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If you already own upgraded Ancient Armor, it is a sensible choice for fighting Calamity Ganon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Otherwise, use the strongest armor you have upgraded and are comfortable wearing. Ancient Armor is not established as mandatory or as the universal best set for every part of the encounter.
Which armor should you wear?
Choose based on what you have prepared, rather than making a last-minute detour for an unupgraded set. Nintendo’s Breath of the Wild Explorer’s Guide says Ancient weapons and Ancient armor are especially strong against Guardians. That makes Ancient Armor a relevant option, but the guide does not rank armor sets for every phase of the Calamity Ganon fight.
- Already have upgraded Ancient Armor? Wear it if it suits your play style.
- Do not have it, or have not upgraded it? Wear the strongest upgraded set you already own.
- Considering another set? The available guidance does not establish a complete matchup ranking, so there is no supported single best-in-slot answer.
Is Ancient Armor required to beat Calamity Ganon?
No requirement is established. Nintendo recommends Ancient armor for its strength against Guardians, but does not say it is necessary to defeat Calamity Ganon. Treat it as a useful option, not a prerequisite or a guarantee of an easier fight.
What about Phantom Armor or Phantom Ganon Armor?
Nintendo’s UK Expansion Pass page lists Phantom Armor and Phantom Ganon Armor among its hidden armor items. They are optional DLC items, not stated prerequisites for the confrontation. See the Nintendo UK game page for the Expansion Pass listing; storefront availability can vary by region and change over time.
#1 Best Overall
- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls, objects and enemies in fun ways
Should you bring the Hylian Shield?
The Hylian Shield can be useful, but it is a shield, not armor, and it is optional. Nintendo Life’s Hylian Shield guide says it is found in Hyrule Castle after a Stalnox encounter, can break, and can be bought again in Tarrey Town after you have unlocked it. It may be worth bringing if you already have it, but it does not change which armor set to wear.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much should you prepare before the fight?
Nintendo’s Explorer’s Guide advises players to gain strength and obtain as much help as possible before confronting Ganon. In practical terms, prioritize the equipment and preparation you can actually bring into the fight: upgraded armor you already own is a more grounded choice than chasing a set you cannot prepare in time. For broader progression and equipment guidance, the Explorer’s Guide is an optional reference.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Explore the wilds of Hyrule any way you like Climb up towers and mountain peaks in search of new destinations, then set your own path to get there and plunge into the wilderness. Along the way, you'll battle towering enemies, hunt wild beasts and gather ingredients for the food and elixirs you'll need to sustain you on your journey
- More than 100 Shrines of Trials to discover and explore Shrines dot the landscape, waiting to be discovered in any order you want. Search for them in various ways, and solve a variety of puzzles inside. Work your way through the traps and devices inside to earn special items and other rewards that will help you on your adventure
- Be prepared and properly equipped With an entire world waiting to be explored, you'll need a variety of outfits and gear to reach every corner. You may need to bundle up with warmer clothes or change into something better suited to the desert heat. Some clothing even has special effects that, for example, can make you faster and stealthier
- Battling enemies requires strategy The world is inhabited with enemies of all shapes and sizes. Each one has its own attack method and weaponry, so you must think quickly and develop the right strategies to defeat them
- amiibo compatibility Tap the Wolf Link amiibo (sold separately) to make Wolf Link appear in game. Wolf Link will attack enemies on his own and help you find items you're searching for. We will also introduce new The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild series of amiibo at E3 this year
Rank #3
![The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51xVZUUZ1hL._SL160_.jpg)
- Discover Hyrule as never before: by making your own path, choices, and consequences
- Ingenuity is the key to survival: find multiple solutions to tons of dynamic puzzles
- Surprises hide around every corner: scavenge weapons, armor, plants, animals, and more
- Live off the land: find weapons and armor, cook food, and brew elixirs
- Utilize special technology: the in-game Sheikah Slate controls objects and enemies in fun ways
Rank #2
- Enhanced resolution, framerates, and load times optimized for Nintendo Switch 2.
- Explore a massive open-air version of Hyrule with complete freedom.
- Solve physics-based puzzles, survive dynamic weather, and uncover hidden secrets.
- Customize your adventure with weapons, gear, and food you craft yourself.
- Use the ZELDA NOTES app for bonuses, item sharing, and social features.
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