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

The best armor set for swimming in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Zora Armor set. This set is specifically designed to enhance Link's swimming abilities, making it invaluable for traversing water-heavy areas like Zora's Domain, Lake Hylia, and other bodies of water throughout Hyrule. The Zora Armor set consists of three pieces: the Zora Helm, Zora Armor, and Zora Greaves. Each piece provides unique benefits, and when worn together, they significantly improve Link's swimming speed and stamina efficiency.

To obtain the Zora Armor set, you must complete specific tasks and quests. The Zora Armor is the first piece you can acquire. It is given to you by King Dorephan in Zora's Domain after you complete the Divine Beast Vah Ruta questline. This quest involves helping Prince Sidon and defeating the Divine Beast, which is a major story event. The Zora Greaves can be found in a chest at Toto Lake, located southwest of Zora's Domain. You need to solve a small puzzle involving a block and a waterfall to access the chest. The Zora Helm is the most challenging piece to obtain. It is located in a chest at the bottom of the Tingle Island, which is part of the Lurelin Village area. You need to complete the "Luminous Stone Gathering" side quest for Ledo in Zora's Domain to receive a clue about the helm's location.

Once you have the full Zora Armor set, its primary benefit is the Swim Dash ability. This allows Link to swim faster and use less stamina when swimming against currents. The set bonus, which activates when all three pieces are upgraded to at least level 2 at a Great Fairy Fountain, further enhances this ability by reducing stamina consumption even more. This makes the Zora Armor set essential for exploring water-based areas, completing shrines that involve swimming, and reaching otherwise inaccessible locations.

To upgrade the Zora Armor set, you need to visit a Great Fairy Fountain. Each upgrade level requires specific materials. For the first upgrade, you need five Lizalfos Tails and five Hyrule Bass. The second upgrade requires five Lizalfos Tails and five Hearty Blueshell Snails. The third upgrade requires five Lizalfos Tails and five Opals, and the fourth upgrade requires five Lizalfos Tails and one Diamond. These materials can be obtained by defeating Lizalfos, fishing in various bodies of water, and mining ore deposits.

When using the Zora Armor set, it is important to manage your stamina effectively. Even with the reduced stamina consumption, swimming long distances can still drain your stamina quickly. Always carry stamina-restoring food or elixirs, such as Endura Carrots or Stamella Shrooms, to replenish your stamina when needed. Additionally, be mindful of your surroundings. Some bodies of water may have enemies like Octoroks or Lizalfos that can attack you while swimming. Use your bow or runes to deal with these threats before they become a problem.

A common mistake players make is not upgrading the Zora Armor set early enough. The set bonus is incredibly useful, and upgrading the armor significantly improves its effectiveness. Another mistake is not carrying enough stamina-restoring items, which can leave you stranded in the middle of a large body of water. Always prepare adequately before embarking on long swimming journeys.

For advanced techniques, consider combining the Zora Armor set with other stamina-enhancing items or abilities. For example, eating food that temporarily increases your maximum stamina can allow you to swim even longer distances. Additionally, using the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks can help you rest and recover stamina in the middle of a large body of water.

In summary, the Zora Armor set is the best choice for swimming in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It enhances Link's swimming speed and stamina efficiency, making it easier to explore water-based areas and complete related challenges. By obtaining and upgrading the set, managing your stamina, and preparing adequately, you can make the most of this powerful armor set and fully enjoy the aquatic aspects of the game.