Unveiling the Phantom Armor: Upgradeability and Deep Dive in Tears of the Kingdom
No, the Phantom Armor in Tears of the Kingdom cannot be upgraded. This unique armor set, known for its high starting defense and attack-boosting properties, stands apart from many other armor sets in the game because it cannot be enhanced at Great Fairy Fountains. While this may seem like a drawback, its inherent strengths and the unique bonuses it provides make it a valuable asset throughout your adventure. Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case and explore everything else you need to know about this spectral gear.
The Intriguing Nature of the Phantom Armor
The Phantom Armor, comprising three distinct pieces – the Phantom Helmet, Phantom Armor, and Phantom Greaves – is a sought-after set for players seeking a powerful early-game advantage. Each piece offers a substantial attack bonus, and their collective defense stat is remarkably high for armor found early in the game. Unlike sets like the Barbarian Armor or the Fierce Deity Armor, which benefit significantly from upgrades, the Phantom Armor is designed to be potent right from the moment you acquire it.
Its un-upgradeable nature means players do not need to spend time and resources gathering materials to enhance its defensive capabilities. This makes it extremely convenient, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your playthrough.
Why No Upgrades? Embracing Its Perfected State
The designers seemingly intended the Phantom Armor to be “perfect as is,” as evidenced by in-game descriptions. Its balanced combination of defense and attack power negates the necessity for further enhancements. Consider the Barbarian Armor; while it offers an attack boost like the Phantom Armor, it starts with a lower defense stat and necessitates upgrades to reach its full potential.
By foregoing the upgrade path, the Phantom Armor offers immediate gratification. Players can equip the set and enjoy its benefits without needing to invest in time-consuming and resource-intensive upgrades. This distinct quality makes it an excellent choice for players who prioritize exploration and combat over material gathering.
Phantom vs. Phantom Ganon Armor: Understanding the Difference
It’s crucial to distinguish between the Phantom Armor and the Phantom Ganon Armor. While both are visually striking and possess unique characteristics, they serve different purposes. The Phantom Armor is the un-upgradeable set offering the attack bonus, while the Phantom Ganon Armor provides stealth bonuses and cannot be dyed or enhanced.
The Phantom Ganon Armor, consisting of the Phantom Ganon Skull, Armor, and Greaves, offers a stealth boost, allowing you to sneak past enemies more easily. Additionally, it provides a disguise effect against certain Stal enemies. The Phantom Ganon Armor, like the Phantom Armor, is also un-upgradeable. So you have to also strategize well when you encounter strong enemies.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Phantom Armor
Let’s tackle some common questions surrounding the Phantom Armor to provide a complete understanding.
1. What are the locations of the Phantom Armor pieces?
Each piece of the Phantom Armor is found in a specific cave in Hyrule:
- Phantom Armor: Tamio River Downstream Cave (-2917, -0798, 0010)
- Phantom Helmet: Near Puffer Beach along the coast of the Faron Sea
- Phantom Greaves: Located in the Beneath the cliffside cave
2. What stats does the Phantom Armor offer?
Each piece of the Phantom Armor provides a Base Defense of 8 and contributes to an Attack Up bonus.
3. Does the Attack Up bonus from the Phantom Armor stack?
Yes, the Attack Up bonuses stack when you equip multiple pieces of the Phantom Armor. Wearing the full set will significantly increase Link’s attack power.
4. Is the Phantom Armor better than the Barbarian Armor?
The Barbarian Armor, when upgraded, can potentially surpass the Phantom Armor in overall effectiveness. However, the Phantom Armor offers an immediate advantage in the early to mid-game due to its high starting defense and attack boost. Upgrading the Barbarian Armor to Level 2 and above will eventually make it slightly superior.
5. Is the Phantom Armor better than the Fierce Deity Armor?
The Fierce Deity Armor, similar to the Barbarian Armor, requires upgrades to reach its full potential. While both sets offer the same bonus damage, Fierce Deity armor has much greater defense when upgraded. The Fierce Deity set bonus also provides the charge attack stamina bonus (the same as the Barbarian set bonus).
6. Can the Phantom Armor be dyed?
No, the Phantom Armor cannot be dyed at the Kochi Dye Shop. Its appearance is fixed.
7. Is the Phantom Armor part of a DLC?
In Breath of the Wild, the Phantom Armor was exclusive to The Master Trials DLC Pack. In Tears of the Kingdom, it is available in the base game.
8. What does the Phantom Armor set do?
The Phantom Armor set grants an Attack Up bonus, increasing Link’s damage output. Wearing the full set maximizes this bonus.
9. How does the Phantom Armor compare to the Armor of the Wild?
The Armor of the Wild provides the highest defense boost in the game and enhances the Master Sword’s beam attack. However, obtaining the Armor of the Wild requires completing all 120 Shrines, making it a late-game armor. The Phantom Armor offers a more accessible early-game alternative.
10. What are the coordinates for finding the Phantom Armor in the Tamio River Downstream Cave?
The coordinates for the Tamio River Downstream Cave entrance are -2917, -0798, 0010.
11. What enemies guard the Phantom Armor?
Horriblins typically guard the caves containing pieces of the Phantom Armor. Be prepared for combat when exploring these locations.
12. Is the Phantom Armor good for fighting Ganon?
While the Phantom Armor’s Attack Up bonus can be helpful, other armor sets, like the Ancient Armor, may offer better protection against Ganon’s ancient tech-based attacks. Consider equipping armor that provides specific resistances and defensive benefits depending on Ganon’s attack patterns.
13. What is the strongest armor in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Zoanite Armor Set offers the highest potential defense when fully upgraded. However, different armor sets excel in different areas. The Ancient Armor, the Armor of the Wild, and others can provide specialized bonuses that can be more beneficial in certain situations.
14. What is the set bonus for the Phantom Armor?
While the pieces of the Phantom armor each give an attack up buff, which stack the more you have equipped, there is no set bonus, as you can’t upgrade the armor — it’s perfect as it is.
15. Where is the best armor in Breath of the Wild?
The best armor in Breath of the Wild is the Ancient set. It provides a great deal of defense, especially when dealing with Guardians.
Strategic Considerations and Playstyle
The decision to use the Phantom Armor depends heavily on your playstyle. If you prioritize maximizing damage output from the get-go, the Phantom Armor is an excellent choice. Its inherent attack boost makes it a powerful tool for dispatching enemies quickly. However, if you prefer a more balanced approach that emphasizes defense and specific resistances, other armor sets might be more suitable.
Also, consider the game’s upgrade mechanics and resource management. If you enjoy the process of collecting materials and enhancing your gear, sets like the Barbarian Armor or Fierce Deity Armor may provide a more rewarding experience. However, if you prefer to bypass this grind, the Phantom Armor offers a viable alternative.
For gamers and educators interested in exploring how video games like Tears of the Kingdom can be used in educational settings, consider visiting the Games Learning Society website (GamesLearningSociety.org). You’ll find resources and research on the intersection of games and learning. The Games Learning Society fosters discussions about the educational potential inherent in games.
Final Verdict: Embracing the Phantom’s Power
While the inability to upgrade the Phantom Armor might seem like a limitation, it’s actually a testament to its inherent strength. Its high starting defense and significant attack boost make it a valuable asset throughout your journey in Tears of the Kingdom. By understanding its unique characteristics and strategic advantages, you can effectively leverage its power to overcome challenges and conquer the land of Hyrule. Equip the Phantom Armor and embrace the power of the spectral warrior!