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

The best armor set for swimming in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Zora Armor set. This set is specifically designed to enhance Link's swimming abilities, making it invaluable for traversing water-heavy areas like Zora's Domain and the surrounding regions. The Zora Armor set consists of three pieces: the Zora Helm, Zora Armor, and Zora Greaves. Each piece provides unique benefits, and when worn together, they significantly improve Link's swimming speed and stamina efficiency.

To obtain the Zora Armor set, you need to complete specific tasks and quests. The Zora Armor is the first piece you can acquire. After reaching Zora's Domain, you will encounter Prince Sidon, who will ask for your help to calm Divine Beast Vah Ruta. As part of this quest, King Dorephan will gift you the Zora Armor. This piece allows Link to swim upstream by using the dash ability, which is crucial for navigating waterfalls and strong currents.

The Zora Greaves can be found in a chest at Toto Lake, located northwest of Zora's Domain. To reach the chest, you need to solve a simple puzzle involving a block and a pedestal. Place the block on the pedestal to reveal the chest containing the Zora Greaves. This piece enhances Link's swimming speed, making it easier to cover large bodies of water quickly.

The Zora Helm is the final piece of the set and can be obtained by completing the "Lynel Safari" side quest. This quest is given by Laflat in Zora's Domain. She will ask you to take a picture of a Lynel in the nearby area. Once you have the picture, return to Laflat, and she will reward you with the Zora Helm. This piece further boosts Link's swimming capabilities, making the set complete.

When wearing the full Zora Armor set, Link gains the "Swim Dash Stamina Up" set bonus. This bonus reduces the stamina cost of using the dash ability while swimming, allowing you to cover greater distances without depleting your stamina. This is particularly useful for exploring large bodies of water, such as Lake Hylia or the Lanayru Sea.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Zora Armor set, consider upgrading it at a Great Fairy Fountain. Upgrading the armor requires specific materials, including Lizalfos Tails and Sapphires. Each upgrade level increases the armor's defense, making it more durable in combat situations. Additionally, upgrading the set enhances the set bonus, further reducing the stamina cost of swimming dashes.

One common mistake players make is not utilizing the full set bonus. Wearing only one or two pieces of the Zora Armor set will not provide the same benefits as wearing all three pieces. Always ensure you have the complete set equipped when swimming to take full advantage of the stamina reduction and increased speed.

Advanced techniques involve combining the Zora Armor set with other stamina-enhancing items. For example, consuming food or elixirs that increase stamina or provide temporary stamina regeneration can allow you to swim even longer distances without stopping. Additionally, using the Cryonis rune to create ice blocks can provide resting points in the water, allowing you to recover stamina before continuing your swim.

In summary, the Zora Armor set is the best choice for swimming in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. By obtaining and upgrading the Zora Helm, Zora Armor, and Zora Greaves, you can significantly enhance Link's swimming abilities. Remember to wear the full set to benefit from the set bonus, and consider using stamina-enhancing items and the Cryonis rune for even greater efficiency. With these strategies, you can navigate the game's water-heavy areas with ease and confidence.