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

The best armor set for exploring the plains in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild depends on the specific challenges you face in those areas. The plains, such as Hyrule Field or the Central Hyrule region, are vast open areas filled with enemies, environmental hazards, and opportunities for exploration. To maximize your effectiveness in these regions, you need an armor set that balances defense, mobility, and utility. The most versatile and effective armor set for this purpose is the Ancient Armor set, which provides high defense and a bonus against Guardian enemies, which are common in the plains. HereÔÇÖs a detailed breakdown of how to obtain, upgrade, and use this armor set effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Ancient Armor set. This set consists of three pieces: the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. When worn together, the set provides a significant defense boost and an additional set bonus that increases damage dealt with Ancient and Guardian weapons. This is particularly useful in the plains, where Guardians are a frequent threat. The armor also has a high base defense, making it one of the best sets for general combat. However, obtaining and upgrading this set requires significant preparation and resources.

To obtain the Ancient Armor set, you must visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, located in the northeastern part of the map. To unlock the lab, you need to complete the side quest "RobbieÔÇÖs Research," which involves lighting the furnace outside the lab with a blue flame. Once the lab is operational, you can purchase the Ancient Armor pieces from Cherry, the labÔÇÖs robot assistant. Each piece costs a combination of rupees and Ancient materials, such as Ancient Springs, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores. These materials are obtained by defeating Guardians or found in shrines and treasure chests. ItÔÇÖs a good idea to farm Guardians in areas like Hyrule Field or Central Hyrule to gather these materials efficiently.

Upgrading the Ancient Armor set requires visiting Great Fairy Fountains. Each upgrade level increases the armorÔÇÖs defense and requires specific materials. For the Ancient Armor set, youÔÇÖll need Ancient materials like Ancient Screws, Ancient Gears, and Ancient Cores, as well as other items like Star Fragments. Star Fragments are rare and can be obtained by shooting down stars that fall from the sky at night or by defeating high-level enemies like Lynels. Upgrading the set to its maximum level (level 4) provides a total defense of 84, making it one of the most durable armor sets in the game.

When exploring the plains, the Ancient Armor setÔÇÖs high defense and Guardian resistance make it ideal for combat. Guardians are a major threat in these areas, and the set bonus allows you to deal more damage with Ancient weapons, such as the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw. Additionally, the setÔÇÖs high defense helps you survive encounters with other powerful enemies like Lynels or Moblins. However, the Ancient Armor set does not provide any environmental resistance, so you may need to switch to other armor sets when facing extreme temperatures or weather conditions.

One common mistake players make is relying solely on the Ancient Armor set without considering other situational needs. For example, if youÔÇÖre exploring areas with extreme heat or cold, youÔÇÖll need to switch to armor sets like the Desert Voe set or the Snowquill set, respectively. Additionally, the Ancient Armor set is expensive to obtain and upgrade, so itÔÇÖs important to manage your resources carefully. Prioritize farming Guardians and collecting Ancient materials early in the game to make the process easier.

Advanced techniques for using the Ancient Armor set include combining it with other gear for maximum effectiveness. For example, pairing the set with Ancient weapons and shields can create a powerful loadout for taking down Guardians and other tough enemies. Additionally, using food or elixirs that boost attack or defense can further enhance your combat capabilities. For example, cooking a dish with Mighty Bananas or Razor Shrooms can provide a temporary attack boost, making it easier to defeat enemies quickly.

In summary, the Ancient Armor set is the best choice for exploring the plains in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild due to its high defense and Guardian resistance. Obtaining and upgrading the set requires significant preparation and resource management, but the benefits are well worth the effort. By combining the Ancient Armor set with other gear and strategies, you can effectively tackle the challenges of the plains and make the most of your exploration. Always be mindful of situational needs and consider switching to other armor sets when facing environmental hazards or specific threats. With the right preparation and strategy, the Ancient Armor set will serve as a reliable and powerful tool for your adventures in Hyrule.