With the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, Elden Ring has introduced a wealth of new content—new bosses, regions, weapons, and, of course, armor sets. The DLC expands the game’s already diverse wardrobe, offering gear that not only looks incredible but can also impact your survivability and build potential in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a spell-slinging sorcerer or a hulking melee bruiser, here’s a breakdown of the best armor sets in the DLC and how they stack up.
S-Tier: Top-Tier Utility and Style
Messmer’s Knight Set
Worn by the Red King himself, this set offers excellent fire resistance and high poise, making it ideal for aggressive melee builds. It’s relatively heavy, but the defensive payoff is well worth the investment. Perfect for strength-based characters who don’t mind a slower roll if it means taking less damage.
Death Knight Set
This dark and intimidating armor provides great resistances across the board and synergizes well with builds that rely on death-based incantations. It’s not just about aesthetics—it holds up in combat and feels like a true reward for players who’ve braved the DLC’s tougher zones.
A-Tier: Strong Choices With Niche Strengths
Verdigris Armor Set
New to Shadow of the Erdtree, the Verdigris Set is surprisingly balanced for its medium weight class. It offers good elemental resistances and looks great without being overly bulky. Great for dexterity-faith hybrids who need a bit of everything without sacrificing mobility.
Fanged Dragon Set
This lightning-themed set provides strong protection against magic and lightning damage. It’s a solid choice for PvP and certain boss encounters in the DLC. While it doesn’t have the highest poise, the resistances and unique look make it a favorite among veteran players.
For those farming materials or upgrading gear, this is also a good time to buy elden ring runes to quickly boost your endurance or equip load, especially if you’re experimenting with new armor combinations.
B-Tier: Situational but Stylish
Gravebird Set
Light and agile, the Gravebird Set is ideal for bleed builds and players who want to dodge rather than block. It lacks heavy defenses but makes up for it with agility. It’s not suited for every encounter, but with the right weapon and talismans, it can be very effective.
Faded Erdtree Set
More of a lore-heavy cosmetic piece, this set doesn’t shine in raw stats but can be paired with talismans and cheap Elden Ring items to build a thematic character around the Erdtree’s decline. Not the best for late-game bosses, but great for immersion and exploration.
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC has delivered some of the most thoughtfully designed armor sets in the game so far. From fashion souls to hardcore min-maxers, there’s something here for everyone. The best sets combine style, defense, and synergy with specific builds—making the process of finding and upgrading gear as rewarding as ever.
As always, the key is to experiment. Mix and match sets, test different talismans, and adjust your load to fit the situation. Whether you’re diving into endgame bosses or just farming new areas, the right armor can elevate your experience in the Lands of Shadow.
