Should I Sell Amber in Tears of the Kingdom? A Comprehensive Guide
The glittering world of Hyrule in Tears of the Kingdom is brimming with resources, and Amber is one of the most common you’ll stumble upon. But is it better to hoard this seemingly plentiful ore or line your pockets with rupees? The short answer is: it depends. Initially, hold onto your Amber for armor upgrades. Once you’ve significantly upgraded key armor sets, especially those requiring substantial Amber, selling the excess is a perfectly viable strategy for bolstering your rupee count.
Understanding Amber’s Value
Amber’s value in Tears of the Kingdom is twofold: as a crafting material and as a currency. It’s crucial for upgrading specific armor at Great Fairy Fountains, granting Link enhanced defense and survivability. This makes it a valuable asset early to mid-game. However, Amber is also one of the items you can sell for Rupees.
The Amber Dealer Side Quest
Before you start indiscriminately selling, remember the “Amber Dealer” side quest in Goron City. This quest, given by Ramella, requires you to bring her 10 Amber. Completing it rewards you with 500 Rupees and unlocks Ramella as a valuable recurring merchant.
Ramella: Your Gemstone Guru
Ramella is the key to maximizing your profits from selling gemstones. After completing her initial Amber quest, she will regularly request 10 of a specific gemstone type, often offering a slightly higher price than general merchants. While she might not always be buying Amber, when she is, she offers the best rate for your Amber. Selling to general merchants should be a last resort. She also buys 10 gems for the price of 11, so you will receive more rupees for your gemstones when you sell to her.
Weighing Your Options: Use vs. Sale
Deciding whether to sell depends on your progress and immediate needs:
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Early Game: Focus on hoarding Amber for essential armor upgrades. Prioritize armor sets that enhance exploration, combat, or stealth, like the Zora Armor for swimming, the Stealth Set for sneaking, or the Soldier’s Set for increased defense.
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Mid-Game: Once you’ve upgraded your primary armor sets to level 2 or 3, assess your Amber stockpile. If you have a substantial surplus, consider selling some to Ramella (if she’s buying) or general merchants.
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Late Game: By this point, you likely have ample resources. Continue upgrading your armor to the maximum level using amber and other resources. If you’ve got a lot of Amber to spare, you can sell it freely for rupees.
Beyond Armor: Fusing with Amber
Amber also has a minor function in weapon fusion. Fusing Amber to a weapon grants it a sharp blade, providing a slight attack power boost. However, the increase is minimal compared to other fusion materials like horns or monster parts. Therefore, fusing Amber to weapons is generally not the most efficient use of the ore.
Maximizing Your Rupee Gain
Ultimately, selling excess Amber is a sound economic strategy. It allows you to invest in other valuable resources, such as:
- Arrows: Essential for combat and exploration.
- Elixirs: Provide temporary buffs and healing.
- Armor: Purchase new sets or upgrade existing ones.
- Housing Upgrades: Expand your home and storage capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Amber worth a lot of money in Tears of the Kingdom?
Not individually. Amber sells for a modest amount, but the cumulative value of a large stash can be significant. Selling in batches of 10 to Ramella maximizes your profit. Diamonds, however, are worth 500 Rupees so are generally more worth their money.
2. Where can I find Amber in Tears of the Kingdom?
Amber is found in various locations throughout Hyrule. Common sources include:
- Ore Deposits: Breakable rocks found on mountains, in caves, and near cliffs.
- Defeating Monsters: Certain monsters, such as Stone Talus, may drop Amber upon defeat.
- Chests: Hidden chests often contain valuable resources, including Amber.
3. Should I sell all my Gems to Ramella?
Absolutely. Ramella offers better prices for gems than other merchants. Wait until she is requesting a specific gem and sell her 10 at a time for the best return.
4. What are the best things to sell for Rupees in Tears of the Kingdom?
Besides Amber, consider selling:
- Cooked Meals: Especially those with powerful buffs.
- Monster Parts: Valuable for elixirs and upgrades.
- Other Gems: Topaz, Rubies, Sapphires, and Diamonds.
5. How often does Ramella change her requests?
Ramella’s gemstone requests change regularly. Check back with her frequently to see what she’s currently buying.
6. Is there any other use for Amber besides armor upgrades and selling?
Besides armor upgrades and selling, Amber can also be used as a fusion material for weapons, giving them a sharp edge. However, this is not its most valuable use.
7. How many Amber do I need for all armor upgrades?
The exact amount varies depending on the armor sets you choose to upgrade. However, you’ll likely need hundreds of Amber to fully upgrade all available armor.
8. Is it better to sell Amber or other gems like Ruby and Sapphire?
Generally, it’s best to sell whichever gem Ramella is currently requesting. If she’s not buying Amber, focus on selling other gems. Diamonds are usually better to hold onto.
9. Can I get Amber back if I sell it?
Once you sell Amber, it’s gone. However, Amber is relatively easy to find, so you can always replenish your supply.
10. Are there any other merchants who buy gems at good prices?
While some merchants offer slightly higher prices than others, Ramella consistently provides the best rates for gemstones in bulk.
11. Does the price of Amber fluctuate based on the location I sell it?
No, the base price of Amber is consistent across all merchants. The only exception is Ramella, who offers slightly higher prices.
12. Is it worth fusing Amber to my weapons early in the game?
Early on, when resources are scarce, it’s generally better to save Amber for armor upgrades. The attack boost from fusing Amber is minimal compared to other materials.
13. What are the best armor sets to upgrade with Amber?
Prioritize armor sets that enhance your playstyle. The Zora Armor for swimming, the Stealth Set for sneaking, and the Soldier’s Set for increased defense are excellent choices. The Zonaite Armor is also great.
14. How can I efficiently farm Amber?
- Explore caves and mines: These areas often contain numerous ore deposits.
- Smash all ore deposits: Be diligent about breaking every ore deposit you encounter.
- Use a powerful weapon: Use weapons with high attack power and the ability to break rocks quickly.
- Look for Stone Talus: Defeating these monsters can yield valuable ore, including Amber.
15. Are there any skills or abilities that increase the value of Amber or other items when selling?
No, there are no skills or abilities that directly increase the value of items when selling. However, skills that enhance resource gathering can indirectly increase your rupee income.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, selling Amber in Tears of the Kingdom is a viable way to earn Rupees, especially once you’ve upgraded your essential armor sets. Always prioritize selling to Ramella when she’s buying Amber, and remember to balance your needs for upgrades with your desire for wealth. Happy adventuring and may your pockets be ever full! Want to learn more about the connection between games and learning? Visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.