Unleash Your Inner Warrior: Understanding the Barbarian Set Bonus
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Barbarian Set bonus in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (and Breath of the Wild) provides a significant boost to your offensive capabilities. When you wear all three pieces of the fully upgraded Barbarian Set (Barbarian Helm, Barbarian Armor, and Barbarian Leg Wraps), and after each piece has been enhanced at least two times by a Great Fairy, you’ll receive a Charge Attack Stamina Up Set Bonus. More importantly, it greatly increases your attack power by 50% for all weapons, allowing you to deal significantly more damage to enemies. This bonus applies to all melee weapons, making it a versatile choice for any combat situation. It’s a straight damage multiplier, making your attacks hit much harder. This makes it incredibly effective against powerful foes, Lynels, and even Ganon himself.
Unpacking the Power of the Barbarian Set
The Barbarian Set is a classic choice for players who prefer aggressive combat. Unlike some armor sets that focus on defense or utility, this set is all about maximizing your damage output. Here’s a closer look at what makes it so valuable:
-
Increased Attack Power: The most significant benefit is the 50% increase to attack power. This boost applies to every melee weapon you wield, turning even basic attacks into devastating strikes.
-
No Climate Protection: Unlike some other armor sets, the Barbarian Set offers no protection against extreme temperatures or other environmental hazards. You’ll need to rely on elixirs, food, or other armor to stay comfortable in harsh climates.
-
Stamina Management: The set bonus received when each piece has been enhanced at least two times by a Great Fairy is Charge Attack Stamina Up, which lets you perform more charged attacks. This is particularly useful with heavy weapons or for maximizing damage against tougher enemies.
-
Location & Acquisition: The Barbarian Set is scattered throughout Hyrule, hidden in challenging shrines located within labyrinths:
- Barbarian Helm: Tu Ka’loh Shrine at the Lomei Labyrinth Island
- Barbarian Armor: Dila Maag Shrine at the South Lomei Labyrinth
- Barbarian Leg Wraps: Qaza Tokki Shrine at the North Lomei Labyrinth
Maximizing Your Barbarian Build
To truly unleash the power of the Barbarian Set, consider these tips:
-
Combine with Attack-Boosting Food/Elixirs: While the Barbarian Set itself provides a significant damage boost, it doesn’t stack with food or elixirs that also grant attack buffs. However, it does stack with attack buffs granted from the Ancient Armor when using Ancient weapons. Focus on effects that complement the set, such as defense buffs or speed enhancements.
-
Master Flurry Rush: The increased damage output makes the Barbarian Set especially potent when combined with the Flurry Rush mechanic. Perfect dodges followed by Flurry Rushes will deal massive damage.
-
Use Ancient Weapons (with Caution): While the Barbarian Set boosts all weapons, combining it with Ancient or Guardian weapons is a smart move. You’ll get the benefit of the Barbarian Set’s general damage increase, plus the Ancient Proficiency bonus if using the Ancient Armor in place of the Barbarian Armor.
Barbarian Set FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Barbarian Set:
1. Does the Barbarian Set increase charge attack damage?
No, the Barbarian Armor Set doesn’t directly increase charge attack damage. However, it reduces the amount of stamina you use to perform a charge attack (when fully upgraded and enhanced).
2. Where can I find the Barbarian Set?
The Barbarian Set is found in three different locations: the Barbarian Helm inside the Tu Ka’loh Shrine at the Lomei Labyrinth Island; the Barbarian Armor inside the Dila Maag Shrine at the South Lomei Labyrinth; and the Barbarian Leg Wraps inside the Qaza Tokki Shrine at the North Lomei Labyrinth.
3. Is the Barbarian Armor good for early game?
Yes! While the locations can be a challenge, getting even a single piece of the Barbarian Set early on can significantly boost your damage output, making early enemies much easier to defeat.
4. Does the Barbarian Armor stack with food buffs?
No, attack buffs from armor sets like the Barbarian Set do not stack with attack buffs from food or elixirs. The game uses only the highest attack boost.
5. What does fully upgraded Barbarian Armor do?
When each piece of the Set has been enhanced at least two times by a Great Fairy and the full Set is worn, it provides a Charge Atk. Stamina Up Set Bonus. The armor itself also increases your attack power.
6. Is Fierce Deity Armor better than Barbarian Armor?
The Fierce Deity set functions very similarly to the Barbarian Set, providing the same damage boost and defense values. A key difference is in how they are acquired. The Barbarian Set is found in-game, while the Fierce Deity Set is amiibo exclusive. Also the Fierce Deity’s sword, the Fierce Deity Sword will only do beam attacks when Link is at full health.
7. Is Ancient Armor better than Barbarian Armor?
The Ancient Armor gives higher defense per piece than the Barbarian Armor. Also the Ancient Armor gives +80% attack to ancient and guardian weapons. The Barbarian gives +50% attack to all weapons.
8. Does Barbarian Armor stack with bone proficiency?
Yes, the Barbarian Set’s attack boost stacks with bone proficiency damage bonuses.
9. Can Barbarians rage in heavy armor?
This question refers to the tabletop game Dungeons and Dragons, not Tears of the Kingdom. In D&D 5e, Barbarians typically cannot Rage while wearing heavy armor due to class restrictions. The Rage ability requires not wearing heavy armor.
10. How long is 1 minute in combat in Zelda?
This question has no relevance in Tears of the Kingdom, instead refers to combat rounds in tabletop role playing games. There are 10 combat rounds in a minute. Each round is 6 seconds, and each action takes approximately 3 seconds.
11. What is the best weapon for a Barbarian?
The “best” weapon depends on your play style and preferences. However, powerful two-handed weapons like the Royal Claymore or a Savage Lynel Crusher are excellent choices to maximize the Barbarian Set’s damage boost. Halberds and other two-handed weapons can also be ideal for the Barbarian as long as you have the skills for them. The Greataxe is the only weapon that yields the best damage output for a Barbarian.
12. How do you increase attack power without armor?
You can increase attack power using food or elixirs that provide an attack up buff. However, remember that these buffs won’t stack with the Barbarian Set.
13. Do Lynels respawn?
Yes, Lynels respawn after a Blood Moon. This makes them a reliable source of powerful weapons and materials.
14. How many levels of attack boost are there?
There are three levels of attack boost that you can get from food or elixirs. The Barbarian Set provides an equivalent of the highest level of attack boost.
15. Is the Phantom Armor worth it?
The Phantom Armor provides an attack boost, similar to the Barbarian Set, but with different drawbacks. While it may be useful early in the game, the Barbarian Set is generally considered superior due to its higher defense values and the Charge Attack Stamina Up set bonus when fully upgraded and enhanced.
The Barbarian Set: A Timeless Classic
The Barbarian Set remains a powerful and popular choice for players in Tears of the Kingdom who enjoy aggressive combat. Its straightforward damage boost and ease of acquisition (compared to some other sets) make it a valuable asset throughout your adventure. While its lack of environmental protection may require some planning, the sheer increase in damage output makes it a force to be reckoned with.
For more insights into game design, learning, and how games can positively impact education and society, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.