Highlights

• The best armor sets in Fallout 4 enhance survivability and combat effectiveness against various threats in the Commonwealth.
• Unique armor pieces like Mantis Armor or Wastelander's Armor provide specific benefits that can be useful in early game stages.
• Acquiring powerful armor sets like Apocalypse Armor or Marine Armor offers substantial protection and resistance for challenging encounters.

Surviving Fallout 4's post-nuclear wasteland has quite a few requirements. Medical supplies, a trusty firearm or two, ammunition for said firearms, and - of course - a few good layers of armor to put between the survivor and the various claws, energy blasts, bullets, and otherwise harmful objects are must-haves. Of course, the operative term here is "good."

Not every scrap of armor is made equal in the apocalyptic ruins of post-war America. And with so many options, a little advice can go a long way when it comes to making a selection. To that end, here are the best sets of armor that caps can buy in Fallout 4.

Updated on April 14, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: As is the case with most Bethesda games, players need only play Fallout 4 for a few hours to realize just how important it is to wear appropriate armor to combat the many threats that await them in the Commonwealth. A single misstep can have dire consequences for the player, especially in the early game. This makes it important to figure out the best armor that players can find to make certain threats less harrowing and tank more attacks without worrying about the Sole Survivor's health. Thankfully, there are many armor sets present in Fallout 4 that players can use to heighten their durability. Some of these are full sets, while others are partial ones that mainly encompass unique armor pieces with some notable perks of their own.

20 Mantis Armor

Sold By The Traveling Caravan Merchant Lucas Miller

While there are stock armor sets that players will get while exploring the world at their own pace, the Sole Survivor can also be treated to a host of unique armor pieces that can be pretty great to use in their own right. One such set that only features two pieces is the Mantis Armor, which can be bought from a traveling merchant called Lucas Miller as players make their way through the Commonwealth.

The left arm gives players a small chance of disarming enemies upon hitting them, while the left leg gives a minor boost to the Sole Survivor's Perception and Agility. The Mantis Armor may not be the strongest piece of equipment that players can use, but it's a good armor set to have in the early game if players want to enjoy some decent benefits before moving on to bigger and better things.

19 Protector's Armor

Sold By Arturo Rodriguez In Diamond City

Fallout 4 can be pretty challenging early on, with enemies hitting like a truck and forcing the Sole Survivor to either run for the hills or cheese the enemy AI to get past these encounters by the skin of their teeth. While these strategies can be fun to employ early on, it does get grating after a point to struggle against these basic enemies over and over again without any respite.

Players who have reached Diamond City and are struggling should head to the market and find a man named Arturo Rodriguez, who sells the Protector's armor set. While it only consists of a left and right arm, the low weight coupled with the reduced damage from humans and Super Mutants makes it worth checking out for those who are genuinely struggling in combat.

18 Wastelander's Armor

Sold By Myrna, Percy, & Lucas Miller

Regardless of what kind of armor players find in Fallout 4, there's no denying that wearing leather armor isn't a sound strategy in the long run. After a while, gamers are bound to move on to better armor pieces that do a better job of protecting them from the many threats that stand in their way.

Still, that doesn't mean that unique armor pieces like the Wastelander's Armor don't bring anything great to the table. The two pieces boost the Sole Survivor's stats and reduce the damage incurred from Super Mutants, which are simple yet great boons that can help players out early on before they progress further into the game.

17 Champion Armor

Sold By Becky Fallon & Lucas Miller

Metal Armor is a perfect mid-game set that players can use to go through the bulk of the game without facing too many problems. Still, using the boring regular variant of metal armor isn't exactly the most stimulating way to go through a title that stretches on for hours on end. After a point, the same boring look for the Sole Survivor can get grating.

Thankfully, there are ways for players to curb this boredom. For starters, players can find unique variants of Metal Armor that come with a set of buffs to make things easier. This set, called the Champion Armor, can buff a player's stats while reducing the damage they incur from robots. Given the prevalence of this enemy type in Fallout 4, it's easy to assume that players will be more than happy to make the most of the Champion Armor if they get their hands on the set.

16 Metal Armor

Usually Dropped As Random Loot By Raiders

The inclusion of Metal Armor on this list might be quite puzzling for some since this armor is commonplace and can be found pretty easily after the player gains a few levels and starts battling tougher human enemies or looting containers in high-level areas. However, this doesn't negate the fact that players who get a piece of this armor for the first time will still be wowed by its high rating.

A full set of Metal Armor early in the game is a great way to bolster the Sole Survivor's defense, even if the set itself may be somewhat unremarkable. Players may replace this set of armor later on, but there's no denying that the effectiveness and common nature of the Metal Armor make it a widespread and safe choice for many.

15 Sturdy Combat Armor

Randomly Found In The Game World

The middle variant of Combat Armor is a pretty serviceable set that players can equip if they've leveled up enough to encounter enemies who wear this armor. The resistances are worthwhile for those who are climbing up the ranks and encounter tougher enemies along the way.

The best part about this set of armor is how easily available it is, meaning that players can easily complete a set in no time. There's nothing overly remarkable about this set, but there aren't many drawbacks to speak of either.

14 Robot Armor

Can Be Looted From Rust Devils

The Automatron DLC is a great add-on that players can enjoy in Fallout 4. This expansion pack adds a ton of new content that players will find exhilarating to explore. The enemies introduced in this DLC are imposing as well. One notable raider gang added via this expansion pack is the Rust Devils.

This gang is obsessed with finding robot parts, going so far as to make an entire armor set from salvaged mechanical parts. What's even more surprising is that this robot armor is extremely effective and does a great job of negating most of the damage that players incur. The entire set's rating is respectable indeed.

13 Operators Armor

Worn By Members Of The Operators

Nuka-World is an excellent add-on that adds more life to the world of Fallout 4. There are three major raider gangs operating in this DLC, with one of them being the Operators. Since this is a DLC area, it's easy to see why the player has an incentive to loot these gang members and get their hands on some powerful armor that can carry them to the very end.

The regular variant of the Operators armor is pretty useful in its own right and a great armor set to rely on when times get tough. Sure, they may not boast any extra benefits that players can rely on, but the inherent boosts in damage resistance more than make up for this minor inconvenience.

12 Pack Armor

Worn By Members Of The Pack

Nuka-World starts one of the more engaging side quests, where players end up ruling over three entire gangs and deciding how they rule the Nuka-World Amusement Park. Following this, players can go so far as to take over the entire Commonwealth if they wish.

This DLC also introduces the Pack Armor, which comes in both light and heavy variants. It's the latter that players should seek out if they want the highest level of protection possible. Still, there's something about the rather goofy-looking light armor that also makes it quite fun to use if players wish to go down that route.

11 Operators Heavy Armor

Worn By Members Of The Operators

It might not be the prettiest set of armor on this side of the wasteland, but it certainly gets the job done when less fashionable sets aren't immediately accessible. Providing an even split of high-grade protection from both ballistic and energy damage sources, players could do much worse.

The Operators set can be picked up in the Nuka-World DLC, either from vendors or Operators that gamers have decided to take out. Two stylistic variants differ only in appearance, and while neither looks particularly fetching, it's nice to have the option.

10 Rescue Diver Suit

Complete The Changing Tides Quest

This fancy suit is a must-have for players who have unlocked the Far Harbor DLC. Not only is it extremely mobile compared to the Power Armor, but it will allow players to explore underwater areas to their heart's content without the need to come up often and refill their breath meter.

It doesn't offer much in terms of Damage and Energy Resistance, but it does provide a hefty 250 Resistance to Radiation. This boost is incredibly helpful for those who are trekking through high-radiation areas and dirty underwater zones.

9 Apocalypse Armor

Each Piece Sold By A Different Merchant

Players who find themselves knee-deep in stressful combat situations will want to consider the Apocalypse Armor. This set only features two separate pieces, a chest plate, and a left greave, but their effects and benefits are so strong that players can increase their combat presence two-fold just by wearing the two pieces alone.

The chest plate comes with the Martyr effect, which will slow down time during combat whenever the player drops to 20 percent health or lower. This is combined with the Bolstering effect of the left greave that helps increase the player's energy and damage resistance the lower their health falls (this can stack up to 35). The Apocalypse armor chest can be grabbed from a Scribe (once assigned to an armor emporium), and the helmet can be snagged from a Vault-Tec Rep who has been given a job as a general trader.

8 Mark 3 Synth Armor

Sold By The Synth Requisition Officer In The Institute

There are some armor sets that players can only get a few pieces of. With enough mixing and matching, players can get their hands on a varied armor set that accounts for every weakness and vulnerability. One such set is the Mark 3 Synth armor.

The energy resistance afforded by this unique armor makes it well worth acquiring. As long as players haven't angered the Institute, they'll be able to purchase this unique armor from the requisition officer here.

7 Devastator's Armor

Sold By KL-E-0 In Goodneighbor

Goodneighbor is a great location in Fallout 4 that players will spend a lot of hours in as they explore the area, complete quests, recruit John Hancock as a companion, and interact with the merchants to see what they have to offer. Funnily enough, the best equipment sold here is by an assaultron named KL-E-0, who sells two pieces of the Devastator's Armor.

The resistances are pretty great in their own right, but what makes this armor set so great are the buffs attached to each piece. The main chest armor reflects a portion of all melee damage back on an unsuspecting foe, while the right leg's perk helps players survive when their health is below 20% by slowing down time, allowing them to unleash a few critical shots or use a stimpak quickly.

6 Mark 4 Synth Armor

Sold By The Scribe After Assigning Him To A Level 3 Armor Stand

It's a shame that players can't obtain a full set of the Mark 4 Synth armor. Given its immense armor metrics, it's easy to see why a full set could easily establish itself as one of the best suits of armor in the game.

Even then, the chest and left leg pieces are well worth the caps and let players fight against the toughest enemies without breaking a sweat. Players need to assign the Scribe to a Level 3 Armor Bench to gain access to these powerful armor pieces.

5 Heavy Combat Armor

Randomly Found, Usually Worn By High-Level Enemies

Combat armor is the definitive "middle of the road" set. Fallout 4 players can rely on it to consistently provide decent protection at almost any point in the game, so long as they swap out the pieces for their higher-tiered variants as they become available.

The pieces are commonly found, and they provide sturdy protection from both ballistic and energy damage. The heavy variant of the torso slot kind of makes the survivor look like a weird bipedal turtle, but there are worse things to look like when it comes to the Fallout universe.

4 Mechanist's Armor

Obtained From The Mechanist In The 'Restoring Order' Quest

Those who want a little more flair with their armor can opt for the charismatic Mechanist's Armor set. This armor will transform the player into a strange 1950s sci-fi-inspired robot. It's akin to an old toy and very reminiscent of the science fiction films of that era.

It offers pretty good protection, too. The armor set and helmet combine to give the player a healthy 85 Damage and Energy Resistance. That makes it the perfect armor to engage in hectic firefights with enemies. It also boosts the player's Intelligence and Charisma by 1. It's not a huge boost by any means, but it is a welcome one. If players want to get their hands on this awesome-looking armor, they will need to complete the "Restoring Order" quest.

3 Synth Armor

Found On Gen 1 & Gen 2 Synths Throughout The Commonwealth

Synth armor, with its sleek, futuristic aesthetic, occupies the same middle ground as combat armor, but it manages to pull out just a bit ahead, offering slightly preferable protection from all sources.

If it wasn't obvious enough from the title and look, the armor can be obtained from synth soldiers. But for those that prefer spending their hard-earned caps over embarking on a robot murdering spree, setting up a fourth-tier armor vendor in one of their settlements or paying a visit to the Institute's synth requisition officer will also suffice. With some immersive mod, the Synth armor will fit right in, too.

2 Disciples Metal Armor

Worn And Sold By The Disciples

Peculiarly, the Disciples' metal armor doesn't share the same weakness to energy weapons that typical metal armor does. It has slightly better energy resistance than the other two raider clan-specific armor sets introduced with the Nuka-World DLC, sacrificing very, very little in terms of ballistic defense in trade.

As it might be imagined, the Disciples Metal Armor is best pulled off of dead disciples, though it can also be purchased from Nuka-World vendors if one would rather avoid stepping on anyone's toes. But really, what fun is that? Players can simply find a few fusion cores and watch this armor get to work.

1 Marine Armor

Found During The 'Best Left Forgotten' Quest

Marine Armor is the absolute cream of the armored crop when it comes to providing protection of all kinds, barring power armor, naturally. Offering superior damage resistance from all sources as well as a bit of radiation resistance on top, this is the set to shoot for if the best is the goal.

This one can be acquired in the Far Harbor DLC, with a full set provided by running through DiMA's "Best Left Forgotten" questline. It can also be purchased bit by bit from vendors in the Nucleus or, for the less scrupulous, taken off the corpses of Children of Atom zealots. When it comes time to apply the best power modifications, this is the suit to put it on.