What is the best armor set for exploring Hyrule Castle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Exploring Hyrule Castle in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild can be a daunting task due to the high concentration of powerful enemies, including Guardians, Lynels, and other tough foes. To survive and thrive in this environment, the best armor set to use is the Ancient Armor set, which provides significant defense against Guardian attacks and boosts the damage of Ancient weapons. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain and use this armor set effectively.

The Ancient Armor set consists of three pieces: the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. Each piece can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is located in the northeastern part of the map. To access the lab, you must first complete the "Robbie's Research" side quest, which involves lighting the furnace at the lab using a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can purchase the armor pieces from Cherry, the robot assistant. Each piece costs 2,000 rupees, 15 Ancient Springs, 10 Ancient Gears, and 1 Ancient Shaft. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians, which are scattered throughout Hyrule, particularly in areas like Central Hyrule and the Akkala region.

Once you have the Ancient Armor set, itÔÇÖs important to upgrade it at a Great Fairy Fountain to maximize its defensive capabilities. Upgrading the armor requires additional materials, including Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, Ancient Cores, and Giant Ancient Cores. These can also be obtained by defeating Guardians or found in chests within shrines and Divine Beasts. Upgrading the armor to its maximum level (level 4) will significantly increase its defense, making it one of the best armor sets in the game for both defense and offense.

When exploring Hyrule Castle, the Ancient Armor set provides a unique advantage against Guardians, which are the most common and dangerous enemies in the area. The setÔÇÖs bonus effect increases the damage of Ancient weapons, such as the Ancient Short Sword, Ancient Bladesaw, and Ancient Bow. These weapons can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and are highly effective against Guardians. Additionally, the Ancient Armor set provides a high level of defense, which is crucial for surviving the powerful attacks of Lynels and other tough enemies found within the castle.

To further enhance your survivability, consider cooking and consuming food that provides temporary defense boosts or extra hearts. Dishes made with ingredients like Armored Carp, Ironshroom, or Fortified Pumpkin can provide a significant defense boost, while hearty ingredients like Hearty Radish or Big Hearty Truffle can restore all your hearts and provide extra temporary hearts. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to carry plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals and fairies, to ensure you can recover quickly during intense battles.

One common mistake to avoid is underestimating the strength of the enemies in Hyrule Castle. Even with the Ancient Armor set, itÔÇÖs important to approach battles strategically. Use the environment to your advantage by taking cover behind walls or pillars to avoid Guardian laser attacks. Additionally, make use of your Sheikah Slate abilities, such as Stasis, to temporarily freeze enemies and create openings for attacks. Parrying Guardian laser attacks with a shield is another advanced technique that can save you from taking damage and allow you to counterattack effectively.

If you prefer an alternative approach, you can also consider using the Stealth Armor set, which allows you to sneak past enemies and avoid combat altogether. The Stealth Armor set can be purchased from Kakariko Village and upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains to increase its defense. While this approach requires a more cautious playstyle, it can be effective for players who prefer to avoid direct confrontation.

In summary, the Ancient Armor set is the best choice for exploring Hyrule Castle due to its high defense and bonus effects against Guardians. By obtaining and upgrading this armor set, preparing with the right food and healing items, and using strategic combat techniques, you can successfully navigate the dangers of Hyrule Castle and emerge victorious. Whether you choose to face your enemies head-on or take a stealthier approach, proper preparation and resource management are key to surviving this challenging area.