That’s why many Skyrim players prefer using sets of light armor. But it’s understandable that getting your hands on the right piece of light armor can be quite difficult. Some sets of armor are better suited to assassins and thieves, while others seem like the perfect fit for warriors who don’t want to feel clunky & hunkered down. Now I realize there’s no “best way” to decide what the best set is. So I’ve compiled my list of light armor sets for you to look through and decide for yourself. Enjoy!
15. Hide Armor
Hide Armor is probably the first type of light armor that you’ll come across. Sets of hide armor can be found all across the region so just roaming around Skyrim will probably see you stumbling onto dozens people wearing it. During the early game, many bandits and thieves use hide armor as their main protective wear. So killing them will be an easy way to get your hands on this basic armor set. With a protective base value of 55 for the whole set, it’s quite a solid option to get started in your adventures as it only weighs 13 points in total.
14. Fur Armor
Fur Armor differs from the hide set as it cannot be crafted, which means that you’ll have to find it by looting or killing. It’s slightly stronger than its hide counterpart and it’s arguably far better looking. It seems to suit players who love an aggressive playstyle, so thieves might want to keep reading this list since I don’t think the fur set will work for them. Now this fur set has four total variants since it can be found with sleeves and no torso clothing, and in a combination of ways with those attributes. Keep in mind, however, that the stats of the set are always the same regardless of its aesthetic characteristics. The only issue with this set is that it doesn’t have a helmet, so I’d recommend using a regular hide helmet during the early game.
13. Forsworn Armor
You’ll notice that Forsworn armor feels like an aesthetic variation of the base-game leather armor. It offers the same defensive points as well as the same weight, but it does look different and it can only be found by killing members of the Forsworn. Slaying these people isn’t particularly difficult so you can get your hands on a set of Forsworn armor quite easily. Even during the early stages of the game. Just note it might be more for appearance’s sake than anything else. Yet the headpiece of this set is what really makes it so darn cool. The helmet is the skull of a dead animal and it should make any Dragonborn look quite fearsome. Which makes it perfect for warriors, or even taking the helmet and combining it with other sets of armor.
12. Morag Tong Armor
The Morag Tong armor is just a variant of the Chitin armor used by the Morag Tong assassins. This can be found in the Dragonborn DLC and fits quite well on almost any play style. The set isn’t particularly special as it resembles the Chitin set in almost every feature bar the defensive stats and weight. However it’s a good option to wear after killing the assassins in the Ashfallow Citadel – especially if you’re unable to find a better set in the early game.
11. Dawnguard Armor
Now Dawnguard armor is one of the best wears for a mid-level warrior who likes to look slick in his outfit. It offers a very solid defensive value of 61 with a weight of just 10 points, making it one of the lightest sets of armor in the game. Not to mention also one of the most protective considering how light it is. By the name you can probably guess where to find this set. It’s worn by members of the Dawnguard in The Elder Scrolls: Dawnguard DLC. The set itself can be looted from guards, but you may also directly purchase it from Gunmar at any time during the game.
10. Blackguard’s Armor
This set is completely unique. It cannot be crafted nor can you obtain it with ease, but it offers a solid level of protection at 72 points defense with a weight of just 13. The armor itself looks exactly like Linwe’s Armor using the same in-game skin. But it can only be found if you happen to go to the basement of Glover Mallory. And you can only do that after progressing far enough in the Solstheim story. This armor’s appearance isn’t quite unique on its own, as it resembles the thieves’ armor worn by members of the Guild. However the features and attributes of the boots, gloves, and hood are better than their lookalikes.
9. Nightingale Armor
The powerful Nigthingale set of armor comes with a bunch of effects as well as a total defense value of almost 70 points, weighing 18 on its own. It’s certainly a bit heavier than others but it also offers some extra features. This set of armor is traditionally worn by the Nightingale themselves who are followers of Nocturnal, the Daedric Prince. You will receive a special set of Nightingale armor during the Thieves’ Guild questline and its powers depend on your level when they receive it. It’s an ideal set for thieves and one of the best overall light armor sets in the game considering the defense to weight ratio.
8. Guild Master’s Armor
If you’re into the Thieves’ Guild then this next choice won’t surprise you much. The Guild Master’s Armor set is worn by the leader of the Thieves’ Guild and works pretty well. It’s sturdy and also generally the best set of armor for thieves in Skyrim, as it increases your carrying capacity up 50 points, makes picking locks 35% easier, it gives a 35% boost for pickpocketing, and it also makes everything you but a whopping 20% cheaper. There’s no other armor set in the game that comes close to being as good as the Guild Master’s Armor for thieves. As you can probably tell from all the features I listed! However you need to complete the Under New Management quest before you can get your hands on this set.
7. Chitin Armor
A set of Chitin armor can be obtained only with the Dragonborn DLC. It can be obtained in the region of Solstheim, or it can be obtained by killing Reavers or by visiting Glover Mallory’s house. So there’s a few places to get it but also not the easiest set to acquire. However, you may also get your hands on this set of armor by getting it as random loot. So it’s worth looking around if you want some mid-level light armor. It offers 85 points of protection with a weight of just 16!
6. Stalhrim Light Armor
The Stalhrim set can be obtained after completing the quest “A New Source of Stalhrim” in the Dragonborn DLC. This also begins showing up at various locations around Solstheim (mainly as random drops) once you hit level 35. It can actually be found in light or heavy form, but its light form protects a total of 78.5 points and it just weighs 13 points on its own. This is a pretty good trade-off to be honest so it’s one of my personal favorite choices.
5. Linwe’s Armor Set
Linwe’s Armor can be obtained during the Summerset Shadows quest and it’s a great item for assassins and thieves. Not only does it protect you from damage but it also increases your stamina as well as your sneaking skill, your one-handed attack damage, and your bow damage. Talk about some serious boosts! For actual stats: this set comes with a defense boost of 69 points and weighs only 12 points.
4. Ancient Falmer Armor
The legendary Ancient Falmer Armor can be obtained by slaying the Arch-Curate Vythur during the quest “Touching the Sky”. It shares the same characteristics as the game’s glass armor set, but it only weighs 13 points. The base defense damage of this set stands at 60 points so it’s also not the strongest to protect against. But given its rarity, design, and fit for a variety of classes, I think this armor deserves a spot in this list.
3. Dragonscale Armor
Dragonscale Armor is the light version of the Dragonplate armor. Similar to its heavy counterpart, this set can be obtained only after you reach level 50. You’ll start finding parts of the set as random loot once you hit level 50, but again this will take a little while so you’ll have to be patient. It defends for a grand total of 111 points with a shield, and 82 points without one. It only weighs 10 points so it’s also a really lightweight option. But seriously, you’ll want to get that shield. The Dragonscale armor set makes its way to this spot because it’s far easier to craft than glass, and it’s one of the best sets of light armor in the entire game.
2. Ancient Shrouded Armor
The Ancient Shrouded Armor gives you a base defensive value of 72 points and it only weighs an incredible 7.5 points. This might actually be the single lightest piece of armor in all of Skyrim! It looks exactly like the regular shrouded armor set but it has a ton of effects directly enchanted on it. Have a look at the attributes for each piece if you want to see what they offer(hint: great for archers!) But since these pieces come with attributes you’ll need an Arcane Blacksmith if you wish to upgrade the set. It’s an incredible armor set for assassins and ranged attackers, as it increases your resistance to poison, increases the damage of your sneak and bow attacks, and it helps you move more silently throughout the night.
1. Deathbrand Armor
Deathbrand Armor has a total value of almost 12,000 septims, making it the single most expensive set of light armor in the game. This is both good and bad for a few reasons. You’ll need to complete the Deathbrand quest if you wish to obtain this legendary set of armor, which was worn by a pirate in the days of old. It gives you a ton of boosts to stamina, carrying capacity, and damage, and it also allows you to breathe underwater. Need I say more? Well yes actually, it also has some pretty nice stats too. This light armor set defends for 78.5 points and only weighs a total of 13. If you can get your hands on this then definitely do it. You’ll be thrilled to complete the set.
