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, are vast open areas with a mix of environmental hazards, enemy encounters, and weather conditions. To prepare for these challenges, you need an armor set that balances defense, mobility, and resistance to environmental effects. 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. However, other armor sets like the Soldier's Armor or the Barbarian Armor can also be useful depending on your playstyle and the situation.

To obtain the Ancient Armor set, you need to visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, located in the northeastern part of the map. This lab is run by Robbie, who will allow you to purchase Ancient gear in exchange for Ancient Materials and rupees. The Ancient Armor set consists of three pieces: the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. Each piece requires specific materials, including Ancient Screws, Ancient Shafts, Ancient Cores, and Giant Ancient Cores, which can be obtained by defeating Guardians or found in shrines. The set also requires a significant amount of rupees, so make sure to save up before heading to the lab.

Once you have the Ancient Armor set, you can upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains to increase its defense and unlock set bonuses. To upgrade the set, you will need additional materials like Ancient Springs, Ancient Gears, and Ancient Shafts, which can be obtained by defeating more Guardians or exploring shrines. The set bonus for the Ancient Armor increases your damage with Ancient and Guardian weapons, making it even more effective against the mechanical enemies found in the plains.

When exploring the plains, the Ancient Armor set provides excellent defense against Guardian lasers and other attacks, which are common in these areas. The set also has a high base defense, making it useful against other enemies like Bokoblins, Moblins, and Lynels. Additionally, the set bonus synergizes well with Ancient and Guardian weapons, which are powerful but have limited durability. By using the Ancient Armor set, you can maximize the effectiveness of these weapons and take down enemies more efficiently.

However, the Ancient Armor set does not provide any resistance to environmental effects like heat, cold, or electricity. If you encounter extreme weather conditions or enemies that use elemental attacks, you may need to switch to a different armor set or use elixirs and food buffs to compensate. For example, if you are exploring the plains during a thunderstorm, you should equip the Rubber Armor set to avoid being struck by lightning. Similarly, if you are facing enemies that use fire or ice attacks, you can use the Flamebreaker or Snowquill Armor sets to resist those effects.

Another important consideration when exploring the plains is resource management. The plains are home to a variety of resources, including herbs, mushrooms, and animals that can be used for cooking and crafting. Make sure to gather these resources as you explore, as they can be used to create elixirs and meals that provide temporary buffs to your health, stamina, or resistance. For example, cooking a dish with Endura Carrots can give you extra stamina, which is useful for climbing or running long distances. Similarly, cooking with Hearty Radishes or Durians can give you extra hearts, which can be a lifesaver in combat.

In terms of combat techniques, the plains are home to some of the toughest enemies in the game, including Lynels and Guardians. When facing these enemies, it is important to use a combination of dodging, parrying, and strategic weapon use. For example, when fighting a Lynel, you can use a combination of arrows and melee attacks to whittle down its health. When fighting a Guardian, you can use the Ancient Shield to reflect its laser attacks back at it, or use Ancient Arrows to deal massive damage. Additionally, using the Stasis+ rune can give you a brief window to attack without being interrupted.

One common mistake to avoid when exploring the plains is underestimating the difficulty of the enemies and environmental hazards. The plains may seem open and empty, but they are home to some of the most dangerous enemies in the game. Make sure to prepare adequately by stocking up on weapons, shields, and healing items before venturing into these areas. Additionally, be mindful of the weather conditions, as sudden thunderstorms or temperature changes can catch you off guard.

In conclusion, 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 bonus against Guardian enemies. However, you should also be prepared to switch to other armor sets or use elixirs and food buffs to deal with environmental hazards and elemental attacks. By gathering resources, managing your inventory, and using effective combat techniques, you can successfully navigate the plains and overcome the challenges they present.