You’re going to need protection against monsters and humans alike!

Wind’s howling. The medallion shakes against your chest, the taste of black blood fresh on your tongue. You are the consummate warrior, a mutant created to kill monsters. First and foremost; a deadly professional. 

That is, of course, until you get jumped by 5 to 7 drowners, die, and are forced to return to your last checkpoint and repeat a whole stretch of the mission all over again.

The combat in The Witcher 3 isn’t unfairly punishing (looking at you Assassins of Kings). Still, nothing kills the monster-slayer-power-fantasy vibe more than finding yourself repeating the same part for the third time because your current equipment is simply not cutting it.

Luckily, there’s a very easy solution to this conundrum. Get yourself a dope set of armor! Not only can the correct armor be the difference between life and death, nothing helps with immersion more than looking like the legendary white wolf.

But in a game with more than a thousand items, you’d be forgiven for not knowing where to start. That’s where I come in! With a list of the 10 best armor sets and how to get them, so you can get back to collecting contracts and defeating specters of evil in no time!

Note: For this list, I’ll only include armor sets that you can acquire during your first run of the game. So no legendary sets, unfortunately.

10. Nilfgaardian armor set.

Geralt and Roach are looking fancy.

If you haven’t updated your game in a while, or you simply haven’t played it since it was originally released, you are missing out on a lot of cool and interesting new content the two paid expansions are some of the greatest in recent memory, and the 16 totally-free DLCs include amazing items. Like the Nilfgaardian armor set.

The Nilfgaardian set is elegant and stylish. Giving Geralt a good low-level armor that doesn't look like it’s made out of a barrel, two pillows, and a dirty poncho. The complete set also provides an armor rating of 157. Making it an absolute powerhouse at the early stage of the game.

Why the Nilfgaard set is great:

• Great armor rating compared to others of its level.
• It’s a medium armor, which means that you get a good combination of movement and protection early in the game, where any tank build is probably a bad idea.
• The armor looks great, and the matching set for Roach means you get to roam around Velen looking dapper.
• The Nilfgaard accouterment gives you something to bond over with Emhyr! You know, besides that other thing...

How to get the Nilfgaardian armor set:

To get the Nilfgaardian armor set all you need to do is walk over to the Quartermaster in Crow’s Perch (located directly in front of Fergus the armorer) and buy it from him. The set is unlockable at level 10.

Nilfgaardian armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Nilfgaardian_Armor_set

9. Skellige armor set.

The perfect set for mountain air and cold weathers.

Yet another armor that comes as one of the free DLCs. The Skellige armor set looks stunning against the icy mountains of the Skellige Isles. Not only that, the armor scales with your level. Which means that it remains useful for a very long time.   

Why the Skellige armor set is great:

•  A starting armor rating of 223 for the whole set. With improvement as you level up.
• The armor looks beautiful and imposing. Great for a heavy build. 
•  Easy to get (although expensive) and available at a relatively low level.

How to get the Skellige armor set:

You need to have access to the Kaer Trolde citadel. Which shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t mind sailing to Skellige without having completed the story in Novigrad (you can return at any time after the funeral).

Once in Kaer Trolde, go to the armorer and simply buy the Udvik armor components from him. The complete armor set is somewhat expensive, and you need to be at least level 16 to wear it.

Skellige armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Skellige_Armor_set

8. Viper armor set.

Be fast and be deadly.

An intriguing set of armor, great for a fast build with an emphasis on hunting monsters. The Viper armor set is available only through a specific mission in the Hearts of Stone DLC. Slight warning for minor spoilers ahead.

Why the Viper armor set is great:

• The full set grants a whooping 100% resistance to poisoning. Making it ideal for fighting insectoids.
• The set looks sleek and minimalistic. Especially great if you liked the look of the game’s starting armor.
• Its armor rating is only slightly below that of grandmaster sets. And it only doesn’t need any upgrades.

How to get the Viper armor set:

You can only acquire the Viper armor set during the “Open Sesame!” quest in hearts of stone. The viper silver and steel swords are a different story altogether.

Once you reach the auction house, Vivaldi will offer to introduce you to some old friends, one of which will be Countess Mignole.

Approach the Countess and strike a conversation, you will have the option of purchasing unique Witcher diagrams from her. This will be your only opportunity to get them.

Once you have the diagrams, you will be able to craft the full set from any master armorer.

Viper armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Viper_School_Gear  

7. Tesham Mutna/Hen Gaidth armor set.

You’ll scare the life out of your enemies with this somber and mysterious armor.

Available only in Toussant as a part of the Blood and Wine expansion pack. This armor includes everything you’d imagine when thinking of the words “vampire armor”.

Why the Tesham Mutna armor set is great:

• Tongue-in-cheek references to the legendary vampires of the books, such as resistance against fire damage and a chance to cause bleeding.
• A vampiric armor that lets you regain vitality from the enemies you slay, with more vitality gained for each part of the set that’s in use.
• The set looks creepy as hell. Perfect for a dark and grimy playthrough.

How to get the Tesham Mutna armor set:

Warning: Spoilers for the Blood and Wine expansion pack.

So... Good news and bad news. The good news is that from here on out the armor sets are truly awesome. The bad news is that this is as far as we get with the whole “just walk up and buy it” schtick.

To obtain the Tesham Mutna armor set you must make sure to explore every nook and cranny of the vampire’s lair during the “La Cage au Fou” quest. The set consists of six pieces, including a mask and a steel sword. If you do not get all the pieces before exiting the lair you will not get another chance.

Its red counterpart, the Hen Gaidth set, can only be found exploring the lair of the unseen elder in the “What Lies Unseen” quest. Which is only available if you choose to follow Regis into the elder’s lair.

Some of the equipment may be found after finishing the main story by simply going to the Lair’s location, but not the full set.

Tesham Mutna armor set details: https://www.gosunoob.com/witcher-3/tesham-mutna-armor/attachment/tesham-mutna-armor-set-stats-witcher-3-blood-and-wine/   

6. Toussaint armor set (Relic).

A beautiful armor from a beautiful tale.

A whimsical armor straight out of the land of fables. This set is not only visually stunning, but it also boasts a ridiculous armor rating of 641.

Why the Toussaint armor set is great:

• Amazing armor rating and resistances.
• The complete set also gives you a bonus on vitality, which means that you’ll never have to fear imminent death.
• The set’s rarity and visual design mean that you’ll at least want to keep it as a trophy.

How to get the Toussaint armor set:

Warning: Spoilers for the Blood and Wine expansion pack.

Let’s say that you chose to look for Syanna instead of venturing into the unseen elder’s lair. Sure, that might mean that you’ll have to do without the Hen Gaidth set, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t get a unique and interesting armor (besides, this one isn’t just the red version of another, easier to get, and frankly better-looking, armor set).

To find the Toussaint armor set, you must explore the perimeter of totally-not-Rapunzel’s tower during the “Beyond Hill and Dale” quest. There, you’ll find a small pond where a floating orb (Geralt will refer to it as a will o' the wisp) will lead you to the body of a fallen knight.

When you get to the body, just get looting!

Toussaint armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Toussaint_armor

5. Manticore armor set.

Someone call an Alchemist!

Another amazing armor set that comes as a part of the Blood and Wine DLC, the Manticore armor is a grandmaster Witcher set that works great if you consider a lethal dosage of potions a part of a balanced breakfast (and really, who doesn’t?). 

It is also amazing if you find yourself feeling nostalgic for the janky-looking Geralt of the first game, as it’s thought to have the same design as the first game’s armor.

Why the Manticore armor set is great:

• Great boost of toxicity and one additional use of all alchemy items if you are wearing the full set.
• Grandmaster gear straight out of the oven. So no tedious upgrading quests.
• Great for medium builds focused on bombs and alchemy.

How to get the Manticore armor set:

Warning: Spoilers for the Blood and Wine expansion pack.

The set’s diagrams can be found independently if you know where to search, but it will probably be more convenient to just look for the “Master Master Master Master!” quest as soon as you get to Toussaint, as it will provide you with scavenger hunts for this and four other grand-master diagrams.

To start the quest, simply head to the Gran'place notice board and read all of the notices available. Then, head to Lafargue’s shop and have a chat with him. You’ll then unlock 5 scavenger hunts including the one for the Manticore set.

Manticore armor set details: https://www.ign.com/wikis/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt/Manticore_Witcher_Gear

4. Wolven armor set (Grandmaster).

The preferred armor of your brothers in arms.  

Welp. We both knew that we would get here eventually. The basic Witcher sets are arguably the best in the game. The level-by-level upgrading, tedious as it might be, means that you can continuously improve and refine your armor based on your level and your style of play. 

Each set looks unique and interesting, and the variety of dyes available for use on Witcher sets means that you can customize your experience to the story that you want to play.

The Wolven armor set is a medium armor set. Great for strategic play involving oils and bombs, making it optimal for monster contracts.

Why the Wolven armor set is great:

• Great for strategic play. Truly makes you feel like a Witcher.
• Having not been included in the base game, you can grandmaster craft it in Toussaint without all the fuzz of upgrading it from the beginning.
• Looks strikingly similar to Eskel and Lambert’s armor. Making it great for a nice community experience in Kaer Morhen.

How to get the Wolven armor set:

Listen, I’m going to start sounding like a broken record if I keep telling you to complete the “Master Master Master Master!” quest for every grandmaster version available. So instead I’m gonna instruct you on how to get the scavenger hunts for the lower levels. 

Keep in mind that you can craft the Grandmaster Wolven set straight out of the gate.

Wolf school gear:

To get the first scavenger hunt, you must head to Lindenvale in Velen. Once you are there, simply buy and read the “Slightly torn notes by Hieronymus on the Witcher Elgar” from the local armorer. The location of all the basic diagrams and some of the enhanced ones should be revealed.

Enhanced Wolf school gear:

When you get to Novigrad, complete the “Of Swords and Dumplings” quest as soon as possible. Once you do so, Hattori should be available as a master blacksmith.

Buy and read the “well-preserved notes” from him. A scavenger hunt for the rest of the enhanced diagrams should be made available.

Superior Wolf school gear:

When you reach Skellige, head to Kaer Trolde and buy and read the “damp, moldy notes” from the armorer. This will start a scavenger hunt for some of the Superior diagrams.

The hunt for the other half of the diagrams can be triggered by reading and buying the “heavily faded notes” from the armorer in Hierarch Square.

Mastercrafted Wolf school gear:

Buy and read the “worn-out and faded notes” from Hattori and the “notes on parchment” from Kaer Trolde’s armorer.

Wolven armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Wolf_School_Gear

3. Griffin armor set (Grandmaster).

Now that’s what I call a knight! 

I have a shameful confession to make... 

This one is my favorite. I know, I know, it looks clunky and weird, and there are probably less than 3 players that actually use Yrden enough to need a bonus. But as a fan of the books, I simply cannot stop smiling when I see Geralt fulfilling his knight-in-shining-armor fantasies by wearing this Arthurian-looking set.

The armor itself is amazing for sign-heavy play, and the way it scales means it’s useful even before master crafting.

Why the Griffin armor set is great:

• Great armor rating relative to its minimum level, even as a basic, enhanced, and superior set.
• The rapid-fire sign feature is great and requires only 3 pieces of the whole set. Which means you can mix and match with other sets for optimal benefits.
• The different dyes actually change the look of the armor in noticeable ways. 

How to get the Griffin armor set:

Griffin school gear:

The basic diagrams can all be found in Dragonslayer's Grotto in Velen. But you can also buy and read “Edwin Greloff's first map” as well as the second from Midcopse's armorer. Buying the maps will also trigger scavenger hunts for the Enhanced gear.

Superior Griffin school gear:

Head to Hierarch Square’s armorer. Can you guess what we’ll be doing? 

That’s right! Buying more maps.

Mastercrafted Griffin school gear:

Buy the fourth map from Hattori and complete the associated scavenger hunt.

Griffin armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Griffin_School_Gear

2. Feline armor set (Grandmaster).

Hey, you! Puss Peepers!

Why did they create a whole school for Letho? It’s always bothered me somewhat. Don’t get me wrong, the school of the viper has some great gear, and Letho’s arc in “Assassins of Kings” is great. 

But you have a perfectly good school of Witcher-turned-assassins-for-hire-turned-psychopaths in the school of the cat, which would have fitted perfectly with TW2’s story. 

The thing is: if fast-moving, cool-looking, back-stabbing is what rocks your boat, the Feline set is just the right fit for you! (You psyco).

Why the Feline armor set is great:

• Amazing armor rating for light armor at each level.
• Great for fast and frenetic players that combine speed with precision.
• The 50% bonus for rear attacks might not seem like much, but it is an absolute game-changer.

How to get the Feline armor set:

To get the cat school gear we will be doing a little map shopping (maybe take a contract or two while you’re at it, your pouch might be starting to get thin).

Head to Blackbough in Velen. There, you’ll be able to buy “Adalbert Kermith's first map” from the local merchant, and the second map from the blacksmith.

Head to Crow’s perch. There, you’ll be able to buy the third map from the quartermaster.

Finally, head to Lindenvale and buy the fourth map from the blacksmith. 

Feline armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Cat_School_Gear

1. Ursine armor set (Grandmaster).

White wolf? More like white bear! Amirite?

Finally! The armor, the myth, the legend. Favorite of inexperienced and returning players alike, the Bear school armor is an absolute must-have if you want a striking figure, high resistance, and a very convenient boost to Quen, which becomes ridiculously powerful if upgraded properly. 

A complete, grandmaster ursine set with the proper modifications to Quen and a healthy dosage of potions can turn you into a tank build that will have you deflecting damage like Ciri deflects Skjall’s advances. 

Why the Ursine armor set is great:

• The Quen upgrades become game-breakingly powerful if combined with the full armor set.
• It looks elegant and imposing, even at lower tiers.
• The resistances make it so you can focus on hitting things a lot without bothering yourself with all that pesky strategy and skill.

How to get the Ursine armor set:

The basic diagrams should be relatively easy to stumble upon when first arriving in Skellige. But if you’re in a hurry, you can always buy the “Ibrahim Savi” maps from the armorer in Kaer Trolde. 

Afterwards, you need to head to... What was that? Oh, that’s it? Yet another victory for the ursine set! 

The four maps should be available from the same armorer and after reading them and completing the associated scavenger hunts, you should have all Bear school diagrams from basic to master-crafted. 

Ursine armor set details: https://witcher.fandom.com/wiki/Bear_School_Gear

Now that you have a set of armor that’s right for you. You can get right back to the path and continue your mission of finding Ciri, defeating evil, and saving the world. 

After doing a contract or two, because you’ll probably start to run out of money, and if you think ancient maps are expensive, wait ‘till you have to buy dimetirium ingots.    

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