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, which can be obtained from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This set provides the highest defense rating in the game when fully upgraded, and it also offers a significant bonus against Guardian-type enemies, making it ideal for late-game combat and challenging encounters. 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 guide on how to obtain and maximize the Ancient Armor set.

First, you need to unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This lab is located in the northeastern part of the map, near the Akkala Tower. To activate the lab, you must complete the quest "Robbie's Research," which involves lighting the furnace outside the lab with a blue flame. You can find the blue flame at the base of the Akkala Tower, and you will need to carry it through enemy-infested areas, so be prepared for combat. Once the lab is active, you can purchase the Ancient Armor set from Cherry, the robot inside the lab. The set consists of three pieces: the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. Each piece costs 2,000 rupees, 15 Ancient Springs, 10 Ancient Gears, and 1 Ancient Shaft. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians or scavenging their remains in areas like Hyrule Field or the Akkala region.

After obtaining 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 upgrade level requires specific materials, and the Ancient Armor set requires Ancient materials for all upgrades. For the first upgrade, you will need 10 Ancient Screws, 5 Ancient Shafts, and 2 Ancient Cores. For the second upgrade, you will need 15 Ancient Screws, 10 Ancient Shafts, and 3 Ancient Cores. The third upgrade requires 20 Ancient Screws, 15 Ancient Shafts, and 5 Ancient Cores, and the fourth upgrade requires 30 Ancient Screws, 20 Ancient Shafts, and 10 Ancient Cores. These materials can be farmed by defeating Guardians, so focus on areas with high Guardian activity.

One important tip is to use the Master Sword or Guardian weapons when farming Ancient materials, as they deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, you can use the Stasis+ rune to freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you an advantage in combat. Another strategy is to use stealth to sneak up on decayed Guardians and attack their weak points, which are their eyes. This will stun them and allow you to deal significant damage. If you are struggling with combat, consider cooking meals that provide defense or attack boosts, such as the "Tough" or "Mighty" dishes. These can be made by cooking ingredients like Armored Carp, Ironshroom, or Mighty Bananas with other ingredients.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting to upgrade your armor. While the Ancient Armor set is powerful, it only reaches its full potential when fully upgraded. Make sure to prioritize gathering Ancient materials and visiting Great Fairy Fountains regularly. Another mistake is underestimating the importance of preparation. Always carry plenty of healing items, such as Hearty Durians or Endura Carrots, and make sure your weapons and shields are in good condition before engaging in combat.

For advanced players, consider combining the Ancient Armor set with other defensive strategies. For example, you can use the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of Ancient and Guardian weapons when wearing the full set. This bonus stacks with attack-boosting meals, allowing you to deal massive damage to Guardians and other enemies. Additionally, you can use the Ancient Shield, which can deflect Guardian beams without requiring perfect timing, making it easier to counter their attacks.

In summary, the Ancient Armor set is the best option for defense in Breath of the Wild, especially against Guardians. To obtain and upgrade it, you need to unlock the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, gather Ancient materials, and visit Great Fairy Fountains. Use effective combat strategies, prepare thoroughly, and avoid common mistakes to maximize the set's potential. With the right approach, you can make Link nearly invincible in even the toughest battles.