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 worn. 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.

To begin your journey to acquire the Ancient Cuirass, you must first reach the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This lab is situated on a hilltop near the Akkala Tower, and it is accessible after you have activated the Akkala Tower. The lab is run by Robbie, a Sheikah researcher who specializes in ancient technology. Before you can purchase the Ancient Cuirass, you will need to complete a quest called "Robbie's Research," which involves lighting the furnace at the lab. This quest requires you to bring a blue flame from the ancient furnace located near the lab to relight the lab's furnace. The blue flame is similar to the one found at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, and you will need to carry it using a torch or a wooden weapon. Be cautious, as rain or enemies can extinguish the flame, forcing you to start over.

Once you have completed "Robbie's Research" and lit the furnace, Robbie will offer to sell you the Ancient Cuirass, along with other pieces of the Ancient Armor set. The Ancient Cuirass costs 2,000 rupees, so make sure you have enough currency before heading to the lab. Rupees can be obtained by selling valuable items like gems, monster parts, or cooked meals. If you are short on rupees, consider farming ore deposits in areas like Death Mountain or the Gerudo Highlands, as these locations often yield valuable gemstones.

The Ancient Cuirass provides a base defense of 28, which is quite high compared to many other armor pieces in the game. When worn as part of the full Ancient Armor set, it grants an additional 80% damage boost to ancient weapons, such as the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw. This makes the set particularly effective against Guardians, as ancient weapons deal extra damage to these enemies. Additionally, the set provides a Guardian resistance bonus, reducing the damage taken from Guardian lasers and other attacks.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Ancient Cuirass, consider upgrading it at a Great Fairy Fountain. Upgrading the armor requires specific materials, including ancient screws, ancient springs, and ancient gears. These materials can be obtained by defeating Guardians or scavenging their remains in areas like Hyrule Field or Central Hyrule. Each upgrade level increases the defense of the Ancient Cuirass, with the fourth and final upgrade requiring ancient cores, which are rarer and more difficult to obtain. Prioritize farming Guardians in areas where they are plentiful, such as the ruins near Hyrule Castle, to gather the necessary materials.

One common mistake players make is attempting to purchase the Ancient Cuirass without first completing "Robbie's Research." Without lighting the furnace, Robbie will not offer the armor for sale, so ensure you complete this quest before attempting to buy the cuirass. Another mistake is not preparing adequately for the journey to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. The path to the lab can be dangerous, with enemies like Lizalfos and Guardians patrolling the area. Equip yourself with strong weapons, shields, and healing items to ensure you can handle any threats along the way.

For advanced players, consider combining the Ancient Cuirass with other armor pieces that provide complementary bonuses. For example, wearing the Ancient Helm and Ancient Greaves completes the set and unlocks the ancient weapon damage bonus. Alternatively, you can mix and match armor pieces to suit your playstyle. For instance, pairing the Ancient Cuirass with the Diamond Circlet provides additional defense and Guardian resistance without requiring the full Ancient Armor set. This flexibility allows you to tailor your equipment to specific challenges, such as facing multiple Guardians or exploring areas with extreme environmental conditions.

In summary, obtaining the Ancient Cuirass involves completing "Robbie's Research," gathering enough rupees, and purchasing it from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Upgrading the cuirass requires farming Guardian parts, and wearing it as part of the full Ancient Armor set provides significant combat advantages against ancient enemies. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, you can enhance your equipment and improve your chances of success in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.