Unlocking the Power of the Ancients: The Guardian Armor Set Bonus in Zelda
The question on every Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild player’s mind is often about maximizing Link’s potential. A crucial component of that is understanding set bonuses, and none are more sought after than the one linked to the Ancient Armor. This article dives deep into what exactly the Ancient Armor set bonus entails, along with frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion about this powerful equipment.
The Ancient Proficiency Set Bonus Explained
The set bonus for the Ancient Armor is called Ancient Proficiency. This bonus is not immediately active just by wearing the armor; it requires specific steps. Once you’ve upgraded all three pieces of the Ancient Armor (the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves) at least twice by a Great Fairy, the Ancient Proficiency bonus is unlocked. This enhancement dramatically increases Link’s attack damage by 80% but only when using Guardian Gear or equipment sold by the Ancient Oven within the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. This means you can inflict significantly more damage with items like the Ancient Shield, Ancient Bow, and the diverse array of Ancient and Guardian weapons. In short, Ancient Proficiency drastically enhances the effectiveness of specific weapon types, making it a cornerstone for tackling formidable enemies, especially those related to the Calamity.
Why the Ancient Armor is Considered Top-Tier
Beyond its set bonus, the Ancient Armor provides high defense. It matches the Soldier’s Armor in terms of base defense per piece, standing at 4 defense. However, it’s the bonus effects that really make it stand out: Guardian Resist is a base effect on each piece, granting resistance to Guardian damage, which stacks up the more you equip. This coupled with the Ancient Proficiency bonus makes it incredibly versatile for both offense and defense, especially in the late-game or when facing many Guardian-type enemies. The combination of high defense, Guardian Resist, and amplified attack power makes this set one of the most powerful in Breath of the Wild.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Ancient Armor
1. Is there a set bonus with Guardian armor?
There is no armor set specifically named “Guardian Armor”. The Ancient Armor provides Guardian Resist as a base effect, and once upgraded, it provides the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which enhances damage when using Guardian or Ancient weapons.
2. What does the ancient armor set do without any upgrades?
Without any upgrades, each piece of the Ancient Armor provides a base defense of 4 and offers Guardian Resist. However, without two upgrades from a Great Fairy on each piece, the Ancient Proficiency set bonus won’t be activated.
3. How do I get the Ancient Armor?
The Ancient Armor can be purchased at the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab. You’ll need to gather specific materials, including Ancient parts and Rupees. You’ll need the Ancient Helm, Ancient Cuirass, and Ancient Greaves for the full set.
4. How do you upgrade the Ancient Armor?
The Ancient Armor can be upgraded by a Great Fairy. Each upgrade requires specific materials, including monster parts and Ancient parts. Two upgrades to each piece are needed to unlock the Ancient Proficiency bonus.
5. What is the set bonus for the ancient hero?
The Ancient Hero’s Aspect, found in Tears of the Kingdom, has a different set bonus. When upgraded twice, it provides the Master Sword Beam Up set bonus, not the Ancient Proficiency.
6. What is the armor set bonus in Breath of the Wild?
Set bonuses in Breath of the Wild are unique to specific armor sets. For example, the full Ancient Armor set, when upgraded twice, grants Ancient Proficiency. The Tunic of the Wild set grants Attack Up when fully upgraded and equipped.
7. Where is the best armor in Breath of the Wild?
The Ancient Armor set is often regarded as one of the best due to its high defense, Guardian Resist, and powerful Ancient Proficiency set bonus. Other sets like the Barbarian Armor are excellent for offense and the Stealth Set for stealthy play styles, but for overall versatility and power, the Ancient set is top-tier.
8. Does the ancient armor work against Ganon?
Yes, the Ancient Armor is particularly effective against Ganon. The Guardian Resist will mitigate the damage from his ancient-themed attacks, and the Ancient Proficiency bonus will boost the damage of your Ancient weapons, making the final battle more manageable.
9. Is Guardian Resist armor worth it?
Absolutely. Guardian Resist reduces damage from Guardian lasers and attacks, and wearing a full set of Guardian Resist armor, such as the Ancient set, significantly improves your survivability against these enemies.
10. What does fully upgraded ancient armor do?
When fully upgraded, the Ancient Armor provides a substantial defense boost on top of the built-in Guardian Resist. Once upgraded twice on each piece, you’ll also unlock the Ancient Proficiency bonus, boosting damage with Guardian/Ancient gear by 80%.
11. What happens when you upgrade the Guardian armor 2 times?
There is no set of armor named Guardian armor. However, upgrading the Ancient Armor twice unlocks the Ancient Proficiency set bonus, which increases attack power by 80% when using Guardian or Ancient weapons.
12. Is Ravio’s Hood in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, Ravio’s Hood can be found in the Depths in Tears of the Kingdom, requiring players to engage in combat to obtain it. However, it doesn’t have the Ancient Proficiency bonus.
13. Do ancient blades work on phantom Ganon?
Ancient Blades do work on Phantom Ganon, dealing damage but not an instant kill. The Ancient Proficiency bonus doesn’t apply to the blade itself, but will boost the damage of any ancient melee weapons used to attack him.
14. Why does the Master Sword go from 30 to 60?
The Master Sword has an attack power of 30 normally, which increases to 60 when battling Calamity enemies and those affected by it. Additionally, when Link has full health, the weapon throw is replaced with a beam attack.
15. Does the Fierce Deity armor have a set bonus?
Yes, the Fierce Deity Armor in Breath of the Wild has a set bonus. When you upgrade each piece to level two and equip all three, you get the Charge Attack Stamina Up bonus, which reduces the stamina used by charge attacks. This set bonus differs from the Ancient Proficiency.
Conclusion
The Ancient Armor and its Ancient Proficiency set bonus are essential for any Breath of the Wild player aiming for peak performance. Understanding how to acquire, upgrade, and utilize this armor set can significantly improve your combat effectiveness and survivability. From mitigating Guardian damage to amplifying the power of Ancient weapons, this set is a powerful tool in Link’s arsenal, allowing players to confidently face the toughest challenges Hyrule has to offer. Make sure to collect the required materials and visit the Great Fairies to unlock this game-changing bonus.