What Armor Has the Highest Defense in Zelda?

The quest for powerful armor is a cornerstone of any Zelda adventure, and maximizing defense is often crucial for survival. While specific armor sets and their defensive capabilities vary across different Zelda titles, the highest overall defense obtainable usually comes from a combination of fully upgraded armor pieces and temporary buffs. However, considering raw defensive stats from a single set without buffs, in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the fully upgraded Ancient Armor set, providing a base defense of 84 when all three pieces are maxed out, is often considered the gold standard when combined with passive buffs that reduce incoming damage.

Unpacking the Armor Hierarchy in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom

Understanding the armor system in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom requires a look at individual armor pieces, set bonuses, and upgrade possibilities. While other sets might offer situationally better protection due to elemental resistances or special effects, raw damage reduction is typically measured by the defense stat.

• Individual Armor Stats: Each piece of armor contributes to the overall defense. Upgrading armor at Great Fairy Fountains significantly increases these stats.

• Set Bonuses: Equipping a full set of armor often unlocks a set bonus, which can range from improved stealth to attack power boosts.

• Upgrade Paths: Armor can be upgraded multiple times by visiting the Great Fairy Fountains. Each upgrade increases the defense stat and may also unlock set bonuses.

The Reign of the Ancient Armor

The Ancient Armor in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom stands out due to its high base defense and unique properties. Each piece (Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, Ancient Greaves) offers a significant defense boost, and when fully upgraded, the set provides excellent protection against all types of physical damage. When fully upgraded, the Ancient Armor set grants 84 defense, each individual piece giving 28 defense.

The Champion’s Tunic: A Close Contender

The Champion’s Tunic is another notable armor piece that provides a defense of 32 when fully upgraded, also allowing you to see enemy health levels.

Other Notable Defensive Options

While the Ancient Armor set and the Champion’s Tunic are strong contenders, other armor sets offer unique advantages:

• Soldier Armor: Offers great raw defensive capabilities and is easily accessible early in the game.

• Barbarian Armor: While focusing on attack power, it also offers decent defense.

• Armor with Elemental Resistance: Such as the Flamebreaker Armor, are indispensable in specific environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Zelda Armor

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about armor and defense in the Zelda franchise, especially focusing on Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, with a few points of emphasis in earlier titles:

1. What does the defense stat on armor actually do?

The defense stat on armor directly reduces the amount of damage Link takes from enemy attacks. The higher the defense, the less damage you’ll receive.

2. How do I upgrade my armor in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

Armor is upgraded at Great Fairy Fountains. You need to find and unlock the Great Fairies and then provide them with specific materials to upgrade each piece of armor.

3. What are set bonuses, and how do I unlock them?

Set bonuses are special effects granted when you equip a full set of armor. To unlock them, you need to upgrade each piece of the set to at least the second level at a Great Fairy Fountain.

4. Does armor durability exist in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

No. Armor itself does not have durability in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Only weapons and shields have durability that degrades with use.

5. Is there a way to repair broken armor in any Zelda game?

In some Zelda games, like Twilight Princess, broken armor is typically not repairable. You would need to acquire a new piece of armor. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom do not have armor durability, rendering repair unnecessary.

6. How does elemental resistance work in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

Elemental resistance reduces or negates damage from elemental attacks such as fire, ice, or electricity. Some armor sets offer specific elemental resistance bonuses.

7. Is the Hylian Shield the best shield in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

The Hylian Shield is highly durable and boasts a high defense stat, making it one of the best shields. However, other shields with elemental properties or unique abilities may be preferable in certain situations. You need to complete the quest, “Little Lost Lad,” to obtain this item.

8. Can I dye my armor in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, you can dye your armor in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom by visiting the dye shop in Hateno Village.

9. Are there any armor pieces that make me completely invulnerable in Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom?

No, there is no armor that makes you completely invulnerable. Even with high defense, you can still take damage. However, temporary buffs like defense up can further reduce damage taken.

10. What is the best early-game armor in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

The Soldier Armor is an excellent early-game option due to its accessibility and decent defense stats. The Hylian Armor set from the shop in Hateno Village also provides solid early-game protection.

11. How does stealth armor work, and is it useful?

Stealth armor reduces the noise Link makes, making it easier to sneak past enemies. It is highly useful for stealth-based gameplay and avoiding unnecessary combat.

12. What are some of the rare or difficult-to-obtain armor pieces in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

The Ancient Armor, the Armor of the Wild, and some of the amiibo-exclusive armor pieces are considered rare or difficult to obtain due to the requirements to unlock them.

13. Can I stack defense buffs from food and elixirs with armor defense?

Yes, you can stack defense buffs from food and elixirs with your armor’s defense to further reduce the damage you take. This is a great way to tackle difficult enemies.

14. Does the time of day affect enemy strength or Link’s defense in any Zelda game?

In some Zelda games, enemies might become stronger at night, such as Stalfos appearing, but there’s generally no direct effect on Link’s defense based on the time of day. Some items are also limited to certain times.

15. In which Zelda game is the most powerful armor, excluding Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?

This question is somewhat subjective, depending on how “powerful” is defined. It can refer to raw defense stats, special abilities, or a combination of factors. One good example is the Magic Armor in Twilight Princess, which provides high defense but consumes rupees as a cost. If the rupees run out, then the armor renders you helpless.