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

The best armor set for stealth in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Sheikah Set, also known as the Stealth Set. This set includes the Sheikah Mask, Sheikah Armor, and Sheikah Leg Wraps. When worn together, the set provides a significant stealth boost, making it easier for Link to sneak past enemies, wildlife, and even NPCs without being detected. The set also has a unique bonus when fully upgraded: it increases Link's movement speed at night, which is useful for sneaking around or traveling quickly in the dark.

To obtain the Sheikah Set, you need to visit Kakariko Village, which is located in the eastern part of Hyrule. The Sheikah Armor can be purchased from the clothing shop in the village, called Enchanted. The shop is run by Claree, and the armor pieces are available for sale once you complete the "Find the Fairy Fountain" side quest. The Sheikah Mask costs 2,000 rupees, the Sheikah Armor costs 1,200 rupees, and the Sheikah Leg Wraps cost 1,500 rupees. Make sure you have enough rupees before heading to the shop. You can earn rupees by selling valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals.

Once you have the Sheikah Set, you can upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains to increase its defense and unlock the set bonus. To upgrade the armor, you need to visit one of the four Great Fairy Fountains scattered across Hyrule. Each upgrade level requires specific materials. For the Sheikah Set, you will need materials like Silent Shrooms, Silent Princess flowers, and Sneaky River Snails. These materials can be found in various locations, such as forests, near water bodies, or in areas with high grass. Silent Shrooms are particularly common in wooded areas, while Sneaky River Snails can be found in shallow water.

The stealth mechanics in Breath of the Wild are tied to Link's noise level and visibility. When wearing the Sheikah Set, Link's footsteps become quieter, and enemies are less likely to notice him, even if he is moving quickly. This is especially useful for sneaking into enemy camps, hunting wildlife, or completing stealth-based quests. For example, the "Flown the Coop" side quest in Kakariko Village requires you to catch a cucco without being seen, and the Sheikah Set makes this task much easier.

One common mistake players make is assuming that stealth is only useful for avoiding combat. While the Sheikah Set is excellent for sneaking past enemies, it can also be used to gain the upper hand in combat. For instance, you can sneak up on enemies and perform a sneak strike, which deals massive damage. This is particularly effective against stronger enemies like Lynels or Guardians. Additionally, the Sheikah Set's night speed bonus can help you escape dangerous situations or quickly traverse large areas.

Advanced players can combine the Sheikah Set with stealth-enhancing elixirs or meals to further boost Link's stealth capabilities. For example, cooking a meal with Silent Shrooms or Sneaky River Snails will temporarily increase your stealth, making it even harder for enemies to detect you. This is useful for particularly challenging stealth missions or when you need to sneak through heavily guarded areas.

An alternative approach to stealth is using the Dark Link Set, which can be purchased from Kilton's Fang and Bone shop. This set also provides a stealth boost and has a unique aesthetic, but it does not offer the same movement speed bonus as the Sheikah Set. However, it can be a good option if you prefer its appearance or if you have already unlocked Kilton's shop.

In summary, the Sheikah Set is the best armor for stealth in Breath of the Wild due to its stealth boost and night speed bonus. To obtain it, visit Kakariko Village and purchase the pieces from the clothing shop. Upgrade the set at Great Fairy Fountains using materials like Silent Shrooms and Sneaky River Snails. Use the set to sneak past enemies, perform sneak strikes, and complete stealth-based quests. Combine it with stealth-enhancing meals or elixirs for even better results. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the set's combat potential, and consider alternative options like the Dark Link Set if you prefer its style. With the Sheikah Set, you can master the art of stealth and tackle the game's challenges with ease.