Armor cosmetics have been around for decades when it comes to Role-playing games. Players remain captivated and even pay for in-game armor or particular cosmetics. However, The Elder Scroll V: Skyrim is more than a decade old and one can still enjoy equipping amazing armor sets thanks to the versatile appearance choices in Skyrim.
Bethesda aimed at making the players comfortable with their own story as they follow the path of the Dragonborn. The team ensured players were rewarded with incredible weapons and stylish armor sets upon completing major quests or developing a particular skill. It is a breath of fresh air relative to the micro-transactions for cosmetics that haunt the RPG genre of today. Moreover, Skyrim is home to one of the most engaging modding communities which dedicates itself to the betterment of the game via re-shades and gameplay mods consistently, which makes it one of the best replayable RPGs of all time.
10 Ancient Shrouded Armor Set
- Base Armor: 72
- Weight: 7.5
- Base Value: 2346
One of the most valuable spoils of the Dark Brotherhood quest line is the unique light armor set, the Ancient Shrouded Armor. As most Skyrim players tend to prioritize long-range combat with bows, it adds a staggering 35% damage bonus while using them. It also makes the wearer completely resistant to poison, muffles any movement sound, and doubles sneak damage.
Red and black always look good together, and this armor set is perfect for players looking to roleplay as a sneaky assassin. The unnatural accessories to the armor also add to the overall eccentricity of it. To obtain this set, one needs to complete the Dark Brotherhood side quest called “Locate the Assassin of Old.” Once the Dragonborn has defeated the Assassin of Old, his armor can be looted directly from his body
9 Wolf Armor Set
- Base Armor: 72
- Weight: 32
- Base Value: 202
As the staple armor set for the prestigious warrior band known as the Companions, the wolf armor is presented to the members of its highly exclusive inner circle. The armor is intricately adorned with wolf-like sigils and extensions that perfectly embody the ancient lore of the Companions. The armor set represents a high ranking among the companions, which gathers the respect of guards and warriors alike.
As expected, players can purchase this set from Eorlund Gray-Mane after they become a member of the inner circle by finishing the quest called, “Proving Honor.” Separate parts of this armor can also be obtained by looting Skior after his death during the quest called, “The Silver Hand”
8 Blades Armor Set
- Base Armor: 114
- Weight: 87
- Base Value: 995
No other armor set resembles neo-samurai attire with Roman inspirations than the Blades armor set. Pairing it with the katana-inspired Blades sword completes the dragon-slaying aesthetics of this set. The history behind the design in the world of Tamriel dates back to the influential times of the Akavir humanoids.
The entire set cannot be crafted at a forge but can be found in a chest, in the armory room of the Sky Haven Temple. Alternatively, one can also get the armor by taking it from their followers once they receive it as a part of the Blades quest called, “Rebuilding the Blades”.
7 Ancient Falmer Armor Set
- Base Armor: 60
- Weight: 11
- Base Value: 1280
The colorways introduced in this set portray the glorious past of the snow elves, better known to players as the blind Falmers now. In their prime, Snow Elves used to be skilled craftsmen and it is apparent thanks to the contrasting colors of this set. One can find remnants of this beautiful set on their mutated descendants, the Falmers.
The set is only available for players who have access to the Dawngaurd DLC. At the end of the quest called, “Touching the Sky”, one can pick up every part of the set except the crown from Arch-Curate Vyrthur. Sadly, the crown can only be obtained by using console commands.
6 Stalhrim Armor Set
Heavy Armor
- Base Armor: 102
- Weight: 59
- Base Value: 4,235
Light Armor
- Base Armor: 108(with shield); 78.5(without shield)
- Weight: 23(with shield); 13(without shield)
- Base Value: 2,420(with shield); 1,820(without shield)
The material of the Stalhrim armor is renowned for its strength and also for its unique ability to never melt as well as strengthen the frost enchantments that are placed on the substance. The unique color scheme of the Stalhrim armor is something that makes it stand out from the rest. The bright, icy blue color of the armor summons the cool feeling of the icy lands of northern Tamriel.
To build a Stalhrim armor, you will need a Smithing level of 80 and the Ebony Smithing perk. The materials needed to build this armor are:
- Quicksilver Ingots.
- Leather Strips.
- Steel Ingots.
- Stalhrim.
The ingrained properties of Stalhrim’s armor set allow players to experience a 25% stronger frost enchantment.
5 Dragonscale Armor
- Base Armor: 111
- Weight: 26
- Base Value: 3600
Rarity and uniqueness are integral parts of fashion and Bethesda locked one of the best armor sets behind an insane requirement which seems fair for players who dedicate skill points to smithing. The Dragonscale armor suits an agile character perfectly since it's forged with the dragon scales of the slayed dragons. With protrusions resembling dragon scales, the armor embodies the true spirit of a Dragonborn.
Separate parts of the set can be received via random chests after hitting level 50. However, one can forge the set using dragon scales, iron ingots, and leather strips. However, this requires a smithing level of 100, and the Dragon armor perk from the smithing perk tree.
4 Glass Armor Set
- Base Armor: 103
- Weight: 19
- Base value: 2,080
The uncommon look of the glass armor may make some players fall in love with it and some players hate it. But there’s no denying that the color compatibility of this armor is astounding. The gold and cyan linings on the armor make it look exquisite.
To build a Glass armor set, one needs a Smithing level of 70 and the Glass Smithing perk. The materials needed to build this armor are:
- Leather.
- Leather Strips.
- Refined Moonstone.
- Refined Malachite.
It is slightly a process to get all the materials, but one can expect a lavish armor set after doing so.
3 Ebony Armor Set
- Base Armor: 128
- Weight: 76
- Base Value: 3550
As one of the community favorites, the Ebony Armor Set is one of the strongest and fanciest armor sets in Skyrim. It completely covers the Dragonborn with strong layers of matte black ebony plates and intricate designs.
However, this armor set is gatekept until one reaches a high enough level of 80, where one can find the Ebony Warrior at the Velothi Mountains. However, one can find unenchanted pieces of the ebony armor set in chests or at blacksmiths.
2 Nightingale Armor Set
- Base Armor: 69
- Weight: 18
- Base Value: 3085 - 9646 (Depending on character level)
While looking at the grey straps of armor and masked hood, the overall design of the Nightingale armor set can make any Skyrim player fall in love with it. Every fold of this armor portrays superior craftsmanship to arguably every other light armor set in the game. It provides sufficient defense according to its low weight and benefits every sneaky Dragonborn who wishes to wear it.
The Nightingale Armor Set can be obtained after finishing the quest called, “Trinity Restored”, which involves joining the Nightingales. However, players should be patient until reaching level 32 to receive the nightingale armor in its true potential.
1 Daedric Armor
- Base Armor: 144
- Weight: 96
- Base Value: 7650
The game saves its best armor set for last as the Daedric Armor Set is arguably the best heavy armor set available to the Dragonborn. One simply cannot go wrong with such a menacing design and red linings adorning the pitch-black layers of armor. It almost seems otherworldly when compared to other armor sets in its class. However, crafting the Daedric Armor set requires a lot of patience and scavenging since it requires a smithing level of 90, the Daedric Smithing perk, and rare items. The required items are:
- Daedra Hearts
- Ebony Ingots
- Leather Strips
However, there is a more convenient approach when one can use the Atronach Forge with a Sigil Stone to trade unenchanted Ebony armor for Daedric armor. However, this requires players to reach level 90 in Conjuration and complete the quest called, “Conjuration Ritual Spell” to obtain the Sigil Stone.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is available for PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.