Skyrim has always been a great place for customization and unique character creations. This is most abundantly shown in the various armor styles and sets. Here, we’ve found 10 of the Top Armor Sets you can find in Skyrim Special Edition.
When coming to our decision on which sets to include, a few things were considered. Since a high enough Blacksmithing level could effectively make any armor set top tier, stats and armor rating, while important, was not the sole factor that we based these sets around. Instead, we considered stats, aesthetics, special abilities, and roleplaying ability.
All of these armor sets are awesome, so getting any of them is sure to greatly improve your enjoyment of the game overall.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
Number 10: Deathbrand Armor Set
Worn originally by the legendary pirate king, Haknir Death-Brand, the Deathbrand Armor set is a mystically icy color that is as enthralling as unsettling.
While regarded as light armor, when worn entirely as a set, it outranks all but the most impressive heavy armor sets while not sacrificing any of the speed and mobility.
Each piece of the armor has its ability that is amplified when worn together as a set.
- Deathbrand Armor: Increases stamina by 15 for Deathbrand Item worn (+15 to +60)
- Deathbrand Boots: Increases carrying capacity by 10 for each of the Deathbrand items worn. (+10 to +40)
- Deathbrand Gauntlets: While dual-wielding, One-Handed attacks will increase their damage by 10% per piece (+10% to +40%)
- Deathbrand Helm: Waterbreathing is enabled when worn
- Full Set: When the full set is worn, the player’s armor rating is given an additional +100 on top of the individual additions.
Number 09: Guildmaster Armor Set
Perfect for those that wish for the stealthier option, the Guildmaster Armor set is obtained upon completing the Thieves Guild Main Questline.
This light armor set is made up of four individual items, each with its unique abilities:
- Guild Master’s Armor: Carrying Capacity Increased by 50 points
- Guild Master’s Boots: Pickpocketing is 35% Easier
- Guild Master’s Gloves: Lockpicking is 35% Easier
- Guild Master’s Hood: Prices are 20% Better
Number 08: Ahzidal’s Armor
A unique set of ancient Nord armor, this awesome armor set has a higher base armor rating than the standard ancient Nord armor, roughly matching that of steel plate armor in defense.
This armor set each has several impressive abilities depending on the item and even has two separate rings that can be equipped as well:
- Ahzidal’s Armor of Retribution: Enemies that strike with a melee attack have a slight chance of being paralyzed
- Ahzidal’s Boots of Waterwalking: Grants Waterwalking. If wearing any four items from Ahizadal, grants +10 to Enchanting
- Ahzidal’s Gauntlets of Warding: Wards are 25% less effective but will absorb 50% Magicka from all incoming spells
- Ahzidal’s Helm of Vision: Conjuration and Rune spells have a greater range but cost 25% more Magicka to perform
- Ahzidal’s Ring of Arcana: Grants you the Freeze and Ignite Spells
- Ahzidal’s Ring of Necromancy: Your reanimated corpses, after taking damage, will explode for 50 points of Frost damage
Number 07: Falmer Heavy Armor
This tense and unsettling heavy armor set is a stronger version of the Falmer Hardened Armor while providing the same protection level as the Ebony Armor.
While it does not have any special abilities, the horrifying armor set leaves quite the impression that is sure to make you either definitely pick it up… or run far, far away from it.
Number 06: Morag Tong Armor
A particularly spooky and decidedly alien armor set, the Morag Tong Armor is a great call back to the previous game, Morrowind, and the Dunmer assassins found there.
While a strange addition to those new to the Elder Scrolls world, this assassin light armor reminds old vets what it means to truly move through the night.
Number 05: Armor of the Old Gods
An enchanted set of Forsworn armor, the Armor of the Old Gods, is one of two separate rewards you can get after completing the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest.
It comes with four separate pieces, each with its special enchantments:
- Armor of the Old Gods: All Destruction spells cost 15% less to cast
- Boots of the Old Gods: Sneaking is improved by 20%
- Gauntlets of the Old Gods: Bow damage is increased by 20%
- Helmet of the Old Gods: Increases Magicka by 30 points
Number 04: Bonemold Armor
Another callback to the days of Morrowind, the Bonemold Armor set is a heavy armor set that is said to be fashioned from actual bones. While it may appear brittle, being made from bone, it is comparable to iron or steel.
This one of a kind armor set follows the Morag Tong Armor set in its incredibly unnerving and alien design, making it feel as if something not of this world is coming to hunt you.
While many of the other sets may look largely monstrous, demonic, or mystical in some way, only this feels like it originated from another planet.
Number 03: Stormcloak Officer Armor
A set of light armor worn by Stormcloak captains throughout Skyrim, the Officier Armor is the very best of Nordic attire. Appearing as someone that is more beast than man, this Skyrim-rooted armor is perfect for those who want to connect with Skyrim and her people’s plight.
Number 02: Daedric Armor
Just barely missing the top spot at #1, the Daedric Armor is an incredibly epic set of heavy armor that makes you feel as though you’ve just stepped out of the planes of Oblivion.
On top of feeling as though you look like “The Dark Lord,” the Daedric Armor is durable and tough enough to make you feel like it too. When worn as a full set, your intimidation checks are increased by 10%. There is nothing quite like it between all of this and the insane levels of difficulty finding and forging this armor.
Number 01: Nightingale Armor
Coming in at #1 and beating out the Daedric Armor set is the Nightingale Armor set. This unique light armor set is given as part of the Thieves Guild questline and simply costs the player their eternal soul in service to the Daedric Prince, Nocturnal.
The armor is made up of four separate pieces, each having its abilities:
- Nightingale Armor: Increases the wearer’s stamina by between 20 and 40 points while also increasing their Frost Resistance between 15 and 50%
- Nightingale Boots: The wear can move silently
- Nightingale Gloves: Lockpicking is between 15 and 25% easier to perform, while One-Handed attacks do between 15 and 25% more damage
- Nightingale Hood: Illusion cost between 12 and 17% less Magicka to cast
