Unlocking Ancient Power: A Guide to Obtaining Ancient Armor in Tears of the Kingdom
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re looking to get your hands on some Ancient Armor in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom? Excellent choice! This armor provides unique advantages and can significantly boost your performance, especially against specific enemy types. The method depends on which Ancient Armor you are seeking. The Ancient Hero’s Aspect is obtained by completing every Shrine. The Ancient Armor set is purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Let’s delve into each type in detail:
Acquiring the Ancient Hero’s Aspect: The Ultimate Completionist Reward
The Ancient Hero’s Aspect isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s a symbol of dedication. This unique armor acts as a full outfit, occupying all three armor slots (head, chest, and legs). It’s not something you buy or find; it’s earned.
The Path to Ancient Hero’s Aspect: Shrine Pilgrimage
The only way to unlock the Ancient Hero’s Aspect is by completing all 152 Shrines scattered across Hyrule, both on the surface and in the Sky Islands. This is a significant undertaking that will test your puzzle-solving skills, combat prowess, and exploration abilities.
- Surface Shrines (120): These shrines are often hidden in plain sight, requiring you to solve environmental puzzles or complete challenges to reveal them.
- Sky Island Shrines (32): Exploring the skies above Hyrule is crucial, as these shrines offer unique tests that often involve using Zonai devices.
Claiming Your Prize: The Temple of Time
Once you’ve conquered all 152 shrines, a message will prompt you to visit the Temple of Time on the Great Sky Island. This is where your efforts are rewarded. Inside, you’ll find the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, ready to equip and transform Link’s appearance.
Understanding the Ancient Hero’s Aspect
- Full Outfit: Occupies all three armor slots.
- Base Defense: +12 armor rating.
- Upgradable: Can be further enhanced at Great Fairy Fountains.
- Appearance Change: Alters Link’s physical appearance to resemble an ancient hero, believed to be a Zonai.
Obtaining the Ancient Armor Set: A Technological Treasure
The Ancient Armor set requires a trip to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. Robbie, a returning character from Breath of the Wild, is the lead researcher at the lab. The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is located in the far north of the Eastern Akkala region of Hyrule.
Unlocking the Ancient Armor Set
Unlike the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, which is earned, the Ancient Armor set can be bought with Rupees and Ancient materials. The pieces are:
- Ancient Helm: Headgear
- Ancient Cuirass: Chest piece
- Ancient Greaves: Legwear
Materials Required
To purchase these items, you’ll need a combination of Rupees and specific Ancient Materials, dropped by Guardians and other ancient constructs:
- Ancient Screws
- Ancient Springs
- Ancient Gears
- Ancient Shafts
- Ancient Cores
Farming these materials can be time-consuming but is well worth the effort for the armor’s benefits. Robbie will sell you the items once you have the required ingredients.
Benefits of the Ancient Armor Set
The Ancient Armor set offers several advantages:
- High Defense: Provides excellent protection against enemy attacks.
- Ancient Proficiency: When worn as a complete set, it grants a damage bonus when using Ancient Weapons (like the Ancient Blade Saw).
- Guardian Resistance: Offers increased resistance to Guardian attacks.
Enhancing the Ancient Armor Set
Like other armor sets in Tears of the Kingdom, the Ancient Armor set can be upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains, further increasing its defense and enhancing its unique abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Ancient Armor in Tears of the Kingdom
1. What are the different types of “Ancient Armor” in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are two primary types of armor associated with the “Ancient” theme in Tears of the Kingdom: the Ancient Hero’s Aspect and the Ancient Armor set. The Ancient Hero’s Aspect is a unique, full-body armor piece obtained by completing all 152 Shrines. The Ancient Armor set is a purchasable set consisting of the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves, found at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab.
2. How do I get Ancient Materials for the Ancient Armor Set?
Ancient Materials are primarily obtained by defeating Guardians and other ancient constructs. These enemies can be found in various locations throughout Hyrule, especially around Hyrule Field, Akkala, and in the Depths. Destroying Guardian Stalkers, Skywatchers, and other ancient enemies will yield a variety of Ancient Screws, Springs, Gears, Shafts, and Cores.
3. Does the Ancient Proficiency bonus affect the Master Sword?
No, the Ancient Proficiency bonus, which increases damage when using Ancient Weapons, does not apply to the Master Sword. The Master Sword is classified as a unique weapon and is not affected by this specific armor set bonus.
4. Can the Ancient Hero’s Aspect be dyed or modified?
No, the Ancient Hero’s Aspect cannot be dyed or modified at the Hateno Village Dye Shop or any other customization location. Its appearance is fixed and cannot be altered.
5. Is there a “best” armor set in Tears of the Kingdom?
The “best” armor set is subjective and depends on your play style and the challenges you face. The Zonaite Armor offers excellent energy efficiency for Zonai devices, while the Ancient Armor set provides high defense and Ancient Proficiency. Other sets like the Champion’s Leathers, Soldier Armor, and Wild Set are also strong contenders, each offering unique benefits.
6. Where is the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab located?
The Akkala Ancient Tech Lab is located in the far north of the Eastern Akkala region of Hyrule. It’s situated on a high hill, and the easiest way to reach it is by gliding from a nearby Skyview Tower or using a combination of climbing and paragliding.
7. What is the defense rating of the fully upgraded Ancient Armor set?
The base defense of the Ancient Armor set is 28 (9, 9, 10), but when fully upgraded by the Great Fairies, its defense rating reaches a maximum of 84.
8. Does the Ancient Armor set protect against Malice?
While the Ancient Armor set offers high defense, it does not provide specific protection against Malice. For Malice protection, consider using armor sets or consumables that offer resistance to Gloom.
9. Can you get the Ancient Horse Armor from Breath of the Wild in Tears of the Kingdom?
Unfortunately, the Ancient Horse Armor from Breath of the Wild is not available in Tears of the Kingdom.
10. What happens when you complete all the shrines in Tears of the Kingdom?
Completing all 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom unlocks the Ancient Hero’s Aspect, an armor item that spans head, body, and leg gear. When you complete the final shrine, you’ll receive a message that tells you to “make your way to the Temple of Time” and that “you shall find a suitable reward for your efforts.”
11. How does the Ancient Hero’s Aspect compare to other full-body armors?
The Ancient Hero’s Aspect is unique due to its all-in-one nature and the fact that it is earned by completing all shrines. While it provides a solid defense of +12, other armor sets may offer higher defense values or specialized abilities.
12. Are there any DLC plans for Tears of the Kingdom that might add more Ancient Armor options?
As of now, Nintendo has stated that there are no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. All elements they wanted to achieve are already implemented in the game.
13. What are some effective strategies for farming Ancient Materials?
One effective strategy is to revisit areas where Guardians are known to spawn, such as around Hyrule Field and Akkala. Another strategy is to explore the Depths, where you can find decayed Guardians that drop Ancient Materials when defeated. Also, regularly check with Robbie at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, as he may offer quests or information that leads to more Ancient Material sources.
14. Is it possible to max out both hearts and stamina in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, similar to Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom does not allow players to max out both hearts and stamina. Even with all of the temples, shrines, and quests completed, maxing out one stat leaves the other two upgrades short of the maximum.
15. Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics in games like Tears of the Kingdom?
For deeper insights into game design, learning mechanics, and educational applications of games, explore the resources and community at the Games Learning Society. Visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information.