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

The best armor set for fighting Guardians in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the Ancient Armor set. This set is specifically designed to counter Guardians, which are some of the most dangerous enemies in the game. The Ancient Armor set provides a significant defense boost against Guardian attacks and also increases the damage output of ancient weapons, making it the ideal choice for taking on these mechanical foes. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain, upgrade, and effectively use the Ancient Armor set.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics. Guardians are ancient Sheikah machines that primarily attack with laser beams. These beams deal massive damage and can one-shot Link if he doesnÔÇÖt have sufficient defense or health. The Ancient Armor set reduces the damage taken from Guardian lasers and other attacks. Additionally, wearing the full set grants the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases the damage of ancient weapons by 80%. This makes the set not only defensive but also highly offensive when paired with ancient weapons like the Ancient Short Sword or Ancient Bladesaw.

To obtain the Ancient Armor set, you need to visit the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, located in the northeastern part of the map. The lab is run by Robbie, who will sell you the armor pieces in exchange for ancient materials. Each piece of the set costs 2,000 rupees, 15 ancient screws, 10 ancient shafts, and 1 ancient core. You can gather these materials by defeating Guardians, especially the decayed ones found in Hyrule Field and around Hyrule Castle. You can also find ancient materials in chests within shrines or by defeating Guardian Scouts in shrines.

Once you have the Ancient Armor set, youÔÇÖll want to upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains to maximize its effectiveness. Upgrading the set requires ancient materials, including ancient gears, ancient springs, and ancient cores. These can be obtained by defeating Guardians or purchasing them from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Upgrading the set to level 2 or higher will significantly increase its defense, making it even more effective against Guardian attacks.

When fighting Guardians, itÔÇÖs important to use the right strategies. One effective method is to parry their laser beams with a shield. If timed correctly, the laser will reflect back at the Guardian, dealing massive damage or even destroying it in one hit. The Ancient Shield, which can also be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, is particularly useful for this as it automatically reflects Guardian lasers without requiring perfect timing. However, this shield is expensive, costing 1,000 rupees, 10 ancient gears, 15 ancient springs, and 1 giant ancient core.

Another strategy is to use ancient weapons, which deal extra damage to Guardians. The Ancient Bow, for example, is highly effective when paired with ancient arrows. Ancient arrows can one-shot Guardians if you hit their eye, but they are expensive and rare, so use them sparingly. The Ancient Bladesaw and Ancient Short Sword are also excellent choices for close combat, especially when wearing the full Ancient Armor set with the Ancient Proficiency bonus.

Preparation is key when fighting Guardians. Make sure you have plenty of healing items, such as hearty meals or elixirs, to recover from any hits you might take. ItÔÇÖs also a good idea to have a few fairies in your inventory, as they can automatically revive you if you fall in battle. Additionally, consider using buffs from food or elixirs to increase your defense or attack power before engaging in combat.

Common mistakes to avoid include underestimating the range and power of Guardian lasers. Always keep your distance and be ready to dodge or parry their attacks. Another mistake is not upgrading your armor. The base level of the Ancient Armor set provides decent protection, but upgrading it to level 2 or higher will make a significant difference in your survivability.

For advanced techniques, consider using the Stasis+ rune to freeze Guardians temporarily. This gives you a window to attack their legs, which can disable them and make them easier to deal with. You can also use the environment to your advantage, such as hiding behind cover to avoid laser attacks or using elevated positions to snipe Guardians with ancient arrows.

In summary, the Ancient Armor set is the best choice for fighting Guardians due to its defensive and offensive bonuses. Obtain it from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains, and use it in combination with ancient weapons and shields for maximum effectiveness. Prepare thoroughly with healing items and buffs, and use advanced techniques like parrying and Stasis+ to gain the upper hand in combat. With the right strategy and preparation, youÔÇÖll be able to take down Guardians with ease.