So, you’re scouring Hyrule. Again. You’ve probably seen the side quest pop up in your log after downloading the Master Trials DLC, but actually tracking down the EX Treasure: Dark Armor is a whole different beast compared to just follow-up markers on a map. It’s frustrating. It's cryptic. Honestly, it’s one of those tasks where if you don't know the specific landmarks Misko the Bandit was obsessed with, you’ll spend three hours climbing the wrong mountainside in the rain.
The set we’re talking about is the Phantom Ganon armor. It looks incredible. It’s got that dark, menacing aesthetic that makes Link look like he’s ready to end the Calamity in about five seconds flat. But beyond the looks, it’s actually useful. Each piece gives you a stealth boost, and if you wear the whole set, you get a Bone Attack Up bonus and the Disguise effect against certain enemies. It’s basically the ultimate "leave me alone while I'm exploring" kit.
Where to Start the Hunt
You can’t just stumble onto the chests. Well, you could, but the odds are astronomical.
First, you have to find the journal. Misko’s EX Journal 2 is hidden away in the Deya Village Ruins. This place is a swampy mess located in the Faron region, specifically north of the Lake Tower. Look for a ruined building that’s still mostly standing amidst the shallow water. Inside, you’ll find the book. It gives you the riddles for several items, but the clues for the dark armor—the Phantom Ganon set—are the ones that usually trip people up because they reference very specific geographical features in the Faron woods.
The journal mentions "the red armor of the man who claimed to be a king" and points you toward the Floria River. That’s your breadcrumb trail.
The Mask: Under the Shimmering Water
The first piece is the Phantom Ganon Skull. The riddle talks about a waterfall. Not just any waterfall, though. You need to head to Sarjon Bridge.
If you look at your map, the Sarjon Bridge spans the Floria River. It’s lush, it’s green, and it’s crawling with electric bats that will annoy the life out of you. Don't fight them if you don't have to. Just get under the bridge. Use your Magnesis tool. Seriously, if you aren't spamming the magnet button every ten feet in this game, you're doing it wrong.
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The chest is submerged at the bottom of the water right near the base of the waterfall that feeds into the river by the bridge. It’s metallic, so it’ll glow bright pink/magenta when you activate Magnesis. Pull it up, crack it open, and you’ve got the headpiece. One down.
The Armor: Bird’s Eye View
Next is the Phantom Ganon Armor (the chest piece). This one is located at Sarjon Woods, but the clue is a bit more literal than people think. It mentions a "broken bird" or something to that effect. What it’s actually talking about is the Floria River’s shape and the surrounding rock formations.
Specifically, you want to find the small bridge between Sarjon Woods and the Floria Bridge. There’s a spot where the river thins out. Look for the "broken" stone structures near the water's edge.
I’ve seen people spend way too much time looking in the actual trees. Stop. Look in the water. Specifically, look under the bridge that crosses the small stream leading into the Floria River from the north. Use Magnesis again. The chest is tucked right against the underwater pilings. It’s almost like the developers wanted you to fall into the river trying to find it.
The Greaves: The Dead Forest
The final piece, the Phantom Ganon Greaves, is tucked away near the Eben Mountains. The clue mentions a "bridge at the end of the waterfall."
Go to the Floria Bridge. Look down. You’ll see a series of waterfalls cascading down towards the jungle floor. You need to head to the very bottom of the tallest waterfall in the Riola Spring area.
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Wait.
Actually, the most reliable way to find this is to head to the Western side of the Floria Bridge. There’s a specific broken stone pillar standing in the water near the base of the cliffs. It looks like it used to hold up a walkway that’s long gone. The chest is buried in the silt right at the foot of that pillar.
It’s easy to miss because the water is dark and there’s a lot of debris. But once you hook it with Magnesis, you’re golden. You now have the full set of EX Treasure: Dark Armor.
Why This Set Changes Everything
Let's be real: the stealth buff is great, but the Bone Attack Up is the secret sauce. If you’re a fan of using Dragonbone Moblin Clubs or any of the "Stal" arms you pick up at night, this armor makes them hit like a freight train.
Most players ignore bone weapons because they have low durability. However, with the Phantom Ganon set, the damage multiplier is so high (1.8x) that you can delete high-level enemies before the weapon even has a chance to shatter.
- Stealth: It’s equal to the Sheikah set.
- Disguise: Stal-type enemies (skeletons) won't attack you on sight.
- Style: You look like the villain of a 90s fantasy epic.
One thing to keep in mind: you cannot upgrade this armor at the Great Fairy Fountains. What you see is what you get. The base defense is 3 per piece, totaling 9 for the set. That’s low. If you get hit by a Silver Lynel while wearing this, you are going to feel it. It’s a "glass cannon" set—meant for players who are confident in their dodging and parrying or those who want to sneak past everything.
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Avoiding Common Mistakes
Don't go looking for these chests if you haven't purchased the Expansion Pass. I know that sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people try to find Misko's treasures in the base game. They simply don't exist there.
Also, check your inventory space. There is nothing more annoying than finally pulling a chest out of a swamp only to realize you have no room for the armor.
If you're having trouble seeing the chests even with Magnesis, try changing the time of day. Sometimes the glare on the water during the afternoon makes it hard to spot the glow. Nighttime is actually better for treasure hunting in the Faron region.
Moving Forward
Once you’ve grabbed the EX Treasure: Dark Armor, your next move should be heading over to the Highland Stable to start the hunt for the Ancient Horse Gear, or maybe tracking down the Royal Guard uniform in Hyrule Castle.
If you’re sticking with the "dark" theme, go talk to Kilton at the Fang and Bone. He sells the Dark Link set, which doesn't have the same perks as the Phantom Ganon gear but is great for a collection.
To maximize the Phantom Ganon set, go out and find a high-damage Dragonbone Moblin Club (usually found in the Hebra or Eldin regions). Keep a few in your inventory. When you run into a tough enemy, swap to the dark armor, eat a "Mighty" meal for an extra attack buff, and watch the health bars melt. Just don't get hit. Seriously. 9 defense is nothing in the late game.
Go get those chests. Hyrule isn't going to save itself, and you might as well look terrifying while you do it.