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

Upgrading the Rubber Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a valuable process that enhances its defensive capabilities and unlocks its set bonus, which grants Link immunity to electricity. This armor set is particularly useful when facing electric-based enemies like Electric Wizzrobes or when exploring areas with frequent lightning storms. To upgrade the Rubber Armor set, you will need to visit Great Fairy Fountains and provide specific materials for each upgrade level. Here is a detailed explanation of the mechanics, step-by-step instructions, and important tips to help you upgrade the Rubber Armor set effectively.

First, you need to locate the Rubber Armor set. The Rubber Helm can be found in a chest inside the Qukah Nata Shrine, which is located in the Faron region. The Rubber Tights are obtained by completing the "Trial of Thunder" shrine quest at the Thundra Plateau in the Ridgeland region. The Rubber Armor is purchased from the clothing shop in Kakariko Village. Once you have all three pieces, you can begin the upgrade process.

To upgrade the Rubber Armor set, you must 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. You only need to unlock one fountain to start upgrading, but unlocking more fountains allows you to upgrade your armor to higher levels. Each piece of the Rubber Armor set can be upgraded up to four times, with each level requiring different materials.

For the first upgrade level, each piece of the Rubber Armor set requires three Yellow Chuchu Jelly. Yellow Chuchu Jelly can be obtained by defeating Electric Chuchus or by using a shock arrow or electric weapon on regular Chuchu Jelly. For the second upgrade level, you will need five Electric Safflina and five Voltfruit. Electric Safflina can be found in the Gerudo Desert and the Faron region, while Voltfruit is commonly found in the Gerudo Desert. For the third upgrade level, you will need five Electric Darner and five Zapshroom. Electric Darner can be caught near bodies of water in the Faron region, and Zapshroom can be found in the Faron region and the Gerudo Highlands. For the fourth and final upgrade level, you will need one Topaz for each piece of the set. Topaz can be obtained by defeating Stone Taluses, mining ore deposits, or purchasing it from gem shops.

When upgrading, it is important to gather the required materials in advance. Farming Yellow Chuchu Jelly can be done by hunting Electric Chuchus or converting regular Chuchu Jelly with electric attacks. For Electric Safflina and Voltfruit, exploring the Gerudo Desert and Faron region will yield plenty of these resources. Electric Darner and Zapshroom can be found in similar areas, so it is efficient to collect them while exploring. Topaz is a rarer material, so defeating Stone Taluses or mining ore deposits in areas like Death Mountain or the Eldin region is recommended.

A common mistake to avoid is not unlocking enough Great Fairy Fountains. While you can start upgrading with just one fountain, unlocking more fountains allows you to upgrade your armor to higher levels, providing greater defense and unlocking the set bonus. Another mistake is not gathering enough materials before attempting to upgrade. It is best to collect all the required materials in advance to streamline the process.

Advanced techniques include using the Sheikah Sensor+ to track specific materials. Once you have upgraded your Sheikah Sensor at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, you can set it to detect Electric Safflina, Voltfruit, Electric Darner, or Zapshroom, making it easier to locate these resources. Additionally, using the Master Cycle Zero or a horse can speed up the process of gathering materials across large areas like the Gerudo Desert or Faron region.

An alternative approach is to focus on upgrading only the pieces of the Rubber Armor set that you use most frequently. For example, if you primarily use the Rubber Helm for its electric resistance, you might prioritize upgrading it first while delaying upgrades for the other pieces. This can save resources and rupees, especially if you are still early in the game.

In specific scenarios, such as facing Thunderblight Ganon in the Vah Naboris Divine Beast, having a fully upgraded Rubber Armor set can make the fight significantly easier. The set bonus, which grants immunity to electricity, allows you to ignore the boss's electric attacks and focus on dealing damage. Similarly, during lightning storms, wearing the Rubber Armor set prevents you from being struck by lightning, making exploration safer.

In conclusion, upgrading the Rubber Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a worthwhile investment that enhances your defense and provides valuable electric resistance. By gathering the required materials, unlocking Great Fairy Fountains, and following the step-by-step upgrade process, you can maximize the effectiveness of this armor set. Avoiding common mistakes, using advanced techniques, and considering alternative approaches will help you optimize your resources and progress efficiently. Whether you are facing electric enemies or exploring stormy regions, the upgraded Rubber Armor set is a powerful tool in your arsenal.