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

The highlands in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are some of the most challenging areas to explore due to their extreme temperatures, rugged terrain, and powerful enemies. To survive and thrive in these regions, you need the right armor set that provides both environmental resistance and strong defense. The best armor set for exploring the highlands is the Snowquill Set, which is specifically designed to handle cold environments. This set can be purchased in Rito Village, located in the Tabantha region. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain, upgrade, and use this armor effectively.

First, letÔÇÖs talk about the mechanics of the Snowquill Set. This set consists of three pieces: the Snowquill Headdress, Snowquill Tunic, and Snowquill Trousers. When worn together, the set provides two levels of Cold Resistance, which is essential for surviving in freezing temperatures found in areas like the Hebra Mountains or the Gerudo Highlands. Additionally, each piece of the set can be upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains to increase its defense rating, making it more durable in combat. The set bonus, unlocked after upgrading all three pieces to at least level 2, grants Unfreezable, which prevents Link from being frozen by enemy attacks like those from Ice Lizalfos or Frost Taluses.

To obtain the Snowquill Set, you need to travel to Rito Village. The village is located in the northwest part of the map, near the Tabantha Tower. Once there, head to the clothing shop called Slippery Falcon, run by a Rito named Greta. 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 traveling to Rito Village. If youÔÇÖre short on funds, consider selling rare materials like gems or monster parts, or completing side quests and shrines to earn more rupees.

After acquiring the Snowquill Set, the next step is to upgrade it. To do this, youÔÇÖll need to visit Great Fairy Fountains. There are four Great Fairy Fountains in the game, and each one requires a payment of rupees to unlock. The first fountain costs 100 rupees, the second 500, the third 1,000, and the fourth 10,000. Once unlocked, you can upgrade your armor by providing the required materials. For the Snowquill Set, the materials needed include Warm Darners, Summerwing Butterflies, and Fireproof Lizards for the early upgrades, and more advanced materials like Sapphires and Rubies for higher levels. Collecting these materials can be time-consuming, so itÔÇÖs a good idea to gather them while exploring other regions of Hyrule.

When exploring the highlands, itÔÇÖs important to manage your resources effectively. The Snowquill Set provides excellent cold resistance, but it doesnÔÇÖt protect against other environmental hazards like heat or electricity. If youÔÇÖre planning to explore areas with extreme heat, such as the Gerudo Desert, consider switching to the Desert Voe Set or using heat-resistant elixirs. Similarly, if youÔÇÖre facing enemies that use electric attacks, the Rubber Set or Thunder Helm can provide shock resistance. Always carry a variety of elixirs and meals to supplement your armorÔÇÖs abilities, especially when transitioning between different climates.

One common mistake players make is relying solely on the Snowquill Set without considering other environmental factors. For example, the Hebra Mountains are not only cold but also home to powerful enemies like Lynels and Frost Taluses. In such cases, itÔÇÖs wise to combine the Snowquill Set with high-defense weapons and shields. Additionally, donÔÇÖt forget to use stealth and strategy when dealing with enemies, as the highlands often have limited resources for healing and crafting.

Advanced players can optimize their exploration by combining the Snowquill Set with other gear and abilities. For instance, using the ChampionÔÇÖs Tunic alongside the Snowquill Headdress and Trousers can provide a balance of cold resistance and high defense. Alternatively, you can use the Ancient Armor Set for its high defense and Guardian resistance, but youÔÇÖll need to rely on cold-resistant elixirs or meals to survive the cold. Another strategy is to use the Sheikah Sensor to locate nearby shrines and fast-travel points, making it easier to navigate the highlands without getting lost or overwhelmed.

In summary, the Snowquill Set is the best armor for exploring the highlands due to its cold resistance and upgrade potential. To make the most of this set, gather the necessary materials for upgrades, manage your resources wisely, and adapt to different environmental challenges. By following these strategies, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to conquer the highlands and uncover their many secrets.