Players can obtain and dress Link in many various armor sets in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – but unfortunately, one of the game’s best-looking sets won’t see much light of day. Of course, personal taste isn’t the only component to consider when picking an outfit; the main purpose of armor is to protect the protagonist from damage, and to potentially provide him with special buffs or useful effects. Ultimately though, whether it’s conscious or subconscious, a set’s style also plays a large part in the selection process. As such, it’s a shame that one of Tears of the Kingdom’s coolest armor sets is essentially unusable.
Unfortunately, the set in question probably isn’t the only time in which players will have to sacrifice style for sustainability. Thankfully, there are some ways that they can still customize Link’s appearance on such occasions. The easiest way to switch up a look is by heading to Kochi’s Dye Shop in Hateno, where players can choose one of fifteen different colors to dye their current outfit (or revert their clothing back to its original state). Some items come with unique customizations, too; for example, players can change Link’s hair color when dyeing the full Charged armor set. Sadly, they don’t make up for the tragic treatment of TOTK’s best set.
The Archaic Set Is The Coolest Outfit In TOTK
The coolest armor set in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom isn’t technically a set, but rather, a pairing of a top and a bottom. The Archaic Tunic and Archaic Legwear are the first two clothing items that Link will stumble across after concluding his long slumber in the Room of Awakening, but their early availability doesn’t detract from their unique style. The Archaic Tunic solely drapes Link’s left shoulder in its grey-and-green cloth, leaving Link’s new Zonai arm and accompanying “tattoos” on full display. The Archaic Legwear, which consists of a short kilt and strappy, knee-high sandals, effortlessly complete the look.
Unlike other armor sets in Tears of the Kingdom, the Archaic Tunic and Legwear aren’t accompanied by any sort of headwear, but that’s actually what allows the star of the show to shine. Without anything in the way, Link can show off his handsome new hairdo – a grown-out, mullet-like style that sits just below his shoulders. Compared to his iconic ponytail and decidedly epic sideburns from Breath of the Wild, Link’s shaggy hair in Tears of the Kingdom is somehow equally (if not more) fitting. The Hero of Hyrule rocks just about every style, but it’s hard to deny that his longer, more chaotic locks suit his adventurous lifestyle perfectly.
The Archaic Set Can’t Be Upgraded In TOTK
Despite making for one of the more symbolic and coolest-looking armor sets in Tears of the Kingdom, the Archaic Tunic and Legwear can’t be upgraded, which basically renders them unusable not long after finding them. After all, the pieces only offer a single point of defense each, at which point Link may as well hit the battlefield in a fuzzy bathrobe and bunny slippers. In comparison, the best sets in Tears of the Kingdom can grant the protagonist with upwards of 80 points in defense alongside unique buffs (such as the ability to use Zonaite more efficiently, or a persistent glow that makes exploring the Depths a breeze).
It wouldn’t make sense for the Archaic armor to be one of the most powerful sets in the game, considering that it’s made entirely of leather and of cloth. However, there wouldn’t be any harm in allowing the Archaic Tunic and Legwear to be upgraded to some degree. Any sort of improvement to its defensive properties – even without granting players a buff or set bonus – would help it become more than a relic of the past, or a quick profit with one of Hyrule’s vendors. A lack of special effects could be counteracted by less costly upgrade materials, which would actually make perfect sense, given the set’s antique nature.
TOTK Could Use An Option To Hide Headgear
Alternatively, the addition of a simple setting would dissolve the problem of Link’s hidden hairdo. The ability to hide headgear could let players have more control over their appearance, without needing to sacrifice valuable defense points or a game-changing set bonus. Some hoods and helmets are the best components of their respective sets, but the same can’t be said for others. For example, among the rewards for Bubbul Gems in TOTK are Kilton’s hand-made masks. While they’re effective at keeping Link undercover among mobs like Lizalfos, Horriblins, and even Lynels, it’s a bit harder to appreciate their haphazard stitching, especially during serious situations.
In fact, it wouldn’t be difficult to incorporate a “hide headgear” option into Tears of the Kingdom, since the foundation for such a setting already exists in-game. Although the means of actually doing so are quite obscure, it’s actually possible to lower the Hylian Hood in TOTK. For some odd reason, Link is unable to do so himself and will need Cece’s help – but fortunately, the service is entirely free. Provided that players have completed “The Mayoral Election” and all the many tasks that accompany the side quest, the Hateno fashionista will automatically offer to lower the Hylian Hood in conversation when it’s equipped.
Even if Nintendo patched in the option to hide headgear, though, it still wouldn’t entirely make up for the unfortunate fate of the Archaic Tunic and Archaic Legwear in Tears of the Kingdom. With its one-of-a-kind look, ability to display Link’s stylish new hairdo, and the sheer symbolism associated with the set, nothing can quite compare. Whereas many of the game’s teaser trailers and other promotional content feature Link in the now-iconic set, players may struggle to live out that reality on their own, since the Archaic armor set is basically useless in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
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