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. This set is specifically designed to help Link survive the freezing temperatures found in mountainous regions like the Hebra Mountains and Mount Lanayru. The Snowquill Set consists of three pieces: the Snowquill Headdress, Snowquill Tunic, and Snowquill Trousers. Each piece provides cold resistance, and when all three are worn together, they grant the Unfreezable set bonus, which prevents Link from being frozen by enemies or environmental effects.

To obtain the Snowquill Set, you need to visit Rito Village, located in the Tabantha region. The village is built on a series of wooden platforms surrounding a large rock formation. Once there, head to the clothing shop called Slippery Falcon. The shop is run by a Rito named Genli, and she sells all three pieces of the Snowquill Set. The Snowquill Headdress costs 1,500 rupees, the Snowquill Tunic costs 2,000 rupees, and the Snowquill Trousers cost 1,500 rupees. Make sure you have enough rupees before heading to Rito Village. You can earn rupees by selling valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals.

Once you have the Snowquill Set, it is highly recommended to upgrade it at a Great Fairy Fountain. Upgrading the armor increases its defense and enhances its cold resistance. To upgrade the Snowquill Set, you will need specific materials. For the first upgrade, you need Warm Darners or Summerwing Butterflies. For the second upgrade, you need Warm Darners or Summerwing Butterflies and Ice Keese Wings. For the third upgrade, you need Ice Keese Wings and Sunshroom. For the fourth and final upgrade, you need Ice Keese Wings, Sunshroom, and Sapphire. These materials can be found in cold regions or by defeating Ice Keese, which are bat-like enemies found in snowy areas.

When exploring the mountains, it is important to manage your resources effectively. Cold environments can drain your health quickly if you are not properly equipped. In addition to wearing the Snowquill Set, you can also consume food or elixirs that provide cold resistance. Dishes made with Spicy Peppers, Sunshrooms, or Warm Darners are particularly effective. For example, cooking five Spicy Peppers together will create a dish that grants high-level cold resistance for a significant duration. Elixirs made with Warm Darners or Summerwing Butterflies and monster parts can also provide cold resistance.

One common mistake players make is relying solely on the Snowquill Set without preparing additional cold-resistant items. While the Snowquill Set is highly effective, having backup food or elixirs can save you in situations where your armor is not enough. Another mistake is not upgrading the Snowquill Set early. Upgrading the armor not only increases its defense but also makes it more effective in extreme cold environments. Make sure to visit Great Fairy Fountains regularly to upgrade your armor as you progress through the game.

Advanced techniques for exploring the mountains include using the Paraglider to navigate steep terrain and avoid enemies. The mountains are home to powerful enemies like Frost Taluses and Ice Lizalfos, so it is important to approach combat carefully. Using fire-based weapons or arrows can be particularly effective against ice-based enemies. Additionally, using stealth to avoid unnecessary fights can help conserve resources. The Sheikah Stealth Set, which can be purchased in Kakariko Village, is useful for sneaking past enemies or collecting materials without being detected.

Alternative approaches to surviving the cold include using the Rito-made Spicy Elixir, which can be obtained from a Rito named Kass during the Shrine Quest "The Bird in the Mountains." This elixir provides temporary cold resistance and can be a good option if you do not have the Snowquill Set yet. Another alternative is to use the Flameblade or any fire-based weapon to create a temporary heat source. Holding a Flameblade while exploring will keep Link warm, but this method is less reliable than wearing the Snowquill Set.

In summary, the Snowquill Set is the best armor for exploring the mountains in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. It provides essential cold resistance and can be upgraded for additional defense. Proper preparation, including gathering materials for upgrades and cooking cold-resistant meals, is key to surviving the harsh mountain environments. Avoid common mistakes like relying solely on the armor without backup resources, and consider advanced techniques like using fire-based weapons or stealth to navigate the mountains safely. With the right equipment and strategy, you can explore the mountains with confidence and uncover their many secrets.