Honestly, most players just grab the Phantom Ganon Armor because it looks terrifying. There is something undeniably cool about walking through Hyrule looking like the literal shadow of the King of Evil from Ocarina of Time. But if you're only wearing it for the aesthetics, you're missing the point of why this set is actually a top-tier utility kit.
It’s a bit of a weird one.
You can’t upgrade it. You can't dye it. If you take a hit from a Silver Lynel while wearing it, Link is basically going to fold like a lawn chair. Yet, for a specific kind of player—the one who likes to hunt at night or cheese high-level mobs—this armor is a total game-changer.
Where to find the Phantom Ganon Armor
First things first: you need the DLC. Specifically, the Champions' Ballad (DLC Pack 2). Without that, these chests simply won't exist in your world. The quest is called EX Treasure: Dark Armor, and it sends you deep into the Faron region.
Don't bother looking in Hyrule Field. You’re heading south.
The Phantom Ganon Skull
This is tucked away in the Faron region. Specifically, you want to head to the base of the massive waterfall at Corta Lake. If you're looking at the map, it's the large waterfall that feeds into the Floria River system. The chest is metallic, so you’ll need to pull out your Magnesis rune to spot it sitting at the bottom of the water.
The Phantom Ganon Armor (Chest Piece)
This one is surprisingly easy to miss if you're just galloping along the paths. It’s submerged under the Sarjon Bridge. This bridge spans the Floria River as it snakes through the jungle. Stand on the bridge, look down into the water, and use Magnesis. It’s right there, buried in the riverbed.
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The Phantom Ganon Greaves
For the boots, head over to Ebara Forest. You’re looking for a very specific landmark: a broken stone statue of a bird. It’s near the curve in the path on the northern side of the woods. The chest is partially buried in the dirt right behind the statue.
The Stealth Secret Nobody Mentions
Each individual piece of the set gives you a Stealth Up buff. That’s the same effect you get from the Sheikah Stealth set you buy in Kakariko Village.
But here’s the kicker.
The Phantom Ganon set provides this stealth bonus and a massive set bonus that the Sheikah gear doesn't have. Most people think the "Disguise" bonus only works on Stal-enemies (the skeletons that pop up at night). While that’s true—and it’s hilarious to have a Stalkoblin just follow you around like a lost puppy instead of attacking—the real value is in the combination.
You’ve basically got the stealth of a ninja and the protection of a monster mask.
Why "Bone Atk. Up" is Actually Broken
The full set bonus includes Bone Atk. Up. On paper, that sounds useless. Who wants to fight with a brittle Boko Arm?
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Well, it’s not just about the arms.
This buff applies to Dragonbone weapons. If you find a Dragonbone Moblin Club with a high attack modifier, the 80% damage boost from the Phantom Ganon Armor turns Link into a walking nuclear reactor. We're talking about damage numbers that can rival or even surpass Ancient Proficiency builds without the need for constant Guardian farming.
It’s the "budget" high-damage build. You find Dragonbone clubs everywhere in the late game.
The Fear Factor
One of the coolest "hidden" features of this armor is how NPCs react. Just like the Dark Link set or the Tingle outfit, wearing the full Phantom Ganon kit will actually scare the citizens of Hyrule.
Walk into a stable or a town. People will jump back. Some will cower. A few guards might even draw their weapons. It doesn't change the quest outcomes, but it’s a level of detail that makes the world feel alive. Or, well, terrified of you.
Tactical Reality Check
Let's be real for a second. This armor has a base defense of 4 per piece. That is 12 total defense for the whole set.
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Since you cannot upgrade it at a Great Fairy, that 12 is all you get. Forever.
In Master Mode, this makes the armor a "glass cannon" set. You use it to sneak into a camp, one-shot the strongest enemy with a Dragonbone club, and then get out before anyone breathes on you. If you get caught in a prolonged brawl with a group of Gold Bokoblins, you’re going to have a bad time.
Quick Comparison: Radiant vs. Phantom Ganon
A lot of people compare this to the Radiant Set.
- Radiant Set: Can be upgraded to 60 defense. Great for late-game combat.
- Phantom Ganon: Permanent 12 defense but has built-in Stealth.
If you’re a pro who never gets hit, the Phantom Ganon set is superior because it saves you from having to eat stealth food. If you're still learning parry timings, stick to the Radiant Set for the bone damage bonus.
Next Steps for Your Build
If you've just picked up the gear, your next move should be heading to the Hebra Tundra or the Akkala Highlands. These areas are crawling with high-tier Moblins carrying Dragonbone weapons.
Farm a few "Attack Up" Dragonbone Moblin Clubs.
Once you have those, put on the Phantom Ganon set and go hunt some Hinoxes. You’ll be surprised at how fast their health bars melt when that 1.8x multiplier kicks in. Just remember to take the armor off before you try to have a serious conversation with a shopkeeper, unless you enjoy watching them have a minor heart attack.
Check your inventory for any "EX" quests you might have ignored—this is one of the few DLC treasures that actually changes how you play the game, rather than just being a trophy for your house in Hateno.