My first ever 'real' mod of Skyrim. Simply adds in a light version of Daedric Armor to the game while keeping the original Heavy version in. The new Light version can be smithed in the current Daedric Armor menu of the Heavy Armor section while at any forge. Places Auroran armor pieces in dungeons throughout Skyrim, meaning you not only get to don their iconic gear, but also will have to work appropriately to acquire it. This member of our best mods list lets you craft and upgrade Daedric Light Armor (with the Daedric Smithing perk). The armor is blue and glows blue. Although Daedric armor is more effective than Dragonplate, the Daedric Smithing perk can be unlocked before the Dragon Smithing perk (which also allows for the creation of Dragonscale light armor). The Daedric Smithing perk also causes tempering of Daedric weapons and armor to be twice as effective.
Light armor might not be as protective as its heavy counterpart, but it lets you move swiftly while still getting some defense boosts.
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.
- Eh Daedric armor mods are one of the worst out there. They are either some kind of badly made kinky armor for women or bad effortless retextures/recolours.
- Yet another variation of the female Daedric armor, this time with a few parts chopped out, a few parts added in and a hair replacer for a helm.
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.
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Armor. The main defensive means of any warrior.
Regardless of the quality of your shield, having a decent set of armor can be the decisive factor between life and death.
As good as some base game armors come, there are some things which could be added and improved.
The Skyrim modding community has been developing some incredibly well-made armor mods for years. And since the release of Skyrim for PC the number of mods has only grown larger.
Right now the number of extra armor mods you can download is so large that browsing any Skyrim mod forum will take you hours if you are solely looking for wears!
So I’ve compiled a list of the finest extra armor mods to help you whittle down the best of the best. Be sure to grab anything that looks enticing and just remember these are all totally free!
20. Blades Samurai Armor and Kimonos
Have you ever desired to roleplay a Samurai in Skyrim without breaking the character of the Dragonborn?
Fear not, this mod is exactly what you are looking for.
It adds a variety of heavy armor sets to the game intended to be used by the Blades.
The design fits right in with the Blades’ armors so it is as close to a legit Samurai armor as you will get in the game.
The best thing about this mod is that it also adds weapons with the Samurai theme to the game. Which means you will be able to roam around the plains of Skyrim with your trusty katana and a lust for blood!
19. Ritual Armor of Boethiah
If you are interested in lore-friendly sets of armor this one is going to be just a plain treat.
Those who like to roleplay dark characters might want to give the Ritual Armor of Boethiah a try, as it was a set of armor originally forged by cultists who praised the Daedric Prince Boethiah.
Now you can craft the set of armor yourself and bring terror to the hearts of the innocent in the realm.
18. Goyen, The Draconic Knight Armor
This heavy set of armor once belonged to Goyen, a knight who used to serve the Dragon Kings.
After he was betrayed, the man went on a bloodlust to kill all of the kings, and his armor became a thing of legend.
If you want to get your hands on the set of armor once belonging to this fearsome warrior you will have to kill the boss in Dovah Kendaar Do Jun.
But be warned: you will need to be prepared to face a very strong opponent here. It is an additional set, after all.
17. Alfheim Knights
Have you ever noticed how most sets of armor in Skyrim do not seem to fit Elven characters quite right?
In fact, you would even think Elven characters seem to be made specifically for the purpose of being mages. And using any other type of armor other than a robe would look a bit ridiculous.
There must be a way to fix this, right? Good news – there is!
The Alfheim Knights armor is a set which adapts to an Elven knight almost perfectly.
It belongs to a race of warrior elves who combine both their intuition and the strength of most humans from Skyrim.
16. Warchief Armor
The Warchief armor is very unique, but it somehow does not feel out of place in the game.
The creator of the mod has stated the main goal of this armor was to fuse some of the main aspects of the main warrior races of the game, a purpose which seems to have been diligently fulfilled.
The Warchief armor incorporates bear skin and skulls of slain foes to an otherwise elegant set of fur.
You can use this armor in light as well as heavy versions, so it is up to you to decide how you want to dress for the kill.
15. DreamBurrows Regal Assassin Armor
This set is based on the classic armor sets of Assassin’s Creed. And it has that traditional hood we all fell in love with.
However you can choose how you want to wear this armor: you can craft it as light or create it as clothing.
If you do not want to dress heavily then this is a great set of armor for you to use. Especially for Creed fans who like to intermix their fandoms a bit.
Do keep in mind it is mainly aimed at thieves and assassins, so it may not be the best set if you are roleplaying a knight.
14. Armor of Intrigue
Now this armor can be used by any type of player.
The creators of the mod made sure that you can craft equipment to the armor depending on how you want to play, which means thieves and knights alike will find a use for this highly-detailed set of armor.
It is up to you to decide which elements to add to it.
13. Dragonbone Ebonsteel Armor
Have you ever wondered how the Dragonbone armor would look if it were to be crafted by a smith capable of working with ebony?
This is your answer to an otherwise uncommon question.
Dragonbone Ebonsteel Armor is one of the most beautiful sets on the list. And though it is extremely heavy, it will protect you from all kinds of foes including the mightiest of dragons.
12. Perfect Legionnaire – Imperial Armor Reforged
The armor worn by the Imperial Legion has been a sign of prestige.
And many warriors prefer to wear it proudly, though they do not belong to the Imperial Legion themselves.
This mod aims to overhaul the way the Imperial armor looks by making it slicker and more impressive than in Oblivion and Skyrim. I’d say it turned out pretty well.
11. Lost Paladins of the Divines Wrath Armor
Do you remember that beautiful set of Paladin armor going around back in the days of Oblivion?
This mod is a complete rework of that set which gives you an armored horse with a similar set to the one included for your character.
It is a very beautiful set of armor and it somehow seems to fit perfectly well with the lore of the game.
10. Raven Witch Armor
This female-only armor works best if you intend to wear it with humans only. Which means you will want to avoid trying this dark set on an Argonian for sure.
The mod adds the Apex Werewolf armor to the game which is beneficial and can be crafted if you have the advanced armor smithing perk.
9. DreamBurrows Regal Huntsman Armor
If you have ever wanted to feel like a hunter in Skyrim, but none of the sets included in the base game seem to do the trick, then you will definitely want to check out the Regal’s Huntsman Armor.
It is a beautiful set crafted with fur and adds decent protection on top of a spectacular look that is almost unmatched by any set found in the base game.
Also it’s clearly based on Assassin’s Creed, as is the case with the last DreamBurrows set mentioned on this list.
8. Daedric Reaper Armor
Have you ever felt like the Daedric armor is not as evil as you would like?
Well this Daedric Reaper mod takes the regular Daedric armor one step further and makes it look as if it came straight out of the Diablo universe.
This armor includes a set of two extremely powerful swords along with defensive wear.
And though the set itself does not seem right to be worn by the Dragonborn, it is an awesome and extremely detailed piece of wear you will definitely want to check out.
7. Demon Hunter Armor
This female-only armor, which should honestly be called Demon Huntress Armor, is a detailed piece of leather wear that complements its defensive look with some metal alloys.
The set itself is very lightweight and adapts to most types of playstyles. Although admittedly it looks much better on nimble characters like thieves and assassins.
6. Knight of Thorns Armor
This set, which also includes the Spear of Thorns, is the ideal armor to be worn by a Dark Knight role-player.
The armor adapts to almost any type of body in the game and works with both male and female characters.
It is an extremely powerful set which needs to be uncovered in a coffin located on Serpent Stone Island.
5. Kynreeve Armor
Kynreeve Kahl is a powerful Daedra which can be summoned by the most skilled of Conjurers, provided you have already installed the mod that includes him.
In any case, the armor worn by this Dremora is so beautiful that many players have wanted to get their hands on it for a while.
And this mod makes it possible for you to obtain the set worn by this powerful summonable follower.
You will need to visit the Skytemple Ruins and take a stand against two powerful level 30 Dremora who are waiting for you to take them down.
It’s going to be a tough fight, and it requires you to kill them both if you wish to get your hands on the amazing Kynreeve set. But in my eyes it’s well worth the trouble.
4. Shudad Armor
This amazing set of armor looks to have been brought straight out of a movie set.
It is so majestic and I think you’ll struggle to find anything like it in any mod page. Although you cannot get your hands on this mod using the Nexus browser – it is only available to download via Steam, and the developer is no longer supporting it sadly.
In any case this unique armor is modeled to be worn both by males and females, and its appearance is so mighty, you will look like a holy warrior wearing it.
Lack of updates may be a turnoff but I think it’s so fun that I just had to include this in my top 5.
3. Masters of Death – Rise of the Dark Brotherhood
Skyrim Light Armor Sets
This mod replaces all of the Dark Brotherhood armors with these incredible sets, which are as beautiful to look at as they are meticulously made.
It is called the Sicarius Armor and it adapts perfectly to any assassin playstyle you might want to follow. As you can imagine, it is based on the traditional Assassin’s Creed style too.
The set does not fall short on detail and it also fits perfectly into the world of Skyrim. Give it a try and see what you think.
2. Silver Dragon Armor
Now this set of dark armor is made to look as if it were a dragon standing.
The helmet is one of the most perfectly-crafted I have encountered in the Skyrim modder community, second to none on this list.
Furthermore it provides great defensive attributes and serves as a perfect type of armor to be worn by those who are a bit far away from the light, if you catch my drift.
Traversing through the plains of Skyrim with a dark horse and this set of armor is a thing to behold and you will absolutely love doing so if you download this mod to go along with your journey.
1. Immersive Armors
Created by the same developer of Immersive Weapons, this mod adds new armor types to the game and increases the variety of where they spawn.
Ultimately this makes Skyrim feel way richer than it does when you first download the base game or any of its DLC’s.
All of the armors added with this mod are extremely lore-friendly. And with over 50 sets of armor to choose from it will be hard for you to not find something you like considering everything this mod has to offer.