Armor is a critical element of a player’s arsenal in Baldur’s Gate 3, primarily since D&D mechanics declare Armor Class and other defensive characteristics based on the armor they wear. While Baldur’s Gate 3 offers the usual slate of Light, Medium, and Heavy Armor for most characters, specific equipment provides additional benefits that can help carry characters through much of the game’s midgame to the endgame.

Key to a player’s heavy-hitting arsenal is substantial defense, which Heavy Armor almost always provides them. Compared to Light Armor and Medium Armor, which facilitate faster movement and stealth, Heavy Armor foregoes many benefits in exchange for pure defensive capabilities. For players looking for Heavy Armor to outfit their tanks and other heavy hitters, the game has a preferred slate of armor pieces to wear.

Updated on February 19, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Patch 6 of Baldur’s Gate 3 adding massive updates to Larian Studios’ highly-acclaimed RPG, such as randomized kisses, extra Legendary equipment for Honour Mode bosses, and other quality-of-life boosts for the player experience, fans of the Dungeons & Dragons adaptation may be looking forward to another playthrough of the game to suit a more upgraded experience. And for players who want to secure their characters as tough cookies to crack, getting them the right Heavy Armor could be the key to survival. Among the most recommended Heavy Armor for players of the game so far include an upgrade of standard armor, a Dwarven iteration of plate armor, and gear that adapts to the Illithid Parasite’s presence.

Ring Mail Armor +2

Armor Class: 16

Among the Heavy Armor players will encounter in their Baldur’s Gate 3 experience, the Ring Mail will be the first they may encounter in their experience. Likewise, its Ring Mail Armor +2 variant is this piece of gear's strongest and rarest type. Giving the appearance of metal rings fortifying a vest, the Ring Mail Armor is the closest to a “civilian” wear that players have that retains Heavy Armor's strength.

At its core, Ring Mail Armor +2 offers 16 AC. This is leagues behind the other stronger Heavy Armor in the list, but this remains the highest-AC offering among lower-tier Heavy Armor that tanks and melee specialists may encounter in the mid-game.

Adamantine Splint Armor

Armor Class: 17

When players finally reach the Grymforge in their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, they can craft various Adamantine armaments via Mithral Ore and the Splint Mould. With Adamantine being the equivalent of the favored Tolkien Mithril, the Adamantine Splint Armor boasts some of the best defenses in Heavy Armor in the early game.

Acquiring this armor gives players a nifty 17 AC. However, its prominence as a Heavy Armor comes with its Intense Adamantine Backlash that resembles potent Illithid Powers, wherein opponents who miss hitting the player will experience Reeling for 3 turns. This property debuffs enemies with -1 to Attack Rolls, making striking its user and nearby allies much harder.

Rippling Force Mail

Armor Class: 17

One of the best reasons Martial Classes excel in fighting up close is their capability of striking back, whether through Reactions or during their turn. With Rippling Force Mail, Martial Classes have more incentives for getting struck multiple times while being surrounded, especially when its Force Absorption effect can slowly build up for not just lesser damage taken, but also repel attacks back at opponents.

Its AC 17 isn't as high compared to other Heavy Armors that can reach AC 20 or 21, but this AC is perfect for characters who don't want to stay as a damage sponge and instead just want to be protected when fighting up close. In that regard, this Heavy Armor is suited for Fighters who want to outmaneuver foes up close without risking too much retaliation.

Chain Mail Armor +2

Armor Class: 18

Nothing beats a chain mail regarding the traditional squire look, especially when the Chain Mail Armor +2 exemplifies what the Heavy Armor has to offer in a player’s Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay. The chain mail itself is hidden within a layer of an exterior tabard, making its wearers resemble traditional medieval knights.

Despite the Chain Mail Armor +2 only offering 18 AC and no special effects, its status as the strongest-available Chain Mail in the RPG makes it a must-have for players who prefer the Chain Mail’s simple design without risking low AC in combat.

Dwarven Splintmail

Armor Class: 18

Dwarves across fantasy literature have a reputation for having some of the best constitutions among humanoid creatures, and this is something Dwarven Splintmail embodies in Baldur's Gate 3 gameplay. When players acquire this from Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers, players get one of the more decent Heavy Armors for their beefy tanks.

When equipped, the Dwarven Splintmail not only gives them +1 STR Saves and Checks, but they even boost their Constitution up two (2) points. Martial-oriented Classes like the Fighter, Barbarian, and even the Monk may appreciate the additional firepower.

Flawed Helldusk Armor

Armor Class: 18

Among the apprentices of Forger Carixim of Avernus, Dammon in the Emerald Grove is the most knowledgeable of infernal metallurgy outside its burning realms. When players talk to him in Act 2, they will give them the Flawed Helldusk Armor, an imitation of an original armor that contains a mere fraction of its power.

Appearing as an ornate piece of Plate Armor with golden details and red cloth, the Flawed Helldusk Armors does not indicate its infernal origins save for its effects. Its Superior Plate feature debuffs all attacks with -1 Piercing Damage. Moreover, its Lesser Infernal Retribution can inflict 1-4 Fire Damage to an enemy within 2 meters of the player that just hit them. With how even a 1 HP opponent can move normally, this “tiny” damage being able to eliminate them for good is invaluable when outnumbered.

Armor Of Devotion

Armor Class: 18

Perhaps its appearance as a close imitation of the regular Plate Armor makes the Armor of Devotion quite a worthwhile acquisition. Obtained in Moonrise in Act 2 in a player’s Baldur’s Gate playthrough, the Armor of Devotion heavily resembles full plate but is also quite suitable for Paladins.

Possessing 18 AC, the Armor of Devotion is a Rare Item that allows Paladins to regain their Oath Charge once a day without taking a long rest. Given how Paladins already have limited resources, such a provision can aid in resource management in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Cerebral Citadel Armor

Armor Class: 18

When it comes to drawn-out fantasy stories like Baldur's Gate 3, it's important for players to know about the enemy they are fighting before facing them in combat. Such is the case of the player's investigation of the Emperor, who turns out to be the mysterious big bad in the game. Throughout their investigation, they may come across the Cerebral Citadel Armor, essentially an otherworldly piece of Heavy Armor tailored specifically for those who have Mind Flayer parasites.

Wearing the armor grants players with a decent 18 AC on top of various benefits. They cannot be Frightened while also getting +1 to INT, WIS, and CHA Saves as long as they have the Illithid Parasite in their heads. Despite the rather above-average AC, the boosted defenses can make this armor a must-wear for the team's frontline units, be it the tank or a melee DPS.

Splint Armor +2

Armor Class: 19

Sometimes, plate armor just won’t cut it when it comes to Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay, especially for players who want a more traditional “mercenary” look for their characters. Those who want to dress up their characters to resemble an armored Geralt of Rivia may appreciate Splint Armor +2.

The Splint Armor boasts artisanal handiwork on the chest detail and belts, created from a combination of different plates on top of a leather base. The armor has 19 AC, far from the most robust plate but still worth the acquisition. Being Heavy Armor, its inherent Stealth penalty may make it tricky for players to sneak past spellcasters who love dishing out AOE spells.

Blackguard’s Plate

Armor Class: 19

When players get into the Bhaalist Crypt, they may also want to consider killing That Which Lurks. Players who do this in their Baldur’s Gate 3 gameplay may get Blackguard’s Plate as a drop, with the ornate-looking Heavy Armor tainted by its previous ownership of an Oathbreaker.

In the game, players who equip Blackguard’s Plate get 19 AC on top of Magical Plate, giving a permanent -1 debuff to incoming damage. While players get a Disadvantage on Stealth Checks that make environmental maneuvers difficult, they get an Advantage on Wisdom Saves.

Emblazoned Plate Of The Marshal

Armor Class: 19

When players get to the Iron Throne and decide to fight Duke Ulder Ravengard, they have the opportunity to acquire the Emblazoned Plate of the Marshal. This Heavy Armor is particularly known for its possession of the emblem of the Marshal of the Flaming Fist, providing quite a bolstered defense. Should players wear this, they become part of the representatives of Baldur's Gate's central military authority, making this armor perfect for players who want to roleplay as city locals.

Wearing this armor grants players with AC 19, among the highest players can gain as Base Armor Class from Heavy Armor. Not only that, they get -2 from all incoming damage sources on top of Resistance to Fire, making this the perfect suit to wear for a tank who loves getting to the frontlines as soon as possible. The Resistance to Fire also incentivizes the team's spellcaster to go all-out on fire spells like Fireball even if the wearer is in the way.

Reaper’s Embrace

Armor Class: 19

Players who encounter Ketheric Thorm in their Baldur’s Gate 3 experience may be enamored by his plate armor, especially with its chest plate looking eerily like a ribcage. Enjoyers of the RPG who want their players to look like heavily armored variants of the Diablo Necromancer can attain this piece of equipment by defeating Ketheric Thorm.

When equipped, Reaper’s Embrace gives players 19 AC. It’s made of a Magical Plate, providing a permanent -2 to all incoming damage. It also possesses Reaper’s Rigidity, wherein players are no longer affected by things that force them to move in exchange for a Disadvantage on DEX Saves. Lastly, they gain access to Howl of the Dead Cantrip to add to their arsenal of spells.

Plate Armor +2

Armor Class: 20

Nothing beats fully-kitted tanks when it comes to protecting their team in Baldur’s Gate 3, which is what Plate Armor +2 proves. Boasting 20 AC, this Very Rare Armor is an ornamented golden plate armor with detail that can contend with its more powerful counterparts.

Despite no other benefits, the Plate Armor +2 is still one of the most efficient Heavy Armor pieces. Boasting one of the highest AC stat across its armor type, Plate Armor +2 is a standout for Fighters and Paladins who want to remain tanky without trying to synergize with complicated extra effects.

Armor of Persistence

Armor Class: 20

It's a common trope in fantasy stories for "the gang" to get together when facing the final threat, especially when the protagonists have spent much of the story making friends and saving others from danger. This trope is something Baldur's Gate 3 follows through, especially when players end up saving the Druid Grove in Act 1 and help Dammon and his fellow Tiefling refugees to reach Baldur's Gate.

At some point in the game, Dammon will help players acquire the Armor of Persistence, perhaps one of the best Heavy Armors the game has to offer. Not only does the armor boast a staggeringly high 20 AC, but it also has -2 to all incoming Damage. It even comes with Legendary Persistence, which practically imbues its wearer with Resistance and Blade Ward for defensive bonuses.

Helldusk Armor

Armor Class: 21

Whenever forge master Carixim creates accursed armaments within the hellfires of Avernus, neither destiny nor morality ever bothers him. As a result, the regally-adorned Helldusk Armor does nothing but prove the sheer allure of demonic influence toward players. Acquired at the House of Hope, the Helldusk Armor comes at an impressive AC 21 alongside the Helldusk Armor feature, immediately granting Proficiency to anyone wearing it. Even a Wizard like Gale, who usually doesn’t wear Armor, can equip the Helldusk Armor.

It also comes with the Prime Aegis of Fire, giving its users immunity from Burning, and Resistance to Fire Damage, and gives -3 to all incoming damage. Its Infernal Retribution also inflicts the Burning status to the caster of a spell that the players manage to Save against.