Last year, we wrote about the best weapons in Skyrim, of which there are many to choose from. Something that has been requested was to do a follow up looking at the best light armor sets in Skyrim, so that is precisely what we’ll do in this article!
Deciding which armor set is the best is obviously a subjective task, and it’ll be interesting to hear whether you agree or not in the comment section. I’ve tried to consider look, efficacy, and full set bonuses when deciding which is the greatest set. So, here are the 10 best Skyrim light armor sets.
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10. Chitin Armor
Base Armor: 85
Base Value: 780
Total Weight: 16
The Chitin Armor was added as part of the Dragonborn DLC and has a unique look that is modelled on a type of mollusc.
Most of the set can be found on Raven Rock, and you can even recruit a follower who wears the entire set, the Dunmer spellsword Teldryn Sero.
This is one of the easiest armor sets in this list to locate, but that shouldn’t deter you from wearing it. The Chitin Armor is undoubtedly one of the best light armor sets in Skyrim.
9. Guild Master’s Armor
Base Armor: 76
Base Value: 700
Total Weight: 17
In order to obtain the Guild Master’s Armor set, you’ll have to complete the “Under New Management” quest as part of the Thieves Guild questline. It is awarded to you by Tonilia who states that the armor should “fit you like a glove”.
Wearing all of the pieces of this armor together will give you substantial bonuses in carrying capacity, pickpocketing, lock picking, and shop prices.
8. Armor of the Old Gods
Base Armor: 50
Base Value: 2652
Total Weight: 6
For a more feral look, you might want to seek out the Armor of the Old Gods, a Forsworn light armor set that can be obtained from Madanach after completing the “No One Escapes Cidhna Mine” quest.
In terms of base armor, this armor set isn’t the strongest on this list, but it is incredibly light and offers great boosts to destruction magic, sneaking, archery, and Magicka points. It’s high value also cements this set as one of Skyrim’s best light armor acquisitions.
7. Stalhrim Armor
Base Armor: 78.5
Base Value: 1,820
Total Weight: 13
Stalhrim Armor is one of the coolest looking sets in the whole game, and it looks good in both heavy and light versions. Added in the Dragonborn DLC, the pieces in the set start to appear in the game once you reach level 35, and can be found all over Solstheim. You’ll need to speak to Baldor Iron-Shaper in Skaal, and Glover Mallory at Raven Rock. Though perhaps it’s best to play the long game and wait for it to come up as loot in treasure chests around the world.
If you want to complete the look fully, there is even a very effective Stalhrim Shield to be found, too. With or without the shield, though, the Stalhrim set is easily one of the best light armor sets in Skyrim.
6. Ancient Falmer Armor
Base Armor: 60
Base Value: 1280
Total Weight: 11
One of the most aesthetically pleasing light armor sets in the game, the Ancient Falmer Armor resembles ebony armor, but it has a nice maroon trimming that makes your character look both elegant and ready for battle.
Added in the Dawnguard DLC, the only way to get this armor set is to complete the “Touching the Sky” quest and take it from the snow-elf Arch-Curate Vyrthur. Not an easy task, but certainly worth it.
Related: The Best Skyrim Mods
5. Linwe’s Armor
Base Armor: 69
Base Value: 2251
Total Weight: 12
Linwe’s Armor is a stylish light armor set that resembles the Thieves Guild Armor and provides huge boosts to stamina, sneaking, one-handed attacks, and damage with bows.
The only way to get the armor is to take it from Linwe as part of the “Summerset Shadows” quest assigned by Delvin Mallory of the Thieves Guild.
4. Dragonscale Armor
Base Armor: 111
Base Value: 3600
Total Weight: 26
Dragonscale Armor is undoubtedly one of Skyrim’s best light armor sets, with an immense base armor level and a powerful shield to accompany it, too.
Locating the set can be quite difficult, as it is a rare find as random loot in chests, and only becomes available at level 50. Some may say that the drawback is the weight of set, which is admittedly high for light armor, but this is a fair trade off for the high level of protection afforded by the Dragonscale Armor.
3. Ancient Shrouded Armor
Base Armor: 72
Base Value: 2346
Total Weight: 7.5
Some may question why this is higher than the Dragonscale Armor, but for me the Ancient Shrouded Armor has a better look and is more fun to obtain. Indeed, it comes as part of the insanely fun Dark Brotherhood questline, and is a reward for completing “locate the Assassin of Old”.
You must complete the bonus task that Olava the Feeble sets you, too. The Ancient Shrouded Armor provides impressive boosts to damage with bows and sneaking attacks, whilst also providing the added benefits of complete poison resistance and silent movement.
2. Deathbrand Armor
Base Armor: 78.5
Base Value: 11269
Total Weight: 13
One of the best things about the Dragonborn DLC is the introduction of one of the best light armor sets in the whole of Skyrim, the Deathbrand Armor. Visually, the Deathbrand Armor is beautiful and, if wearing the full set, it also has the highest base armor level of all light armor sets in the game.
The set is found in individual pieces as part of the “Deathbrand” quest to locate Haknir Death-Brand’s hidden treasures. Aside from the full set bonus, the armor also provides boosts to stamina, carrying capacity, dual-wielding and one-handed damage, and also provides water breathing.
1. Nightingale Armor
Base Armor: 69
Base Value: 3085
Total Weight: 18
Despite the Deathbrand Armor being objectively the best light armor in Skyrim, I prefer the Nightingale Armor. This is mainly because it looks pretty awesome, but also because it is part of the incredibly engaging Nightingale quest line – you are awarded this set upon initiation into the Daedric Prince worshipping Nightingales.
The Nightingale Armor also provides enchantments to stamina, lock picking, one-handed attacks, illusion spells, and frost resistance. The wearer is also granted the ability to move silently.
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