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 Trousers. This set is specifically designed to enhance Link's stealth capabilities, making it easier to sneak past enemies, approach wildlife, and avoid detection in general. 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, you gain the Night Speed Up bonus, which increases your 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 individual pieces from the clothing shop called Enchanted. The Sheikah Mask costs 2,000 rupees, the Sheikah Clothes cost 500 rupees, and the Sheikah Trousers cost 1,000 rupees. Rupees can be earned by selling valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals. Once you have the full set, you can start using it to improve your stealth.

The stealth mechanic in Breath of the Wild is tied to how much noise Link makes while moving. Running, jumping, or walking on noisy surfaces like gravel or metal will alert nearby enemies. Wearing the Sheikah Set reduces the noise Link makes, making it harder for enemies to detect him. Additionally, crouching further reduces noise, allowing you to sneak up on enemies or wildlife without being noticed. This is particularly useful for hunting animals, collecting insects, or sneaking into enemy camps to steal weapons or resources.

To upgrade the Sheikah Set, you need to visit a Great Fairy Fountain. There are four Great Fairy Fountains in the game, and each one requires a payment of rupees to unlock. The first fountain costs 100 rupees, the second 500, the third 1,000, and the fourth 10,000. Once unlocked, you can upgrade your armor by providing the required materials. For the Sheikah Set, you need Silent Shrooms, Sunset Fireflies, and Sneaky River Snails. These materials can be found in various locations across Hyrule. Silent Shrooms are commonly found in forests and near trees, Sunset Fireflies can be caught at night near bodies of water, and Sneaky River Snails are found in rivers and lakes.

A common mistake players make is not upgrading the Sheikah Set early enough. While the base set provides a stealth boost, upgrading it to level 2 unlocks the Night Speed Up bonus, which is incredibly useful for nighttime exploration. Another mistake is not crouching when sneaking, which can lead to detection even while wearing the Sheikah Set. Always crouch when approaching enemies or wildlife to maximize your stealth.

For advanced techniques, consider combining the Sheikah Set with stealth-enhancing elixirs or meals. Cooking dishes with stealth-boosting ingredients like Silent Shrooms or Sneaky River Snails can further reduce the noise you make, making you nearly invisible to enemies. Additionally, using the Sheikah Set in conjunction with the Sheikah Slate's stealth-enhancing abilities, such as the Stasis or Magnesis runes, can help you navigate tricky situations without being detected.

An alternative approach to stealth is using the Stealth Armor set, which is available in Gerudo Town. This set provides similar stealth bonuses but is more expensive and harder to obtain. However, it offers a unique aesthetic and can be a good option for players who prefer a different look.

In specific scenarios, the Sheikah Set is invaluable. For example, when infiltrating enemy camps to rescue hostages or retrieve valuable items, the stealth boost allows you to avoid unnecessary combat. Similarly, when hunting rare animals like the Lord of the Mountain or Blupees, the Sheikah Set makes it easier to approach them without scaring them away.

In conclusion, the Sheikah Set is the best armor for stealth in Breath of the Wild due to its noise reduction and Night Speed Up bonus. Obtaining and upgrading the set requires some effort, but the benefits are well worth it. By combining the Sheikah Set with stealth-enhancing elixirs and crouching, you can become a master of stealth, allowing you to explore Hyrule with ease and avoid unnecessary confrontations.