What is the best way to farm materials for armor upgrades in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

Farming materials for armor upgrades in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a crucial part of optimizing Link's gear for survival and combat. To upgrade armor, you need to visit Great Fairy Fountains, which are scattered across Hyrule. Each Great Fairy requires a certain amount of rupees to awaken, and once awakened, they can upgrade your armor in exchange for specific materials. The materials needed vary depending on the armor set, but they often include monster parts, plants, gems, and other resources. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently farm these materials.

First, you need to identify which materials are required for the armor sets you want to upgrade. For example, the Stealth Set requires Silent Shrooms, Sunset Fireflies, and Sneaky River Snails, while the Ancient Armor Set requires Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores. Once you know what you need, you can focus your efforts on gathering those specific items.

For monster parts, the best strategy is to hunt specific monsters that drop the required materials. For example, Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lizalfos drop common monster parts like Bokoblin Horns and Lizalfos Tails, which are needed for many armor upgrades. To farm these efficiently, mark monster camps on your map and revisit them after each Blood Moon, as this event respawns all monsters. Using weapons with high damage or elemental effects can make these fights quicker and easier. Additionally, using stealth or headshots can help you take down enemies before they can react, conserving your weapons and health.

For plants and insects, knowing their locations is key. Silent Shrooms can be found in forests and caves, while Sunset Fireflies are commonly found near water sources at night. Sneaky River Snails are found in shallow water areas like the Zora River. Using the Sheikah Sensor+ to track these materials can save a lot of time. You can upgrade the Sheikah Sensor at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab to track specific items, making it easier to locate them in the wild.

Gems like Amber, Opal, and Topaz are often required for higher-tier upgrades. These can be obtained by mining ore deposits found throughout Hyrule. Look for black rock formations with glowing cracks, as these are ore deposits. Using a weapon with a high durability, like a sledgehammer, is ideal for mining to avoid wasting stronger weapons. Some enemies, like Stone Taluses, also drop gems when defeated. Stone Taluses are mini-bosses that can be found in various locations, and defeating them yields a large amount of gems.

Preparation is key when farming materials. Make sure you have enough weapon slots and durable weapons for combat, as well as a good supply of healing items. Cooking meals that provide temporary buffs, like increased stealth or attack power, can make farming more efficient. For example, a meal made with Silent Shrooms and other stealth-enhancing ingredients can help you sneak up on enemies or gather insects without scaring them away.

One common mistake is not using the Sheikah Sensor+ effectively. Upgrading it and setting it to track specific materials can save a lot of time. Another mistake is not revisiting monster camps after a Blood Moon, as this is the best way to farm monster parts. Additionally, not using the right tools for mining or combat can lead to wasted resources and time.

Advanced techniques include using the Master Cycle Zero, obtained from the Champions' Ballad DLC, to quickly travel between farming locations. This can significantly speed up the process of gathering materials. Another advanced technique is using the duplication glitch, though this is considered an exploit and may not be suitable for all players.

Alternative approaches include purchasing some materials from merchants. Beedle, for example, sells various insects and plants at stables and towns. Some materials can also be obtained as rewards for completing side quests or shrines. For example, completing the "Sunshroom Sensing" side quest in Kakariko Village rewards you with Sunshrooms, which are needed for certain upgrades.

In specific scenarios, like farming Ancient Materials for the Ancient Armor Set, focusing on defeating Guardians is essential. Guardians can be found in areas like Hyrule Field and Central Hyrule. Using Ancient Arrows or weapons with high damage can make these fights easier. The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab also sells Ancient Materials in exchange for Ancient Gears and other parts, providing an alternative way to gather these resources.

In conclusion, farming materials for armor upgrades in Breath of the Wild requires a combination of strategic planning, efficient use of tools, and knowledge of the game world. By focusing on specific materials, using the Sheikah Sensor+, and preparing adequately, you can efficiently gather the resources needed to upgrade your armor and enhance Link's capabilities.