Should You Snag the Thunder Helm in Breath of the Wild? A Shockingly Thorough Guide
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So, you’re pondering the question: Should you take the Thunder Helm in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? The short answer is a resounding yes, with a couple of caveats. The Thunder Helm is an incredibly valuable piece of equipment, offering complete immunity to lightning strikes and allowing you to mix and match armor pieces for both protection and fashion. It frees you from the constraints of the full Rubber Armor set, enabling strategic armor choices for specific combat scenarios or environmental hazards. If you’re aiming for a complete playthrough, appreciate strategic gameplay, or just want to traverse Hyrule during thunderstorms without fear, the Thunder Helm is absolutely worth the effort.
Why the Thunder Helm is a Game-Changer
The beauty of the Thunder Helm lies in its utility. While the fully upgraded Rubber Armor set provides the same Unshockable (lightning proof) effect, it forces you to wear a specific set of armor, which might not always be optimal for the situation at hand. With the Helm, you can pair powerful defensive gear with lightning immunity, creating a powerhouse of a Link. This flexibility opens up a world of possibilities when tackling difficult encounters, exploring treacherous areas, or simply enjoying the freedom of Hyrule’s dynamic weather system. It’s a boon to any player, from the casual adventurer to the hardcore completionist.
How to Obtain the Thunder Helm
The acquisition of the Thunder Helm isn’t as simple as finding it in a chest. It’s tied to a series of side quests in Gerudo Town, after you’ve successfully completed the Divine Beast Vah Naboris quest. Here’s a breakdown:
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Defeat Vah Naboris: This is the prerequisite. You can’t even begin the questline until you’ve quelled the Divine Beast.
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Talk to Riju: Once Naboris is pacified, speak with Riju, the young Chieftainess of the Gerudo, in her throne room. This will initiate the “The Thunder Helm” quest.
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Complete the Four Side Quests: Riju will task you with four different errands to prove your worth and aid the Gerudo people:
- Tools of the Trade: Help the Gerudo weapons merchant find her precious gems.
- The Mystery Polluter: Investigate the source of pollution plaguing the town’s water supply.
- Medicinal Molduga: Retrieve Molduga guts for a sick Gerudo guard. This is often seen as the most difficult of the four, as it requires defeating one of the fearsome desert creatures.
- The Search for Barta: Locate a missing guard (Barta) lost in the Gerudo Desert and provide her with a Hearty Durian.
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Claim Your Prize: Once all four quests are finished, return to Riju in her throne room. She will acknowledge your efforts and reward you with the coveted Thunder Helm.
Thunder Helm: FAQs – Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Thunder Helm, providing comprehensive answers to help you make the most of this powerful item:
1. What exactly does the Thunder Helm do?
The Thunder Helm grants complete immunity to lightning strikes and any electrical damage. It essentially provides the “Unshockable” effect without needing the entire Rubber Armor set. This is vital for surviving thunderstorms and certain enemy attacks.
2. Does the Thunder Helm protect against all forms of electrical damage?
Yes, the Thunder Helm protects against all environmental lightning strikes.
3. Can I sell the Thunder Helm?
No, you cannot sell the Thunder Helm. It’s considered a valuable Gerudo treasure and is on loan to Link.
4. Can I lose the Thunder Helm permanently?
It’s extremely difficult, but technically possible to permanently lose the Thunder Helm. You can only lose the Thunder Helm if you have collected so many armor pieces (5 inventory pages) that if the helm is dropped, you will not be able to pick it back up before it disappears.
5. Does the Thunder Helm protect my horse from lightning?
No, the Thunder Helm does not protect your horse from lightning. If your horse is struck by lightning, it will take damage, and you may be thrown off.
6. Why won’t Riju give me the Thunder Helm?
You must complete the Divine Beast Vah Naboris quest and the four subsequent side quests (Tools of the Trade, The Mystery Polluter, Medicinal Molduga, and The Search for Barta) to receive the Thunder Helm from Riju.
7. Is the Rubber Armor set obsolete if I have the Thunder Helm?
Not entirely. The Rubber Armor provides shock resistance, protecting against electrical attacks from enemies, while the Thunder Helm only blocks lightning. The fully upgraded Rubber Armor set also provides both of these protections. The Thunder Helm frees you from the entire set.
8. How does the Thunder Helm compare to the Topaz Earrings?
The Topaz Earrings provide shock resistance, similar to the base effect of the Rubber Armor. The Thunder Helm offers complete lightning immunity, a much stronger and more specialized defense.
9. Can I wear other helmets with the Thunder Helm’s effect?
No, the Thunder Helm is a helmet. You cannot equip any other headgear while wearing it. This is where its strategic value comes into play: You get the lightning immunity without sacrificing other armor pieces.
10. Does the Thunder Helm have any defensive stats?
No, the Thunder Helm does not provide any additional defense. Its sole purpose is lightning immunity.
11. How old is Riju, the Chieftainess of the Gerudo?
Riju is 12 years old in Breath of the Wild.
12. Is there any historical significance to the Thunder Helm?
While not explicitly stated in the game, the Thunder Helm is heavily implied to have belonged to Urbosa, the Gerudo Champion. It holds great cultural significance to the Gerudo people.
13. Where can I find Hearty Durians for the “Search for Barta” quest?
Hearty Durians are most commonly found in the Faron region, particularly near the Floria Bridge and the surrounding jungle area.
14. What’s the best way to defeat a Molduga for the “Medicinal Molduga” quest?
Use round bombs. Toss one near the Molduga, and when it surfaces to eat the bomb, detonate it. This will stun the Molduga, allowing you to attack it with your melee weapon. Rinse and repeat until defeated.
15. Where is the Leviathan Bones where I can find Barta?
The Leviathan Bones is in southwest Gerudo Desert. The quickest way to get here is to fast travel to the Hawa Koth Shrine, but be sure to select appropriate armor for either heat or cold depending on the time of day.
Final Verdict
The Thunder Helm is more than just a piece of armor; it’s a key that unlocks strategic flexibility and freedom in Breath of the Wild. So yes, absolutely take the Thunder Helm. It simplifies exploration, diversifies combat options, and allows you to truly customize your Link’s appearance and abilities. Don’t miss out on this invaluable piece of equipment.
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