Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece, has brought the open-world RPG experience to the top of gamers’ preferences for this style of game. not for nothing was the number 1 game in its area in 2022 and the 2023 update gave it a new lease of life.
The freedom to explore a vast and dangerous world called the “Forbidden Land” is a fundamental component of this game, and choosing the right armor is essential to surviving the challenges that await players in every corner of the Forbidden Land.
Of course, having good weapons to attack is a very important issue, but if you neglect your defense you run the risk of going down too soon. So armor is an essential element.
Among the many aspects to consider when choosing the right armor, the Poise (defensive power-resistance) and Weigth (weight) ratio it adds to the character is of vital importance. In this article, we will explore in detail the best armors in Elden Ring, ranked by their Poise-Weight ratio, to help you make informed decisions and maximize your character’s effectiveness.
Why is the Poise-Weight Ratio Important?
The Strength-Weight ratio is a critical factor in Elden Ring as it directly affects your character’s effectiveness in combat. Poise refers to your character’s resistance to being interrupted or stunned by enemy attacks. The higher the value of Poise, the more resistant your character will be to the negative effects of combat, such as the stun that can be caused by enemy blows.
On the other hand, the Weigth value, which is the weight of the armor, influences the agility of your character. A character with a lighter equipment load moves faster, can roll farther and recovers faster after actions. However, wearing heavier armor decreases agility, which can make your character more vulnerable to enemy attacks. Therefore, finding an optimal balance between strength and weight is essential to ensure efficient combat performance.
Now, how to calculate this ratio. There are 4 categories for calculating weight: light (up to 29.9%), medium (between 30.0% and 69.9%), heavy (70.0% to 99.9%) and overloaded (100% or more). We are looking for it to be in the mid-range, i.e., between 30% and 70%. Now, what account should you do? Suppose you have a load value of 50 and you want to use an equipment whose weight is 40, well this is already 80%, so it is very heavy.
If you understand this process you could choose an armor by yourself, but anyway here we will give you some ideas of some armors that could be useful for you and that have a good ratio between these two fundamental values.
The best armors according to this variable
- Blaidd Armor
It is one of the favorites, with which you can walk around being a warrior with a wolf mask. It offers an acceptable resistance for most of the build being quite light.
- Serpentine Armor
Serpentine armor is known for its high strength value and relatively low weight. It offers excellent defense without sacrificing the character’s agility. It is a popular choice among players who prefer a balance between defense and mobility.
Keep in mind that the best armor is not always the one that offers the best defense, it also depends on the style of play you prefer. If you are a wizard, bulky armor can be counterproductive, for example. - Tarnished Knight Armor
Another solid choice in terms of strength-to-weight ratio is the Tarnished Knight armor. This armor provides a respectable amount of resistance without slowing your character down excessively. This makes it a popular choice among players who want combat endurance without losing agility. It also gives you an imposing, rugged appearance that complements characters who wish to project an image of bravery on the battlefield. - Glimmering Pearl Attire
For players looking for a more magical approach to their play style, the Sparkling Pearl Outfit is an excellent choice. It offers a good strength to weight ratio, and its focus on magic makes it an attractive option for spell casters, providing additional bonuses to magical abilities. If your character specializes in casting spells and magic, the Sparkling Pearl Outfit may be the perfect choice for you.
Remember that a wizard needs some resistance to get close but spells are sent from a distance. - Golden Mask & Vestments
It is a set of Golden Mask and Golden Dress, which combines an elegant appearance with a quite favorable strength-to-weight ratio. While not the heaviest armor in the game, it provides a decent amount of defense and is appreciated for its style. - Drakeblood Armor
For warriors who prefer a heavier, more rugged approach, Drakeblood armor offers solid strength without being too heavy. It is a popular choice for those looking for increased durability on the battlefield. - Cursed King armor
The Cursed King armor is an interesting option for those looking for a balance between Poise and weight. While it doesn’t have the highest Poise in the game, its sleek design and moderate weight make it an attractive choice for players who want a majestic look without sacrificing too much mobility. The armor of the Cursed King is an example of how Elden Ring offers variety in its equipment options. - Knaifu Plate
The Knaifu Plate armor is an exceptional choice for players looking for a large amount of Poise without worrying too much about weight. It has one of the highest Poise values in the game and, although it is heavier than some of the other options mentioned, it is still a viable choice for those who desire high combat endurance. - Ravenna Armor
The Ravenna set is a popular choice among players who desire an impressive appearance along with a respectable strength-to-weight ratio. It offers solid strength and a manageable equipment load, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a stately look and reliable protection. - Goblin Armor
For those who wish to maximize mobility without completely sacrificing protection, Goblin armor is a solid choice. It offers a light equipment load and a decent resistance value, making it suitable for players who prefer a fast and evasive style of play. - Phoenix Armor
The Phoenix set is an ideal choice for spell casters who want added protection. It offers a balanced “Poise- Weight” ratio along with magical bonuses that enhance spell casting abilities. This armor is perfect for those looking for a mix of magical and physical resistance. - Radahn Armor
It has a very good strength-to-weight ratio and although it is a little heavy, it is not one of the heaviest. You can wear it throughout the game. However, in this case the helmet stands out, for which you have to advance a bit in the story, as it is the armor of the Caelid boss.
She weighs 41.6 and is very striking because of her crimson mane. For 36 thousand rhunas you can buy it at the round table once you defeat Radahn.
Remember that the choice of armor will ultimately depend on your playing style and personal preferences. Some players may opt for a more agile approach, while others will prefer combat endurance. The Poise-Weight ratio is a useful guide, but you should not neglect other factors such as resistance to specific elements, set bonuses and aesthetic appearance.
The most important thing is not to carry too much weight, remember, no more than 70%, as it can condemn you to a “fat roll”, which for the player means death and is not worth it. The truth is that in terms of defense, although there are some better than others, the difference is not so much if you value it against finding yourself agile and so on.
Then there are differences as to which ones are better against fires or spells, but to do this classification we would need a very, very meticulous article. You’ll figure it out as soon as you get into the game.
The head and chest armors give bonuses of +1 and +8 and to know how much each one gives you will have to read the description that accompanies them.
At Elden Ring, exploration and experimentation are a fundamental part of the journey. Find the armor that best suits your character and enjoy your adventure in this world full of challenges and mysteries!