Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is a major DLC for the game Elden Ring, released in 2024, two years after the original game’s premiere. It is an RPG representing the soulslike subgenre, initiated by the same creator – FromSoftware.
The basic version of the game has already received significant acclaim from players and critics, along with high ratings. This title is quite a challenging game that combines elements typical of RPGs and action games. Additionally, its excellently created, dark, and mysterious world is entirely engrossing.
Just starting your adventure with Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree and wondering how to get some decent armor to help you survive longer in this dangerous world?
Today, we will present a short guide and a series of tips to help you find the top 5 early armor sets!
1. The Messmer Soldier Set
It’s a fairly ordinary but quite solid armor with the following stats:
Defense:
- Physical: 23.9
- VS Strike: 19.5
- VS Slash: 23.9
- VS Pierce: 23
- Magic: 16.6
- Fire: 19.5
- Lighting: 14
- Holy: 16.6
Resistance:
- Immunity: 57
- Robustness: 108
- Focus: 42
- Vitality: 42
- Poise: 40
Acquiring this armor set is not difficult. You can obtain it after defeating a few Messmer Soldier enemies and completing the full armor. Where can you find them? Simply reach Ellac Greatbridge, and after crossing it, head into the Encampment just before Castle Ensis.
2. The Black Knight Set
Similar to the previously mentioned set, this one can also be obtained from fallen enemies, this time – of course – The Black Knights.
Defense:
- Phy: 28.5
- VS Strike: 24.6
- VS Slash: 28.5
- VS Pierce: 31
- Magic: 24.6
- Fire: 25.6
- Light: 21.7
- Holy: 22.7
Resistance:
- Immunity: 94
- Robustness: 150
- Focus: 55
- Vitality: 53
- Poise: 60
You can also find The Dark Knights near Castle Ensis – in the camp located to its south, on the road to the west, and down the lift next to the Castle-Lord’s Chamber.
3. The Solitude Set
This set is ideal for tank builds, but acquiring it is a bit more challenging than the previous two. Its stats are:
Defense:
- Phy: 35.5
- VS Strike: 33.9
- VS Slash: 34.9
- VS Pierce: 33.5
- Magic: 26.1
- Fire: 28.3
- Light: 26.5
- Holy: 27
Resistance:
- Immunity: 137
- Robustness: 144
- Focus: 235
- Vitality: 115
- Poise: 96
To acquire this armor, head to the Western Nameless Mausoleum (west of the Gravesite Plain region). You can find a Mausoleum entrance west of the Scorched Ruins Site of Grace (it will be marked by 2 lit fires). After defeating a slightly more challenging enemy, the optional boss Blackgaol Knight, you will receive the Solitude set and the Greatsword of Solitude.
4. The Dancer’s Set
This is a light armor for players who prefer ranged combat and quick attacks. Its stats are as follows:
Defense:
- Phy: 8.4
- VS Strike: 5.3
- VS Slash: 12.3
- VS Pierce: 5.3
- Magic: 24.9
- Fire: 24.9
- Light: 23.6
- Holy: 24.4
Resistance:
- Immunity: 87
- Robustness: 54
- Focus: 136
- Vitality: 144
- Poise: 10
To acquire it, once again we need to fight an optional boss, again in the Nameless Mausoleum – but the Southern one, located on a small island in the Southern Shore region. You can reach the island through an underground cave, the entrance of which is on the shore, south from the Cerulean Coast West location. The boss to defeat is Dancer of Ranah.
5. Oathseeker Knight Set
The last armor on our list is also the first one that does not require combat to obtain. It is excellent for builds that require Robustness and Immunity, along with decent Damage Negation.
Defense:
- Phy: 24.9
- VS Strike: 21.4
- VS Slash: 24
- VS Pierce: 23
- Magic: 20.3
- Fire: 19.7
- Light: 13.9
- Holy: 19.7
Resistance:
- Immunity: 71
- Robustness: 130
- Focus: 57
- Vitality: 55
- Poise: 42
This great set can be found on a dead body, hanging on the cliff just outside the Church of Benediction, overlooking the Grave Site Plain. Getting there will require a fairly long climb along the cliff.
Sources:
- https://eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com/Messmer+Soldier+Set
- https://www.ign.com/wikis/elden-ring/Solitude_Set