Highlights

  • Geralt of Rivia needs durable armor sets to effectively hunt monsters and protect himself from various types of damage.
  • Some armor sets, such as the Toussaint and Ofieri sets, provide both defense and additional bonuses like increased vitality or sign intensity.
  • Players can acquire different armor sets through DLC, crafting, or purchasing, and each set offers unique benefits and playstyle options for Geralt.

Hunting monsters is tough, even for someone like Geralt of Rivia. Many of the magical creatures that roam the world can't be reasoned or bargained with. They'd much rather raze defenseless villages and tear the common folk apart - limb from limb. For the White Wolf to stand any chance against these beasts, he has to come prepared.

Related
The 13 Best Armor Sets In Gaming
Gear up and take down enemies with these iconic armor sets - after all, you want to look good while defeating your foes.

Thankfully, there are plenty of armor sets in The Witcher 3 that make him very durable. Of course, some of them are very stylish, too, but in the dangerous life of a monster slayer, being effective is more important than looking good. The accessibility and viability of Geralt's gear are also important. With those things in mind, here are the best sets.

Updated October 31, 2023 by Quinton O'Connor: We've gone ahead and replaced several pics with higher-quality imagery, all so you can feast your eyes upon some rather gorgeous armor. And the not-so-gorgeous, too.

20 Toussaint Armor

The Witcher 3 Screenshot Of Geralt Asking About Curse

You may see this armor set as a beautiful work of art or an eyesore. Regardless of your feelings about its looks, arguing against its effectiveness is hard. The Relic version, in particular, is resistant to all sorts of damage, including piercing, slashing, and bludgeoning.

Plus, it gives the wearer a significant boost in Vitality. Yet, you need the Blood and Wine DLC to acquire the heavy suit, and it is easily missed during the Land of a Thousand Fables quest.

19 Ofieri Armor

Witcher 3 Screenshot Of Geralt In Ofieri Armor

The fancy Ofieri armor is part of the Hearts Of Stone expansion. It doesn't look like the most defensive set of clothing, but it provides a decent amount of bludgeoning and slashing resistance. And that's just a secondary bonus, as the main advantage of this set is how it increases your Sign intensity.

While each piece focuses on a particular Sign, they all receive some sort of boost. Unfortunately, you will need to craft all the armor yourself, and finding the diagrams takes some commitment. The result is worth the effort, though.

18 Temerian Armor

Witcher 3 Screenshot Of Geralt Wearing Temerian Armor

The Temerian armor is another set that's part of DLC, but at least this one is free. It's designed to protect the wearer, making them more resistant to several different things. For example, piercing, bludgeoning, slashing, monster, and elemental attacks all do less damage against someone donning this armor.

While the set won't help you much toward the end of the game, it's worth picking up early. And you can do so by purchasing it from Bram in White Orchard.

17 Nilfgaardian Armor

Geralt and roach wearing a Nilfgaardian armor set

Comparisons between Netflix's show and CD Projekt Red's game are inevitable - if somewhat off base. The Witcher 3 is such an open-ended game that no two players will have the same experience. That being said, many would argue that The Witcher 3 did a better job with Nilfgaardian armor.

This free DLC armor set allows you to step into the shoes of the Black Ones. Should you wear this set, you'll receive a respectable boost to all forms of damage resistance. However, this set lacks any offensive boosts, so it's more useful for players who either have trouble dodging attacks or want to roleplay as a Nilfgaardian loyalist.

16 Skellige Armor (AKA Undvik Armor)

Geralt and roach wearing the Skellige Armor set

The Skellige armor - or Undvik armor as it's known in-game - is another piece of free DLC, compliments of CD Projekt Red. If the Skellige archipelago enchanted you with its beautiful islands, terrifying monsters, and fascinating culture, you could show your love for this land with this armor set.

Much like the Nilfgaardian set, the Skellige set mostly boosts Geralt's defensive capabilities. Aside from roleplaying, this set will help inexperienced Witchers get the hang of combat during their lower levels. If anything, players should think of the Skellige set and the Nilfgardian set as training suits; they'll help you get your bearings straight early on, but you'll eventually trade them in for more versatile armor sets.

15 Kaer Morhen Armor

The Kaer Morhen armor set from Witcher 3

Kaer Morhen is the stomping ground for most of the Witchers in the game. Built by the School of the Wolf, many great and famous warriors call this ancient castle home. Geralt of Rivia falls among that number - after, he's called the White Wolf for a reason. As proof of his affiliation, he sports this dazzling piece of armor.

Geralt wears Kaer Morhen's chest armor right from the start of the game. This medium leather chest piece offers decent protection from most forms of damage. It also looks great and is part of Geralt's signature costume. The Kaer Morhen armor will get outclassed very quickly unless you upgrade it over time.

14 Viper Armor

Geralt wearing Viper Armor and Ciri in the background

The Viper Set has several things going for it; it looks very similar to Geralt's iconic Kaer Morhen armor, boosts the White Wolf's defenses immensely, and it comes with two swords that wreak havoc during the Witcher 3's late-game! To get your hands on the Viper Set, you'll need to progress through the Hearts of Stone expansion pack - the first of The Witcher 3's major DLCs.

Related
The 20 Most Powerful Monsters In The Witcher 3, Ranked
The Witcher 3 features some pretty terrifying monsters. These are the most powerful ones in the game.

You'll also have to craft most of the pieces of gear in this set - save for the Viper Venomous Silver Sword. Without spoiling Hearts of Stone, to get it, you'll need to help out Olgeird von Everec.

13 Assassin's Armor Set

Witcher 3 Screenshot Of Geralt's Assassin's Gauntlets

For some reason, the Assassin armor set only has three parts, as there is no chest piece to go with the gauntlets, pants, and boots. However, the Critical Hit Chance bonus that the gauntlets grant is very welcome.

The defense bonuses the rest of the set granted aren't too bad, either. These gauntlets are must-haves if you want to make a build specializing in Combat Skills. You can either find them lying around, or you can craft them fairly easily.

12 The White Tiger Of The West Armor

Geralt wearing White Tiger of the West Armor Set in the witcher 3

The White Tiger of the West Armor set in The Witcher 3 is a legendary armor set with an eye-catching design and formidable defensive capabilities. With its striking white tiger motif, this armor set will make you and Geralt stand out on the battlefield.

Offering superior protection and enhanced stats, the White Tiger of the West Armor set is a top-tier choice if you want to combine style and functionality in your armor. Once the next-gen update was implemented, it's been sitting in Yennefer's Room in Vizima. It's in a chest under a window, so don't just zoom past it if you want to look good on the battlefield.

11 Dol Blathanna Armor

geralt wearing the dol blathanna armor in the witcher 3

The Dol Blathanna Armor set is a visually stunning, highly effective armor set in combat. Known for its intricate elven design and craftsmanship, this armor set provides exceptional protection and combat bonuses.

If you're a fan of elven aesthetics and want to boost Geralt's combat prowess, the Dol Blathanna Armor set is a top contender. Like The White Tiger of the West Armor Set, you'll find it in Vizima right under your nose.

10 Griffin School Armor Set

The Griffin armor set from Witcher 3

The Griffin armor set is the tried and true garb of scholars and mages. Not only does this medium set grant superb elemental resistance, but it also significantly boosts Sign intensity!

Unfortunately, pure Sign builds aren't as effective as any of the other options players have at their disposal. You'll likely have to mix in pieces of other armor sets to create a viable build in the harder difficulty modes. Still, the Griffin armor is necessary if you want to use Signs more frequently.

9 Toussaint Knight's Tourney Armor (Crafted)

Touissaint Knight Tourney Armor style in blood and wine the witcher 3

As a Witcher, Geralt favors armor that keeps him agile and energized. Typically, the White Wolf avoids wearing cumbersome armor that might only slow him down on the job. Every once in a while, however, Geralt will don a sturdy suit of plate mail armor when he needs to slug it out with a particularly tough foe.

The Toussaint Knight Tourney armor boasts high defensive stats at the cost of speed and stamina. As a bonus, this set is one of the coolest-looking suits of armor in-game. You can also settle for one of this set's variants if you aren't able to search far and wide for this specific version.

8 Tesham Mutna Armor

Tesham Mutna Armor in the inventory page in the witcher 3

The Tesham Mutna Armor Set, on the other hand, comes from The Witcher 3's second major DLC - Blood and Wine. As the name suggests, Blood and Wine centers around vampires and aristocrats. The Tesham Mutna Armor set epitomizes these two ideas; it's a fancy, schmancy suit of knight armor that drains the life out of Geralt's enemies.

Related
The Witcher 3: How To Unlock Every Ending In Blood & Wine
If you're diving into the Witcher 3's DLC, Blood and Wine comes highly recommended. Here are the story's multiple endings and how to see them.

It's not the game's best suit of heavy armor but one of the coolest. Moreover, this set's pretty hard to get - you'll need to complete the La Cage au Fou mission, then scour every inch of a secret vampire lair you'll encounter.

7 Hen Gaidth Armor Set

Hen Gaidth Armor inventory page in the witcher 3

If you own the Blood and Wine expansion for The Witcher 3, you can gain access to the Hen Gaidth set. Though this armor is bulky and heavy, it possesses stupendous defensive capabilities. Altogether, the Hen Gaidth set increases damage reduction up beyond 40 percent!

You have to actively search for this set, as you can permanently miss it in the middle of a playthrough. Just keep your eyes peeled for the 'What Lies Unseen' quest. This is the middle of a vampire video game renaissance! Celebrate the occasion with this Crimson Red suit of plate mail armor.

6 Manticore School Armor Set

Geralt wearing Manticore Armor from various sides

Fans of The Witcher 2 will notice that this set heavily resembles Geralt's main outfit from that game. Aside from acting as a throwback to the White Wolf's second outing, this set is functional and effective.

Unlike most of the other armor sets in this list, the Manticore armor doesn't excel in one area. However, it offers a balanced mix of stats and bonus effects that'll carry you through most of the game. If you can get your hands on the Manticore armor, you'll likely wear it until you can create a more specialized set (if you choose to).

5 Wolf School Armor Set

Wolf School Armor upgrades in the witcher 3

Resembling the armor that Eskel wears throughout The Witcher 3, the Wolven armor is favored by the Witchers of Kaer Morhen. Players that are looking to make an Adrenaline build will want to nab this set ASAP!

More accurately, players will need to get each of the diagrams for the armor pieces in this set. It's going to take a lot of work and coin to complete this set, but it's well worth the effort. Best of all, you can craft the Legendary variants of this armor once you reach New Game Plus!

4 Ursine School Armor Set

Geralt wearing Ursine Armor and stats

Every time you upgrade the Ursine set, Geralt's suit becomes more rugged and hardened. The Ursine armor will make Geralt look like an armored juggernaut in its final phases!

Related
The Witcher 3: How To Upgrade Armor, And The Best Set For Your Playstyle
The best gear in The Witcher 3 is going to depend on the player's personal preference for skill builds. However, upgrading armor is always important.

As you can probably tell from looking at it, the Ursine armor is a heavy suit with great defensive power. However, this set is also great for Grenade and Potion builds. With the right combination of skills, Geralt can chug elixirs and lob bombs like the Green Goblin! Once completed, this set also boosts Quen's intensity by 200 percent!

3 Feline School Gear Set

Geralt wearing Feline Armor and stats

This set is a cat lover's dream come true. Not only does the Feline armor look stylish as heck, but it also greatly augments Geralt's Combat Skills! If you're looking to make a build centered around Critical Chance and Critical Damage, you'll need this suit.

The Feline armor turns Geralt of Rivia into a whirlwind of silver and steel. Many experienced Witcher 3 players consider it a must for Death March difficulty - at least early on in a playthrough. According to the lore, melee combat is Geralt's specialty, so it's no wonder he makes such great use of the Feline armor. Best of all, you don't need any DLC to start building it!

2 Grandmaster Legendary Forgotten Wolven Gear

geralt wearing Grandmaster Legendary Forgotten Wolven Gear in the witcher 3

The Grandmaster Legendary Forgotten Wolven Gear is an outstanding armor set that caters to those of you that desire a balanced and formidable playstyle. This legendary set boasts remarkable stats, empowering Geralt to excel in combat and exploration.

Additionally, the sleek design of the Grandmaster Legendary Forgotten Wolven Gear epitomizes Geralt as a seasoned Witcher, exuding a sense of mastery and expertise. To obtain this extraordinary armor set, you'll need to locate the diagrams in Toussaint as part of the 'Master Master Master Master!' Side quest.

1 Grandmaster Wolven Armor

Geralt wearing Grandmaster Wolf Armor while talking to an NPC

If you're a die-hard fan of The Witcher 3 who still hasn't played the Blood and Wine expansion, consider buying it for the Grandmaster armor sets alone - alongside its compelling story and the fascinating new locations you'll visit, of course. The Grandmaster sets are improved versions of the various Witcher School armors - the Griffin, Ursine, Feline, Wolven, and Manticore set, to be specific.

While all of these armor sets are fantastic in their own right, the Grandmaster Wolven set stands out in our eyes; it's an absolute necessity for anyone who wants to run a Combat and Sign Hybrid build. If you allocate your points correctly, the Grandmaster Wolven set will be the cornerstone of one of the most effective, versatile, and fun builds in the game.

NEXT: The Witcher 3: All Of Geralt's Hairstyles, Ranked