Where to Get Bull-Goat Armor? The Definitive Guide
This powerful armor set, coveted for its exceptional poise, is located in Gael Tunnel. Obtaining it requires defeating the cruel Magma Wyrm Makar boss within the tunnel.
Introduction: The Legend of Bull-Goat Armor
The Bull-Goat Armor is arguably one of the most sought-after armor sets in FromSoftware’s Elden Ring, prized for its unparalleled poise stat. Poise determines your character’s ability to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered, making it crucial for aggressive builds and melee combat. The armor, characterized by its rugged, bestial appearance, not only offers substantial protection but also embodies a certain unyielding spirit. This guide will detail exactly where to find this set, the challenges involved, and why it’s worth the effort.
Why is Bull-Goat Armor So Desirable?
The primary appeal of the Bull-Goat Armor lies in its exceptional poise. This allows players to tank through enemy attacks and continue their own assault, making it particularly effective against aggressive enemies and bosses.
- Unmatched Poise: Provides an incredible advantage in melee combat.
- High Physical Defenses: Offers solid protection against physical damage.
- Stylish Appearance: The rugged, bestial design is visually striking.
Locating Gael Tunnel
Gael Tunnel is located in the Limgrave region, specifically in the northern part of Caelid’s border. Here’s how to pinpoint its exact position:
- Start in Limgrave: Head towards the border with Caelid.
- Find the Smoldering Wall Site of Grace: From this Site of Grace, proceed northeast.
- Look for a Cave Entrance: The entrance to Gael Tunnel will be nestled in a cliff face, easily identifiable by the numerous miners working outside.
Navigating Gael Tunnel
Gael Tunnel isn’t particularly long or complex, but it is filled with enemies. Be prepared for:
- Numerous Miners: These enemies are relatively weak but can be dangerous in groups.
- Fire Slugs: These creatures deal fire damage and can be tricky to avoid in tight spaces.
- Poison Traps: Watch out for pressure plates that trigger poison clouds.
The Magma Wyrm Makar Boss Fight
The Bull-Goat Armor is rewarded after defeating Magma Wyrm Makar, the boss at the end of Gael Tunnel. This is a formidable foe that combines physical attacks with devastating magma-based abilities.
- Weakness: Makar is vulnerable to strike damage and certain status effects like frostbite.
- Strategy: Focus on attacking its head for critical hits. Use spirit ashes to distract it and create openings. Melee builds will want to stay close and dodge effectively. Ranged builds should keep their distance and exploit openings.
- Notable Attacks: Beware of its magma breath, sweeping tail attacks, and powerful slam attacks.
Acquiring the Bull-Goat Armor
The Bull-Goat Armor isn’t actually dropped by Magma Wyrm Makar. Instead, you’ll receive it as a reward by completing a specific questline involving Patches, the recurring trickster character in FromSoftware games.
- Meet Patches in Murkwater Cave: This cave is located along the river in Limgrave.
- Fight Patches: Initiate combat with Patches until he yields.
- Exhaust His Dialogue: After he yields, speak to him until he repeats himself.
- Find Patches at Volcano Manor: Later in the game, Patches will move to Volcano Manor.
- Complete His Assassination Request: He will give you a letter to assassinate Great Horned Tragoth. Great Horned Tragoth can be summoned at the Ruin-Strewn Precipice near Magma Wyrm Makar. He can also be summoned to aid you against Starscourge Radahn.
- Return to Patches: After defeating Great Horned Tragoth, return to Patches at Volcano Manor.
- Receive the Armor: Patches will reward you with the Bull-Goat Armor.
The Bull-Goat Set: Statistics and Components
The Bull-Goat Armor set comprises four pieces, each contributing to the overall stats:
| Piece | Physical Defense | Poise | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bull-Goat Helm | 10.2 | 24 | 9.5 |
| Bull-Goat Armor | 24.1 | 51 | 22.8 |
| Bull-Goat Gauntlets | 6.8 | 16 | 6.4 |
| Bull-Goat Greaves | 14.9 | 31 | 13.9 |
The total poise provided by the full set is 122, making it a game-changer for many builds.
Tips for Using Bull-Goat Armor
The Bull-Goat Armor shines when paired with:
- High Strength Builds: The armor’s significant weight requires a substantial investment in Strength.
- Weapons that Benefit from Poise: Greatswords, Colossal Weapons, and Hammers are excellent choices.
- Talismans: Consider using the Endurance talisman to reduce equip load, and the Bull-Goat’s Talisman (which increases poise).
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Ignoring Equip Load: Wearing the full Bull-Goat Armor can easily put you in the heavy load category, hindering your movement and dodge rolls. Ensure you have enough Endurance or use talismans to mitigate this.
- Relying Solely on Poise: While poise is powerful, it doesn’t make you invincible. Continue to dodge and manage your stamina effectively.
- Missing the Patches Questline: The Bull-Goat armor is a reward for completing Patches’ assassination quest. Missing one encounter can prevent you from acquiring it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the stat requirements to wear the Bull-Goat Armor?
While there aren’t specific stat requirements to equip the armor, its heavy weight necessitates a significant investment in Strength and Endurance. Without sufficient Strength, you’ll be encumbered, hindering your movement. Endurance helps with equip load and stamina management.
Can I get the Bull-Goat Armor earlier in the game?
Yes, technically it’s possible. You can access Caelid relatively early. However, Magma Wyrm Makar is a challenging fight for low-level characters. It’s generally recommended to tackle him after leveling up and acquiring better equipment.
Does the Bull-Goat’s Talisman stack with the armor’s poise?
Yes, it does! The Bull-Goat’s Talisman significantly increases your poise, stacking with the poise provided by the armor. This combination can make you virtually unshakeable.
What is the best weapon to use with the Bull-Goat Armor?
The best weapon depends on your play style, but Colossal Weapons and Greatswords are popular choices. The increased poise allows you to swing these heavy weapons without being easily interrupted, trading blows effectively.
Is the Bull-Goat Armor worth the weight?
For many players, the answer is a resounding yes. The exceptional poise provides a massive advantage in combat, allowing you to trade hits and maintain pressure on enemies. However, you need to manage your equip load carefully.
How do I respec my stats to better utilize the Bull-Goat Armor?
You can respec your stats by using a Larval Tear and speaking to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This allows you to redistribute your points into Strength and Endurance to better equip the armor.
Where can I find Larval Tears?
Larval Tears are found in various locations throughout the game. Common sources include:
- Soldiers of Godrick: Certain enemies disguised as soldiers.
- Merchants: Some merchants sell Larval Tears for a hefty price.
- Defeating Specific Bosses: Certain bosses drop Larval Tears.
What other armor sets offer good poise?
While the Bull-Goat Armor is renowned for its poise, other sets offer respectable amounts. The Lionel’s Set and the Ogha Set provide decent poise while offering different aesthetic and defensive profiles.
Is the Bull-Goat Armor good for PvP (player versus player)?
The Bull-Goat Armor is highly effective in PvP. Its poise allows you to withstand attacks from other players, disrupting their combos and allowing you to counterattack.
Can I upgrade the Bull-Goat Armor?
No, the Bull-Goat Armor cannot be upgraded. This is true of all sets aquired as quest rewards. Its stats remain constant throughout the game. However, its base defenses are still substantial.
What happens if I kill Patches early?
If you kill Patches before completing his questline, you will miss out on the Bull-Goat Armor. While he drops some items, the armor set is exclusive to the quest reward.
Are there any alternatives to the Bull-Goat Armor that offer similar benefits?
While no other armor set perfectly replicates the Bull-Goat Armor’s poise, combining different pieces from various sets can yield similar results. Experiment with different combinations and talismans to find a setup that suits your playstyle.