for success. By following these strategies and avoiding common mistakes, you can defeat Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule.