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 defensive capabilities. 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 armor set consists of three pieces: the Snowquill Headdress, Snowquill Tunic, and Snowquill Trousers. Each piece provides cold resistance, and when you wear the full set, you gain the Unfreezable bonus, which prevents you from being frozen by enemies like Ice Lizalfos or Frost Taluses. This is particularly useful in the highlands, where freezing attacks are common. Additionally, the setÔÇÖs cold resistance allows you to explore snowy areas without needing to consume food or elixirs for warmth.

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 Hebra Mountains. Once there, visit the clothing shop called Slippery Falcon. 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 heading there. If youÔÇÖre short on funds, consider selling rare materials like gems or monster parts.

After acquiring the Snowquill Set, the next step is to upgrade it at a Great Fairy Fountain. Upgrading armor increases its defense and enhances its special effects. To upgrade the Snowquill Set, youÔÇÖll need specific materials. For the first upgrade, you need Red Chuchu Jelly and Warm Darner. For the second upgrade, you need Red Chuchu Jelly, Summerwing Butterfly, and Fireproof Lizard. For the third upgrade, you need Red Chuchu Jelly, Hot-Footed Frog, and Fireproof Lizard. For the fourth and final upgrade, you need Red Chuchu Jelly, Fireproof Lizard, and Molduga Fin. These materials can be found in various regions, so plan your farming routes accordingly.

When exploring the highlands, itÔÇÖs important to manage your resources effectively. While the Snowquill Set provides cold resistance, you may still encounter areas with extreme cold, such as the Hebra Mountains. In these cases, consider cooking meals or elixirs that provide additional cold resistance. For example, combining Spicy Peppers with Raw Meat creates a dish that grants temporary cold resistance. This can be a lifesaver if youÔÇÖre caught in a blizzard or need to climb a freezing mountain.

One common mistake players make is relying solely on the Snowquill Set without preparing for combat. The highlands are home to powerful enemies like Lynels, Frost Taluses, and Ice Wizzrobes. Make sure you have strong weapons, shields, and bows before venturing into these areas. Additionally, consider carrying a few Fire Arrows or Fire Weapons to deal with ice-based enemies more effectively.

For advanced players, optimizing your gear setup can make a significant difference. Pair the Snowquill Set with a Flameblade or Great Flameblade to create a heat source that counters extreme cold. This allows you to explore without needing additional cold-resistant meals or elixirs. You can also use the Unfreezable bonus to your advantage in combat by engaging enemies that rely on freezing attacks, such as Ice Lizalfos or Frost Taluses.

If you prefer an alternative approach, you can use the Rito Set combined with cold-resistant meals or elixirs. The Rito Set provides cold resistance but lacks the Unfreezable bonus. However, itÔÇÖs a lighter armor set, which can be beneficial for players who prioritize mobility. Another option is to use the Ancient Armor Set from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. While it doesnÔÇÖt provide cold resistance, its high defense and Guardian resistance make it a strong choice for combat-heavy areas in the highlands.

In summary, the Snowquill Set is the best armor for exploring the highlands due to its cold resistance and Unfreezable bonus. Obtain it in Rito Village, upgrade it at a Great Fairy Fountain, and prepare for combat with strong weapons and shields. Use cold-resistant meals or elixirs for extreme cold areas, and consider advanced techniques like pairing the set with fire-based weapons. With the right preparation, youÔÇÖll be well-equipped to conquer the highlands and uncover their secrets.