The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, developed by Bethesda, is a highly influential video game that revolutionized the gaming industry. One of the game’s main strengths lies in its extensive player customization and progression options.
Unlike previous entries in the series, Skyrim allows players to freely customize their character builds without being restricted by a class-based system. This level of freedom offers a wide range of possibilities for players to approach the game.
Light Armor sets are particularly popular among players due to their versatility in accommodating different character builds. In Skyrim, there are numerous exceptional Light Armor sets available, each catering to the player’s preferred style and statistical preferences.
Light armor in Skyrim is not as strong as heavy armor, but it offers the advantage of increased agility while still providing some defense bonuses. This is why many players in Skyrim choose to use light armor sets.
However, finding the perfect set of light armor can be challenging. Some armor sets are more suitable for assassins and thieves, while others are better suited for warriors who want to maintain their mobility and avoid feeling cumbersome.
Here are The 25 Best Light Armor Sets in Skyrim.
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The Best Light Armor Sets in Skyrim
1. Nightingale Armor
The Skyrim Light Armor Sets are a stylish collection of armor that players can acquire during the Thieves Guild questline. As a reward from the Daedric Prince Nocturnal for becoming one of their champions, this set is ideal for players who prefer a nimble and stealthy playstyle.
Not only does it boast an appealing appearance, but it also provides decent protection with its 69 defense points. Some players may find that this set lasts them throughout the entire game, making it a valuable asset. Additionally, it can be a great present for a follower.
2. Ancient Shrouded Armor
The Skyrim Light Armor Sets are an upgraded version of the Shrouded armor set that is obtained after joining the Dark Brotherhood. These sets have improved statistics compared to the basic set.
During the quest ‘Locate the Assassin of Old,’ you can find one of these sets on the body of a deceased Dark Brotherhood member. With a defense stat of 72, this fabric-based light armor provides a high level of protection.
Additionally, the armor can be enchanted to further enhance its usefulness, depending on your character’s build. By acquiring this set, you will stand out among your fellow assassins in the guild, as you will possess the best armor available.
3. Deathbrand Armor
The Deathbrand armor is considered the top light armor set in Skyrim. It can be obtained through the ‘Deathbrand’ quest in the Dragonborn DLC. With a defense stat of 78.5, it offers the highest level of protection compared to other light armor sets.
Additionally, it can be further enhanced through enchantments to increase its effectiveness. If you prefer heavy armor and do not require the Deathbrand set, it is recommended to give it to a trusted follower who uses light armor. This will significantly improve their survivability in battles.
4. Dragonscale Set
The Dragonscale Light Armor is a highly durable set in Skyrim and is considered one of the best in terms of defense. It has an impressive armor rating of 111, but this includes the shield. Players can obtain pieces of this armor as enchanted loot from the most powerful dragon variants in Skyrim, as well as from chests, once they reach Level 50.
However, these drops are rare, so it may be more practical to craft the armor through smithing. Despite the potential grind and the need to use one hand for the shield, this Light Armor set is formidable.
5. Guild Master’s Set
While the Nightingale Armor set may steal the spotlight visually, the Guild Master’s Armor surpasses it in terms of attributes.
This armor, worn by the leader of the Thieves Guild, boasts a robust rating of 76 and offers remarkable enchantments for players who prefer a stealthy approach.
However, there are certain disadvantages associated with acquiring the complete set of armor. In order to obtain it, players must finish the entire Thieves Guild questline and also complete additional quests to restore the Guild to its former glory.
Although this process can be quite time-consuming, it is comparatively simpler to craft when compared to the Nightingale Armor.
6. Nightingale Set
In the game Skyrim, joining the Thieves Guild is highly recommended for players looking to join a side faction and obtain powerful armor sets. One of the most sought-after armor sets in the game is the Nightingale Armor, which is rewarded to players at the end of the Thieves Guild questline.
With a high rating of 69 for Light Armor, this set provides excellent protection. Additionally, it is enchanted with various abilities, making it worth its weight of 18 points. The Nightingale Armor is visually distinct, resembling the attire of a Moon Knight.
7. Glass Set
Even though the name may suggest fragility, Glass Armor is actually one of the most dependable sets of Light Armor in Skyrim. It is also relatively easy to obtain, as you can find pieces of it as dropped loot or through smithing.
Unlike other armor sets like Dragonscale, Glass Armor is quite common to find as loot once the player reaches Level 36. Although the full set is slightly heavier than the Falmer set, it offers full protection with a helmet and has an impressive rating of 100 without a shield and 103 with one.
8. Ancient Falmer Set
The Ancient Falmer set in Skyrim is a lighter version of the Glass armor set. Although it doesn’t have a helmet, it offers the advantage of being lighter. This set is obtained as a reward for completing the “Touching the Sky” quest and has an average full-armor rating of 60.
While it may not be the most durable Light Armor set, it is suitable for players who want to create an agile character. Additionally, acquiring this set is relatively easy as it can be obtained as a loot drop during the quest mentioned above.
9. Stalhrim Light Set
The Stalhrim Light Armor set is one of the new additions in the Dragonborn DLC for Skyrim. It is the second-strongest light armor set in terms of raw rating, with a remarkable 108 rating when equipped with the shield and an impressive 78.5 rating without it.
Although it does not come with any enchantments, its strong defensive capabilities make it a valuable choice for players, especially considering its easy accessibility. The armor can be purchased from various NPCs in Solstheim or obtained as random drops starting at Level 35.
For players seeking armor with enchantments for additional benefits, the Deathbrand set offers an alternative version of Stalhrim Armor.
10. Linwe’s Set
Although Linwe’s Armor set may appear plain, it holds its own in terms of stats for those who do not possess superior gear. This armor set is unique in that it cannot be created through smithing and can only be obtained as a loot drop in Glover Mallory’s basement.
To access this location, players must make significant progress in the Solstheim side questline. Linwe’s Armor set provides a commendable 72 armor rating with a weight of just 13 points, making it ideal for archers and assassins with its beneficial enchantments.
11. Chitin Set
The Chitin Armor set, which can be considered an upgraded version of the Morag Tong set, can be obtained in Solstheim while playing the Dragonborn DLC expansion for Skyrim. These armor pieces are sturdy and offer various methods to obtain the full set.
Players can craft Chitin Armor through the Elven Smithing/Smithing perks, find them as random loot or by defeating Reavers, and also find them in Glover Mallory’s house. Notably, the Chitin Armor has an impressive armor rating of 85 (when using the shield), while its weight value is only 16 points, making it even more desirable.
12. Dawnguard Set
Among the numerous DLC expansions for video games, Skyrim’s Dawnguard and Dragonborn are highly praised. These expansions introduced new armor sets to enhance the gameplay experience.
One notable armor set is the Dawnguard Light Armor, which strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and durability. Players can start the Dawnguard expansion relatively early in the game and the armor set has a full rating of 61.
Additionally, it can be conveniently purchased upon joining the faction that hunts vampires. As a result, this armor set is a reliable choice for the early- to mid-game stages.
13. Morag Tong Armor
The Morag Tong armor found in the Dragonborn DLC is a variation of the Chitin armor commonly used by the Morag Tong assassins. It is a versatile set that can complement various play styles.
While it shares many similarities with the Chitin set in terms of appearance, its defensive stats and weight differ. Although it may not be considered particularly exceptional, it can be a viable choice for players who have defeated the assassins in the Ashfallow Citadel and have yet to acquire a superior armor set in the early stages of the game.
14. Forsworn Armor
The appearance of Forsworn armor in Skyrim is similar to the leather armor found in the base game. It provides the same level of defense and has the same weight, but it has a distinct look. To obtain a set of Forsworn armor, you need to defeat members of the Forsworn faction.
Killing them is not too challenging, allowing you to acquire the armor early on in the game. It’s worth noting that the armor may be more desirable for its appearance rather than its practical benefits.
15. Fur Armor
The Fur Armor in Skyrim is distinct from the hide set because it cannot be created through crafting. Instead, players must acquire it by looting or defeating enemies. It offers slightly better protection than the hide armor and is generally considered more visually appealing.
This set is particularly suitable for players who prefer an aggressive playstyle, though it may not be ideal for thieves.
There are four different versions of the fur set in Skyrim’s light armor category. These variants include options with sleeves and no torso clothing, as well as combinations of both. It’s important to note that the stats of the set remain consistent regardless of its appearance.
However, one drawback of this set is that it does not include a helmet. Therefore, it is advisable to use a regular hide helmet during the early stages of the game.
16. Hide Armor
When exploring Skyrim, you are likely to encounter Hide Armor as one of the initial light armor options. This type of armor is widely available throughout the region, making it easy to come across many individuals wearing it during your travels.
In the beginning stages of the game, hide armor is commonly worn by bandits and thieves for protection. Eliminating these enemies provides a convenient opportunity to acquire this basic armor set. Boasting a total base value of 55 for the entire set, it serves as a reliable choice to begin your adventures. Additionally, the set is lightweight, weighing only 13 points in total.
17. Amber Armor
The game has introduced new armor through the Creation Club, allowing players to craft and wear various light armor sets. One notable set is the Amber Armor, known for its impressive appearance and exceptional defensive capabilities. This set proves invaluable for players as they confront numerous powerful adversaries in the endgame.
Despite the mixed opinions players may have about the Creation Club, it is undeniable that the extensive selection of thoughtfully chosen content enhances the enjoyment of playing Skyrim. While some of the modifications may be primarily aesthetic, the fact that this pack is included for free in the game’s Special Edition is an added bonus.
18. Dark Seducer Armor
Although the name of this armor may not be very appealing, the quests included in the Creation Club mod that showcase this specific armor set are quite good. These quests introduce players to the Dark Seducers, a group of humanoid Daedra who are devoted to the Mad God Sheogorath.
The Dark Seducers are extremely formidable opponents and should only be confronted by experienced players at advanced levels. The armor dropped by these enemies offers exceptional defensive capabilities, making it a valuable choice for players who prefer to wear light armor.
19. Gilded Elven Armor
The set of Elven Armor in Skyrim is visually impressive and it may come as a surprise that it falls under the category of light armor.
This armor is typically worn by Thalmor soldiers and offers exceptional defense, making it one of the top choices for players seeking high-quality light armor sets in the game.
Encountering adversaries donning Skyrim light armor sets becomes increasingly common as players progress to higher levels. Among these sets, the Gilded Elven Armor chest piece stands out for its remarkable effectiveness.
Sporting this armor grants players a formidable and imposing appearance, enabling them to effortlessly handle even the most formidable challenges.
20. Imperial Light Armor
Joining the Imperial Legion in Skyrim has its benefits, including the opportunity to obtain the Imperial Light Armor set. This armor set can be obtained early in the game as the Dragonborn escapes Helgen, or it can be crafted if the player has unlocked the Steel Smithing perk.
When worn as a full set, including a shield, the Imperial Light Armor provides an armor rating of 68. While it may not be the most powerful light armor set in Skyrim, it can still prove to be very valuable in specific situations.
21. Scaled Armor
Scaled armor is a type of light armor that is readily available in the base game of Skyrim. It can be easily found as loot or obtained from the bodies of bandits. However, if you are having trouble finding it, you can also create it yourself if your Smithing skill level is at 50 and you have unlocked the Advanced Armors perk.
To craft scaled armor, you will need ingredients such as Corundum ingot, leather, leather strips, and steel ingot. When wearing a full set of scaled armor, your character will have an armor rating of approximately 64, making it a decent choice for a mid-tier light armor set.
22. Thieves Guild Armor
Players in Skyrim have the opportunity to join various organizations and embark on exciting questlines with unforgettable characters.
The Thieves Guild is one such organization that offers intriguing missions and memorable encounters. By becoming a member of the guild, players not only gain access to a fence for selling stolen goods but also have the chance to acquire a remarkable light armor set.
Gamers have the option to visit Riften and acquire a complete set of light armor from the fence character once they have begun the quest called Loud and Clear.
This particular armor set is relatively easy to obtain within the game and offers fairly respectable defensive capabilities. Additionally, it is particularly suited for players who desire a faster stamina regeneration during combat situations.
23. Armor Of The Old Gods
When playing Skyrim, it’s not just the armor rating that players should focus on. The Armor of the Old Gods is a valuable set of armor that offers various benefits for players, especially in the early stages of the game.
This armor set reduces the cost of destruction spells, enhances sneaking abilities, boosts bow damage, and increases the Dragonborn’s magicka pool by 30 points. With the Armor of the Old Gods, players can experience a more enjoyable and effective gameplay with stealth archery and spell-casting.
24. Skaal Armor
One of the locations introduced in the Dragonborn expansion of Skyrim is Skaal, a village where players adapt to the cold weather by donning unique fur armor. However, acquiring this armor usually requires players to engage in combat and defeat a friendly NPC in order to obtain it from their remains.
The appearance of the armor is definitely one-of-a-kind and players may find it worthwhile to obtain it if they appreciate its aesthetics, regardless of its limited defensive capabilities. For those who prefer not to harm innocent characters in the game, they can opt to explore Fahlbtharz or Highpoint Tower as alternative ways to acquire this armor.
25. Vampire Royal Armor
Skyrim’s Dawnguard expansion is highly regarded as one of the top DLCs for the game. It brings vampires into the game, along with numerous new locations and enemies for players to discover.
Alongside these exciting additions, players can also acquire a variety of new equipment. For fans of light armor, the Vampire Armor set is definitely worth considering.
When it comes to light armor sets in Skyrim, the Royal variant stands out as the top choice. With a full set equipped, this armor provides a solid 45 points of armor.
While it may not have the highest value compared to other light armor sets, its visually appealing design is ideal for players who prioritize aesthetics over defense.
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