Ah, armor. An unsung hero of Hyrule. You wouldn’t fight a Lynel in pajamas. Unless you have a death wish, you want protection. In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, armor matters. Choosing the right gear is essential. Saving Hyrule should be stylish.
Decoding the Fabric: What Makes an Armor Set “Best”?
You stand there, Hylian hood in hand, looking at your inventory. The question hits: what makes one armor set better? It’s not just about shiny armor, even though that’s a perk. Let’s break it down.
Defense Stats: The Numbers Game
Armor protects you. Higher defense means less damage from Bokoblins. Raw defense is your baseline protection. It’s the value that decreases incoming damage. Think of it as your character’s resilience against monsters.
Set Bonuses: The Hidden Perks
Individual pieces are great, but collect the whole set? Magic happens. Set bonuses unlock when equipping all pieces of a set. These bonuses can be game-changing. We’re talking attack boosts, stealth enhancements, ancient proficiency, and energy recharge. Bonuses add layers of strategy.
Situational Savvy: Armor for Every Occasion
Hyrule isn’t one climate fits all. One moment, you freeze in Hebra Mountains. The next, you’re burning in Gerudo Desert. Armor helps with that. Specific sets offer elemental resistance. Stealth armor is your friend for sneaking past Lynels. Choose wisely for survival.
Acquisition and Upgrading: The Grind Factor
Some armor sets are locked behind quests or hidden in obscure places. Ease of acquisition matters. Can you grab it early or grind for hours? Also, some sets can be upgraded multiple times by Great Fairies. Upgrading boosts defense and enhances bonuses.
Playstyle Preference: Aggression vs. Defense
Do you charge into battle, swords swinging? Or play cautiously, picking off enemies? Your style influences choices. Aggressive players prioritize attack-boosting armor. Defensive players lean towards high defense and resistance. There’s no “best” armor; it’s about what suits *you*.
Environmental Harmony: Dressing for the Weather
Remember extreme climates? Armor is vital for dealing with them. Wearing the wrong gear can lead to freezing or burning. Armor providing cold or heat resistance is essential for exploring regions of Hyrule. Suitability ensures you can explore without succumbing to the elements.
Breath of the Wild‘s Best: A Wardrobe for the Ages
Breath of the Wild redefined open-world adventures. It offers a fantastic array of armor sets. Some are classics, some niche, but all are needed in a Hylian wardrobe. Let’s examine the best.
Maximum Defense: Fortress Link
When you want to tank hits, these sets are your go-tos.
Champion’s Tunic: The Sentimental Powerhouse
It’s just a chest piece, not a full set. But it has the highest *potential* defense. You must upgrade it with Great Fairies to reach its peak. Once fully upgraded, it’s a defensive powerhouse. It shows off your blue Champion’s undershirt and the weight of expectation.
Ancient Armor Set: Guardian Slayer Extraordinaire
Want to turn the tables on Guardians? The Ancient Armor set answers that call. It offers high defense and “Ancient Proficiency” bonus. This bonus boosts Ancient and Guardian weapon damage. Suddenly, Guardian Stalkers become target practice. It looks cool too.
Soldier’s Armor: The Reliable Rookie
Want solid defense without fuss? The Soldier’s Armor is your reliable choice. It provides good defense and is easy to acquire early in the game. You buy it in Hateno Village without quests or dungeons. It’s practical for early-mid-game defense, perfect for practical players.
Specific Situations: Tailored Threads
Sometimes, you need armor for specialized abilities. These sets excel in specific scenarios.
Sheikah Armor: The Stealth Master
Fancy a ninja role? The Sheikah Armor is your stealthy companion. It reduces enemy detection, making sneaking easy. It suits players who prefer stealth or navigating enemy-heavy areas. Plus, you look like a mysterious shadow warrior.
Berserker Armor / Fierce Deity Armor: Unleash the Fury
The Berserker Armor is about raw power. It grants an attack boost for stronger melee strikes. Combine it with attack-boosting food or elixirs to cleave through enemies effortlessly. It’s perfect for when you want to go full offense and obliterate foes.
Other Notable Sets: Honorable Mentions
These sets may not rank top-tier, but they deserve recognition for their unique benefits.
Barbarian Armor: Attack Power Unleashed
Similar to Berserker Armor, it focuses on boosting attack power. A great option for players wanting maximum damage output. Also, it gives Link a primal look, making a strong statement.
Royal Guard Armor: Exploration Enhancer
The Royal Guard Armor supports exploration more than combat. It offers bonuses enhancing traversal and discovery, making adventures smoother. Ideal for players who explore every corner and want armor aiding their wanderlust.
Hyrule Armor: The Everyman’s Ensemble
The Hyrule Armor acts as a basic, reliable starting set. Easily obtainable early in the game, it provides decent defense. Think of it as “tutorial armor.” It gets you started but will quickly want upgrading for specialization.
Armor of the Wild: Master Sword Amplifier
This armor is essential for Master Sword enthusiasts. It gives a significant defense boost and increases the range of the Master Sword’s powers.
beam attack. With the Master Sword as your main weapon, this armor set enhances its power.
Ancient Armor (Guardian Resistance): Defense Against the Machines
Yes, we talked about Ancient Armor before. Its Guardian resistance deserves mention again. It grants protection against Guardian attacks specifically. This makes it highly effective against those laser-firing foes. If you hunt Guardians, this set is ideal.
Tears of the Kingdom‘s Top Tier: Armor for a New Era
Tears of the Kingdom builds on Breath of the Wild‘s armor system with new sets and improved favorites. With the Upheaval changing Hyrule, you need strong gear. Let’s examine TotK’s best armor sets.
General Top Tier Sets: The All-Rounders
These sets are strong and versatile. They excel in various areas, making them solid all-around choices.
Zonaite Armor Set: Zonai Tech Master
The Zonaite Armor set harnesses Zonai tech. This gear aids exploration and device use. It boosts energy recharge, letting you employ Zonai devices more often and longer. For players eager to explore with Zonai gadgets, this armor is essential. Plus, it captures the futuristic Zonai vibe.
Fierce Deity Armor Set: Combat King Returns
The Fierce Deity Armor reappears in Tears of the Kingdom. It remains lethal. This gear focuses on boosting combat power. It raises your damage significantly. Bone weapons also gain bonuses, enhancing their effectiveness. If combat is your goal, the Fierce Deity Armor is perfect. Additionally, it’s easy to obtain.
Specific Considerations: Niche but Nice
These sets are not universally best but shine in specific situations or for certain styles.
Champion’s Leathers/Tunic of Memories: Master Sword Unleashed (Again)
The Champion’s Tunic evolves into Champion’s Leathers or Tunic of Memories. It enhances the beam attack of the Master Sword. In TotK, it takes a step further, allowing beams even at full health. This greatly improves the weapon’s versatility and power.
Phantom Armor: Stealthy Specter
The Phantom Armor excels in stealth, as
Armor of the Wild: Attack Up Amplified
The Armor of the Wild returns in TotK, focusing on raw attack power. It provides a boost set bonus for damage output in battle. While it lacks the Master Sword beam bonus from BotW, its attack emphasis makes it a strong choice for aggressive playstyles.
Ancient Hero’s Aspect: Shrine Seeker’s Zenith
A completionist’s reward, the Ancient Hero’s Aspect comes from finishing all 152 shrines in TotK. This unique armor covers all slots—head, chest, and legs. It offers solid defense and likely includes a powerful set bonus. Its design hints at a link with Zonai tech, making it a badge of honor for dedicated explorers.
Dark Set: Night Owl’s Delight
The Dark Set suits night adventurers well. It gives a speed boost when exploring at night. This aids in swift movement under moonlight. If you prefer nighttime exploration, equip the Dark Set.
Mystic Set: Slip-Proof Savior
Tired of slipping on wet surfaces? The Mystic Set offers slip resistance. It helps you stay upright on rainy or icy terrain. This might seem niche, but anyone familiar with Hyrule’s wetter areas appreciates this armor for smoother movement.
Armor Sets for Specific Tasks: Mission-Critical Gear
Sometimes, you require tailored armor for specific challenges. These sets are meant for particular enemies or environments.
Of The Depths Set: Phantom Ganon’s Bane
The Of The Depths set targets Phantom Ganon battles. Its properties seem to provide major advantages during these encounters. If you struggle with Phantom Ganon, seeking this armor might lead to victory.
Evil Spirit Armor (Phantom Ganon Armor): Attack Power in Disguise
Confusingly recognized as Phantom Ganon Armor, the Evil Spirit Armor differs from Of The Depths set. This armor focuses on increasing attack power. It offers an attack boost similar to Barbarian or Fierce Deity armor. It’s an excellent option for maximizing damage output in combat.
Individual Armor Pieces: Mix and Match Magic
Sometimes you don’t need a whole set for a significant boost. Specific individual pieces are powerful enough on their own.
Champion’s Leathers: Chest Piece of Champions
The Champion’s Leathers provide substantial defense as a singular chest piece. Importantly, it enhances the beam attack of the Master Sword, especially in TotK, where it enables beams at full health. Even without a full set, the Leathers remain an excellent piece.
Hylian Trousers + Diamond Circlet: Budget-Friendly Defense
This combo offers effective and affordable defense early on. Hylian Trousers are easy to find while the Diamond Circlet requires some effort but offers decent defense early on. Together, they create a solid budget-friendly option.
Delving Deeper: Armor Set Specifics and Acquisition
Time for specifics. Let’s discuss how to acquire these fantastic armor sets and key details about each one.
Ancient Hero’s Aspect (TotK): The Shrine Master’s Prize
To obtain Ancient Hero’s Aspect, complete all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. It’s one piece covering all slots, simplifying your gear management. Its design hints at Zonai aesthetics and synergies with Zonai devices or abilities. Dedication is required, but the powerful stats are worth it.
Ancient Armor (BotW): Guardian Tech Reimagined
The Ancient Armor in Breath of the Wild serves as anti-Guardian gear. Its set bonus boosts Ancient weapon damage greatly. With high defense and Guardian resistance, it transforms guardian fights into manageable tasks. As
Barbarian Armor (TotK): Labyrinth Loot
You can find Barbarian Armor pieces scattered across Lomei Labyrinths and Crenel Hills Cave in Tears of the Kingdom. Explore these areas to collect the full set. Expect puzzles while gathering this combat-boosting armor.
Champion’s Tunic / Leathers (TotK): Hyrule Castle Heirloom
The Champion’s Tunic (BotW) or Champion’s Leathers/Tunic of Memories (TotK) is found in Hyrule Castle. In Tears of the Kingdom, you must explore the depths of Hyrule Castle to get the Champion’s Leathers. This armor piece cannot be dyed. Its iconic blue color stays intact. You can upgrade it at Great Fairy Fountains, boosting its defense.
Evil Spirit Armor / Phantom Ganon Armor (TotK): Labyrinth Prophecies
The Evil Spirit Armor, also called Phantom Ganon Armor, is from the Lomei Labyrinth Island Prophecy side quests. You explore the Surface, Sky, and Depths versions of the Lomei Labyrinth. Each likely has a piece of the set – Armor, Helmet, and Greaves. Prepare for layered exploration to get this Phantom Ganon-themed armor.
Fierce Deity Armor (TotK): Quest for the Mask
The Fierce Deity Armor in Tears of the Kingdom comes from completing “The Fierce Deity” quest. The quest is relatively easy. This makes it a strong early to mid-game armor set for combat-focused players. Find the quest giver and reveal your inner Fierce Deity.
Phantom Armor (BotW): DLC Treasure Hunt
The Phantom Armor in Breath of the Wild is a DLC item, from “EX Treasure: Phantasma” quest. You need to follow clues leading to Sacred Ground Ruins. Solve the environmental puzzle or defeat guardians to claim your spectral armor. Note that BotW DLC is needed for this set.
Phantom Ganon Armor (BotW): Dark Treasure Under the Bridge
Like the Phantom Armor, Phantom Ganon Armor in Breath of the Wild is a DLC item from the “EX Treasure: Dark Armor” quest. Clues lead you to Sarjon Bridge, specifically under it. Search well to find this dark armor set. Again, BotW DLC is required for this set.
Zonaite Armor (TotK): Sky Island Chests
The Zonaite Armor in Tears of the Kingdom is found in chests on Sky Islands. You must explore floating islands high above Hyrule for the complete set. Given its Zonai tech focus, finding it in the skies makes sense. The reward for aerial exploration? Longer Zonai device duration, aiding your sky travels.
Beyond the Sets: Related Armor Wisdom
Armor is not only for sets and defense maximization. There is a whole ecosystem of armor-related mechanics and considerations.
Rarest Armor: The Unicorn of Hyrulean Fashion
Tears of the Kingdom? Rarity is subjective. It depends on acquisition difficulty and hidden locations. The Ancient Hero’s Aspect probably takes the crown. Completing all 152 shrines shows dedication and exploration, making it a truly rare find. Other contenders might include pieces hidden in obscure spots tied to challenging quests.
Armor Upgrading: Great Fairy Power-Up
Do you wish to enhance your armor? Visit the Great Fairy Fountains. Great Fairies upgrade your armor, boosting defense stats and sometimes improving set bonuses. Upgrading needs specific materials. This urges you to hunt monsters and gather resources across Hyrule. Great Fairy upgrades are vital to optimize your favorite sets.
Armor Customization: Dyeing to Impress
Fashion-loving adventurers, rejoice! You can dye your armor at Kochi Dye Shop in Hateno Village. Experiment with colors to personalize your look and create unique sets. Limits exist. Certain pieces, like Champion’s Tunic/Leathers, cannot be dyed, keeping their iconic appearance. For most sets, the dye shop is your canvas for expressing Hylian style.
Armor Stats: Decoding the Numbers
Ever wondered how armor numbers equate to defense? The exact formula is complex, but higher armor numbers generally reduce damage taken significantly. Each point of armor cuts incoming damage by a percentage. Understanding this helps you appreciate higher defense values in late-game fights against strong enemies.
Armor and Combat: Strategic Synergy
Armor functions as more than passive defense; it is crucial in combat strategy. Best armor for specific battles may depend on enemy attack types. Elemental resistance armor is invaluable against elemental strikes. Understanding mechanics like Perfect Dodge and Flurry Rush is crucial for maximizing survivability, even if using high-defense armor.
Ancient Armor: BotW’s Tech Marvel – Still Worth It?
Is Ancient Armor worth it in Breath of the Wild? Yes, definitely. It combines high defense, Ancient Proficiency, and Guardian resistance, making it vital for late-game and Guardian hunts. Even with other powerful sets available, Ancient Armor remains a top choice due to its specialized capabilities and overall effectiveness.
Yiga Clan Armor: Infiltrate the Enemy
Do you want to sneak into Yiga Clan hideouts without getting mobbed? You need the Yiga Clan Armor. To obtain this set, infiltrate Yiga camps and defeat Yiga Footsoldiers and Blademasters for pieces. Once equipped, you blend in with Yiga Clan members, opening up new areas in their territory. Just don’t expect invites for tea.
So there you have it, a guide to the best armor sets in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. From defense maximization to stealth mastery, from elemental conquering to defeating enemies, the right armor is key to survival and style in Hyrule. Now explore, experiment, and find armor that suits your adventure best. Remember, looking good while saving the world is always a plus.
