Summary
Elden Ringoffers players a high level of customization. From the variety of weapons, the selection of spells, and the assortment of armor sets, each newly created character is unique from the last. While “fashion Souls” has always been a part ofFromSoftware’s games, choosing the best armor isn’t always just about the look.
Elden Ring’s high level of challenge allows players to customize their characters into specific builds. From nimble dexterity-based characters to heavy-hitting brutes, an armor set is ready for any build type. Poise is an important stat in the game that stops players from being staggered and left open to visceral attacks.Elden Ringsupplies many effective armor sets that offer high levels of poise. These sets will allow players to shrug off the strongest attacks, giving them more opportunity to inflict damage and achieve a swift victory.
Updated July 05, 2025 by Andy Chapman: Elden Ring has firmly established itself as FromSoftware’s biggest title. The critically acclaimed open-world RPG took the developer’s signature style and expanded on it in every way. Its stunning DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, was an epic expansion that exceeded expectations.
However, with the announcement ofElden Ring Nightreign, the popular title has become a franchise. Fans eagerly await the new spin-off game and all the challenges it will surely bring. This article has been updated with additional entries to give a broader view of the many armor sets featured in the game.
17Black Knight Set
Worn By Messmer’s Warriors
The Black Knight armor, featured inElden Ring’s DLC,Shadow of the Erdtree, provides only 60 poise. However, its lower weight and strong damage resistance offer excellent protection, especially against piercing and fire damage.
The Black Knights are found throughout the Land of Shadow, and while they can be challenging enemies, the easiest to farm is found next to the Castle Ensis Checkpoint site of grace. TheBlack Knight Setis ideal for strength builds looking for protection at a lighter weight.
16Young Lion’s Set
Perfectly Balanced and Iconic
TheYoung Lion’s Setis one of the toughest armors players can acquire inElden Ring. It is only available after defeating the final boss in theShadow of the ErdtreeDLC, Promised Consort Radahn. This fight is one of the hardest in the game and a true accomplishment to win.
Once achieved, players can access the Young Lion set through Enia in Roundtable Hold. The armor looks fantastic with its ornate lion imagery and flowing red cloth. It gives players moderate poise with its lighter weight while offering strong all-round protection. This is an extremely balanced armor set and one of the best-looking in the game.
15Malformed Dragon Set
An Ornate Golden Armor Set
TheMalformed Dragon Setis the armor worn by the misshapen Tree Sentinels and is one of the most ornate armor sets in the game. As heavy armor goes, the set is one of the lighter options and offers both protection and movement. The armor is strongest against slash and lightning damage and provides significant poise. While there are better armor sets available, this is a unique-looking set that offers balanced stats.
Players are rewarded with the armor after defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel in Farum Azula. This tough enemy is found guarding the entrance to Maliketh, The Black Blade.
14Scaled Armor Set
The Armor Of Old Knight Istvan
TheScaled Setis the lightest of the high-poise armors and offers players excellent protection against non-physical damage, and strong protection against slash damage. With a poise level of 71, players can tankmany heavy attacks, while remaining quick enough to counterattack. Its light weight allows players of any build to wear it effectively, and with its reinforced scales, the armor is a unique variation of traditional knight armor.
Players can collect this armor set by progressing through the Volcano Manor questline. Old Knight Istvan is the first of the targets assigned to the player and defeating him will reward the Scaled Armor set. His invasion sign can be found in Limgrave, close to the Colosseum in Stormhill.
13Crucible Set
Ancient Armor Of The Crucible Knights
Some of the toughest enemies inElden Ringare the Crucible Knights, who pose a significant challenge for many players. There are sixteen Knights scattered throughout the Lands Between, easily recognized by their ornate armor anddeadly attacks. There are also two different Crucible armor sets players can collect, both offering the same amount of poise and weight.
The Crucible armor is one of the lighter heavy armor sets inElden Ringand offers good protection against slash and magic damage. It is great armor for strength builds, as it is light enough for players to wield large weapons. TheCrucible Tree Setis found in Deeproot Depths, in a chest guarded by Crucible Knight Siluria. TheCrucible Axe Setis dropped by Crucible Knight Ordovis at the end of Auriza Hero’s Grave.
12Banished Knight Set
A Solid Armor Set Worn By Dangerous Enemies
The Banished Knights are some of the toughest common enemies encountered in the base game. Found in various locations, most notably Stormveil Castle, Castle Sol, and Crumbling Farum Azula, these enemies move fast and hit hard. This makes collecting the entireBanished Knight Settough, as farming these enemies is no simple task.
The armor is a solid option for strength builds, as it offers strong protection against slash damage, as well as magic and fire. The Unaltered Helm can only be farmed from Banished Knights in Crumbling Farum Azula and the Cathedral of Dragon Communion, while the Unaltered Chest is only dropped by two Knights in Castle Sol.
11General Radahn Set
The Armor Of The Starscourge
One of the most memorable and dramatic boss battles inElden Ringis against General Radahn. Defeating him unlocks the way to Nokstella and progresses Ranni’s questline. Victory over Radahn also unlocks his armor set from Enia in the Roundtable Hold.
TheGeneral Radahn Setoffers a high level of poise and is light enough for players to wield heavier weapons more easily. It gives good protection against fire, as well as strike and piercing damage. This is an excellent armor set for a variety of builds, offering a good poise-to-weight ratio. With this armor, players can withstand many heavy attacks while remaining fast enough to dodge many more.
10Beast Champion Set
The Armor Of A Recusant
TheBeast Champion Setis engraved with images of different beasts and is one of the most unique armor sets in the game. It has an excellent poise-to-weight ratio, making it ideal for a variety of build types. It offers high levels of protection against all physical damage. Additionally, unlike most armor sets, the poise does not change when the armor is altered, while the weight does.
Players first see this armor worn by the NPC Knight Bernahl, who drops it upon death. If players decide not tokill the characterearly in the game, he will eventually invade and attack the player in Crumbling Farum Azula. Defeating him will reward players with the altered version of the set.
9Gaius’s Set
The Armor of Commander Gaius
Commander Gaius can be one of the most frustrating bosses inShadow of the Erdtree. His difficulty comes from extreme aggression and some tough hitboxes. Players will find Commander Gaius after making their way through The Shadow Keep. Behind the large legacy dungeon, Commander Gaius patrols the path to the Scadutree Chalice, where players are rewarded with five Scadutree fragments.
Once the boss is defeated, players can buyGaius’s Setfrom the Roundtable Hold. This large armor offers strong protection against slash and piercing damage. It has significant weight but is lighter than some. Gaius’s set is a strong option for players building a tank character.
8Veteran’s Set
The Armor Of The Commanders
This outlandish and versatile armor works well for a variety of build types. Its high level of poise and low weight ratio make it a good strength build choice that allows players to wield larger weapons. TheVeteran’s Setoffers excellent protection against all physical damage, especially Slash damage.
Players first encounter the Veteran armor set when fighting the mini-boss, Commander O’Neil, in the Caelid region. This boss must be defeated to progress Millicent’s story. To acquire the armor, players must first progress to the Mountaintop of the Giants region and complete Castle Sol. Defeating Commander Niall will unlock the set from Enia in the Roundtable Hold.
