How do I upgrade the Zora Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Upgrading the Zora Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a process that involves visiting Great Fairy Fountains and providing specific materials to enhance the armor's defense and unlock set bonuses. The Zora Armor set consists of three pieces: the Zora Helm, Zora Armor, and Zora Greaves. Each piece can be upgraded up to four times, with each upgrade increasing its defense rating and, at the fourth upgrade, providing a set bonus that enhances Link's swimming speed. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to upgrade the Zora Armor set, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To begin upgrading the Zora Armor set, you must first locate and unlock Great Fairy Fountains. There are four Great Fairy Fountains scattered across Hyrule, 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 return to any of the fountains to upgrade your armor. The Zora Armor set can be upgraded at any of these fountains, but you will need to unlock at least one to start the process.

The materials required for upgrading the Zora Armor set vary depending on the upgrade level. For the first upgrade, you will need five Lizalfos Horns and one Silent Shroom for each piece of armor. Lizalfos Horns are dropped by Lizalfos enemies, which can be found in various locations across Hyrule, particularly in areas like the Lanayru Wetlands and the Gerudo Desert. Silent Shrooms are common mushrooms found in forested areas, such as the Great Hyrule Forest and the Faron region. For the second upgrade, you will need five Lizalfos Talons and five Hyrule Bass. Lizalfos Talons are also dropped by Lizalfos, while Hyrule Bass can be caught in bodies of water, such as the Zora River and Lake Hylia. The third upgrade requires five Lizalfos Tails and five Hearty Blueshell Snails. Lizalfos Tails are rare drops from Lizalfos, and Hearty Blueshell Snails can be found along the shores of the Lanayru Sea and the Zora River. The fourth and final upgrade requires one Lynel Horn and one Diamond for each piece of armor. Lynel Horns are dropped by Lynels, powerful enemies found in areas like the Coliseum Ruins and the Tabantha Frontier. Diamonds can be obtained by mining rare ore deposits or by completing certain quests, such as the "Sell the Goron a Diamond" side quest in Goron City.

When upgrading the Zora Armor set, itÔÇÖs important to plan ahead and gather the necessary materials before visiting a Great Fairy Fountain. This will save time and ensure that you can upgrade all three pieces of armor in one visit. Additionally, itÔÇÖs a good idea to focus on upgrading the Zora Armor first, as it provides the most immediate benefit by allowing Link to swim up waterfalls, which is essential for exploring the Zora Domain and surrounding areas.

One common mistake players make is not unlocking enough Great Fairy Fountains early in the game. While the first fountain is relatively cheap, the later fountains require a significant amount of rupees, which can be difficult to obtain in the early game. To avoid this, prioritize completing shrines and selling valuable items, such as gems and monster parts, to accumulate rupees quickly. Another mistake is not farming enough Lizalfos materials, as they are required for all four upgrades. To maximize your chances of obtaining Lizalfos Horns, Talons, and Tails, focus on defeating Lizalfos in areas where they are abundant, such as the Lanayru Wetlands and the Gerudo Desert. Using weapons with high damage output, such as the Master Sword or Guardian weapons, can help you defeat Lizalfos more efficiently.

Advanced players can optimize their material farming by using the Blood Moon mechanic to respawn enemies. After a Blood Moon, all defeated enemies, including Lizalfos and Lynels, will respawn, allowing you to farm their materials again. Additionally, using the Sheikah Sensor+ to track specific materials, such as Hearty Blueshell Snails, can save time when gathering resources. For example, set the Sheikah Sensor+ to detect Hearty Blueshell Snails and explore the shores of the Lanayru Sea to find them quickly.

In terms of alternative approaches, some players may choose to focus on upgrading other armor sets first, such as the Ancient Armor set or the Barbarian Armor set, depending on their playstyle and the challenges they are facing. However, the Zora Armor set is particularly useful for players who spend a lot of time exploring water-based areas, such as the Zora Domain and the Lanayru region. Upgrading the Zora Armor set early can provide a significant advantage in these areas, as it allows Link to swim faster and climb waterfalls more easily.

In conclusion, upgrading the Zora Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild requires careful planning, resource management, and strategic farming of materials. By unlocking Great Fairy Fountains, gathering the necessary materials, and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance the Zora Armor set to its full potential, providing Link with increased defense and improved swimming capabilities. Whether youÔÇÖre exploring the Zora Domain or tackling challenging enemies, the upgraded Zora Armor set is a valuable asset in your journey through Hyrule.