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

The best armor set for defense in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Ancient Armor set. This set provides the highest defense rating in the game when fully upgraded, and it also offers a unique bonus against Guardian-type enemies, making it particularly useful in late-game scenarios or when facing tough enemies like Lynels or Guardians. To achieve this, you will need to follow a series of steps, gather specific materials, and upgrade the armor at Great Fairy Fountains. Here is a detailed explanation of how to obtain and maximize the Ancient Armor set.

First, you need to acquire the Ancient Armor set. This set consists of three pieces: the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. You can purchase these from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is located in the northeastern part of the map, near the Akkala Tower. To access the lab, you must complete the side quest "Robbie's Research," which involves lighting the furnace outside the lab using a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can buy the armor pieces from Cherry, the robot inside the lab. Each piece costs 2,000 rupees, and you will also need Ancient Materials like Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores to complete the purchase. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians or found in shrines and treasure chests.

Once you have the Ancient Armor set, the next step is to upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains. There are four Great Fairy Fountains in the game, and you will need to unlock them by paying rupees. The first fountain costs 100 rupees, the second 500, the third 1,000, and the fourth 10,000. Each fountain allows you to upgrade your armor further, with the fourth fountain enabling the highest level of upgrades. To fully upgrade the Ancient Armor set, you will need a significant amount of Ancient Materials, including Ancient Springs, Ancient Gears, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores. These materials are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians, so you will need to farm them in areas like Hyrule Castle or the Central Hyrule region.

When upgrading the armor, you will also need other materials like Star Fragments, which are rare and can be obtained by shooting down stars that fall from the sky at night or by completing certain quests. Star Fragments are required for the final upgrade level of the Ancient Armor set, so it is important to keep an eye out for them. Additionally, you will need to manage your resources carefully, as some materials are harder to come by than others. For example, Ancient Cores are rarer than Ancient Screws or Shafts, so you may need to prioritize farming Guardians that drop these items.

One common mistake players make is not upgrading their armor evenly. It is important to upgrade all three pieces of the Ancient Armor set to the same level to maximize the defense bonus. If you only upgrade one or two pieces, you will not get the full benefit of the set. Another mistake is not farming enough Ancient Materials before attempting to upgrade the armor. This can lead to frustration and wasted time, so it is best to gather all the necessary materials before starting the upgrade process.

An advanced technique for farming Ancient Materials is to use the Master Sword or Ancient Weapons, which deal extra damage to Guardians. This makes it easier to defeat them and increases your chances of obtaining rare materials. Additionally, using stealth or elixirs to avoid detection can help you approach Guardians more safely, especially in areas with multiple enemies. Another optimization is to use the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of Ancient Weapons when wearing the full Ancient Armor set. This makes the set even more powerful in combat, especially against tough enemies like Lynels or Guardians.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players prefer to use the Champion's Tunic, which provides the highest single-piece defense in the game when fully upgraded. However, the Champion's Tunic does not offer the same set bonus as the Ancient Armor set, so it may not be as effective in certain situations. Another option is to mix and match armor pieces to create a custom set that balances defense with other bonuses, such as stealth or elemental resistance. For example, combining the Ancient Helm with the Barbarian Armor and Greaves can provide a good balance of defense and attack power.

In specific scenarios, the Ancient Armor set is particularly useful when facing Guardians or exploring areas with high enemy density, such as Hyrule Castle. The set's high defense and Guardian resistance make it ideal for these situations, allowing you to survive longer and deal more damage. However, in environments with extreme temperatures or weather conditions, you may need to switch to armor sets with elemental resistance, such as the Snowquill or Desert Voe sets.

In conclusion, the Ancient Armor set is the best option for maximizing defense in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. By following the steps outlined above, gathering the necessary materials, and upgrading the armor at Great Fairy Fountains, you can create a powerful set that will help you tackle the game's toughest challenges. Remember to manage your resources carefully, avoid common mistakes, and consider alternative approaches depending on the situation. With the right preparation and strategy, the Ancient Armor set will be a valuable asset in your journey through Hyrule.