UPDATE: We’ve added two interactive maps to our comprehensive guide on the best armor sets, detailing locations across both The Lands Between and the Land of Shadow, facilitating your search for these coveted items.
Determine the Best Armor in Elden Ring
Selecting the best Elden Ring armor can present a daunting challenge due to the multitude of armor sets available, each equipped with unique statistics. It may be difficult to justify replacing your starting armor when there are so many options, coupled with the consideration of crafting mixed sets from various pieces. You find yourself weighing the benefits of utility against the aesthetic appeal of your chosen attire.
It’s essential to recognize that the armor you acquire early in the game typically provides only modest upgrades over your starting gear. The true gems in terms of armor stats only come into play as you delve deeper into your journey. However, there are additional factors to keep in mind when selecting a set that best suits your needs.
In this guide, we will outline the best armor sets in Elden Ring. Please be aware that there may be late-game spoilers ahead if you haven’t reached that point yet.
Understanding Equipment Load and Poise
Equipment Load
In Elden Ring, similar to past FromSoftware titles, the weight of your armor significantly impacts gameplay. The total weight of your five armor pieces determines your Equipment Load, which categorizes your load into Light, Medium, or Heavy. This classification directly influences your dodge roll capabilities.
A lighter equipment load grants quicker, more agile rolls, essential for dodging incoming attacks. Conversely, a heavy load results in slower, more cumbersome movements. Therefore, it’s crucial to balance your desire for high physical defenses against the mobility required for effective dodging.
Poise
In this context, Poise is a vital stat that governs your character’s ability to withstand enemy strikes without being staggered. The higher your Poise, the more punishment you can absorb before your actions are interrupted. This can often explain why certain enemies appear unphased by your attacks—their Poise stat allows them to absorb damage without flinching.
Every attack you make generates “Poise damage, ”and your aim should be to maintain a sufficient amount of Poise to withstand enemy onslaughts without being overly burdened. Generally, heavier armor offers increased Poise, creating a trade-off between sustainability and agility. For reference, a Poise level of around 51 allows you to endure at least one hit from most standard enemies.
Top Elden Ring Armor Sets With Locations
As we explore the best armor sets in Elden Ring, it’s important to note that specific sets cater to mages while others favor melee fighters. Our list caters to various play styles, and the included interactive map assists with locating each armor set efficiently.
If you own the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, additional sections covering armor sets in the Land of Shadow and accompanying maps are also featured below.
Optimal Armor Sets for Melee Combat
Cleanrot Knight Set
The Cleanrot Knight set offers strong resistances and is relatively easy to obtain, provided you have a high equipment load. To acquire it, venture to Aeonia Swamp in Caelid, where Cleanrot Knights spawn. Defeating these foes will yield pieces of this formidable set.
Night’s Cavalry Armor
With good defense and a manageable weight, the Night’s Cavalry set poses a challenge to obtain. Once you reach the Consecrated Snowfield after acquiring the Haligtree Medallion, head to the Inner Consecrated Snowfield Site of Grace. Wait for nightfall, then proceed southwest to confront two Night’s Cavalry guarding a treasure caravan. Defeat them to claim the armor set.
Royal Remains Set
The Royal Remains set stands out for its unique design and features an intriguing passive ability. Although its physical resistances are slightly less robust than starting options, its weight, poise bonuses, and health regeneration when at low health make it highly appealing.
If you traverse the hidden path north of Stormveil Castle, you can acquire this set before facing Margit, starting from the Liurnia of the Lakes area and navigating efficiently toward it.
Veteran’s Set
Unfortunately, the Veteran’s set is not available until later in the game, but its impressive Poise stat of 80 and over 30 damage negation make it worthwhile. You can claim this set after defeating Commander Niall atop Castle Sol in the Mountaintops of the Giants and purchasing it from Enia in Roundtable Hold for 18, 000 Runes.
Crucible Axe Set
This heavy armor set becomes available as players progress through Elden Ring. To acquire it, venture to the Altus Plateau and locate the Azuria Hero’s Grave, where you’ll confront the powerful Crucible Knight Ordovis. Upon defeat, this resilient armor set becomes yours, boasting robust resistances and a significant Poise stat.
General Radahn Set
After overcoming General Radahn, you can purchase his armor set from the Maiden Husk in the Two Fingers chamber at Roundtable Hold. While it is suitable only for characters with high Endurance due to its weight, the exceptionally high resistances and Poise it offers are beneficial for tanking through tough opponents.
Lionel’s Set
If you revel in the idea of being a juggernaut on the battlefield, Lionel’s Set might appeal to you. Despite its heavy weight that may hinder rolling, it compensates with impressive defense statistics. You can find this gear in Leyndell, Royal Capital, specifically near the Avenue Balcony Site of Grace, on a bed within the Lower Capital Church.
Mask of Confidence
The Mask of Confidence serves as an excellent headgear choice for those centering their build around Bleed effects, offering substantial benefits without penalties. Seek it out in the Carian Study Hall after completing Ranni’s questline.
White Mask
Obtaining the White Mask involves defeating three Nameless White Mask invaders located within the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum. This unique headdress is valuable for Bleed builds, as it enhances attack power when blood loss occurs nearby.
Optimal Armor Sets for Mages
Sage Armor Set
The Sage Armor set offers mages a good balance of mobility and moderate protections, ideal for ranged combat. While it may feature lower resistances compared to initial armor sets, its lightweight nature permits greater agility when dodging attacks. You can discover this set hidden away north of Stormhill Shack, requiring you to skip Stormveil Castle.
Queen of the Full Moon Set
This armor set, reminiscent of the enchanting Rennala, offers potent resistance to various damage types including magic, fire, lightning, and holy. After defeating her at Raya Lucaria Academy, you can purchase her full set from Finger Reader Enia at Roundtable Hold.
Alberich’s Set
A fashionable option for mages is Alberich’s Set. Although its stats may not be stellar, its appealing appearance makes it a notable choice. Recover this set by moving quickly through the West Capital Rampart Site of Grace area to where Alberich’s corpse lies.
Spellblade Set
Adorned by Sorcerer Rogier, the Spellblade Set boosts glintstone spell damage. Players can obtain this set in two ways: by defeating Rogier in Stormveil Castle or waiting until he relocates to Roundtable Hold and fulfilling his quest. After his demise, you can loot the set from his corpse.
Blackflame Monk Set
The Blackflame Monk set is an exceptional choice for spellcasters seeking light armor with decent protection. For the optimal farming experience, journey to Caelid’s Divine Tower to face the Blackflame Monk. Activate the Site of Grace at the tower’s base and engage the enemy for a chance to collect the full set.
Best Armor Sets From Elden Ring’s DLC
Utilize our interactive map of the Land of Shadow to pinpoint all the new armor sets introduced in the Elden Ring DLC.
Blackgaol Set
Upon entering the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, you may encounter the Blackgaol Knight, a formidable opponent with high Poise and devastating attacks. Defeating this boss rewards you with the Blackgaol set, known for its heavy weight and significant Poise, ideal for melee-oriented characters.
Fire Knight Helm
Renowned for its balanced attributes, the Fire Knight Helm boosts health, stamina, and equip load without any negative effects. Obtaining it requires luck through random drops from the challenging Fire Knight enemies scattered throughout Black Keep, Church District, and Specimen Storehouse.
Gravebird Armor
The Gravebird armor set can be tricky to acquire but provides worthwhile resources along the way. Begin at the Three-Paths Site of Grace near Belurat and continue past notable landmarks to uncover pieces scattered across the landscape.
Jolan’s Set
To acquire Jolan’s Set, you must complete Jolan’s quest and present her with the Iris of Occultation. This mystical armor set, also known as the Armor of Night, requires commitment to unlock.
Ymir’s Set
For those seeking a mage-focused armor set, the High Priest Set, accessible through Count Ymir’s quest, is a lightweight alternative that enhances spellcasting ability, particularly with its Intelligence-boosting headdress.
Divine Beast Head
The Divine Beast Head, inspired by the Dancing Lion boss, enhances both Strength and Dexterity attributes, allowing for increased damage output across various builds. However, it’s crucial to note that this headpiece significantly reduces HP and FP restoration from Flasks, requiring careful consideration if it aligns with your character’s strategy.
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