Mercifully, FromSoftware took the Bloodborne approach for armor this time, and, unlike in 1 and 2, armor in DS3 can’t be upgraded. This is great – it leaves players with more upgrade materials for their weapons, and makes armor into more of a cosmetic choice. Sure, each piece has stats, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the looks. So join me as we list off some of the coolest armor sets in Dark Souls 3!
15. Mirrah Chain Set
Armor of the duty-bound knights of Mirrah, this set is for true warriors. Leaving not a single weakness exposed, the Mirrah chain gives off an enigmatic, intimidating vibe. Paired with its emotionless, deep-set eyes etched into the steel mask, this set gives anyone who dons it the feel of a remorseless fighter. How to get: On the Irithyll bridge, after defeating the invading Creighton outside of the church of Yorshka.
14. Dragonscale Set
The garbs of the nameless king himself, the dragonscale set is comprised of heavy, almost saint-like layers of cloth and scales. The worn look of this set evokes memories of an ancient lineage, long since fallen from grace and forced to adapt to the end times, or perish. The chest in particular is an awesome bulky piece that fits with many of the heavy armors in the game, complete with ornate gold details and a thick scarf covering the bottom of the face. How to get: Buy from the shrine handmaid in Firelink after killing the nameless king.
13. Drakeblood Set
This set is a fantastic silver-engraved ebony armor, worn by the dragon-obsessed drakeblood knights. The detail in this set is beautiful and pairs nicely with a ton of different dark armors. It’s surprisingly slimming on a character, especially the helmet, so favours being paired with smaller weapons unless you want to look slightly dwarfed. How to get: Found behind Oceiros’ bonfire after killing a summoned drakeblood knight in archdragon peak.
12. Wolf Knight Set
The iconic set of the famous Artorias from the first Dark Souls installation, this armor was badass in DS1 and it’s just as badass now! But on the subject of slimming armors, this set makes you skinny. Like twig skinny – especially the legs and head. However, we can overlook that – because how could the armor of Artorias himself be anything other than awesome? You may have lost a few pounds bud, but we still love you! How to get: Purchased from the shine handmaid in the untended graves version of Firelink – after killing the abyss walkers.
11. Vilhelm’s Set
Did someone say pinhead? I don’t know what diet these DS3 guys are on, but I’ve got to get their recipes. This armor, like the last 2, makes you super thin, and has likely the smallest helmet in the game. Still, it looks fantastic, with its awesome layered plated legs and its chainmail poncho. It can be mixed and matched nicely with a bunch of other dark armors and is a welcome addition to the fashion souls wardrobe! How to get: Found in the bug-filled crypt in the painted world DLC.
10. Eastern Armor Set
Another DS1 classic, the eastern armor set is a returning fan favorite! And very little has been altered about its design, too, still featuring the incredible ornate red and gold chest piece with its lion pauldron. I’ve never been too sold on the helmet or gloves, personally, and favor this armor for mixed sets myself. How to get: Bought from the shrine handmaid in Firelink after giving her the Easterner’s ashes from Irithyll.
9. Alva Set
Alva’s was my favorite set in DS2, and it continues its trend of looking great here. Featuring bulky steel plates shrouded partially with aged crimson cloth, this set looks like it comes from a knight who’s been around the block a couple of times. The straps and pouches bolster this – giving the appearance of a prepared warrior with answers to any scenario. Every part of this armor looks awesome and fits into so many mixed sets! How to get: In a cell near Karla in the Irithyll dungeon, after defeating the invading Alva.
8. Gundyr’s Set
Gundyr’s is a brutal-looking set forged from solid cast iron. Showing its signs of age and wear, this set gives the feel of a war-savvy gladiator who knows his way around a battle. The sheer size and presence of Gundyr’s armor is perfect to pair with heavy weapons like hammers and axes, giving you the aesthetic of a true executioner. It’s also a nice nod to old king Doran from Demon Souls! How to get: Buy it from the shrine handmaid in Firelink after defeating champion Gundyr.
7. Leonhard’s Set
For people like me who love Bloodborne, this set is ideal. With a silver mask and dingy hat straight from the streets of Yharnam themselves, Leonhard’s set is perfect for dex-based builds with a focus on agility and tactics. The black shrouded garb can be mixed nicely into sets going for a stealthy aesthetic, too! It also holds a nice bit of lore for Leonhard himself in the form of item descriptions, gleaming a bit of his tragic backstory. How to get: Buy it from the shrine handmaid in Firelink after killing Leonhard.
6. Sunset Armor Set
Ever since first seeing Hodrick, I was in love with his armor. The aged brass-coloured armor wrapped in sodden rags looks incredible, giving the appearance of a war-torn sellsword wandering the brutal world of Dark Souls. Many players opt to mix the helmet in with their sets, though its always been the chestplate that stood out for me! Whichever pieces you decide to wear, this set captures the essence of DS3 perfectly – fading, unforgiving, and filled with memories of battle. How to get: Complete Sirris’ questline and kill Hodrick – the set will be on his corpse in the pit of hollows.
5. Fire Witch Set
Likely quite surprising for some to see this so high on the list. The fire witch set has always been my go-to base for sorcery/miracle builds utilizing melee. Its resplendent plate, draped methodically with gorgeous white gold-trimmed cloth fits so well for battlemages, conveying the elegance that comes with intelligence and faith whilst still looking battle-ready. The gauntlets are awesome too, with their long claw-like fingers, and mix great into dex build sets! How to get: Dropped by fire witches in the Irithyll.
4. Dancer’s Set
Speaking of armor perfect for battlemages, I think everyone wanted to make an intelligence build after seeing this set. The flowing, ethereal veil is so unlike anything else in DS3. It’s mysterious and mystifying and perfect for characters who utilize magics. It also boasts great poise for its weight level, which is extremely effective in PvP! How to get: Bought from the shrine handmaid in Firelink after defeating the dancer.
3. Fallen Knight Set
Back in the early days of Dark Souls 3, everyone used this set. Aesthetically, it’s a perfect mix of themes from Dark Souls and Bloodborne, which is likely why I love it so much. Its plain black armor betrays hints of elegant gold engravings, and the whole affair is drabbed in muddied cloth, shrouding the wearer. Whilst it may be considered a ‘noob’ set, there is beautiful irony in wearing this while annihilating your foes in PvP. How to get: Found in the water just in front of Farron keep on the road of sacrifices.
2. Undead Legion Set
The undead legion set is the attire of the abyss watchers, speculated to be apostles of Artorias. Which is likely why the armor looks so cool. It’s light-weight and dotted with shining steel plates, complete with an awesome fading red cape coated in tendrils of the abyss. If I’m making a dex build, you can bet your bottom dollar I’m wearing this set. I won’t be caught dead in that cone helmet though – Leonhard’s silver mask fits amazingly with this armor set and really completes the look! How to get: Buy from the shrine handmaid in Firelink after defeating the abyss watchers.
1. Iron Dragonslayer Set
My mind was blown when I saw this drop in the ringed city DLC. The iron dragonslayer set is, in my opinion, the coolest armor in the entire game. It’s absolutely perfect for strength builds thanks to the sheer bulk of it, though works well for quality builds using straight swords or greatswords. It takes the best design elements of a bunch of existing armor sets and then improves them tenfold, giving you a dominating presence of sheer metal and resembling an indestructible endoskeleton. It’s made complete with the grinning visage helmet reminiscent of a hammerhead shark, with an explosion of wiry blood-red plumage. It’s truly badass, and no other armor could top it in my mind. How to get: Drops from the dragonslayer armor in the swamp of the ringed city.
