Elden Ring：How To Choose The Right Heavy Armor Sets For You? - Top 11 Choices

Sep-06-2024

 

In the treacherous world of Elden Ring, players constantly face formidable enemies and deadly environments, where having the right armor can mean the difference between life and death. Heavy armor sets are key to survival, offering excellent defense and resilience, though often at the cost of speed and agility. But for those who value high damage negation and resistance, these armor sets are indispensable. 

 

Below is a guide to the top 11 heaviest armor sets in Elden Ring, focusing on their benefits and how to obtain them, along with essential Elden Ring Runes required to optimize your build.

 

 

11. Banished Knight Set

The Banished Knight Set is known for its solid defensive capabilities. As a heavy armor set, it provides impressive physical damage negation while being moderately heavy, which means players won't need to pour too many stats into Endurance to wield it effectively. Despite weighing less than Lionel's Set, it surprisingly offers superior physical damage defense. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a balance between weight and defense. Players can collect pieces of this set by defeating the dangerous Banished Knights scattered throughout the game. Along with drops, these knights also yield Elden Ring Runes, valuable for upgrading gear and abilities.

 

 

10. General Radahn Set

Inspired by the iconic figure General Radahn, this set is not only practical but also visually striking, offering players the chance to emulate one of Elden Ring's most memorable characters. The General Radahn Set shines with its excellent durability, strong defenses, and particularly high resistance to status effects like Hemorrhage and Frostbite. Slightly heavier than the Banished Knight Set, Radahn's armor compensates by offering enhanced defense, though it slightly reduces movement speed. You’ll obtain this armor after defeating General Radahn himself in one of the game's most epic battles.

 

 

9. Gaius Set

Though the Gaius Set is lighter compared to some of the heavier armor options, it offers a unique blend of durability and defense against Slash and Piercing attacks. This armor, obtainable only by defeating Commander Gaius in the DLC, requires a significant investment in Endurance to wear, but the tradeoff is worth it. Players will benefit from its superior resistance to certain types of damage, making it highly practical for specific encounters.

 

 

8. Tree Sentinel Set

Many Elden Ring players have painful memories of their early encounters with the mighty Tree Sentinels guarding key areas in The Lands Between. However, for those skilled enough to defeat them, their golden armor offers top-tier physical and magical defense. The Tree Sentinel Set can be earned by conquering the challenge of destroying three chariots in the Auriza Hero's Grave. Though obtaining the armor is no easy task, its exceptional defensive properties and iconic look make it a worthy investment for players.

 

 

7. Veteran's Set

Veteran's Set is highly sought after, particularly for its outstanding poise within its weight class. Worn by Commander Niall, this set strikes a perfect balance between weight and durability, providing superior poise that allows players to withstand stagger-inducing attacks. Compared to other sets with similar appearances, Veteran's Set excels in overall performance and is ideal for players seeking a resilient, reliable heavy armor option. This set can be obtained after defeating Commander Niall in Castle Sol.

 

 

6. Lionel's Set

Lionel's Set may not be the most fashionable armor in Elden Ring, but it excels in functionality. With incredible poise, it enables players to resist enemy attacks, making it particularly useful in close combat situations. This heavy armor also offers excellent magical defense, making it a great choice for players facing spellcasting foes. Despite its unattractive design, Lionel's Set is a fantastic option for those who value resilience in battle.

 

 

5. Omen Set

While the Omen Set may appear grotesque, it compensates for its lack of aesthetic appeal with powerful defensive and offensive bonuses. Available after defeating the Dung Eater in the Subterranean Shunning Grounds, the Omen Set increases the damage dealt by Omen Bairn and Regal Omen Bairn by 5%. This armor is ideal for players who can look past its appearance and focus on its practical benefits, offering solid defense and useful bonuses for specific builds.

 

 

4. Solitude Set

The Solitude Set, obtainable after defeating the Blackgaol Knight in the DLC, is a must-have for players seeking high Focus resistance. It's especially effective against status effects that induce sleep or madness. Not only does it offer excellent defensive stats, but it also boasts a stylish design. For players prioritizing both functionality and aesthetics, the Solitude Set is a top-tier choice.

 

 

3. Fire Prelate Set

When facing enemies that wield fire-based attacks, the Fire Prelate Set can be a lifesaver. With high defense against both physical and magical damage, this set excels at mitigating fire damage, making it perfect for tough battles against gods and powerful adversaries. Its combination of sturdy physical defense and fire resistance makes the Fire Prelate Set one of the best heavy armor sets for players needing specialized protection.

 

 

2. Verdigris Armor Set

Introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, the Verdigris Armor Set sets a new standard for heavy armor, surpassing even the Bull-Goat Set in terms of overall stats. With a remarkable 100 poise and excellent immunity and robustness, the Verdigris Armor is built to resist slash attacks and other forms of physical damage. It's the perfect choice for players who want to withstand powerful hits while still maintaining decent mobility.

 

 

1. Bull Goat Set

The Bull Goat Set is the undisputed champion of heavy armor in Elden Ring. Not only is it the heaviest set in the game, but it also offers the highest poise and physical defense of any armor available. With 99.99 poise, this set allows players to withstand the most devastating attacks, creating a nearly impenetrable defense. The downside is the significant reduction in movement speed, but for players prioritizing survivability, the tradeoff is more than worth it.

 

 

Conclusion: The Value of Heavy Armor in Elden Ring

While heavy armor does come with the drawback of reduced mobility, the advantages in damage reduction and resistance far outweigh the cost for players focused on tanking hits. Choosing the right armor for your build, along with carefully managing Elden Ring Runes to upgrade your gear and attributes, is essential for surviving the challenges in The Lands Between. Whether you're seeking the highest poise or specialized resistance, these 11 heavy armor sets offer the best protection available in the game, ensuring you can face the game's toughest enemies head-on.