Elden Ring Best Mid Game Armors + Locations [1000 Hours Tested]

In Elden Ring, you will have to find the complete set of armors comprising four to five individual items. These may include Chest Armor, Greaves, Gauntlets, and Helmets. Obtaining the whole set is the only approach to achieving the total stats for Damage Negation and ensuring maximum protection of your character. 

Meanwhile, players can also pursue their own armor sets by working their creativity to mix and match different sets. This approach gives you the freedom to explore the Lands Between of Elden Ring to obtain the set that is easily accessible to you rather than fixating on one.

Mixing different sets will yield other stats. But in the end, the fashion and the defensive elements matter to assist players in the gameplay.

Related: Elden Ring Best Early Game Armor

Best Mid-Game Armors Compared

Here is a comparison table of my best Mid-game Armors in Elden Ring. Each stat can be sorted to view the highest and lowest values, which has been done for your convenience:

Mid-Game Armor Sets Comparison Table. 

Iron Set

Best Early Mid Game Armor.

The Iron set is a light and easy-to-acquire armor set early in the game, consisting of four pieces: Helmet, Greaves, Gauntlets, and Chest Armor. It provides decent protection, particularly against Fire-based enemies.

You can purchase the full Iron set for 3900 Runes from the Nomadic Merchant near the Castle Morne Rampart’s site of grace. It’s a valuable investment for early-game protection.

Land of Reeds Set

Best Samurai Armor.

The Land of Reeds armor set, found in mid-game in the Caelid region, is reminiscent of the Samurai class from FromSoftware’s soul games. It combines protection and mobility, making it suitable for various playstyles, including mage and samurai characters. This set offers a strong defense against enemy attacks while maintaining a lightweight design, allowing for agile dodging and maneuverability.

It includes heavy iron Chest Armor, Greaves, and Gauntlets, making it an excellent choice for adventurers seeking durability and versatility.

The Land of Reeds armor set can be purchased from an Isolated Merchant located in the extreme North of Caelid, specifically in the Weeping Peninsula. You can acquire the full armor set for 4,500 Runes by visiting the wooden shack where the merchant resides.

When comparing the Land of Reed and White Reed sets, there’s not a significant difference in stats from my experience. You may gain or lose one or two values for Damage Negation, but the White Reed set is favored for its cooler and more dominant appearance.

Meliketh’s Set

Best Looking Armor.

When it comes to upgrading your character’s appearance and protection, in my opinion, Meliketh’s set is a fantastic choice. This full armor set is obtained from the Meliketh boss, typically encountered during the mid-to-end game, depending on your playthrough progress. Meliketh’s set offers a great balance of style and stats, making it a popular choice among players.

If you’re aiming for high Poise and a Strength-focused playthrough, Meliketh’s set is a top-notch option. Its unique black iron and gold finish not only looks impressive but also provides solid protection.

To obtain the complete Meliketh set, you must defeat the Meliketh boss. You can find this boss within the challenging legendary dungeon of Crumbling Farum Azula. While there’s no direct route to the location, you should progress through the storyline until you reach Leyndell, Ashen Capital. In the Crumbling Farum Azula, you’ll enter the boss arena and face Meliketh, the Black Blade.

After defeating Meliketh, you’ll receive the “Remembrance of the Black Blade,” not the armor set itself. Hang onto this item, as you’ll use it to trade for Meliketh’s set.

Return to Roundtable Hold and visit the merchant named Enia. Trade the “Remembrance of Black Blade” for Meliketh’s set, and you’ll have the complete set in your inventory.

Banished Knight Set

Best Heavy-weight Armor.

The Banished Knight set is a sturdy mid-game armor. It’s quite heavy, affecting your character’s mobility but providing good defense. It has a familiar look for Dark Souls fans. To obtain it, you’ll need to farm Banished Knight enemies. The Cathedral of the Dragon Communion is a good spot for farming this set.

Zamor Set

Best Lightweight Armor.

The Zamor set is a lightweight armor option for fast-paced builds in mid-game. It offers high Poise for rolling and good Damage Negation stats. You can find it near the Mountaintops of the Giants, close to where you obtained the White Reeds set.

To acquire it, you’ll need to defeat the Ancient Hero of Zamor boss. This boss can be accessed through the Giant-Conquerer Hero’s Gravesite of grace after receiving the Medallion from Mellina. Defeat the boss to obtain the full Zamor set and the Zamor Curved Sword.

Crucible Tree Set

Best Strength Build Armor.

The Crucible Tree set is a powerful mid-game armor, sought after by many players for its unique design and attributes. It’s on the heavier side, making it suitable for Strength-focused character builds.

To effectively wear this armor, I recommend investing in Endurance attributes to carry its weight.

To obtain the Crucible Tree set, you’ll need to progress through the story by defeating Starscourge Radahn, which grants access to Nokron, Eternal City. From there, you’ll face the Gargoyles, leading to a coffin that teleports you to another location to fight the Crucible Knight Siluria.

After spawning in this location, use the site of grace and then descend below the ledge of the lake. There’s a lift across the lake that takes you to the boss arena. Defeating the boss doesn’t drop the Crucible Tree set, but you can find it in a chest near Crucible Knight Siluria.

If you’re fast enough, you can open the chest without engaging in the boss fight, making it an optional encounter. Otherwise, defeating the boss is necessary to obtain the complete Crucible Tree armor set.

Hoslow Set

Best Medieval Armor.

The Hoslow set is a striking mid-game armor that not only enhances your character’s defenses but also adds a regal medieval aesthetic with its gigantic metal helmet. The grey-colored metal armor pieces feature red decorative elements representing the Hoslow family.

To obtain the Hoslow set, you should first complete all the quests related to Juno Hoslow without progressing too far in the game to avoid spoilers.

Once these quests are completed, you’ll need to finish the final contract of the Hoslow questline, which takes place in the Mountaintops of the Giants. During this quest, you’ll have the option to invade Juno Hoslow, Knight of Blood.

Choosing to invade Juno Hoslow will initiate a challenging battle in another world. Upon defeating the Hoslow Knight, you’ll receive the complete Hoslow armor set along with other valuable items.

It’s essential to complete his questline before engaging in this combat to fully immerse yourself in Elden Ring’s lore.

Beast Champion Set

Best Armor For Poise And Robustness.

The Beast Champion set is a heavyweight armor set that’s perfect for players who prioritize high stats over mobility in mid-game. While it significantly increases your weight load, it offers some of the most impressive stats in the game.

This armor set belongs to Knight Bernahl, a crucial NPC in the game, and can be obtained by following his questline, which becomes available after you join forces at the Volcano Manor.

I should let you know that while you have the option to kill Knight Bernahl earlier at the Warmaster’s Shack, it’s not recommended as it will impact the game’s storyline and cause you to miss out on quests later in the game. If you’re patient, you can acquire this armor set after the battle with Maliketh.

Bull-Goat Set

Best Armor For Immunity.

The Bull-Goat set is renowned for its tanky appearance and outstanding stats, making it one of the best mid-game armor sets in Elden Ring. If you don’t mind completing various quests to obtain armor sets, this one is a must-have.

The set’s distinctive feature is the imposing bull-like horns, which not only add to its visual appeal but also enhance your character’s Poise and Robustness, preventing staggering from enemy attacks.

I might not disclose anything related to the quest. But there are a few things you need to know about acquiring the complete set of Bull-Goat armor. Firstly, you will have to complete the Patches questline. The Bull-Goat set is available to receive once Patches has reached the Volcano Manor.

Here, you must join the covenant so Patches can give you another quest for a boss fight. Only this way can you receive the Bull-Goat set. Going straight for the boss fight will lock your playthrough to receive the Bull-Goat set. 

Veteran’s Set

Best Overall Mid Game Heavy Armor.

Lastly, I have a Veteran’s set that shares a veteran warrior look because of all the texture and feather cape. The Veteran’s set is remarkable for its stats as it is beautiful for its looks. It also looks worn because of the historical background of the set.

But still, it grants stats that are straight off the charts. 

Veteran’s set will once again require players to get on top of the Mountaintops of the Giants. Gain access to the Grand Lift of Rold. From here, you might want to make your way through Zamor Ruins to Castle Sol Main Gate.

You will be fighting a boss, “Commander Niall,” on the rooftop. 

Once the boss is defeated, you will have to return to the Roundtable Hold and speak to the Enia Merchant to sell you the Veteran’s set. You will be able to purchase the full collection for 18,000 Runes at a fair price. 

Why Others Were Not Choosen?

• Carian Knight’s Set: A little heavyweight. Land of Reeds is a better alternative with less weight.
• Omen Set: Excellent stats but still very heavyweight and doesn’t look very good.
• Royal Remains Set: Stats comparable to Land of Reeds but a little heavyweight.

My Recommendation For Best Mid-Game Armor

Every armor set comes with its history, characteristics, and character aspects to enhance your gameplay experience. I advise you to not stick to a single armor set because of the maximum level of defense.

I recommend you keep different sets to adapt to scenarios; sometimes, one armor is excellent for a boss while another one isn’t. Experimenting with different sets until you find the ideal one for your character is the key to success in Elden Ring. 

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