How do I upgrade the Phantom Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild?

The Phantom Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a unique armor set that cannot be upgraded. This is an important detail to understand before attempting to gather materials or visit Great Fairy Fountains. The Phantom Armor set consists of three pieces: the Phantom Helmet, Phantom Armor, and Phantom Greaves. It is inspired by the Phantom enemies from The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass and provides a significant attack boost when worn as a full set. However, unlike most other armor sets in the game, it does not have upgrade levels or defense improvements.

To obtain the Phantom Armor set, you must purchase the Breath of the Wild DLC pack, "The Master Trials." Once you have the DLC, the armor pieces are found in three separate chests hidden throughout Hyrule. The Phantom Helmet is located in the Coliseum Ruins, the Phantom Armor is in the Sacred Ground Ruins near Hyrule Castle, and the Phantom Greaves are in the Tabantha Tundra. Each piece requires careful exploration and sometimes solving minor environmental puzzles to access the chests. For example, the chest containing the Phantom Greaves is buried in the snow, and you may need to use a fire-based weapon or ability to melt the ice blocking the chest.

Since the Phantom Armor set cannot be upgraded, its defense values remain fixed. The Phantom Helmet provides 8 defense, the Phantom Armor provides 12 defense, and the Phantom Greaves provide 8 defense, totaling 28 defense when wearing the full set. While this is decent for early to mid-game, it falls short compared to fully upgraded armor sets like the Ancient Armor or the Barbarian Armor, which can reach much higher defense values. However, the Phantom Armor set's unique attack boost makes it a valuable choice for players who prioritize offense over defense.

One common mistake players make is assuming that all armor sets can be upgraded. This can lead to wasted time and resources gathering materials that are unnecessary for the Phantom Armor set. Instead, focus on using the Phantom Armor set strategically in situations where its attack boost is most beneficial, such as during combat with tough enemies or bosses. For example, wearing the full set while fighting a Lynel or a Guardian Stalker can significantly increase your damage output, making the fight shorter and more manageable.

If you find the Phantom Armor set's defense lacking, consider pairing it with food or elixirs that provide temporary defense boosts. Dishes made with ingredients like Armored Carp, Ironshroom, or Fortified Pumpkin can increase your defense, compensating for the Phantom Armor's lower defense values. Additionally, using a high-defense shield and practicing perfect parries or dodges can help mitigate damage during combat.

For players who prefer a more balanced approach, you can mix and match armor pieces. For example, you could wear the Phantom Helmet for its attack boost while equipping higher-defense armor pieces like the Ancient Cuirass and Greaves. This allows you to benefit from both increased attack power and improved defense. However, keep in mind that the Phantom Armor set's attack boost only applies when wearing all three pieces, so mixing and matching will reduce its effectiveness.

In summary, the Phantom Armor set is a powerful offensive tool in Breath of the Wild, but it cannot be upgraded. Its fixed defense values make it less ideal for late-game challenges, but its attack boost can be invaluable in specific combat scenarios. To maximize its effectiveness, use it strategically and consider supplementing it with defense-boosting food or elixirs. Avoid wasting time gathering materials for upgrades, as this armor set is designed to remain at its base level. By understanding its limitations and strengths, you can make the most of the Phantom Armor set in your adventures across Hyrule.