When you first boot up Skyrim, the world feels vast and dangerous. Every step could bring a dragon, a bandit, or a marauding band of the undead. One of the most critical decisions for any adventurer is choosing the right gear. Among the myriad options, armour stands at the core of survival. In this guide, we focus on the best armour in Skyrim to help you dominate the Icewind Dale and beyond.
We’ll walk you through every major armour family, share powerful upgrades, and reveal hidden gems that often get overlooked. By the end, you’ll know exactly which set to craft, loot, or trade for, ensuring you’re ready for any foe.
Why Armour Matters in Skyrim
Armour in Skyrim isn’t just about looking cool; it directly affects your survivability. Higher armour ratings reduce damage taken, allowing you to survive boss battles or ambushes in dense forests.
Beyond protection, armour influences your character’s skill progression. Wearing lighter sets lets you move faster, while heavier sets grant access to powerful shouts and spells. Balancing these factors is key to crafting a character that fits your playstyle.
Top 5 Heavy Armour Sets for Maximum Protection
1. Ebony Armour
Ebony is the heavy armour of choice for many. It offers a solid 50 armour rating and a sleek aesthetic. The set includes a helm, breastplate, gauntlets, and greaves.
The Ebony set is perfect for players seeking a straightforward, all-purpose solution. Its rating keeps you safe in dragon encounters, and it’s available early in the game after acquiring the Ebony Smithing perk.
2. Dragonplate Armour
Dragonplate provides the highest armour rating available for a base game set: 65. It’s the pinnacle of protection for characters focusing on tanking.
Crafting Dragonplate requires the Thu’um Smithing perk and a dragon soul. The set’s powerful appearance reinforces your status as a dragon-slayer.
3. Dawnguard Set
The Dawnguard DLC introduces a unique set: the Dawnguard Dark Brotherhood Armour. It offers a 55 rating and includes a cloak with a vampiric theme.
Only available after purchasing the DLC, this set is ideal for players who enjoy stealth and shadowy combat. Its dark aesthetics pair well with a Vampire Lord build.
4. Dawnguard Dark Brotherhood Set
Different from the standard Dawnguard set, the Dark Brotherhood armour focuses on stealth. It provides a 45 rating, allowing you to sneak past guards effortlessly.
Its low weight and excellent stealth bonuses make it perfect for assassins. Acquire it by completing the Dark Brotherhood questline.
5. Apocalypse Set
Apocalypse is a unique set of red crystal armour. It offers a 40 rating and includes a powerful enchantment that boosts your health during combat.
While not the highest rating, its enchanting ability provides a tactical edge in prolonged battles, especially against necromancers.
Best Light Armour for Speed and Subtlety
1. Imperial Plate
Imperial Plate gives a 40 rating with minimal weight. It’s perfect for infantry-turned-archer heroes.
Its regal design suits a knightly persona. You can find it at the Imperial Guard armory or craft it with steel ingots.
2. Falmer Armor
Falmer Armour offers a 35 rating and is crafted from Falmer armor scraps. It’s lightweight yet durable, fitting for agile fighters.
Acquiring the Falmer set requires venturing into the underground caverns of the Falmer people.
3. Amarral Set
Introduced in the Dawnguard DLC, the Amarral set provides a 30 rating. It’s lightweight, making it ideal for quick melee strikes.
Its unique design includes a visor that enhances vision in low-light conditions.
4. Mage Armour
While primarily a spell-caster’s choice, Mage Armour offers a 30 rating with a focus on magical protection.
It’s best for characters who invest heavily in the Destruction or Restoration schools of magic.
Hybrid Armour: Combining Protection and Magic
1. Mastercrafted Dragonplate
By enchanting Dragonplate with the “Daedric Armor” enchant, you can boost its rating to 70. This hybrid approach merges physical and magical defense.
It’s ideal for players who prefer a balanced build: strong in melee and resilient against spells.
2. Daedric Armour Sets
The Daedric set provides a 55 rating with a unique, intimidating look. Pair it with a “Daedric Armor” enchant for maximum protection.
Its availability early in the game makes it a favorite for PvP players who need a quick stopgap.
3. Ebony Set with Fortify Armor
Adding a “Fortify Armor” enchant to Ebony reduces damage from physical attacks by 15%.
This combination is perfect for heroes who prefer a sturdy but not overly heavy defensive style.
Comparison of Armour Sets
| Set | Type | Rating | Weight | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ebony | Heavy | 50 | Heavy | Early Game |
| Dragonplate | Heavy | 65 | Very Heavy | Mid Game |
| Dawnguard Dark Brotherhood | Light | 45 | Light | DLC Required |
| Imperial Plate | Medium | 40 | Medium | Early Game |
| Apocalypse | Hybrid | 40 (Enhanced) | High | Mid Game |
Pro Tips for Optimising Your Armour
- Enchant Early. Invest in the Fortify Armour enchant early to reduce incoming damage.
- Upgrade Strategically. Use a blacksmith with the highest Smithing perk to boost your set’s rating.
- Balance Weight. A lighter set increases stamina regeneration, essential for mobility.
- Combine Sets. Mixing light and heavy pieces can create a versatile hybrid build.
- Use DLC Sets. Dawnguard and Dragonborn DLCs offer unique armour with special bonuses.
- Check Vendor Stocks. Some items appear only at random vendors; keep an eye on their inventories.
- Join Factions. Certain factions grant exclusive armour or enchantment perks.
- Use the Armour Wheel. Browse the crafting menu to find hidden combinations you might miss.
Frequently Asked Questions about best armour in Skyrim
What is the best heavy armour for beginners?
Ebony armour is ideal for beginners due to its solid rating and early availability.
Which armour offers the highest protection?
Dragonplate provides the highest rating at 65, making it the most protective set.
Can I combine armor sets for better stats?
Yes, you can mix heavy and light pieces to balance protection and mobility.
Is there a lightweight set for stealth?
The Dawnguard Dark Brotherhood set offers a low weight and high stealth bonuses.
How do I upgrade armour effectively?
Use the best smithing perk, work on the respective set, and use higher quality materials.
Do DLCs provide better armour?
DLCs like Dawnguard and Dragonborn offer unique sets with special enchantments.
What is the best enchantment for armour?
Fortify Armour or a Daedric Armor enchant provides significant damage reduction.
Can I enchant armour in the game?
Yes, you can enchant using the Enchanting skill at a grindstone or with a Master Enchanter.
What is the best armour for a mage?
Light armour such as Imperial Plate paired with a “Fortify Magic” enchant works well for mages.
Where can I find rare armour?
Explore hidden dungeons, hunt dragons, and complete DLC quests to discover rare sets.
Choosing the best armour in Skyrim is more than a stylistic choice; it shapes your entire playthrough. Whether you’re a brute seeking maximum protection, a stealth assassin, or a spellcaster balancing agility and defense, this guide has you covered. Equip wisely, upgrade strategically, and let your armour be your steadfast shield in the frozen lands of Skyrim.
Ready to upgrade your gear? Dive into the world, hunt dragons, and claim the armour that suits your destiny. Happy adventuring!
