What materials are needed to upgrade the Ancient Core in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Upgrading the Ancient Core in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a process that involves enhancing Sheikah technology-based gear, such as the Ancient Armor set or weapons, at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The Ancient Core itself is a key material used in crafting and upgrading these items, but it is not something you upgrade directly. Instead, you collect Ancient Cores and other materials to upgrade your gear. HereÔÇÖs a detailed explanation of how to approach this process.

First, you need to understand the mechanics of the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This location is found in the northeastern part of Hyrule, in the Akkala region. To access the lab, you must complete a short questline that involves lighting the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame. This quest is essential because it activates the lab, allowing you to interact with the researcher, Robbie, who handles the creation and upgrading of Ancient gear.

To upgrade or craft Ancient gear, you will need specific materials, including Ancient Cores. Ancient Cores are rare drops from Guardians, particularly the larger, more powerful ones like Guardian Stalkers or Guardian Skywatchers. You can also find Ancient Cores in chests within shrines, especially in the more challenging ones. These cores are essential for crafting high-tier Ancient weapons, shields, and armor, as well as for upgrading the Ancient Armor set.

The Ancient Armor set, which includes the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves, provides significant defense and a bonus to damage when using Ancient or Guardian weapons. To upgrade this armor, you need to visit a Great Fairy Fountain. Each upgrade level requires different materials, and for the Ancient Armor set, you will need Ancient materials like Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, Ancient Gears, and Ancient Cores. The higher the upgrade level, the rarer the materials required. For example, upgrading the Ancient Armor to level 4 requires Ancient Cores, which are harder to obtain.

When preparing to upgrade your gear, itÔÇÖs important to farm Guardians efficiently. Guardians are found in areas like Hyrule Castle, the Central Hyrule region, and the Akkala region. Using weapons like the Master Sword or Ancient weapons with high durability is recommended, as they deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, using shields with the Perfect Guard technique to deflect Guardian laser beams can save you resources and make the fights easier.

One common mistake players make is not conserving Ancient Cores for high-priority upgrades. Ancient Cores are rare, so itÔÇÖs important to prioritize their use. For example, upgrading the Ancient Armor set to level 4 is more beneficial than using Ancient Cores to craft multiple Ancient weapons, as the armor provides a permanent damage boost when using Ancient or Guardian weapons.

Advanced techniques include using the Stasis+ rune to freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you time to target their weak points. This is particularly useful against Guardian Stalkers, as you can disable their movement and focus on their legs to immobilize them. Additionally, using elemental arrows or bomb arrows can help deal significant damage to Guardians, especially in areas where you can exploit environmental hazards.

In terms of resource management, always keep an eye on your inventory of Ancient materials. Ancient Screws, Shafts, and Gears are more common and can be used for lower-tier upgrades or crafting, but Ancient Cores should be saved for the most important upgrades. If youÔÇÖre struggling to find Ancient Cores, consider revisiting shrines or farming Guardians in areas where they respawn after a Blood Moon.

An alternative approach is to focus on other armor sets if you find Ancient Cores too difficult to obtain. For example, the Barbarian Armor set provides a damage boost without requiring Ancient materials, and the SoldierÔÇÖs Armor set offers high defense. However, the Ancient Armor set is unique in its synergy with Ancient and Guardian weapons, making it a valuable choice for players who prefer using these weapons.

In specific scenarios, such as facing Calamity Ganon or Lynels, having upgraded Ancient gear can make a significant difference. The Ancient Armor setÔÇÖs damage boost, combined with high-tier Ancient weapons, can help you deal with these tough enemies more effectively. Additionally, the Ancient Shield, which can deflect Guardian beams automatically, is a valuable tool for players who struggle with Perfect Guard timing.

In conclusion, upgrading the Ancient Core-related gear in Breath of the Wild requires careful planning, efficient farming of Guardians, and strategic use of rare materials. By focusing on high-priority upgrades, conserving Ancient Cores, and using advanced combat techniques, you can maximize the effectiveness of your Ancient gear and tackle the gameÔÇÖs toughest challenges with confidence.