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

The best armor set for exploring the mountains in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Snowquill Set, which provides cold resistance and can be upgraded to offer additional benefits. This set is essential for navigating the frigid environments found in regions like the Hebra Mountains and Mount Lanayru, where extreme cold can quickly drain Link's health. Below is a detailed guide on how to obtain, upgrade, and effectively use the Snowquill Set, along with tips and strategies for mountain exploration.

The Snowquill Set consists of three pieces: the Snowquill Headdress, Snowquill Tunic, and Snowquill Trousers. Each piece provides one level of cold resistance, and when all three are worn together, they grant full immunity to cold environments. This is crucial for exploring areas where the temperature drops significantly, such as the peaks of Hebra or the snowy regions of Gerudo Highlands. The set can be purchased in Rito Village, which is located in the Tabantha region. To reach Rito Village, you must travel northwest from the Great Plateau, passing through the Tabantha Bridge Stable and following the path along the canyon. Once in Rito Village, visit the clothing shop called "Brazen Beak" to buy the Snowquill Set. The total cost is 2,150 Rupees, with the headdress costing 650 Rupees, the tunic costing 850 Rupees, and the trousers costing 650 Rupees.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Snowquill Set, you should upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains. Upgrading armor increases its defense rating and can unlock set bonuses. The Snowquill Set requires specific materials for each upgrade level. For the first upgrade, you need Aerocuda Wings, which can be obtained by defeating Aerocudas, flying enemies found in various regions. The second upgrade requires Ice-Breath Lizalfos Tails, which drop from Ice-Breath Lizalfos in cold areas like the Hebra Mountains. The third upgrade requires Fireproof Lizards, which can be found in Eldin Canyon or purchased from Beedle at certain stables. The final upgrade requires Molduga Fins, which are obtained by defeating Moldugas in the Gerudo Desert. Once fully upgraded, the Snowquill Set provides a set bonus called "Unfreezable," which prevents Link from being frozen by enemy attacks, such as those from Ice Wizzrobes or Frost Taluses.

When exploring mountains, preparation is key. In addition to wearing the Snowquill Set, you should carry food or elixirs that provide cold resistance as a backup. Recipes like Spicy Pepper Steak or Spicy Elixirs can be crafted using Spicy Peppers, which are commonly found in the Great Plateau or purchased from shops. These items are useful if you need to swap out your armor for a different set, such as the Climbing Gear, which is helpful for scaling steep cliffs. Additionally, carrying a torch or a flame weapon can provide temporary warmth in cold areas, allowing you to conserve resources.

One common mistake players make is relying solely on the Snowquill Set without considering other environmental hazards. For example, some mountain regions have both cold and heat zones, such as Death Mountain, where the Snowquill Set is ineffective. In such cases, you should carry the Flamebreaker Set or use heat-resistant elixirs. Another mistake is neglecting to upgrade the Snowquill Set, leaving Link vulnerable to stronger enemies in late-game areas. Always prioritize upgrading your armor to improve survivability.

Advanced techniques for mountain exploration include using the Paraglider to traverse large gaps or descend safely from high altitudes. You can also use Cryonis to create ice blocks in water, allowing you to cross rivers or lakes in cold regions. Additionally, using Stasis on enemies or objects can help you navigate tricky terrain or solve environmental puzzles. For example, freezing a rolling boulder with Stasis can prevent it from crushing you while climbing.

In summary, the Snowquill Set is the best armor for mountain exploration due to its cold resistance and upgrade potential. Obtain it in Rito Village, upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains, and prepare backup items like Spicy Elixirs for emergencies. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting upgrades or ignoring other environmental hazards, and use advanced techniques like the Paraglider and Stasis to navigate challenging terrain. With the right preparation and strategy, you can conquer the mountains of Hyrule with ease.