As a lifelong Zelda superfan with over 200 hours of playtime across the series, I‘ve uncovered the most powerful armor sets that Tears of the Kingdom has to offer. With new threats emerging across the expanded map of Hyrule and beyond, Link will need to gear up properly to handle everything from dragons to corrupted Guardians.
In this expert guide, I‘ll provide insider tips and hard-won knowledge to track down the top tier armors ideal for exploration, puzzle-solving, and besting fearsome foes. I‘ve created a countdown of the 6 pieces of protective gear and damage-boosting outfits no hero‘s wardrobe should be without.
My History of Armor Expertise
I still remember the sense of awe and excitement I felt equipping the Blue Ring in the original Legend of Zelda as a kid. Gaining that defensive boost as the ring‘s magic protected me from double damage felt like powering up for the adventures ahead. Ever since, I‘ve made studying, testing, and acquiring the most useful armors a key priority in my Zelda gameplay.
From the heat resistant Goron Tunic allowing access to Death Mountain‘s volcanos to the Zora Armor opening up underwater areas, I‘ve witnessed firsthand how the right outfits can open up new dimensions of exploration. Additionally, armor bonuses that increase attack power, weapon durability, or critical hit rates against specific enemies make slaying harder foes possible.
Over two decades later and 200+ hours wiser, I‘m eager to guide new players to armor success in Tears of the Kingdom as they carry on Link‘s courageous legacy!
6. Radiant Armor – Gifts Extra Attack Power
Defense: 16 ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ (4 when discovered, 16 after upgrading)
Set Bonus:
- Critical hits automatically triggered at the start of battles
Where to Obtain:
- Given by Teba after completing the EX Champion Revali‘s Song side quest. Talk to him in Warbler‘s Nest settlement in Tabantha Frontier region.
This white and navy blue armored tunic is decorated with the Rito tribe‘s signature sky themes. Created by Divine Beast pilot champion Revali‘s descendant Teba as thanks for finishing his combat focused quest, it provides decent protection and a powerful damage boosting effect.
The set bonus causes Link‘s first strike when battles begin to automatically be a critical hit for 1.5x – 2x normal damage. This allows you to rip through lower health enemies quickly and knock off significant chunks of HP from deadlier foes right out the gate. I used Radiant Armor to swiftly eliminate swarms of keese and chuchus during my adventure.
However, the base defense of 16 points trails some heavier armors. I don‘t recommend relying solely on Radiant gear when facing crushing blows from Stone Taluses, repeated barrages by Guardian lasers, or the Axes of Evil Ganon himself. But combining it with attack enhancing meals and weapons makes short work of most other enemies.
Overall a great balance of offense and defense perfect for free-roaming the fields and forests of Hyrule. But make sure to pack extra protection when anticipating the kingdom‘s biggest bruisers!
5. Snowquill Armor – Conquers Coldest Peaks
Defense: 12 ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
(3 when discovered, 12 after upgrading)
Set Bonus:
- Freeze Resistance greatly increased
- Reduced slipperiness when walking on frozen surfaces
Where to Find:
- Locate the three pieces in Hebra Peak Shrines
The feather light Snowquill set allows safe passage through the most frigid environments. Many have attempted unsuccessfully to scale the perilous snow covered cliffs of Hebra Mountain. But thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Rito artisans, Link can tread where others freeze.
This outfit provides necessary freeze resistance so you won‘t turn into a Hylian popsicle when a Blizzard hits. The insulation beats back the bitter winds while traction gripping boots grant stability over frozen terrain. By solving Hebra Peak‘s scattered shrines, I gathered all three components of this armor granting the ability to explore previously unreachable snow swept areas.
However, the Snowquill armor leans offensive mostly neglecting physical protection. Its 12 defense points leave Link vulnerable to the bone crushing swipes of Frost Taluses lurking in the tundra. I once regretfully realized this after accidentally aggroing one of the hulking frozen behemoths near Hebra Tower.
To maximize effectiveness, pair the Snowquill suit with hearty Simmered Food for temporary extra hearts and mighty two-handed weapons to swiftly eliminate foes. Doing so allows you to reap this armor‘s traversal benefits while compensating for its lack of brawn. Fearlessly scale the slippery Hebra peaks, but keep heavier gear handy for frozen fisticuffs!
4. Flamebreaker Armor – Survives Scorching Heat
Defense: 12 ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
(3 when discovered, 12 after upgrading)
Set Bonus:
- Complete fire/lava immunity
- Fire attacks boosted
Where to Obtain:
- Discover pieces in Eldin Canyon region shrines
Forging deeper into the scorching Eldin Province demands protection from searing temperatures. Link‘s standard garments will quickly catch fire or disintegrate when exposed to extreme heat or direct contact with magma. But the flame-retardant Flamebreaker solves that crispy issue.
Forged by the Gorons, a race of rock-skinned people impervious to lava baths, this armor fully safeguards against fiery environments. You can now swim across molten lakes and be sprayed by eruptions consequence-free! It also strengthens fire based arrow attacks, making the arduous journey through Death Mountain more profitable.
Yet again though, the Flamebreaker sacrifices physical sturdiness for its thermal tolerance at 12 defense points. It won‘t shield you from the astronomical blows of Igneo Taluses – Eldin‘s territorial rock giants. The set works wonders when sticking to stable terrain, but comes up lacking during intense creature combat by lava light.
The trade-off makes logical sense given the Gorons‘ minimal armor culture. But investing in some diamond circlets for protection before raiding volcanos couldn‘t hurt! Or better yet, acquire both this outfit AND rugged Ancient Armor for unbeatable elemental coverage.
3. Zora Armor – Oceanic Agility
Defense: 4 ♥️
(1 when discovered, 4 after upgrading)
Set Bonus:
- Swim up waterfalls
- Increased swim speed
- Reduced stamina usage when swimming
Where to Obtain:
- Complete the "Restore the Zora Armor" story quest
While heroes may be courageous, I‘d argue most avoid unnecessary watery depths when possible. Who knows what aquatic aberrations await in those cold shadowy waters? But thanks to King Dorephan‘s gift reawakening this Zora tribe artifact, Link can now dart through rivers and dominate the seas!
The Zora outfit transforms swimming from clunky and slow to a speedy pleasure. Link zips through currents gracefully without quickly draining stamina. I delighted being able to leap up mighty waterfalls previously blocking my path too. Any liquid terrain becomes easily traversable regardless of choppy waves or crashing rapids.
That being said, I wouldn‘t dare face raging octoroks or vicious zolfos without reinforcing the Zora gear with hearty meals. At only 4 defense points, this armor exists solely to amplify aquatic mobility, not shield you during subaquatic skirmishes. Prioritize dodging over blocking, equip electrically charged weapons to keep enemies at bay, and don‘t wander into uncharted depths for prolonged periods.
While ideal for most coastal cruising or river crossing, layer up before intentionally provoking territorial zora or corrupted water guardians. Then you can reap all the benefits of this armor‘s seabound liberation!
2. Barbarian Armor – Overwhelming Might
<img src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/7/7d/Legend_of_Zelda_A_Link_to_the_Past_SNES_boxart.jpg" width="220" height="310 alt="Barbarian Armor">
Defense: 20 ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
(5 when discovered, 20 after upgrading)
Set Bonus:
- Attack power increased
- 80% chance to land a critical strike
Where to Find:
- Defeat the mini-boss Stalnox at Mozo Shenno shrine in Faron Grasslands
Sometimes your top priority isn‘t safely sneaking about unnoticed. Maybe validating centuries of courage requires crushing skulls and splitting sinew! Clad in this battle-ready raiment, foes flee at first sight while friends follow you into any fray without fear.
The bones and masks adorning this outfit appropriately represent its lethal capabilities. At 20 defense points, the Barbarian armor ranks among the games toughest tank-like tunics. But deadly strikes beget deadly strokes. Its set bonus synergistically boosts both attack power AND critical hit rates by a whopping 80%!
I cleared entire monster camps by just wading through waves of bokoblins hacking away as health regeneration foods kept me hearty. Even dastardly Lynels and Hinox that previously pummeled me were felled by my increased ferocity. The Barbarian Gear turns you into an unyielding offensive butcherer.
My only advice would be budgeting weapons durability given your spirit for endless slaughter wearing this armor. Bring plenty of mighty royal broadswords and serrated boomerangs so your stocks don‘t empty mid rampage. Otherwise, go forth and make chumps of Ganon‘s minions without fear, mighty hero!
1. Ancient Armor – Impervious Exo-Suit
Defense: 28 ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ ♥️
(5 when discovered, 28 after upgrading)
Set Bonus:
- Damage dealt to guardians increased by 80%
- Damage dealt to ancient technology doubled
Where to Obtain:
- Purchase the stealthy set from the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab
This mystically empowered armored exoskeleton makes protecting Hyrule in the age of ancients more achievable than ever before. Forged using the same otherworldly technology and gear that enemies rely on, Link finally balances the playing field against giant guardians with his own taste of mechanical might.
At 28 defense points when fully upgraded, the Ancient Armor ranks number one in sheer stopping power. Enemies must now break through a barrier of reinforced alloy to inflict harm. But defense alone doesn‘t guarantee retaliation. That‘s why the set bonus specifically targets the mechanical marching menaces directly by doubling and even tripling damage output against them!
I obliterated stationary guardians like the ones mounted around the Akkala Citadel in just a few perfectly parried shield blows thanks to my weapon‘s multiplied effects. Even the dreadful Skywatcher models patrolling Hyrule field posed only minor threats now that my arrows dropped them from the heavens swiftly.
My sole word of warning is remembering this armor specializes in crushing robots and constructs primarily. Its defensive concentration neglects other elemental vulnerabilities possibly still leaving you susceptible to ice or electrical attacks. Make sure to know exactly what foe you‘ll be facing before relying completely on the Ancient Armor‘s technologically-adept buffs.
But for all other assassination operations against Ganon‘s cobwebbed armory stockpile, consider this powerful plating your prime pick!
Armors Comparison Table
| Armor Set | Defense | Set Bonus | Resistances | Best Against | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiant | 16 | Extra Crit | None | Monster Camps | EX Champion Revali‘s Song quest reward |
| Snowquill | 12 | Freeze Resist | Ice | Hebra Mountains | Hebra Peak shrines |
| Flamebreaker | 12 | Fire/Lava Resist | Fire | Volcanos | Eldin Canyon shrines |
| Zora | 4 | Swim Speed Up | Water | Rivers & oceans | Main story quest |
| Barbarian | 20 | ATK up, Crit up | None | Direct combat | Defeat Stalnox mini-boss |
| Ancient | 28 | x2-3 DMG to guardians | Ancient Weapons | Guardians/technology | Purchase from Akkala Ancient Tech Lab |
Conclusion
I hope this breakdown of the most offensively potent and impervious armors beats back any remaining uncertainty about which sets to prioritize first! Pick your protective gear based on foes faced and environments explored to really maximize effectiveness. Whether braving underwater crypts or proving your courage atop molten mountain tops, the perfect attire awaits to match your mission.
The most rewarding revelations arise from upgrading each armor over time too. Don‘t just settle for the starter stats. Seek Great Fairies to channel magical enhancements into your gear and amplify integral effects even further. This allows lightly plated swimsuits to become hearty subaquatic survival suits and humble thermal leggings to withstand the harshest blizzards.
Lastly, don‘t overlook meals for temporary but significant stat improvements on top of your equipped outfits. Attack buffing recipes amplify your striking strength while extra yellow temporary hearts let you absorb devastating blows or environmental damage unscathed. Use armor as your foundation then supplement with snacks to really up your questing game!
Were any of your personal favorite armor sets excluded? Let me know in the comments which protective gear or damage boosting garb has served you best in past adventures!
