Is the Radiant Set Worth It? A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re eyeing the Radiant Set in Tears of the Kingdom (or Breath of the Wild), huh? Good taste! But is it worth the luminous stones, rupees, and effort to upgrade? The short answer is: Yes, but its value depends heavily on your playstyle and current game progression. If you enjoy exploring at night, fighting Stal enemies, and appreciate a bit of visual flair, then absolutely. However, if you prioritize pure defense or stealth in other situations, there might be better options.
Now, let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Radiant Set’s Strengths
The Radiant Set’s main appeal lies in its unique combination of aesthetics, utility against Stal enemies, and bone weapon damage boost. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages:
- Visual Appeal: Let’s be honest, the Radiant Set looks amazing! The glowing, skeletal aesthetic is undeniably cool and makes your Link stand out. This is a major factor for many players, and there’s nothing wrong with prioritizing style.
- Stal Disguise: The set bonus, unlocked after two-star upgrades at a Great Fairy Fountain, provides a “Disguise” effect against Stalkoblins, Stalmoblins, and Stalizalfos. This means they’ll be less likely to attack you on sight, allowing you to sneak past or get the drop on them.
- Bone Weapon Attack Up: The set bonus also grants a “Bone Atk. Up”, which significantly increases the damage you deal with weapons made from Stal monster parts, like Stalmoblin Arms or Lizalfos Bone Spears. This can turn these otherwise weak weapons into surprisingly effective tools.
- Upgradability: Unlike some armor sets, the Radiant Armor can be upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains, increasing its defense significantly. This makes it a viable option for later-game combat as well.
- Electrocution Resistance: The article stated this is an advantage of the armor, so that should not be removed. The Radiant set’s fending off of electricity means the player should be safe from shock attacks.
Assessing the Radiant Set’s Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, the Radiant Set has some drawbacks to consider:
- Cost: Acquiring and upgrading the Radiant Set is expensive. You’ll need a significant amount of rupees, luminous stones, and monster parts. This can be a significant investment, especially early in the game. The individual armor pieces may cost as high as 5,000 rupees each, depending on the shop conditions.
- Limited Utility: The Stal disguise is only useful at night and only against specific enemy types. In other situations, other armor sets might offer more practical benefits.
- Defense vs. Stealth: While upgradable defense is a plus, the Radiant Set doesn’t inherently offer stealth bonuses like the Stealth Set or the Yiga Set (before upgrades). If stealth is your primary combat approach, those options might be better.
Situations Where the Radiant Set Shines
Here are some scenarios where the Radiant Set truly excels:
- Nighttime Exploration: Roaming Hyrule at night becomes much more enjoyable when you’re not constantly harassed by Stal enemies. The disguise effect allows you to focus on exploration and resource gathering.
- Bone Weapon Combat: If you enjoy using bone weapons, the “Bone Atk. Up” bonus makes them much more viable. This can add a fun and challenging twist to your combat style.
- Farming Luminous Stones: Ironically, the Radiant Set can indirectly help you acquire more luminous stones. The Stal lure effect increases the spawn rate of Stals, some of which drop luminous stones upon defeat.
- Aesthetic Preference: Ultimately, if you simply love the look of the Radiant Set, that’s reason enough to acquire and use it! Games are meant to be enjoyed, and looking cool is a valid goal.
Alternatives to the Radiant Set
Before committing to the Radiant Set, consider these alternatives, depending on your needs:
- Stealth Set: For pure stealth gameplay, this set is unparalleled. It’s also relatively easy to acquire early in the game.
- Barbarian Set: If you prioritize raw attack power, the Barbarian Set is the go-to option. It’s especially effective against bosses.
- Soldier’s Set/Ancient Set: For high defense, these sets are excellent choices. The Ancient Set also offers additional benefits against Guardian-type enemies.
- Desert Voe Set: In order to better prepare for desert heat, this set is the best option. It is much better than the Gerudo Set, which is not upgradeable.
Conclusion: A Set With Niche Appeal
The Radiant Set isn’t a universally “best” armor set, but it’s undoubtedly a valuable and enjoyable option for specific playstyles. Its unique combination of aesthetics, Stal disguise, and bone weapon damage boost makes it a worthwhile investment for players who appreciate nighttime exploration, unconventional combat, and a bit of visual flair. However, be mindful of its cost and limited utility outside of these specific scenarios.
Ultimately, the decision to acquire and upgrade the Radiant Set is a personal one. Weigh its strengths and weaknesses against your own preferences and playstyle to determine if it’s the right choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Radiant Set
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the Radiant Set’s features and benefits:
1. How much does the Radiant Set cost in total?
The base cost of the Radiant Set (without upgrades) is 2,400 rupees and nine luminous stones if you can buy it at a discounted price. But, as the article states, it can be purchased at a shop for as high as 5,000 rupees per piece.
2. Where can I find luminous stones easily?
Luminous stones can be found in caves and cliffs, particularly in the Lanayru Wetlands and around Death Mountain. They also drop from certain Stal enemies.
3. How do I upgrade the Radiant Set?
You can upgrade the Radiant Set at any Great Fairy Fountain. You’ll need luminous stones and various monster parts.
4. What materials are required to fully upgrade the Radiant Set?
To fully upgrade the Radiant Set, you’ll need 225 luminous stones, 3 Bokoblin guts, 6 Moblin guts, 9 Horriblin guts, 9 Lynel guts, 3 Molduga jaw, 30 Gibdo bones, and 2,280 rupees.
5. Does the Stal disguise work on all Stal enemies?
No, the Stal disguise only works on Stalkoblins, Stalmoblins, and Stalizalfos. It won’t work on other skeleton-type enemies like Stalnox.
6. Does the “Bone Atk. Up” bonus affect all bone weapons?
Yes, the “Bone Atk. Up” bonus affects all weapons made from Stal monster parts, including Stalmoblin Arms, Lizalfos Bone Spears, and Boko Clubs with attached bones.
7. Can I dye the Radiant Set?
Yes, the Radiant Set can be dyed at the Hateno Dye Shop.
8. Is the Radiant Armor better than the Evil Spirit Armor?
The Radiant Armor can be upgraded, so it ends up with higher defense. It comes down to personal preference.
9. What is the set bonus for Radiant Tights?
When each piece of the Radiant Set has been enhanced at least two times by a Great Fairy and the full Set is worn, it provides a “Disguise” and “Bone Atk. Up” Set Bonus.
10. What does the Radiant Set give you?
If all three pieces of the set have been upgraded twice at a Great Fairy Fountain, wearing the set grants a “Disguise” Set Bonus against Stalkoblins, Stalmoblins, and Stalizalfos. The upgraded set also provides a “Bone Atk.
11. Can Radiant Armor be upgraded?
Yes, the Radiant armor can be upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains.
12. What’s the point of radiant armor?
The armor set is designed to keep Stal enemies from attacking and increases damage done with bone weapons.
13. How many luminous stones do I need for radiant armor?
You will need nine luminous stones to buy it and 225 luminous stones to fully upgrade it.
14. What happens when I use the Radiant Set?
The Stal monsters won’t attack you as often and the bone weapons will be more effective.
15. Is it difficult to get a hold of the armor set?
It is not difficult if you have the money.
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