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

The best armor set for swimming in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Zora Armor set. This set is specifically designed to enhance Link's swimming abilities, making it invaluable for traversing water-heavy areas like Zora's Domain, rivers, and lakes. The Zora Armor set consists of three pieces: the Zora Helm, Zora Armor, and Zora Greaves. Each piece provides unique benefits, and when worn together, they significantly improve Link's swimming speed and stamina efficiency.

To obtain the Zora Armor set, you need to complete specific tasks and quests. The Zora Armor is the first piece you can acquire. After reaching Zora's Domain, you will meet King Dorephan and Princess Mipha's spirit. They will ask you to help free Vah Ruta, the Divine Beast threatening their domain. As part of this quest, you will receive the Zora Armor from King Dorephan. This armor allows Link to swim upstream against strong currents, which is essential for reaching certain areas like the East Reservoir Lake where Vah Ruta is located.

The Zora Greaves can be found in a chest at Toto Lake, located southwest of Zora's Domain. To reach the chest, you need to solve a simple puzzle involving Cryonis, the ice rune ability. Use Cryonis to create ice blocks in the water and climb up to the chest. The Zora Greaves enhance Link's swimming speed, making it easier to navigate large bodies of water.

The Zora Helm is the final piece of the set and can be obtained by completing the "Lynel Safari" side quest. This quest is given by Laflat, a Zora found in Zora's Domain. She asks you to take a picture of a Lynel in the nearby mountains. Once you have the picture, return to Laflat, and she will reward you with the Zora Helm. This piece further boosts Link's swimming capabilities, making the set complete.

When wearing the full Zora Armor set, Link gains the "Swim Dash" ability, which allows him to perform a quick dash while swimming. This ability consumes stamina but is incredibly useful for covering large distances quickly. Additionally, the set provides a defense bonus, making it a good choice for both exploration and combat in aquatic environments.

To maximize the effectiveness of the Zora Armor set, consider upgrading it at Great Fairy Fountains. Upgrading requires specific materials like Lizalfos Tails, Opals, and other monster parts. Each upgrade level increases the armor's defense and enhances its swimming benefits. Fully upgrading the set makes it one of the most versatile armor sets in the game, suitable for both swimming and combat.

One common mistake players make is not upgrading the Zora Armor set. While the base set is useful, upgrading it significantly improves its performance. Another mistake is not using the Swim Dash ability effectively. This ability can save a lot of time and stamina, so practice using it to navigate water efficiently.

For advanced techniques, consider combining the Zora Armor set with stamina-enhancing food or elixirs. This combination allows you to swim longer distances without running out of stamina. Additionally, using the set in conjunction with the Cryonis rune can help you create ice blocks to rest on and recover stamina during long swims.

In summary, the Zora Armor set is the best choice for swimming in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. By obtaining and upgrading each piece, you can significantly enhance Link's swimming abilities, making it easier to explore water-heavy areas and complete related quests. Remember to use the Swim Dash ability and combine the set with stamina-enhancing items for optimal performance.