Elden Ring: Best Medium Armor Sets for Balanced Defense and Mobility
Armor in Elden Ring plays a crucial role in determining a player's survivability, mobility, and overall aesthetic. Among the many armor categories, medium armor stands out as the perfect balance between protection and agility. Unlike heavy armor, which slows movement, or light armor, which offers minimal protection, medium armor provides solid damage negation without overburdening your equip load.
In this guide, we'll cover some of the best medium armor sets in Elden Ring, analyzing their damage negation, resistances, and any special passive effects. Whether you're an agile warrior or a spell-wielding battlemage, these sets will enhance your combat effectiveness while keeping you mobile. Additionally, players can use Elden Ring Runes to upgrade their character and improve stats that complement these armor sets.
8. Chain Set – A Strong Starter Option
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 23.6
Magic: 14.5
Poise: 37
Robustness: 100
The Chain Set may not be the most visually appealing armor in Elden Ring, but it's one of the best early-game medium armor sets. Its solid physical and elemental resistance makes it a reliable choice for new players. This armor set is easily accessible, as it can be purchased from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold for around 4,500 Elden Ring Runes.
While players will likely replace it later in the game, the Chain Set is a great option for those looking for reliable protection without exceeding their equip load.
7. Fingerprint Set – A Sturdy Late-Game Choice
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 26.5
Magic: 19.1
Poise: 51
Robustness: 143
The Fingerprint Set is a late-game medium armor option with excellent physical resistance and poise. It's the signature armor of Roundtable Knight Vyke, featuring eerie, fingerprint-like imprints all over the armor.
While slightly heavier than other medium armor sets, its high robustness and elemental defense make it a fantastic choice for tanking hits in endgame encounters. This set is perfect for players who want durability without fully committing to heavy armor.
6. Hoslow's Set – The Stylish Duelist's Armor
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 27.6
Magic: 21.9
Poise: 48
Robustness: 144
The Hoslow's Set is a stylish and highly defensive armor set worn by Juno Hoslow and Diallos Hoslow. Featuring great resistances across the board, this set excels in both physical and elemental damage negation while maintaining a medium equip load.
To obtain this set, players must defeat Juno Hoslow during the Volcano Manor questline. Alternatively, completing Diallos' questline rewards a variation of the set with a different helmet.
For players who want both fashion and function, Hoslow's Set is a fantastic choice.
5. Carian Knight Set – The Sorcerer's Battle Armor
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 23.5
Magic: 24.5
Poise: 40
Robustness: 100
The Carian Knight Set is an excellent choice for magic-wielders who also want decent defense. Worn by Carian Knight Moongrum, this set is found in Raya Lucaria Academy, near Rennala's elevator.
It provides high magic resistance, making it a great option for battlemages or sorcerers looking to minimize magic damage. Despite its solid defense, it remains light enough for fast mobility, making it a top-tier choice for hybrid builds.
4. Ronin's Set – The Warrior's Journey
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 21.5
Magic: 23.4
Poise: 37
Robustness: 125
The Ronin's Set is one of the most visually striking armor sets in Elden Ring, featuring a samurai-inspired design with a large, distinct helmet. This set is lightweight yet provides excellent elemental resistance, making it great for players who favor dexterity-based builds.
It is obtained from Bloody Finger Hunter Yura's questline and is a fantastic medium armor set for those who want a balance of protection and agility.
3. Raging Wolf Set – The Iconic Warrior Armor
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 25.9
Magic: 19.8
Poise: 42
Robustness: 131
The Raging Wolf Set is one of the most recognizable armor sets in Elden Ring, as it was heavily featured in promotional material for the game. Offering strong physical resistance and solid poise, it allows players to absorb hits while staying mobile.
To obtain this set, players must progress through the Volcano Manor questline, where it is given as a reward. Its well-rounded resistances make it one of the best medium armor sets in the game.
2. Royal Remains Set – Regenerating Armor for Survivability
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 23.6
Magic: 19.1
Poise: 44
Robustness: 135
The Royal Remains Set is one of the rare Elden Ring Items that provides a passive effect. When worn, it gradually restores HP when the player falls below 20% health, making it incredibly useful in tough battles.
This set is dropped by Ensha of the Royal Remains at Roundtable Hold, making it fairly easy to acquire. While its defensive stats aren't as high as some other medium armor sets, the HP regeneration ability makes it one of the most unique and valuable armor sets in the game.
1. Black Knife Set – The Ultimate Stealth Armor
Damage Negation & Resistances:
Physical: 22.5
Magic: 17.5
Poise: 40
Robustness: 108
The Black Knife Set is not only one of the best medium armor sets, but it also offers a game-changing passive ability—silent movement. When equipped, the Black Knife Armor prevents your footsteps from making noise, allowing for more effective stealth gameplay.
This set can be found in Ordina, Liturgical Town, hidden within the Consecrated Snowfield.
For players who prefer a stealthy playstyle, this set is unmatched, as it allows for silent backstabs and easier enemy avoidance. Combined with other Elden Ring Items like the Crepus' Vial talisman, it makes for an excellent assassin build.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best medium armor in Elden Ring depends on your playstyle and stat distribution. Some sets focus on defense and poise, while others offer unique passive effects. Regardless of your choice, investing Elden Ring Runes into your build and acquiring Elden Ring Items that complement your armor will maximize your effectiveness in battle.
With the right armor set, you can achieve the perfect balance between defense, agility, and style, ensuring that you survive and thrive in the Lands Between.