Where can I find the Ancient Cuirass in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Ancient Cuirass is a piece of the Ancient Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This armor set is highly sought after due to its unique properties, particularly its ability to increase defense and provide a bonus to ancient weapon damage when the full set is equipped. The Ancient Cuirass, along with the Ancient Helm and Ancient Greaves, is part of this set, which is designed to help players tackle Guardians and other ancient technology-based enemies more effectively. To obtain the Ancient Cuirass, you will need to visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, which is located in the northeastern part of Hyrule, specifically in the Akkala region.

The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is situated on a hill near the Akkala Tower. To reach it, you can either climb the hill or use the nearby road that leads up to the lab. Once you arrive, you will need to complete a quest called "Robbie's Research" to gain access to the lab's services. This quest involves lighting the furnace outside the lab with a blue flame, which can be found at the base of the hill near the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. You will need to carry the blue flame from the source to the lab using a torch or a weapon that can carry fire. Be cautious of enemies and rain, as both can extinguish the flame. Once the furnace is lit, you can enter the lab and speak with Robbie, who will then allow you to purchase ancient gear, including the Ancient Cuirass.

The Ancient Cuirass costs 2,000 rupees, which is a significant amount, so it is advisable to save up before heading to the lab. You can earn rupees by selling valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals. Additionally, you will need ancient materials to purchase the cuirass, specifically 15 ancient screws, 15 ancient springs, and 1 ancient core. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians, either the stationary ones found in shrines or the mobile ones roaming Hyrule Field and other areas. Guardians drop these materials when defeated, so farming them is essential. You can also find ancient materials in chests within shrines or by dismantling Guardian Scouts in Test of Strength shrines.

Once you have the required rupees and materials, return to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and speak with Cherry, the robot assistant, to purchase the Ancient Cuirass. Equipping the cuirass will increase your defense, and when worn with the full Ancient Armor set, it provides an additional 80% damage boost when using ancient weapons like the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw. This makes the set particularly useful for taking on Guardians and other tough enemies.

A common mistake players make is not preparing adequately before attempting to purchase the Ancient Cuirass. Ensure you have enough rupees and ancient materials before heading to the lab, as farming these resources can take time. Additionally, be cautious when carrying the blue flame for the "Robbie's Research" quest, as rain or enemy attacks can extinguish it. Using a torch is recommended, as it is less likely to break compared to weapons.

For advanced players, optimizing the use of the Ancient Armor set involves pairing it with ancient weapons and shields. The Ancient Shield, for example, can deflect Guardian beams without requiring perfect parries, making it invaluable in combat. Additionally, upgrading the Ancient Armor set at Great Fairy Fountains can further enhance its defensive capabilities. To upgrade the set, you will need additional ancient materials, such as ancient gears and ancient cores, so continue farming Guardians to gather these resources.

In summary, obtaining the Ancient Cuirass involves completing the "Robbie's Research" quest, gathering 2,000 rupees, and collecting ancient materials like screws, springs, and cores. Once purchased, the cuirass significantly boosts your defense and, when paired with the full Ancient Armor set, enhances your damage output with ancient weapons. Proper preparation, resource management, and strategic use of the armor set will help you tackle some of the game's toughest challenges with ease.