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

The best armor set for stealth in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Sheikah Set, which consists of the Sheikah Mask, Sheikah Clothes, and Sheikah Leggings. This set is specifically designed to enhance Link's stealth capabilities, making it easier to sneak past enemies, avoid detection, and perform stealth attacks. The Sheikah Set provides a stealth boost when worn, and if you upgrade the entire set to at least level 2 at a Great Fairy Fountain, it grants the Night Speed Up bonus, which increases Link's movement speed at night. This makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer a stealthy approach to exploration and combat.

To obtain the Sheikah Set, you need to visit Kakariko Village, where you can purchase the Sheikah Clothes and Sheikah Leggings from the clothing shop called Enchanted. The Sheikah Mask, however, is not available in Kakariko Village. Instead, you can find it in the Fang and Bone shop, which is run by Kilton, a mysterious character who appears at night in various locations across Hyrule. Kilton's shop sells unique items in exchange for Mon, a special currency obtained by trading Monster Parts. The Sheikah Mask costs 999 Mon, so you will need to collect a significant number of Monster Parts to afford it.

Once you have the full Sheikah Set, you can upgrade it at a Great Fairy Fountain. Upgrading armor requires specific materials, and for the Sheikah Set, you will need Silent Shrooms, Sunset Fireflies, and Sneaky River Snails. Silent Shrooms can be found in forested areas, particularly around Kakariko Village and the Great Hyrule Forest. Sunset Fireflies are nocturnal creatures that can be caught near bodies of water at night, such as the pond in Kakariko Village. Sneaky River Snails are found in shallow waters, especially in the Lanayru region. Collecting these materials can take some time, but they are essential for upgrading the Sheikah Set to unlock its full potential.

The stealth mechanics in Breath of the Wild are influenced by several factors, including noise, movement speed, and visibility. When wearing the Sheikah Set, Link's footsteps become quieter, making it harder for enemies to detect him. Additionally, crouching further reduces noise, allowing you to move silently even in close proximity to enemies. The Sheikah Set also reduces the distance at which enemies can spot you, giving you more time to plan your approach or escape if necessary. This is particularly useful in areas with high enemy density, such as enemy camps or Hyrule Castle.

One common mistake players make when using the Sheikah Set is relying too heavily on stealth without considering other factors, such as enemy patrol patterns and environmental hazards. For example, some enemies have a wider field of vision or are more alert at night, so it's important to observe their behavior before attempting to sneak past them. Additionally, certain environmental factors, such as rain or uneven terrain, can make stealth more challenging. To avoid detection, try to stay in the shadows and use tall grass or other cover to conceal your movements.

Advanced techniques for maximizing the effectiveness of the Sheikah Set include combining it with stealth-enhancing elixirs or food. For example, cooking dishes with Silent Shrooms or Sneaky River Snails can provide an additional stealth boost, making it even harder for enemies to detect you. You can also use the Sheikah Set in conjunction with the Sheikah Slate's stealth-related abilities, such as the Stasis rune, which can temporarily freeze enemies, giving you an opportunity to sneak past them or perform a stealth attack.

In specific scenarios, the Sheikah Set can be particularly useful. For example, when infiltrating enemy camps to retrieve treasure or complete quests, the stealth boost provided by the Sheikah Set allows you to avoid unnecessary combat and conserve resources. Similarly, when hunting for rare creatures or materials, such as Blupees or Star Fragments, the Sheikah Set's stealth capabilities make it easier to approach these elusive targets without scaring them away.

An alternative approach to stealth is using the Stealth Armor set, which can be purchased in Gerudo Town. This set provides a similar stealth boost to the Sheikah Set but is more focused on desert environments. However, the Sheikah Set is generally considered the best overall choice for stealth due to its versatility and the Night Speed Up bonus.

In conclusion, the Sheikah Set is the best armor set for stealth in Breath of the Wild, offering a significant stealth boost and additional benefits when upgraded. By carefully collecting the necessary materials and using advanced techniques, you can maximize the effectiveness of this set and approach the game's challenges with a stealthy strategy. Whether you're infiltrating enemy camps, hunting rare creatures, or simply exploring Hyrule, the Sheikah Set is an invaluable tool for any player looking to embrace the art of stealth.