The highly acclaimed open-world adventure Valheim has been around for only a small while but has gained a huge following and a large fanbase. The game is still in its early stages, however, and more content is to be expected over time. So, there's no time like the present to prepare for these new frontiers with the best armor that players possibly can.
Updated on March 13, 2023: As Valheim continues to be updated, the number and strength of the game's armor sets continue to change. In response, this guide has been updated to include armor that has been added with the Mistlands biome update. This Valheim armor tier list will show which ones to avoid and the ones to stick with.
Within the game, all armor is craftable by players. Some require simple ingredients, others not so much. There are a few different pieces, too, such as helmets, capes, and body armor. Generally, as a rule, the harder to craft and collect materials, the better the armor is. Recipes found in more dangerous biomes and as drops from advanced combat provide the best kinds. Without further ado, let's take a look at the best armor in Valheim.
D-Tier
Capes
Chances are, the first armor material players will find in Valheim is deer hide. This can be made into a cape. Unfortunately, capes don't provide much in terms of protection. They're mostly aesthetic - which is fine for this kind of game - but some can have benefits.
Some capes can provide buffs, and advantages, not protection, which can be very beneficial when traversing other climates than the Meadows biome. The Troll Hide cape will provide a set bonus when worn with the other armor pieces: +15 to players' Sneak stat. While not protective, this is a very helpful addition. Similarly, the Wolf fur cape, Lox cape, and Feather cape are frost resistant. That Feather cape also has Feather fall, the status effect that completely eliminates fall damage.
C-Tier
Rag Set
The 'beginner' armor set - if it can even be called armor. Only consisting of a tunic and pants, this is what players originally spawn with. This set barely provides any protection, really, but it's nice to have some clothing.
Leather Set
Next up is the Leather Set of armor. This has a helmet, tunic, and pants. These can be upgraded at the workbench a little bit to provide more protection, but are still quite basic. The pieces also weigh a bit more. To make these, players will need Deer Hide and Bone Fragments for each piece.
B-Tier
Troll Leather Set
The stand-out blue set is the Troll Leather piece. Made from Troll Hide and some Bone Fragments, this is the first substantial set that will make a difference in the game. As well as the clothing pieces, there is a hood and a cape to match. As mentioned, wearing all of these will add to the sneak skill of players.
Bronze Plate Set
The first metal set is the Bronze armor. This is made from Bronze plates created with iron and tin at a Forge. Early on, this can be a bit of work but is definitely worth it because of the protection that the set provides. The workbench can upgrade these, too, which adds even more. Note, though, that due to the metal materials, this armor set will slow the players' movement speed by 5%.
A-Tier
Root Set
Here's the most interesting-looking set: the Root Set. Made up of a mask, a harnesk, and leggings, this set has some cool benefits. How to make the Root Set can be a little confusing, but all it needs is Roots, Ancient Bark, and Deer Hide.
The Root set adds a bonus to players - the harnesk is resistant to piercing damage, and all the pieces add a set bonus of +15 to the Bow skill. However, the set is weak toward fire damage.
Iron Set
As an evolution of the Bronze, the set is the Iron Set. Consisting of a helmet, scale mail, and greaves, the Iron set is heavier and reduces movement speed by 5% as well. But it is a very good choice of armor. The difficulty comes from finding Iron, which is only found in the Swamp biome.
S-Tier
Fenris Armor Set
The lightest armor in this tier, the Fenris Set, was brought in to aid players looking to improve their movement. Instead of subtracting from a player's movement speed, combining the Fenris hood, coat, and leggings add 9 percent to this stat. It also features a bonus plus 15 to Fists and a resistance to Fire and Frost.
Wolf Set
Greater still is the Wolf armor set. This has a cape, too - which is the best-looking item in the game due to the cute wolf head draped over players' shoulders. The Wolf armor chest and legs go along with the Drake helmet to provide utmost protection. The chest piece is frost-resistant, as is the cape, but the set does dampen movement by 5% again. Despite being in the Wolf set, the Drake helmet requires Drake trophies to craft, not just Wolf pelts.
Padded Set
Though it does not provide any resistance or extra buffs, the Padded armor set is one of the strongest available in the game and will allow players to easily traverse almost all biomes without fear of being picked off by a Deathsquito. The set is lighter than both Wolf and Iron sets but has the same -5% movement speed.
SS-Tier
Eitr-Weave Armor Set
Those players looking to take advantage of Valheim's magic system will want to craft the Eitr-Weave armor set. While this set doesn't boast the highest armor stat, the full complement improves Eitr regen by 100 percent and only in exchange for a minus 4 percent to movement speed.
Carapace Armor Set
As of the Mistlands update, the Carapace Armor set is the most powerful set available to players. The full complement of level 1 items (helmet, breastplate, and greaves) combine for a staggering 96 armor but reduce movement speed by 10 percent. It will make the challenges of the Mistlands much more manageable and all other biomes easier.
Valheim is available now for PC. It will be released on March 14 for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.