When battling enemies of varying sizes and danger levels, it's always recommended to have on the best gear possible. Whether you're looking for aesthetics or the best defense possible, the best armors in gaming are usually a combination of both.
From fantasy juggernauts such as Skyrim to sci-fi giants like Mass Effect, there are plenty of iconic armors in video games that'll make you look both debonair and invincible simultaneously.
Updated on April 16, 2023, by Gabrielle Huston: We've updated this list with some new armor selections that stand out thanks to their stats, looks, or both!
13 The Witcher 3: Toussaint Armor
Decked out in a suit of golden armor straight out of a fairytale, it seems fitting then that you'd only be able to get this armor from The Witcher 3's 'The Land of a Thousand Fables' quest.
Definitely one of the best and most iconic armor sets in the game, this fancy armor offers more vitality and a buck load of defense against many attacks, from slashing to bludgeoning. Not only do you look the part of a dashing, chivalrous knight, but you're more than ready to take down a dragon and save damsels in distress.
12 Breath of the Wild: Desert Voe Set
There are a ton of stylish armor sets to choose from in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. However, the Desert Voe set is undoubtedly one of the most unique and attractive in the entire game (and no, we don't just say that because Link is mostly topless).
This gear is actually an interesting armor from a lore perspective, since the culture that made this armor doesn't usually have any men around. To have male armor implies male society members, whether from another race or otherwise. In Breath of the Wild, men aren't being allowed into the city where this is purchased, but maybe they were once?
11 Ghost Of Tsushima: Ghost Armor
Even before Ghost of Tsushima launched, Jin Sakai has been seen all geared up with his Ghost Armor as he deals with Mongols in the game's trailer.
The Ghost Armor set offers a variety of perks and is especially perfect for those looking to play as a stealthy ninja. Aside from being better able to blend into the shadows, the Ghost Armor grants you the ability to send your enemy into a panic. You can enter the Ghost Stance more often and embody 'The Ghost' the Mongols so fear.
10 God Of War: Ivaldi's Armor Set Of Deadly Mist
Ivaldi's Armor Set of Deadly Mist proves to be one of the best when it comes to armor sets in 2018's God of War. Of course, the journey to getting the best gear is a challenging and dangerous one, as Kratos and Atreus must venture into Niflheim, a realm choked with a toxic mist.
Once you get the armor though, you'll not be disappointed. One of the best perks of this armor is the regeneration aspect, as it's handy in saving Kratos from the brink of death.
9 Horizon Zero Dawn: Shield-Weaver Armor
When you want the best of the best, you have to eke out a bit more effort to get it. Horizon Zero Dawn's Shield-Weaver Armor puts you to work finding all five Power Cells in order to obtain the armor - but it's well worth the effort.
The glowing blue lights aren't just to make it look pretty, it actually serves as one of the main factors why this armor is so powerful. They generate a force field that protects Aloy from an oncoming barrage of attacks, thus maximizing her defensive and offensive capabilities.
8 Dark Souls: Smough's Set
Once worn by a notoriously difficult boss in the first Dark Souls game, the armor of Anor Londo's Executioner Smough is up for grabs in Dark Souls 3.
Sold at 10,000 souls by the Shrine Handmaiden, it's not too frightfully expensive compared to other armor sets on sale. Unsurprisingly, this is the record heaviest armor in the game, but it offers the highest defensive capabilities. From high fire to bleed resistance, it's good armor to have if you're playing as a tank.
7 Bloodborne: Cairnhurst Set
Once worn by the royal guards patrolling Cainhurst Castle, Bloodborne's Cairnhurst Set can be bought from the Messengers for 113,000 blood echoes after obtaining the Cairnhurst Badge.
Regarded as one of the best armors for PVP gameplay, the Cairnhurst Set offers elevated physical defense, as well as defense against blood attacks. Look both intimidating and kick-ass as you garb yourself head-to-toe in polished steel.
6 Skyrim: Daedric Armor Set
Skyrim's Daedric Armor Set not only makes you look absolutely wicked, but it offers quite the level of protection as well. You probably see a dremora wearing a full set, but sadly you can't loot it from their corpses.
Crafting your own set takes some dedication, as it requires many materials, from Daedra Hearts to a dynamo core. Whether you decide to craft it or loot it from a dungeon, you can probably poke an eye out with your spiky shoulder guards as you battle multiple enemies.
5 Monster Hunter World: Drachen Alpha Armor
In order to start crafting the Drachen Alpha Armor, Monster Hunter World requires you to hunt down Behemoths. Once that's done, however, you're well underway to having probably the best armor in the game.
From a higher chance of doing critical damage and great attack boosts to executing airborne attacks, the Drachen Alpha Armor is a well-rounded set that covers all the bases.
4 Dragon Age 2: Mantle of the Champion
In the promotional footage of Dragon Age 2 - and the introductory segment where Varric exaggerates his story - you can see the player wearing epic armor. It's implied that this is their iconic armor, the gear that everyone pictures when they think of the Champion of Kirkwall - and can you blame them?
This gorgeous gear is acquired in the game's third act and, in terms of stats, beats basically all other armor by miles. It's also unique to the Champion's class - Mage, Warrior, or Rogue - so the look doesn't necessarily get repetitive on your second or third playthrough.
3 Assassin's Creed Odyssey: First Civilization Set
Assassin's Creed: Odyssey's Atlantis DLC is probably the best DLC ever launched for the series, as well as pumping out amazing armor sets.
Their First Civilization Set combines the archaic with sci-fi, making it look straight out of a Tron film. It's lined with gold and granting an all-around boost on Assassin and critical damage. Say what you want about the Isu, but they knew how to fight in style.
2 Halo: MJOLNIR Armor
There are few armor sets as iconic as the Master Chief's MJOLNIR armor from Halo. His look has changed a little over the years - the first game came out in 2001, so you can hardly blame 'em - but there's never any doubt when you see that army green and orange visor that you're looking at a gaming legend.
The armor itself is intense, to say the least; when wearing it, Chief weighs around 1000 lbs. Only Spartans - genetically modified humans like the chief - can safely wear it, because their skeletons are augmented and metals are grafted onto their bones to make them unbreakable. The suit is equipped with an advanced heads-up display, gel that regulates temperature, a neural interface that improves the speed with which directions can be sent from the brain to the body, and much, much more.
1 Mass Effect 3: Terminus Armor
Mass Effect 3 not only blesses you with a heart-pumping intergalactic odyssey, but a whole slew of new futuristic armor sets as well.
Their Terminus Armor Set, in particular, deserves a mention for those looking to play as a charging tank, and look great while they're at it. With boosts to melee damage and shield capabilities, the armor also increases how much ammo you can carry, making it easier for both short and long-range attacks.