Do I Need Fireproof Elixir if I Have Flamebreaker Armor? A Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Deep Dive
The short answer is: it depends. While the Flamebreaker Armor provides Flame Guard, which grants fire resistance, the intensity of the heat and specific areas you’re exploring within the Eldin region of Tears of the Kingdom might still necessitate the use of Fireproof Elixirs. Let’s break down why, and explore the nuances of surviving the volcanic heartland of Hyrule.
Understanding Flame Resistance in Tears of the Kingdom
The Flamebreaker Armor set is your primary defense against the scorching temperatures of the Eldin region, particularly around Death Mountain and Goron City. The armor grants the Flame Guard effect, which prevents Link from spontaneously combusting in areas of high heat. This effect is crucial for exploring the region without constantly taking damage. However, the level of protection the Flamebreaker Armor provides depends on several factors:
- Number of pieces worn: You gain the full Flame Guard effect with just two pieces of the Flamebreaker Armor Set. Wearing all three doesn’t significantly increase your heat resistance, but it does open the door to the set bonus.
- Armor upgrades: Upgrading the Flamebreaker Armor at a Great Fairy Fountain increases its defense rating, reducing physical damage. While it doesn’t directly enhance fire resistance, it makes Link more durable overall.
- Specific locations: Some areas, especially around lava flows or inside very hot caves, might require additional fire resistance, even with the Flamebreaker Armor equipped.
When Flamebreaker Armor is Enough
In most of Goron City and the surrounding areas, a combination of two pieces of the Flamebreaker Armor set is often sufficient to explore without relying on elixirs. This allows you to comfortably navigate the city, complete quests, and interact with the Gorons.
When You Need Fireproof Elixirs With Flamebreaker Armor
There are situations where the Flamebreaker Armor alone isn’t enough. Consider the following scenarios:
- Prolonged exposure to intense heat: If you plan on spending a significant amount of time very close to lava, or in areas with extremely high temperatures, even the Flamebreaker Armor might not completely negate the heat damage. A Fireproof Elixir can provide an extra layer of protection, allowing you to explore for longer periods without worry.
- During the Fire Temple: Although you can complete the Fire Temple with only the Flamebreaker chest piece combined with other heat resistant effects from food, having a Fireproof Elixir or two on hand provides a safety net. This is especially true if you’re not confident in your ability to manage heat resistance buffs effectively.
- Early game exploration: Before you can obtain or afford all the Flamebreaker Armor pieces, Fireproof Elixirs are essential. You can purchase them or craft them using Fireproof Lizards or Smotherwing Butterflies.
- Accidents and mistakes: If you accidentally fall into lava or find yourself in an unexpectedly hot area, a Fireproof Elixir can buy you valuable time to escape and recover.
Crafting vs. Buying Fireproof Elixirs
You have two main options for obtaining Fireproof Elixirs:
Crafting
This involves combining Fireproof Lizards or Smotherwing Butterflies with monster parts at a cooking pot. This is a cost-effective method if you can consistently find these ingredients. Games Learning Society may be interested in how this crafting system can teach players about resource management and experimentation.
Buying
You can purchase Fireproof Elixirs from vendors in Goron City or at the Foothill Stable near Death Mountain. This is a convenient option, but it can be expensive, especially if you need multiple elixirs.
The Benefits of Fireproof Elixirs
Even with the Flamebreaker Armor, Fireproof Elixirs offer several advantages:
- Extra security: They provide a buffer against unexpected heat spikes or mistakes.
- Longer exploration: They allow you to explore extremely hot areas for extended periods without constantly monitoring your health.
- Flexibility: They are useful in situations where you don’t want to wear the Flamebreaker Armor, such as when you need to prioritize other armor effects.
Conclusion
While the Flamebreaker Armor is essential for exploring the Eldin region in Tears of the Kingdom, relying solely on it can be risky. Having a few Fireproof Elixirs on hand provides an extra layer of protection and allows you to explore the hottest areas with greater confidence. Whether you choose to craft or buy them, these elixirs are a valuable asset for any adventurer venturing into the volcanic heart of Hyrule.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I get the Flamebreaker Armor for free in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Flamebreaker Armor cannot be obtained completely for free in Tears of the Kingdom. You need to purchase it from the armor shop in Goron City. In Breath of the Wild, there was a sidequest for the armor. However, it will still protect from heat in Tears of the Kingdom.
2. Do I need all three pieces of Flamebreaker Armor?
No, you only need two pieces of the Flamebreaker Armor Set to comfortably explore most of Death Mountain. Wearing all three and upgrading them twice gives you the Flameproof set bonus, which makes you completely immune to fire, but the basic fire resistance is achieved with just two pieces.
3. Where can I buy Fireproof Elixirs in Tears of the Kingdom?
You can purchase Fireproof Elixirs from vendors in Goron City or at the Foothill Stable near Death Mountain.
4. How do I make Fireproof Elixirs?
You can craft Fireproof Elixirs by combining Fireproof Lizards or Smotherwing Butterflies with monster parts at a cooking pot.
5. How many Fireproof Elixirs should I carry?
It depends on your playstyle and how much time you plan to spend in extremely hot areas. Having at least three on hand is a good starting point.
6. What is the best heat-resistant armor besides the Flamebreaker Armor?
The Desert Voe armor set provides heat resistance and is useful in the Gerudo Desert. However, it provides heat resistance in hot environments, not flame resistance. It won’t prevent you from being burned alive.
7. Do I need Flamebreaker Armor for the Fire Temple?
Yes, you’ll need flame resistant protection for the Fire Temple, typically using the Flamebreaker Armor.
8. How do I upgrade the Flamebreaker Armor?
You can upgrade the Flamebreaker Armor at Great Fairy Fountains by providing the required materials, such as Fireproof Lizards, Moblin Horns, Moblin Fangs, Moblin Guts, Smotherwing Butterflies, and Hinox Guts.
9. Is it better to buy or craft Fireproof Elixirs?
It depends on your resources. Crafting is more cost-effective if you have plenty of Fireproof Lizards or Smotherwing Butterflies. Buying is more convenient if you lack these ingredients.
10. What happens if I don’t have fire resistance in Goron City?
Without fire resistance, Link will combust and take continuous damage in the hotter areas of Goron City.
11. Can food provide fire resistance?
No, food can’t provide fire resistance. Cooking certain ingredients can give heat resistance, which provides protection against hot environments like the Gerudo Desert, but it does not protect against flames and lava. Only Fireproof Elixirs and the Flamebreaker Armor provide Flame Guard.
12. How much does a Fireproof Elixir cost?
A Fireproof Elixir typically costs 60 Rupees when purchased from vendors in Goron City or at the Foothill Stable.
13. Where can I find Fireproof Lizards?
Fireproof Lizards can be found in the Eldin Canyon and Eldin Mountains. Beedle at the Woodland Stable also sells them.
14. Does the time of day affect heat resistance?
The time of day does affect the ambient temperature and whether or not you’ll also need heat resistance, but it does not affect the necessity of flame resistance in Death Mountain, as the area is constantly hot.
15. What is the Flameproof set bonus?
The Flameproof set bonus is achieved by wearing all three pieces of the Flamebreaker Armor Set and upgrading them twice. This bonus makes Link completely immune to fire damage. The educational aspect of this can be studied further at the GamesLearningSociety.org.