How Much Does Ancient Armor Cost in Zelda: Breath of the Wild?
The Ancient Armor set in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is undoubtedly one of the most coveted and powerful armor sets in the game. Its unique properties, including resistance to Guardian lasers and an 80% damage boost to Ancient and Guardian weapons, make it highly desirable for any player looking to take on the toughest challenges. But this power comes at a price. So, how much does this formidable armor actually cost?
Each piece of the Ancient Armor, which includes the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves, will set you back:
- 2,000 Rupees
- 20 Ancient Gears
- 5 Ancient Shafts
- 3 Ancient Cores
Therefore, to acquire the complete Ancient Armor set, you will need a total of:
- 6,000 Rupees
- 60 Ancient Gears
- 15 Ancient Shafts
- 9 Ancient Cores
This significant investment makes acquiring the Ancient Armor a considerable undertaking, requiring both financial and combat prowess. You’ll need to be a dedicated explorer and skilled fighter to collect all the necessary materials.
Acquiring the Ancient Armor: The Process
The Ancient Armor cannot be found in treasure chests scattered across Hyrule. Instead, you must purchase it from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab, a location tucked away in the northeastern region of Hyrule. Before you can access the armor, you must:
- Speak with Purah at the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab.
- Travel to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab and light the furnace there.
- Interact with the robot, Cherry, who will then offer the Ancient Armor for purchase once the lab’s furnace is lit.
This process of unlocking the lab is an adventure in itself, making the purchase of the armor a reward for completing an important task in the game.
The True Value of Ancient Armor
While the cost may seem high, the Ancient Armor’s benefits make it a worthwhile investment for most players. Its defensive capabilities are notable, with each piece starting at 4 defense, upgradable to 28 each at Great Fairy Fountains. This puts the set’s maximum defense rating on par with some of the best armors in the game, like the Hylian Knight’s Armor. However, it’s the set bonus that truly sets the Ancient Armor apart. When wearing all three pieces together, it provides a substantial attack boost when using Ancient and Guardian weaponry, making it exceptionally effective against a wide range of enemies, including Guardians and even Ganon.
Farming Ancient Materials
The required materials for the Ancient Armor, especially Ancient Gears, Ancient Shafts, and Ancient Cores, mostly drop from defeated Guardians. Here’s a breakdown on where to find them:
Guardian Farming Spots
- The area around Hyrule Castle and Hyrule Field are the best locations to find different types of Guardians, especially Guardian Stalkers, for all types of drops.
- Guardian Stalkers, Guardian Skywatchers, Guardian Turrets, and Guardian Scouts of varying difficulty levels all offer parts of different rarities.
Other Ways to Obtain Ancient Materials
- Traveling merchants, such as the Slippery Falcon (Tarrey Town Branch) and Teli (northwest of Hateno Village), also sell Ancient Gears, adding another avenue for acquisition.
- Ancient Cores are rarer drops but are obtainable from the same Guardians.
- Treasure chests, while less reliable, sometimes contain Ancient Gears and even Giant Ancient Cores, offering additional, albeit random, opportunities for material acquisition.
Optimizing Your Farming
While there is no secret to making the rare parts drop, there are ways to make farming more efficient:
- Use Ancient Arrows: If you can afford them, crafting and using Ancient Arrows can quickly take down even the most dangerous Guardians, speeding up the farming process and making the battles less risky, as they can instakill the base enemies.
- Attack the Legs: Focus on attacking Guardian Stalkers’ legs first, as this will prevent them from using their laser attacks and make it easier to destroy them.
- Utilize Blood Moons: Remember that defeated Guardians will respawn when a Blood Moon occurs, allowing you to refarm specific areas periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to the Ancient Armor and its materials to further guide your gameplay:
1. Is the Ancient Armor worth the investment in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, absolutely. The Ancient Armor provides significant defense and attack bonuses, especially against Guardians. Its Guardian resistance is invaluable in many parts of the game, and the damage boost to Ancient and Guardian weapons makes it an ideal choice for tackling late-game challenges.
2. Where can I purchase the Ancient Armor?
The Ancient Armor can only be bought from the robot, Cherry, at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab after the lab’s furnace has been lit.
3. What are the materials needed for the complete Ancient Armor set?
You will need a total of 6,000 Rupees, 60 Ancient Gears, 15 Ancient Shafts, and 9 Ancient Cores for the complete set.
4. How can I obtain Ancient Gears?
Ancient Gears can be obtained by defeating Guardians, finding them in treasure chests, or purchasing them from the Slippery Falcon or Teli.
5. What are Ancient Shafts used for?
Ancient Shafts are primarily used for crafting Ancient Armor and other Ancient weaponry.
6. What are Ancient Cores used for?
Ancient Cores are used for crafting more powerful Ancient weapons and upgrading the Ancient Armor. They are also used for various other things, including making dyes.
7. What is the most efficient way to farm Ancient parts?
The most efficient way to farm Ancient parts is to head to Hyrule Castle and Hyrule Field, targeting Guardian Stalkers. Using Ancient Arrows will make this far easier.
8. Can I purchase Ancient Cores?
Yes, you can purchase Ancient Cores from the traveling merchant Teli. However, they are not as commonly sold as other parts.
9. Can Ancient Armor be upgraded?
Yes, each piece of the Ancient Armor can be upgraded to a maximum of 28 defense at Great Fairy Fountains.
10. Does Ancient Armor work against Ganon?
Yes, Ancient Armor works against Ganon. It is especially useful due to Ganon’s usage of ancient technology.
11. What other equipment is worth crafting at the Ancient Tech Lab?
Ancient Arrows are the most useful item to craft next after the armor, and are highly effective against Guardians. The Ancient Bow is also a great ranged weapon. The Ancient Shield is also an excellent item for defense.
12. Is the Ancient Sword worth it?
The Ancient Sword, while powerful, is generally not as valuable as other options like the Ancient Bow or Ancient Arrows. Many players opt to invest in other weapons over the sword.
13. What is the best armor for fighting Ganon?
The Ancient Armor is a top choice for battling Ganon due to its defense against Guardian attacks and its damage bonus. However, it is also advisable to obtain the Master Sword to enhance your chances.
14. How many hearts are needed to obtain the Master Sword?
You need 13 full heart containers to obtain the Master Sword. This is not easy for a beginning player, making the ancient weapons and armor the better strategy to use.
15. Can I fight Ganon straight away?
Yes, you can go straight to Hyrule Castle to fight Ganon anytime after completing the Great Plateau, although this will be exceptionally difficult without proper preparation, including acquiring at least some Ancient Armor and other strong weapons.
By understanding the cost, benefits, and methods for obtaining the Ancient Armor, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the dangers of Hyrule and ultimately triumph over evil in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Happy hunting, adventurer!