Is Mayan Armor Better Than Templar in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?

The question of whether the Mayan Armor is better than the Templar Armor in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag doesn’t have a simple yes or no answer. It depends entirely on your play style and the specific challenges you’re facing. The Mayan Armor grants complete immunity to bullets, which is incredibly valuable against heavily armed enemies and fortifications. However, the Templar Armor provides a 25% damage resistance from all sources, making it a more versatile option for overall survivability.

Ultimately, neither armor is strictly “better” in every situation. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize specialized protection against firearms or general resilience against all forms of damage. Let’s delve deeper into each armor’s strengths, weaknesses, and how they stack up in various in-game scenarios.

Unpacking the Mayan Armor: Bulletproof Brilliance

The Mayan Armor is arguably the more iconic of the two, primarily because of its unique ability: complete immunity to bullets. This is a game-changer when facing overwhelming gunfire, especially from forts and larger ships armed with cannons that fire grapeshot. Imagine strolling through a heavily guarded fort, completely unfazed by volleys of musket fire. That’s the power of the Mayan Armor.

Strengths:

• Bullet Immunity: As mentioned, this is the armor’s defining trait. It makes dealing with ranged enemies significantly easier.
• Strategic Advantage: Ideal for infiltrating heavily fortified areas where gunners are prevalent.
• Unique Design: The armor’s aesthetic, drawing upon Isu technology, is visually striking and adds to the lore.

Weaknesses:

• No Protection Against Melee: The armor provides zero resistance against swords, axes, or other close-quarters attacks. You’re still vulnerable to bayonets, which enemies will use frequently at close range.
• Limited Versatility: Its usefulness diminishes in situations where firearms are less common, such as hunting animals or facing primarily melee-focused opponents.

Examining the Templar Armor: The Tanky All-Rounder

The Templar Armor takes a different approach to protection. Instead of specialized immunity, it offers a flat 25% damage reduction from all sources of damage. This includes bullets, melee attacks, explosions, and even environmental hazards.

Strengths:

• Broad Damage Resistance: The 25% reduction applies to every type of damage, making it a consistent benefit in all situations.
• Increased Survivability: Significantly increases your overall health pool effectively, allowing you to withstand more punishment.
• Balanced Protection: Useful in both combat and exploration, offering a more balanced approach to defense.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Many players appreciate the Templar Armor’s design, aligning with the historical Templar aesthetic.

Weaknesses:

• Not a Game-Changer: While 25% damage reduction is helpful, it’s not as dramatic as the Mayan Armor’s bullet immunity.
• Less Effective Against High Damage: Against powerful enemies, the 25% reduction might not be enough to significantly alter the outcome of a battle.

Mayan vs. Templar: A Scenario-Based Comparison

To further illustrate the difference, consider these scenarios:

• Storming a Fort: The Mayan Armor excels here. Run past the guards, ignore the musket fire, and focus on taking down key targets.
• Naval Combat Boarding: The Templar Armor might be preferable, as you’ll be facing a mix of gunners and melee fighters.
• Hunting Wild Animals: The Templar Armor’s general damage resistance offers better protection against animal attacks than the Mayan Armor.
• Fighting Legendary Ships: Since you primarily fight legendary ships with the ship, the armor choice will have little to no effect, until you board the ship. If you choose to board it, you may consider the templar armor to help with the melee.
• Stealth Missions: Both armors offer no advantage in stealth; the Stealth Outfit is the best choice for these scenarios.

Making Your Choice: Play Style Matters

Ultimately, the “better” armor depends on your personal play style and the types of challenges you enjoy tackling.

• Aggressive Players: If you prefer charging headfirst into combat, the Mayan Armor can give you a significant advantage against gun-heavy opposition.
• Tactical Players: If you favor a more balanced approach and value consistent protection, the Templar Armor is the more reliable choice.
• Completionists: For those who aim to complete all aspects of the game, having both armors is ideal, allowing you to adapt to different situations.

Both armors require significant effort to obtain. The Mayan Armor requires collecting all 16 Mayan Stones, while the Templar Armor demands completing a series of Templar Hunt missions. The challenge itself adds to the sense of accomplishment and makes both armors valuable additions to your arsenal. You can find more information about game-based learning on GamesLearningSociety.org.

The choice between the Mayan Armor and the Templar Armor in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag is a matter of preference and strategic thinking. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each allows you to make an informed decision and tailor your defense to the specific challenges you face in the Caribbean.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly does the Mayan Armor do in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?

The Mayan Armor grants complete immunity to bullet damage. Any damage from firearms or other projectile weapons is entirely negated.

2. How do I unlock the Mayan Armor?

You need to collect all 16 Mayan Stones scattered throughout the world map. Once you have them, travel to Tulum and unlock the secret chamber to acquire the armor.

3. What is the location of Tulum in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?

Tulum is located at coordinates 70, 405. It’s on the eastern side of the world map.

4. What benefits does the Templar Armor provide?

The Templar Armor offers a 25% damage reduction from all sources, including bullets, melee attacks, and explosions.

5. Where can I find the Templar Armor in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?

The Templar Armor is unlocked by completing the Templar Hunt mission chain. The final mission unlocks the armor at Great Inagua.

6. Is the Templar Armor worth getting?

Yes, the Templar Armor is worth getting. Its general damage resistance makes it useful in a wide variety of situations. Plus, many players enjoy its visual design.

7. Can you get both the Mayan Armor and the Templar Armor in the same playthrough?

Yes, you can obtain both armors in a single playthrough. You simply need to complete the respective requirements for each.

8. Which armor is better for fighting legendary ships?

Neither armor directly impacts ship combat. However, if you plan to board enemy ships during these battles, the Templar Armor would offer better protection during the boarding sequence.

9. Does the Mayan Armor protect against cannon fire?

No, the Mayan Armor only protects against bullets and similar projectiles. Cannon fire, which deals explosive damage, is not negated by the Mayan Armor.

10. How do I activate Eagle Vision to find the Mayan Stones?

Press the designated Eagle Vision button (usually the up arrow on the D-pad) to activate Eagle Vision. This highlights interactive objects and reveals the Mayan Stone puzzles.

11. Are there any other armors in Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag?

Yes, there are other armors, including the Stealth Outfit (reduces enemy detection) and the Hunter Outfit (makes hunting animals easier).

12. Does upgrading the Jackdaw (Edward’s ship) affect the usefulness of these armors?

Upgrading the Jackdaw primarily enhances naval combat. Armor choices mainly impact Edward’s survivability during on-foot sections.

13. What are the easiest methods for collecting the Mayan Stones?

Use online guides or videos to locate the stones. Some stones require specific environmental interactions, so research can save time.

14. If I had to pick only one armor, which would you recommend?

If you can only choose one, the Templar Armor is generally recommended due to its versatile damage resistance. It’s a solid all-around choice for most situations.

15. Do the armors change Edward’s appearance significantly?

Yes, both the Mayan Armor and the Templar Armor drastically alter Edward’s appearance, giving him a unique and imposing look.