Skyrim: 24 Best Armor Sets [Expert’s Take]

Choosing the proper armor to wear in Skyrim can heavily impact your playstyle in the game. The type of armor sets in this game is pretty straightforward and includes Light and Heavy armor sets. Both of these armor sets have pros and cons, but we will entail the best ones in both categories.

Skyrim features approximately 38 different armor sets, and we have listed the 10 best ones in the game, which include 5 each for light and heavy armor sets.

Best Light Armor Sets 

Stats for Light armor sets in Skyrim: 

Dragonscale Armor Set

The Dragonscale Armor Set is the optimal light armor in the game, attainable at Level 50 through random loot drops. However, crafting is only possible after reaching Level 100 in Smithing. To enhance efficiency, it’s advisable to craft the armor rather than relying on loot, even with the Dragon Armor Perk active.

Crafting requires iron ingots, leather strips, and dragon scales. This set offers superior defense compared to other light armor and allows for effective stealth.

Chitin Armor Set

The Chitin Armor Set is another great choice, but it can only be accessed if you own the Dragonborn DLC, as it is not available in the base game. As for the location of this armor, it can be found on the Island of Solstheim as random loot. However, you can also craft the Chitin Armor Set.

In order to craft the armor, make sure that your Smithing Level is at least 30 and that you have the Elven Smithing Perk. Once those requirements are met, you can craft the armor using iron Ingot, chitin Plate, and Netch Leather.

Glass Armor Set

The Glass Armor Set, attainable early in the game, offers high defense and stealth with lower stamina consumption, unlike the Dragonscale Armor Set. Purchase it from blacksmiths or find it as random loot around Level 36.

To craft the armor, ensure you a Smithing Level of 70 and the Glass Smithing Perk. Use refined moonstone, refined Malachite, leather, and leather strips. However, acquiring it through loot or purchase is more practical, offering defense comparable to the Dragonscale Armor Set.

Stalhrim Light Armor Set

Just like the Chitin Armor Set, you need to own the Dragonborn DLC in order to obtain the Stalhrim Light Armor Set. At Level 35, the Stalhrim Light Armor Set can be purchased from NPCs on the Island of Solstheim. It will also drop as random loot at that level additionally. 

Crafting this armor requires a Smithing Level of 80, and you should have the Ebony Smithing Perk. In addition to that, you should have also completed the A New Source Of Stalhrim quest that can be started in the Skaal Village. Stalhrim, leather strips, steel ingots, and quicksilver ingots are the materials that are required to craft this armor set.

Nightingale Armor Set

The Nightingale Armor Set is probably the most fashionable light armor set in the game and can easily get you through the mid-game. However, you’ll have to complete a quest in order to obtain the armor set. All of the pieces of the armor are obtained in the ‘Trinity Restored’ quest, which is a part of the Thieves Guild storyline.

Best Heavy Armor Sets

Heavy Armor is going to make the player a tank at the cost of stamina and stealth. Your movement speed will also be affected by wearing heavy armor in the game. However, if you want the best defense in the game, then this armor is for you.

Daedric Armor Set

Daedric Armor is one of the strongest heavy armor; plus, the armor itself looks really good and adds to fashion in the game. It drops as random loot in chests only if you’re above Level 49 in Skyrim. However, the Daedric Armor Set can also be bought from a Dremora Merchant in the game. 

In order to craft the armor set, you’ll need to make sure that your Smithing Level is 90 and that you have the Daedric Smithing perk. Lastly, you’ll need Dadrea hearts, ebony ingots, and leather strips to craft the Daedric Armor Set.

Stalhrim Heavy Armor Set

This is the heavy armor counterpart of the Stalhrim Light Armor Set and can only be accessed if you have the Dragonborn DLC installed. It is another great heavy armor set and is available to purchase once you are at Level 35 in the game. You can purchase it from various NPCs on the Island of Solstheim, and it can additionally be found as random loot there.

Similar to its Light Armor Set counterpart, you’ll need a Smithing Level of 80 in addition to the Ebony Smithing Perk so that you can craft the Stalhrim Armor Set. Even the materials required to craft the armor are the same and include Stalhrim, leather strips, steel ingots, and quicksilver ingots. Also, make sure that you have completed the A New Source Of Stalhrim quest in Skaal Village to get the ability to craft this armor.

Dragonplate Armor Set

The Dragonplate Armor Set is pretty close to the Daedric Armor Set in providing one of the best defenses in the game. However, it has a lower weight than the Daedric Armor Set, which can have a significant impact on your overall build. Finding the Dragonplate Armor Set in random loot is tough, but you can get it as random loot at as low as Level 40.

A Smithing Skill Level of 100 is required to craft this armor set alongside the Dragon Armor Perk. Additionally, you’ll need dragon bones, dragon scales, and leather strips in order to craft the Dragonplate Armor Set. 

Ebony Armor Set

Ebony Armor Set will serve you well if you’re not able to get your hands on the Daedric or Dragonplate Armor Set in the game. It is easier to acquire the Ebony Armor Set at as low as Level 32 when it can either be purchased or farmed through random loot. 

However, you’ll need a Smithing Level of 80 alongside the Ebony Smithing Perk in order to craft the Ebony Armor Set. Lastly, leather strips and ebony ingots are the only materials that you’ll need for crafting here.

Orcish Armor Set

Orcish Armor Set is a strong heavy armor set that can be obtained quite early in the game. Additionally, the armor has that fashion component as well. It drops as random loot in chests only if you’re above Level 20 in Skyrim. However, the Orcish Armor Set can also be bought from blacksmiths in the game. 

In order to craft the armor set, you’ll need to make sure that your Smithing Level is 50 and that you have the Orcish Smithing perk. Lastly, you’ll need orichalcum ingots, iron ingots, and leather strips to craft the Daedric Armor Set.

This concludes our guide on the Best Armor Sets in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. We entailed the best armor sets catering to both stealth and tank playstyles. We hope that the guide was helpful for you in choosing the best armor for your build in the game. Let us know what you think about The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in the comments below!

NEXT:

• Best Skyrim Mods
• Skyrim: Best Builds 
• Skyrim Armor Cap Guide
• Skyrim: Best One-Handed Weapons