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 provides the highest defense rating when fully upgraded. This set is particularly effective against Guardian enemies and is ideal for players who want to maximize their survivability in combat. To obtain and upgrade the Ancient Armor set, you will need to follow a series of steps, gather specific materials, and visit certain locations. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this.

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 items 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 with a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can buy the Ancient Armor set from Cherry, the robot inside the lab. Each piece costs 2,000 rupees, and you will also need Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores, which can be obtained by defeating Guardians or found in shrines.

After obtaining the Ancient Armor set, the next step is to upgrade it to maximize its defense. To do this, you need to visit Great Fairy Fountains. 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 you have unlocked at least one Great Fairy Fountain, you can upgrade your armor. The Ancient Armor set requires specific materials for each upgrade level. For the first upgrade, you need Ancient Springs, which can be obtained from Guardians. For the second upgrade, you need Ancient Gears and Ancient Springs. The third upgrade requires Ancient Shafts, Ancient Gears, and Ancient Cores. The fourth and final upgrade requires Giant Ancient Cores, which are rare drops from Guardian Stalkers or found in shrines.

When fully upgraded, the Ancient Armor set provides a total defense rating of 84, which is the highest in the game. Additionally, wearing the full set grants the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of Ancient and Guardian weapons by 80%. This makes the set not only the best for defense but also highly effective for offense when using Ancient weapons.

There are some important tips and considerations to keep in mind while working towards the Ancient Armor set. First, farming Guardian parts can be challenging, especially early in the game. It is recommended to focus on defeating Guardian Stalkers and Guardian Scouts in shrines, as they drop the necessary materials. Using Ancient or Guardian weapons can make these fights easier, as they deal extra damage to Guardians. Additionally, using the Stasis+ rune can help you freeze Guardians temporarily, giving you an advantage in combat.

A common mistake to avoid is neglecting to upgrade your armor early in the game. While the Ancient Armor set is powerful, it requires significant resources and rupees to obtain and upgrade. It is important to manage your resources wisely and prioritize upgrading your armor as you progress through the game. Another mistake is not using the set bonus effectively. The Ancient Proficiency bonus is only active when wearing the full set, so make sure to equip all three pieces when engaging in combat with Guardians or using Ancient weapons.

For advanced techniques, consider combining the Ancient Armor set with other defensive strategies. For example, cooking meals that provide temporary defense boosts can further enhance your survivability. Dishes made with Ironshrooms, Armored Carp, or Fortified Pumpkins can give you a significant defense boost. Additionally, using the Master Sword or other high-damage weapons in conjunction with the Ancient Armor set can make you nearly unstoppable in combat.

In terms of alternative approaches, if you find it difficult to obtain the Ancient Armor set, you can focus on other high-defense armor sets such as the Soldier's Armor set or the Barbarian Armor set. The Soldier's Armor set can be purchased in Hateno Village and provides solid defense when fully upgraded. The Barbarian Armor set, found in the three labyrinths across Hyrule, offers high defense and an attack boost when wearing the full set. While these sets do not provide the same level of defense as the Ancient Armor set, they are more accessible and can still be very effective.

In specific scenarios, such as facing a Guardian-heavy area like Hyrule Castle, the Ancient Armor set is invaluable. Its high defense and set bonus make it the best choice for these situations. However, for general exploration and combat, other armor sets may suffice, especially if you are still gathering the necessary materials for the Ancient Armor set.

In conclusion, the Ancient Armor set is the best armor set for defense in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. By following the steps outlined above, you can obtain and upgrade this powerful set to maximize your survivability and combat effectiveness. Remember to manage your resources wisely, use the set bonus effectively, and consider alternative armor sets if needed. With the Ancient Armor set, you will be well-equipped to tackle even the toughest challenges in the game.