Does Ancient Armor Increase Damage in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, ancient armor unequivocally increases damage in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. However, the way it increases damage is very specific. Equipping the full set of upgraded ancient armor unlocks the “Ancient Proficiency” set bonus, which provides a significant 80% damage boost to all Ancient and Guardian-class weapons. This bonus doesn’t just affect raw attack power; it dramatically enhances your combat effectiveness against Guardians and other enemies. It’s a game-changer for players looking to maximize their damage output.
Understanding Ancient Armor
The Ancient Armor set consists of three pieces: the Ancient Helm, the Ancient Cuirass, and the Ancient Greaves. These can be purchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab after Robbie reactivates it (or Purah in Tears of the Kingdom). Each piece provides a base defense stat and, when upgraded, offers even greater protection. The real value, however, lies in the set bonus.
The Power of Ancient Proficiency
The Ancient Proficiency bonus isn’t active until you have all three pieces of the ancient armor equipped and have upgraded each piece at least twice at a Great Fairy Fountain. Once unlocked, this bonus drastically increases the damage output of Ancient and Guardian weapons. This includes weapons like the Ancient Bow, Ancient Bladesaw, Ancient Short Sword, Ancient Spear, and Guardian weapons obtained from defeating Guardians. The 80% increase to damage is a substantial boost, making these weapons incredibly effective against all enemies, particularly Guardians and those found within Hyrule Castle.
Defense and Upgrades
Each piece of the ancient armor set adds defense, but upgrading the armor at Great Fairy Fountains significantly increases this defense. Fully upgraded, each piece provides a substantial defense value, making it one of the strongest armor sets in the game defensively. The combination of high defense and the Ancient Proficiency bonus makes the ancient armor a potent choice for both offense and defense.
Ancient Armor FAQs: Your Comprehensive Guide
To fully understand the benefits and nuances of the ancient armor, let’s delve into some frequently asked questions.
1. Is it worth upgrading the Ancient Armor?
Absolutely. Upgrading the Ancient Armor increases its defense significantly. More importantly, upgrading each piece at least twice is essential to unlock the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which is where the armor truly shines. The increased defense and damage output make it a worthwhile investment.
2. How do I unlock the Ancient Proficiency bonus?
To activate the Ancient Proficiency bonus, you must: * Acquire all three pieces of the ancient armor set: Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves. * Upgrade each piece at least twice at a Great Fairy Fountain.
3. Does the Ancient Proficiency bonus affect the Master Sword?
No, the Ancient Proficiency bonus does not apply to the Master Sword. It specifically boosts the damage of Ancient and Guardian-class weapons only. The Master Sword has its own unique properties and bonuses, especially when used in areas with a strong Malice presence.
4. Is Ancient Armor better than Barbarian Armor?
The “better” armor depends on your playstyle and the situation. The Ancient Armor provides higher defense per piece and the 80% damage bonus to Ancient and Guardian weapons. The Barbarian Armor offers a 50% attack bonus to all weapons but has lower defense. If you primarily use Ancient or Guardian weapons, the Ancient Armor is superior. If you prefer a variety of weapons and prioritize raw attack power without restrictions, the Barbarian Armor might be better.
5. Does Ancient Armor work against Ganon?
Yes, Ancient Armor is effective against Ganon. Ganon, especially in Breath of the Wild, utilizes ancient technology and weaponry. The Ancient Armor’s high defense provides excellent protection, and the Ancient Proficiency bonus will significantly increase the damage you deal with Ancient and Guardian weapons.
6. Do Ancient Weapons work on Ganon?
Yes, absolutely. Ancient and Guardian weapons deal extra damage to Ganon and the Blights. This is because Ganon incorporates ancient parts and weapons. The 80% boost from Ancient proficiency coupled with the extra damage multipliers makes these weapons extremely effective.
7. What is the best equipment for fighting Ganon?
While the Master Sword is undoubtedly a top choice, combining it with the Ancient Armor set and Ancient/Guardian weapons creates a formidable combination. Ancient Arrows can also be devastating but are best saved for specific situations or phases of the fight. The Hylian Shield provides great defense in conjunction with the armor.
8. Does Ancient Armor boost Guardian Weapons?
Yes. Ancient Proficiency (Ancient armor set bonus) increases damage dealt with both Ancient and Guardian weapons by 80%.
9. Does Ancient Armor work against Lynels?
While the Ancient Armor doesn’t provide a specific bonus against Lynels, its high defense can significantly reduce the damage they inflict. Combine it with strong weapons, good dodging skills, and perhaps an attack-boosting food or elixir for a more effective strategy against Lynels.
10. What are the maximum stats for Ancient Armor?
When fully upgraded (four stars), each piece of the Ancient Armor set has a defense stat of 28. This totals 84 for the entire set, making it one of the most protective armors in the game.
11. Does Ancient Gear break in Zelda?
Yes, all weapons and armor in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom have durability and can break. However, the Ancient Bow is known for its exceptionally high durability, making it a reliable choice, particularly since it can be repurchased from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab if it does break.
12. Is the Ancient Hero’s Aspect the best armor in Tears of the Kingdom?
The Ancient Hero’s Aspect is a unique armor piece in Tears of the Kingdom that resembles the Link from the original Legend of Zelda game. When fully upgraded, its defense rivals the best armors in the game. However, it’s arguably not the “best” in every situation. While its defensive stats are great, it doesn’t have any inherent set bonus.
13. What Ancient gear should I buy first?
A smart strategy is to start with the Ancient Armor to gain access to Ancient Proficiency. Next, invest in the Ancient Bow for its high durability and ranged power. Finally, the Ancient Arrows are invaluable for quickly defeating Guardians, especially for farming their parts.
14. What happens if you shoot Ganon with an Ancient Arrow?
Shooting Ganon with an Ancient Arrow deals significant damage, often instantly defeating certain forms or phases of the fight. However, it’s important to note that using Ancient Arrows on Ganon can prevent you from getting certain drops or completing certain challenges. Thus, consider when and how you use them strategically.
15. Can Ganondorf be killed without the Master Sword?
Yes, Ganondorf can absolutely be defeated without the Master Sword. While the Master Sword does extra damage to Ganon and Blight-controlled monsters, skillful players can use a variety of conventional weapons, strategic combat maneuvers, and environmental advantages to overcome him. Speedrunners often skip the Master Sword altogether.
Conclusion
The ancient armor is a potent asset in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Its high defense, combined with the devastating Ancient Proficiency bonus, makes it a top-tier choice for players seeking to maximize their damage output against Guardians and other powerful enemies. Mastering the Ancient Armor and its associated weapons can significantly enhance your combat capabilities and help you conquer even the most challenging foes. If you’re interested in learning more about the intricacies of game design and how these systems are implemented, consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society, which is dedicated to advancing knowledge in this field. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Remember to strategically utilize the Ancient Armor to its fullest potential, and you’ll be well-equipped to face any challenge Hyrule throws your way.