Table of Contents

Embrace the Shadows: A Guide to Acquiring the Dark Link Armor in Tears of the Kingdom

The allure of Dark Link, that shadowy doppelganger of Hyrule’s hero, is undeniable. Embodying this dark reflection in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a tempting prospect, and acquiring the Dark Link armor set is a significant step towards achieving that. So, where can you buy this coveted gear? The answer lies deep within Hyrule’s Depths, in the possession of the enigmatic Bargainer Statues.

You can’t simply walk into a shop and purchase the Dark Link armor. Instead, you must venture into the perilous Depths, collect Poe Souls, and trade them with the Bargainer Statues. The availability of each piece of the armor is tied to how many Bargainer Statues you’ve discovered and interacted with. Unlocking the full set requires finding at least five different Bargainer Statues.

The Bargainer Statue Network: Your Key to Darkness

The Bargainer Statues are the central hubs for acquiring the Dark Link armor. They are ancient, colossal structures found both in the Depths and on the surface. Each statue acts as a merchant, accepting Poe Souls in exchange for various items, including pieces of armor.

The first time you encounter a Bargainer Statue (the one in Lookout Landing), you will unlock the ability to purchase the Dark Tunic. After that, you’ll need to find more Bargainer Statues to unlock the Dark Trousers and Dark Hood. Remember, unlocking a new armor piece is tied to finding a new Bargainer Statue. Finding at least five separate Bargainer Statues is the only way to unlock the Dark Link armor set.

Collecting Poe Souls: The Currency of the Depths

Poe Souls are the ethereal currency used to purchase items from Bargainer Statues. They are found scattered throughout the Depths, often clustered in areas of darkness or near structures. Look for their distinctive blue glow to easily spot them.

Collecting Poe Souls is crucial for acquiring the Dark Link armor. Remember, you’ll need a significant amount of these souls – 650 in total – to purchase the full set. Thankfully, once you start exploring the Depths, you’ll find them accumulating quickly.

The Cost of Darkness: Poe Requirements

The Dark Link armor comes at a price. Here’s the Poe cost for each piece:

Dark Tunic: This piece will cost you 150 Poe Souls.
Dark Trousers: This piece will cost you 200 Poe Souls.
Dark Hood: This piece will cost you 300 Poe Souls.

The total cost for the Dark Link armor set is 650 Poe Souls.

The Hunt for Bargainer Statues: Unlocking the Set

Finding the Bargainer Statues is perhaps the most challenging aspect of obtaining the Dark Link armor. While the Lookout Landing statue is easy to find, locating the others requires exploration and perseverance. Here are some tips:

Explore the Depths thoroughly: Look for landmarks or unusual structures that might indicate the presence of a statue.
Listen for clues: Some NPCs might offer hints or rumors about the location of Bargainer Statues.
Use lightblooms: Toss lightblooms into the darkness of the Depths to illuminate your surroundings.
Ascend from chasms: Many Bargainer Statues are located near the surface and can be easily accessed by Ascending from chasms.
Consult online resources: If you’re truly stuck, don’t be afraid to use online guides or maps.

Lookout Landing Bargainer Statue

This is the first Bargainer Statue you’ll encounter, and it unlocks the Dark Tunic. It’s located in a small alcove beneath Lookout Landing, accessible early in the game.

Other Bargainer Statue Locations

While I won’t give specific locations to preserve the spirit of exploration, be aware that other statues exist in the Depths near mines and various other locations. These statues are often hidden in plain sight or are near areas of interest. Once you find at least five different statues, you can go to any statue and purchase the full Dark Link set.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Bargainer Statues?

Bargainer Statues are massive, ancient structures found in Tears of the Kingdom. They act as merchants, trading rare items and armor in exchange for Poe Souls, which are found throughout the Depths. They are key to acquiring unique items like the Dark Link armor.

2. What are Poe Souls?

Poe Souls are luminous blue spirits found primarily in the Depths of Hyrule. They serve as currency for purchasing items from Bargainer Statues. They often appear in clusters and are relatively easy to spot due to their distinct glow.

3. What does the Dark Link armor do?

When the full Dark Link armor set (Dark Tunic, Dark Trousers, and Dark Hood) is equipped, it grants the Night Speed Up bonus, increasing Link’s movement speed at night. Additionally, wearing the armor can cause NPCs to react with fear.

4. Can I upgrade the Dark Link armor?

No, the Dark Link armor cannot be upgraded at the Great Fairy Fountains. You can dye the armor at the Dye Shop in Hateno Village, but its stats cannot be improved.

5. Is the Dark Link armor worth getting?

The value of the Dark Link armor is subjective. While the Night Speed Up bonus is useful for traversal, especially in the Depths, there are other armor sets that offer similar benefits. Its worth depends on your gameplay style and desire for its aesthetic. It can be useful to remember that the Games Learning Society promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, and getting this armor might be part of a problem you wish to solve in the game.

6. How many Poe Souls do I need for the entire set?

You need a total of 650 Poe Souls to purchase the entire Dark Link armor set. This breaks down into 150 for the Dark Tunic, 200 for the Dark Trousers, and 300 for the Dark Hood.

7. Do Poe Souls respawn?

Yes, Poe Souls respawn in the Depths, allowing you to continuously collect them and purchase items from Bargainer Statues. The respawn rate is not fully understood, but revisiting areas after some time has passed will yield more Poe Souls.

8. Can I dye the Dark Link armor?

Yes, the Dark Link armor can be dyed at the Dye Shop in Hateno Village. This allows you to customize the armor’s appearance to your liking, even though you cannot upgrade its stats.

9. Are there other items I can buy from Bargainer Statues?

Yes, Bargainer Statues offer a variety of items beyond the Dark Link armor. These include armor pieces, crafting materials, and even unique items. Exploring the Depths and finding more Bargainer Statues unlocks a wider selection of goods.

10. How do I find Bargainer Statues?

Bargainer Statues are often located near landmarks or areas of interest in both the Depths and on the surface. Explore thoroughly, listen for clues from NPCs, and use lightblooms to illuminate dark areas. Some statues can also be accessed by Ascending from chasms.

11. Do all Bargainer Statues sell the same items?

The items sold by Bargainer Statues depend on how many statues you’ve found. Finding more statues unlocks more items for sale at all statues.

12. Can I get the Dark Link armor early in the game?

You can get the Dark Tunic fairly early in the game by finding the Bargainer Statue in Lookout Landing, but acquiring the full set requires exploring the Depths extensively and finding multiple Bargainer Statues, which may take some time.

13. Is there a difference between the Dark Link armor and the Depths armor?

Yes, the Dark Link armor provides the Night Speed Up bonus, while the Depths armor provides Gloom resistance. They are separate armor sets obtained from Bargainer Statues in exchange for Poe Souls.

14. What’s the best strategy for farming Poe Souls?

The best strategy involves exploring the Depths systematically, prioritizing areas known to have clusters of Poe Souls. Use lightblooms to illuminate your path and be thorough in your search. Regularly revisiting areas will also yield more Poe Souls as they respawn.

15. Does wearing the Dark Link armor affect gameplay beyond the Night Speed Up bonus?

Yes, wearing the Dark Link armor can affect how NPCs react to Link. Some NPCs may express fear or unease, adding a unique social dynamic to the game. This is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect gameplay mechanics directly.