The Best Heavy Armor Ranked in Skyrim

[@liamdoyle2677]

Honorable Mention: Steel Armor. Easy to acquire, great warmth rating for survival mode, cool Nordic themes, fingerless gauntlets, customizable, overall great mix of protection and practicality!

[@Alizudo]

There being a choice between a shouldered and shoulder-less version, I think is a good detail.

[@nervioscientifico947]

was waiting on this vid after light armors, im impressed it came out already, nice vids man, I've been playing Skyrim since it came out and you're my favorite skyrim centered channel, because you can entertain veteran or new players with your content

[@theWelshWizard]

Appreciate it man 👍

[@duskycat2326]

For the dawnguard i have to side with the brown. It just screams "im prepared" with that sick chest strap

[@redwind5150]

The grey looks like a brick pattern I prefer the red

[@highlordlaughterofcanada8685]

I'm partial to the bright grey heavy set myself

[@echosr2139]

Where is my banded iron?

[@thehittite6982]

I think dragonplate gets a serious upgrade in fashion when you trade in the default helm for the Jagged Crown.

[@idoonotkno894]

i usually use it with konahrik

[@Thankyouforyoursupport]

Yeah the Jagged Crown is so sexy.

[@mee091000]

I have to admit that for me Ebony Armor is a Top 5 in the game. But I'm not sure if I ever thought about wearing it alongside the Masque of Clavicus Vile. It's a _very_ nice looking combination.

[@thebrokuyasu4733]

Another good look is full ebony with the the final dragon priest mask. (The golden one with the tusks)

[@YugoslavGamer]

@@thebrokuyasu4733 My favorite vanilla combination is Konahrik, Cicero's/Jester's gloves and boots and a bare torso. Like to roleplay some kind of ultimate High (slang) Dragon Priest.

[@kxngenoch7613]

Ebony Mail with Clavicus Vile mask is fly

[@kxngenoch7613]

My favorite armor has to be daedric mail armor, as it is light.

[@arunprakash6176]

the masque of clavicus vile looks really well with the daedric armor set , try it out and see it for yourself

[@angbandsbane]

Ebony Mail was hands down my favorite, appearance-wise. Heck, I usually wore it even after I had better-tier armor. The whole "slowly poisons attackers" thing was just a bonus

[@vlsparrowlv3396]

It’s dope but the lack of shoulder pads completely kills it for me. You just look so skinny without them

[@ducphathuynh2435]

yeh I don't want to wore that on sneak attempt unless you want CQC

[@thebigbananajama]

Nordic carved armor has to be hands down my favorite. I do wish the shield matched the armor more though. I’ve always loved the Skaal culture and have it in my mind that my Dragonborn would end up joining them or living amongst them in his old age.

[@matthewarant377]

I've gotta agree. The chest piece is just phenomenal.

[@lillith7257]

you can get a stormcloak shield that has bears on it. it looks sick.

[@inductivegrunt94]

I really love Dawnguard heavy and Dwarven so much. I just love the walking tank aura it has and how robust and durable they look, like you can tank a Giant's club and then bust his kneecaps for those Giant's Toes for your alchemy. Just such badass suits of armor.

[@andresgarduno6830]

The deadric plate armor was a very nice addition and I love it as much as I do regular deadric

[@sergiomedina1099]

For me Daedric looks even more draconic than Dragon armor

[@iamkrosis7317]

14:53 you WHAT!? im kidding master wizard i just bought oblivion a week ago for the first time and Im loving it! I cant wait to see videos on skyblivion from you, Your one of the best skyrim channels I love the content man keep up the great work!

[@theWelshWizard]

Thank you sir! I'm sure Skyblivion will be awesome, I'm looking forward to it 🧙‍♂️

[@TheAmazingBrit_01]

Oblivion is one of the most broken and most fun Elder Scrolls games of all time. Also, Sheogorath is light hearted, unlike Skyrim.

[@TheAmazingBrit_01]

I also had Oblivion for a few years.

[@davidjacobs7465]

For me the best is still heavy imperial armor, but only if the helmet is the variation that closes the face.

[@dude7813]

I do love that armour!

[@chaoslordnicky9723]

a shame without enchanting doesnt work late game but try switching the chest piece out for tulies chest piece

[@ValkynazKivan]

Either that, or you’re an Imperial. Somehow, the Nord armors fit better on my Imperial then it does my Nord. Maybe it’s cause the Imperials possess more beauty. Hmm.

[@irfanzufayri6116]

6:01 i like the skirt, fits the whole roman aesthetics

[@Error_404_muslim]

its a crime putting dragonplate this low its my first or second fav armour in the battle to number 1 between daedric and dragonplate

[@nick-rp1uj]

idk dragonplate is lowkey ugly, its only cool because its the best in the game

[@byronrush9802]

​@@nick-rp1ujyeah I never liked the look of it I thought with the new update they would change it so it would look better but no, I do like that red guard armor I got from the creation club

[@MinnowTF]

Dragonplate would be awesome if it had goddamn sleeves, WHY BETHESDA WHY DO YOU HATE SLEEVES SO MUCH

[@therobotFrom94]

Daedric and dragonplate both look like ass imo. Ebony is superior to both

[@eashanahluwalia9599]

I like madness armor cause it’s psychotic but kind of cool. Also oblivion was my first elder scrolls game loved the shivering isles as well.

[@DeadDragon9000]

As a huge Skyrim fan myself, really like how you elaborate them at a best honesty (in your own opinion of course)🔥🐲

[@svartrbrisingr6141]

dawnguard heavy armor is by far my favorite. its just so good looking. especially compared to other popular choices like Deadric and Ebony which i personally find way over designed and edgy.

[@Dinosaurman34]

Heavy/hardened Falmer armour is one of my favourite sets. It’s eery and unsettling, made of chaurus chitin. Imagine being a bandit and seeing someone wearing it and running at you to cut you down

[@Gonin049]

Dwarven armor is my absolute favorite design, I’m happy it got so high up on the list!

[@Aldhardt]

I never understood the CC dwarven armors. The heavy armor looks like light armor and the light armor looks like heavy armor.

[@TheRealW.S.Foster]

I just want to say that I'm happy that the Steel Spell Knight armor got a good place in your list, and for practically the same reasons that you've described. That said, players ought to try to pair this armor with the 2-handed war hammer, Akatosh's Talon - the weapon and the armor have similar color palettes, and both items share similar color palettes to the one used for the Imperial Legion. In short, you can make an Imperial Legion "Champion" build using the armor and the war hammer. In fact, I'm doing that right now with a Breton I've made some time ago named Guillaume Bellamont.

[@BigDaddyJinx]

If the Blades armor could be improved just a little more for AC it would be my go-to. Slick looking gear. Nordic right now is my best visually appealing armor, with Daedric falling just second.

[@zdenekkotras1801]

If You're up for mixing armors with AE and no mods, I would highly recommend trying the AE Orcish Plate Armor set with Dragonplate helmet. Especially for Werewolf style characters. Orcish Plate Armor Set looks awesome except for the helmet, but the helmet from Dragonplate Armor fits the colors of Orcish Plate, so it's taking the best out of both sets. Also the Stalhrim Fur Armor set with Stalhrim Heavy Armor chest piece is sick af for frost spellsword builds and it solves the long neck problem.

[@mernyr]

The only cool thing about the orcish armor that I like is it’s samurai influence… but then I remember the blades armor exists

[@johnjarlinge821]

Cool stuff man

[@matheusfigueiredo7]

I never disagreed so much with taking video, stalhrim fur and dragon plate are GOAT for me. Well, each with their own, nice video!!

[@J-umper]

I'm glad someone else thinks so too.

[@Alizudo]

Dragonplate is my #1, and Dwemer is my second.

[@SpikedKirby]

Please rate all containers in skyrim! which ones hold liquids properly? which ones will fall apart? only a wizard knows!

[@Kat-rg6in]

i love these videos, would be fun to watch you rank the clothing/robes!

[@theWelshWizard]

Noted!

[@EmeraldDragoon]

Ebony wouldve been much cooler if they used Gold accents again. They did in oblivion, and they kept it for the ebony mace, which single handedly almost makes me want to use maces at times.

[@Remember_Reach117]

You might want to try Out the old Kingdom Armor overhaul then

[@bruhgod123]

Thankfully there's a mod that brings the gold trimmings back.

[@awiyaann2826]

Thanks!

[@theWelshWizard]

Thank you!

[@ShayWestrip]

Always a fan of vanilla iron armor hope it makes the list

[@Voltar_99]

Never liked the sandy look it has

[@dishonestswit869]

My favorite has to be the Dawnguard heavy armour. It sucks that the Volkihar don't get a heavy armour set, the gothic style of the vampire armour with some metal plates would make it awesome (thankfully there's the Volkihar Knight armour to sate my vampiric armour needs)

[@conandrake444]

Spending hours to find cool armors on Nexus to only end up using vanilla ones ? Yes

[@TheGraffiti600rr]

Im surprised you didnt mention that deadric armor also increases your intimidate checks. Its a cool little detail working in the background.

[@NorscaWolves]

I know everyone hates it but after all of these years wolf armor has grown on me. Practical amount of fur for the climate and just plate steel for that feeling of something that's a bit more grounded. The helmet is awful though and the pauldrons could be better but overall its grown on me. There's a mod that adds more wolf motifs to the steel which makes it look way better. Its a crime that Bethesda don't just implement that mod has the standard skin on the wolf armor.

[@VestigeX3]

madness armor is SO cool looking, right now i’m wearing it with konahrik and it looks amazing

[@bleddynsewell]

Where is silver armour??

[@aname8174]

I'm learning a lot of ranking videos ignore most or all anniversary content

[@bleddynsewell]

@@aname8174 thanks

[@Akuankka000]

one of my favourites on aesthetics

[@ValkynazKivan]

@@aname8174Even the Ghost of the Tribunals?

[@midnightjeff4326]

sad that orcish plate armor wasnt on here its favorite otherwise awesome video

[@arunprakash6176]

The Masque of Clavicus Vile looks really cool with the Deadric armor set. It makes you look so badass and intimidating.

[@jesuinoteixeira2666]

Now we need a best robes/clothes video

[@lucasrv2630]

The lovely thing is that the lack of mobility in the Orcish armor is literally part of the lore and it's an integral part to their fighting style canonically. Read Orsinium And The Orcs, a short book that can be found in Darkshade in Whiterun Hold, North to the throat od the world. It tells the story of a Breton who is challenged to a duel for the posession of land by an Orc and he gets taught on how to use Orcish equipment by another orc. Lovely story

[@nobodyspecial115]

I honestly love the Iron Spellknight and Plate armors, the dark yellow an leather goes so well with the dingy iron metal.

[@treybrzezowski3259]

Dawnguard>Blades. However, Ebony Mail + Ebony Spell Knight Boots/Gauntlets > Everything else. Only reason I don't consider the helmet, I usually play as an Argonian, none of the closed helms make sense considering the long face, and most of the open helms look stupid (like, the Nordic Carved helm covers an Argonian's eyes), So on most Characters (even non-Argonians) I end up omitting the helmet in favor of a Circlet. The Only Argonian Character of mine who actually wears Head armor is Tiberius Romus, my Lightning Lizard Battlemage, 3 Pieces Ebony Spell Knight and the Jagged Crown!

[@robertpanasuk1156]

If you haven't tried it already I would recommend ordinator perks of Skyrim because it lets you get heavy armor perks that require full sets while not wearing a heavy helmet granted you need to invest a few points to get that ability but it allows more warnings out it does make all the perk trees MUCH larger.

[@treybrzezowski3259]

@@robertpanasuk1156 I appreciate the recommendation, but I play on Switch, mods aren’t an option for me. Only other console I have the game on is PS4, and the mod selection is limited

[@robertpanasuk1156]

@@treybrzezowski3259 All right good luck on your adventures my friend.

[@Luxxxor]

no way you did ebony armor so dirty it should be top 3 :c

[@jamesfeerer3966]

As someone like me who loves medieval armors and weapons. My top 20 looking heavy armors is. 1. The Crusader Armor (CC) 2. Dawnguard Armor 3. Steel Plate Armor 4. Ebony Armor 5. Imperial Armor 6. Blades Armor 7. Ebony Plate (CC) 8. Steel Armor (CC) 9. Orcish Plate Armor (CC) 10. Steel Spell Knight Armor (CC) 11. Iron Spell Knight Armor (CC) 12. Ebony Spell Knight Armor (CC) 13. Imperial Dragon Armor (CC) - I agree with the kilt part. 14. Banded Iron Armor ( Solid, just needs sleeves) 15. Wolf Armor (Pauldrons could've been better) 16. Daedric Armor (looks too heavy on the top torso and very unrealistic look but it does make sense for its look due to lore of daedric origin) 17. Falmer Heavy Armor 18. Iron Armor ( it needs more protection to the arms and sleeves 19. Ancient Nord Armor (It needs more coverage for both protection and climate with sleeves and trousers) 20. Dragon Plate Armor (very unrealistic look and armor and it is why its ranked so low.

[@MankarCameron]

To be honest. I was angry when I saw you didn't put dawngard number 1 . Them I saw the crusader armour and now I agree with you The colour is amazing

[@dammagraham5345]

What about the Wolf Armor?

[@rhysjones7641]

You did the Starlrim fur armor dirty. However so glad to see Steel Spell Knight appreciated!

[@lordreptilestormblade1749]

If you want a heavy armor set that is revealing, you are stuck with standard Falmer armor, of which there is only one full set, located in the same Dwemer ruin where Mjoll sends you. Be sure to pack enough lock picks as it is behind a locked gate. It is improved with Chaurus Chitin if I recall correctly.

[@Magnus9284]

You should start a fashion trend too. Combinations that work well with themes even if not part of a single set. Here are a couple of suggestions: Warlock: Vampire royal armor, Vampire boots, Stormcloak officer bracers, Dawnguard Full helmet (heavy). Armored Cultist: Cultist robes (Dragonborn DLC), Bonemold Gauntlets, Bonemold Boots, Jade circlet with your choice of gem. Wild Hero (Works better on females): Stormcloak officer armor, Dawnguard boots and gauntlets, your choice of helmet (officer, hide and scale fit perfectly). Shaman: Archmage robes, Dragon plate gauntlets and boots. Telvanni robes look cool, but don't mesh well with other pieces of armor, however, you can use bracers and they will not be visible, so, there is that.

[@OhDangItsBazn]

I’ve got a weird relationship with Daedric armor. As cool as it is, back in the vanilla days, getting my hands on a set always spelled the end of my playthrough with that character. I was young and new to Elder Scrolls, so that armor felt like finding/creating the best of the best, and there was nothing better to discover - har, a silly sentiment, I know. Anyway, now all my characters are destined to become stealth archers like everyone else’s, and I haven’t touched Daedric since.

[@robertpanasuk1156]

I've only combined stealth and archery when I was playing in Archer and wanted a bit of an edge before picking up some of the perks that I wanted.

[@basslightyeah]

The Dwarven Plate armor is meant to be worn with the Wraithguard Gauntlets. Once I combined them it just clicked for me.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

Since it is possible to reach the armor cap with every material, it really comes down to fashion. And I've never been a big fan of daedric armor. It's just too edgy. Simply too much. But ebony on the other hand is just sleek, while keeping the dark aesthetics. Dwarven armor is also a favorite, it looks massive while also keeping the decorations functional. And it makes the dragonborn look like a dwemer robot. The Nordic Carved is also nice. The carvings really break up the large surfaces and almost tells a story. I'm also totally on board with the purple and gold scheme. It oozes that aura of royalty and magic.

[@ZiptoZapto]

I have a special place in my heart for daedric armor. Besides it looking cool, I sculpted the helmet out of clay for an art project. It was the most fun I've ever had working with clay, even in the result was more "Daedric armor on a budget." Though a lot of that could be attained to the fact I couldn't get many good reference images. Sadly the helmet fell apart in the kiln due to someone else's bust exploding. Its mostly glued back together, but the full complete glory of what I crafted exists in only two images now.

[@sparkcommunications2499]

Excellent choice on the Blades armour. May i also recommend the Akaviri version from Immersive Armor mod, and change the Blades helmet for the Helm of Yngol

[@justdominik9812]

Here's a cool thing with dwarven/dwarven plate armor. Use wraithguard as gauntlets, sunder and keening as a weapon and you have a very good build, you can pair this with other dwarven artifacts to make a very good and powerful build.

[@RealMrXrow]

My ebony armor doesn't look like that. It has gold markings. Not one of the few mods I have mention changing the ebony armor, but the gold markings make the ebony look much better.

[@joshuadunn2]

I enchanted all my armor sets to specialize in different kinds of combat or activities. Blades armor is always my 'general purpose"/balanced armor set because I usually end up wearing it the most. Aesthetically, it looks like it has design elements of Japanese Samurai, Greco-Roman hoplites or legionaries, with a little medieval knight mixed in.

[@jonathankincaid1625]

Ever since i wore the spell knight armor, i just couldnt stop. My all time fav

[@llSPTNYU]

Madness armor is versatile to me because you can find madness anywhere in Tamriel

[@awiyaann2826]

my best armour is the amber set that you can make yourself if you are into that sort of thing love your vids thank you for all the info

[@accaziahs.180]

Dwarven armor with the special helmet is my favorite heavy armor. I don't use heavy armor alot and with all these mods now there's sooo many set of armor to choose from.

[@clothar23]

Wait the shellbug helmet will still give a matching set bonus...

[@theWelshWizard]

Indeed!

[@Alizudo]

I honestly think I'll be doing a themed playthrough entirely just because of this news.

[@SabreArchon]

I am using Steel Plate Armor with a Skyforge Steel Sword, a Steel Shield, and either an Imperial Bow or a Nordic Bow whichever goes better with the overall look for my Breton Valkyrie Build

[@Joffie69]

Very surprised the Silver Armor isnt even on the list! Its my go-to armor for looks. and ill upgrade it til i cant upgrade it anymore.. and only then, will i replace it.. lol Entertaining vid non the less! "You dont have to take it off to drop the kids off at the pool..." I thought this was Aussie slang.. i burst out laughing when i heard you say that.. hahaha

[@SaxtonGaming1401]

Of all the heavy armours, I think the iron one is my favourite, simply because of how iconic the Iron Helmet is.

[@thomasoday7828]

As always, very well done sir. I wish aesthetics matched with protection but we are not that privileged. I would be curious to see what you consider a good Battlemage build to be. If you were thinking of other video ideas before Skyblivion drops in '25

[@lordreptilestormblade1749]

If you want to be a Stormcloak and have armor that fits the faction but go with a heavy set, there is but one option, the Nordic Carved set, as it has a bear motif, just like the faction's sigil.

[@lordreptilestormblade1749]

correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't having a full set of Daedric armor equipped give you a hidden passive bonus to intimidation checks?

[@theWelshWizard]

I always thought that it did, but maybe not: en.m.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim_talk:Daedric

[@ThePressurizer]

I have a certain weakness for light Dawnguard armour, coupled with a dragon priest mask. Just looks badass.

[@TVMAN1997]

The AE Steel armor, AE Silver Armor, Dawn Guard armor, and the Spellsword armors are my top 4

[@Ilikeemnasty]

The dwavern armor is great, even at lv 23,and it's stunning

[@theWelshWizard]

Yeah, gold and that regal purple 👌

[@trainershade1937]

Whilst I can't speak much for the Creation Club armor, I will say that ALL of Skyrim's heavy armor looks amazing.

[@balex55lp]

Dragons Dogma 2 releasing soon, Previews are coming out already and i hope some have an interest

[@theWelshWizard]

Been watching some gameplay myself, it looks good!

[@Copperkaiju]

I've noticed many of your rankings are based on newer versions or mods of the game but many of these armor sets, Ebony in particular, looked noticeably different in the older versions. Ebony did look alot more like Obsidian in the release version and I was disappointed when it was changed. It's especially annoying when everyone seems to take it for granted that it was an "upgrade" without actually comparing the different versions side by side. Don't get me wrong, I like the gray/silver accents but I think they were slightly overdone and the black no longer has that nice glossy appearance. It was blacker than night and I loved it.

[@ducphathuynh2435]

my pref: Falmer Heavy Set + Koharik Mask : yeh my Fav Dragonplate + Bloodworm Helm : It nice cause it full of bone Nordic Set + any mask or half helm : I like the sharpness of Nordic Set

[@SirCrocodile.TheOneAndOnly]

Personally just based on appearanxe alone, i loved Steel Plate Armor. (I know its bad but the style alone makes me love it so much)

[@LordFuffarolII]

I've always been bummed that there's no Nord Hero armour set 😢

[@badgercorson5729]

The madness heavy armor you can make is pretty cool. you get that from saints and seducers. it's just a pain to make.

[@lyndonmarquis414]

Does anyone know what the building in the background is, please? It’s possibly been explained before but I’ve only just found this channel.

[@OwnedEpicStyle]

that purple wizard robe looks like a crown royal pouch

[@Erock1900]

OH YEAH!! MY VOTE GOT PLACED 6th!! Knew the clean sleek design of Steel Spellknight Armor would not be denied by the Welsh Wizard!!

[@r3ktfox146]

As a light armor user this list prepares me for a future big boy build, also I'd say heavy armor just has better sets than light armor

[@Voltar_99]

I’ve always used heavy armor, I’ll take less sprinting until conditioning over taking 2 hits from a deathlord and reducing to ashes any day

[@bambou7545]

Hello man, what are you using as mods to have a so beautiful game ?!

[@marshallgears9743]

I like the Steel Soldier Armor.. it just blends in with skyrim. Immediate immersion.

[@Jelqking-97]

Skyrim's improved bonemold armor is usually a pretty underrated armor in armor line ups but I feel like because of how Skyrim is role-played usually player's go for the black guards armor rather than the improved bonemold armor nobody playing a "good" player character heavy armor and one handed or two handed build or a "bad" thief light armor and a bow really the sweet spot for a would be warrior using improved bonemold nobody wants to do the the first couple of missions for the thieves guild as "good or bad" character just to get a slightly better armor they shouldn't have made it related to the thieves guild in order to get it

[@dionphillips4573]

Ancient Nord armour is my favorite, with either the Helm of Yngol or the Jagged Crown

[@vee_extrava]

I've been modding too much that i totally forgot most of these armors even existed 😅😂.

[@Sentient_Bread_Slice]

"There's even a section covering the groin, that varies in size depending on what you're packing. Which is why yours is small, and mine is **extra long and thick."** Damn bro is packing 😭😂

[@gotakai5831]

Eh…personally I like the stahlrim fur armor just because the helmet looks cooler than the heavy

[@Rodiacreed]

You made me see the Blade's Armor in a different light. I usually go with daedric or dragonbone because they are the best stats wise and they are hard to get, but appearence wise I don't really like them. Blade's armor is indeed it for combat and practicality

[@TexasRed649]

I like the imperial dragon armor. I imagine my guy as more of an old lore Dragonborn when he wears it.

[@mrcoldmiser]

5:48 Bold words for a man in a dress! ;)

[@s7Matt]

Dragonplate armor + dragon aspect shout = raddest look in game

[@JacobStelly-xk7ki]

Out of curiosity, how do you like Roman armor but dislike the historical pteruges of the imperial dragon set? Romans literally wore the same thing

[@Pixel22-fs3tt]

My personal favorites are 5. Deadric 4. Deadric 3. Divine Crusader 2. Dawnguard 1. Ebony Plate

[@phoniexcrow6520]

I wonder what armor sets u like to mix for your badassery

[@ironic4910]

Try the carved nordic set with the steel plate helmet It's one of my favorites

[@joaquinlinsangan6583]

Im kinda surprised with the top 1 not being the daedric or dragon plate armor set but regardless a solid list as well. If I can fancy the wizardry, can u either make a ranking of robes for mages or a unique list of best armor combinations?

[@theWelshWizard]

A ranking on the robes will definitely be done and I'll note down armor combinations 👍

[@joaquinlinsangan6583]

@@theWelshWizard damn thats awesome!

[@Frightning]

Definitely feel like you underrated Orcish and *especially* Steel plate armor. Steel plate armor is my favorite, but that might be in part because I usual play female characters and it looks *excellent* on them.

[@pawelos4rpg]

Dragonplate is the best! Other than that very cool list :P

[@yaboismiles420]

Are any of these mods? There's a couple I've absolutely never seen before