Overview and Prerequisites
To obtain the Ancient Armor, previously known as the Golden Armor, you must venture into a large cultist cave located on the western side of the map, near a large lake and the edge of the snowy mountains. This armor is crucial for the game’s ending. Before attempting to retrieve it, you will need the Rebreather, as much of the cave system is flooded. The Rebreather can be found in a smaller cave situated near the northern beach spawn points, typically marked on your GPS. It is also highly recommended to stock up on air tanks, food, and medicine, as the cave is extensive and populated with dangerous mutants. While some air tanks are available within the cave, having a personal supply is a wise precaution. Tarps are also useful for creating save points during this long and challenging dungeon crawl.
Navigating the Ancient Armor Cave
The entrance to the Ancient Armor cave is boarded up and will have two dead cultists in white clothing nearby. Use an axe or another weapon to break through these boards. Once inside, the cave is largely linear. Follow the path forward, and you will soon find an Air Tank to the right of a body of water. Collect this, then dive into the water and swim through the flooded tunnel. Upon resurfacing, another Air Tank can be found on the right. Continue following the path, past any mutants you encounter, until you reach a rock with a blood-like drawing on its left side.
Proceed forward from this point, and you will slide down into another flooded area. Swim straight ahead to emerge near some life jackets. Continue onward into a large open area filled with dead cultists. This area contains numerous resources and ammunition, so looting is advised. Look for a cultist positioned under a light and a yellow mural on the wall, on the right side of this area. A path branches off to the left here; follow it until you reach a large body of water illuminated by a red light. This light indicates a path leading to the right.
Locating the Ancient Armor
Follow the path illuminated by the red light, crouching when the ceiling becomes low. You will pass golden beams in the rock on your right. Continue along this corridor until you encounter a waterfall on the right and a golden grate on the left. Keep going past the waterfall towards a light on the other side of the cave. You’ll pass two more dead cultists on a nearby rock. Follow the golden structures on either side, aiming for the light ahead. As you progress, you will see more crosses and another boarded-up section. Break through these boards and proceed through a corridor with suspended crosses. Drop down onto a ledge and navigate a tight corridor that leads to a fork. The left path is a dead end but contains breakable boxes with loot; collect what you need, then take the right path.
Just before a body in a Space Suit, you will find an Air Tank. Enter the water and swim right through a flooded tunnel. After resurfacing, a gold light will be visible in the distance. Dive down when you reach this light to swim through another flooded part of the cave. When you come across a gold panel underwater, dive deeper and go left. Upon emerging, move towards the golden glow, then turn right when you reach ore in the wall. You will see another body in a Space Suit. This leads into a darkened corridor where you can hear electricity. Follow the sound to the left, entering a room with pulsing electricity and multiple bodies in Space Suits. The Ancient Armor is located behind a crashed spacecraft in this room. Break down the wooden planks at the back of the spacecraft to access it. Inside, you will find the Ancient Armor on a body, along with one piece of the Artifact.
Escaping the Cave
To exit the cave, follow the sloping path behind the spacecraft, ascending until you are near the electricity. You will find a body with a rope hanging down; climb it. Then, climb a second rope. At the top, take the path to the left and head towards the back of the cave, where hanging skeletons are visible, to find another rope. Continue along this path, eventually turning right, where you can pick up another Air Tank just before a small hole leading into water. Using your Rebreather, swim through this underwater cave and then through a golden tunnel underwater. Upon emerging, continue straight past any crawling mutants. At the end of the path, use the rope to continue your escape. At the top of this rope, proceed forward to another rope. This time, climb down, and you will find yourself sliding out of the cave.
FAQ
What is the Golden Armor called now? As of the 1.0 update, the Golden Armor is now called the Ancient Armor.
Do I need the Rebreather to get the Ancient Armor? Yes, the Rebreather is essential as large sections of the cave are flooded and require underwater navigation.
Where is the Ancient Armor cave located? The cave is on the western side of the map, near a large lake and the outskirts of the snowy mountains.
Is the Ancient Armor mandatory for game progression? Yes, the Ancient Armor is a mandatory progression item required for the game’s ending.
Can the Ancient Armor be upgraded? Yes, the Ancient Armor can be upgraded using Sofalite at the Sofalite Upgrader blueprint found in the Luxury Bunker. This process also triggers a wave of mutants you must fight.