Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Heavy Armor (& How To Get Them)

Highlights

• Baldur’s Gate 3 emphasizes the significance of armour for defensive capabilities.
• Heavy Armour within the sport supplies superior protection however at the price of different advantages.
• Gamers ought to prioritize buying particular Heavy Armour items for added bonuses past Armour Class.

Armour is a essential component of a participant’s arsenal in Baldur’s Gate 3, primarily since D&D mechanics dictate Armour Class and different defensive traits primarily based on the armour that one wears. Whereas Baldur’s Gate 3 provides the standard slate of Gentle, Medium, and Heavy Armour for many characters, particular tools supplies further advantages that may assist carry characters via a lot of the sport’s mid-game to the endgame.

Key to a participant’s heavy-hitting arsenal is substantial protection, which Heavy Armour nearly all the time supplies them. In comparison with Gentle Armour and Medium Armour, which facilitate quicker motion and stealth, Heavy Armour foregoes many advantages in trade for pure defensive capabilities. For gamers in search of Heavy Armour to outfit their tanks and different heavy hitters, Baldur’s Gate 3 supplies some actually exceptional choices.

Up to date on June 18, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: With Dungeons & Dragons releasing its up to date fifth Version Participant’s Handbook on September 17, 2024, followers of the acclaimed TTRPG is perhaps curious simply how the brand new rulebook will change the best way the fantasy RPG is performed, particularly with tables which have ongoing or upcoming campaigns. Nonetheless, followers who nonetheless wish to benefit from the sport’s present ruleset can maximize its mechanics with the acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, particularly when players use tank set-ups to pulverize enemies up shut. For followers who wish to create the right tank construct, donning the appropriate Heavy Armour needs to be their utmost precedence, with some advisable items together with gear that can turn into obtainable as soon as gamers attain Ranges 4, 6, and eight, in addition to a particular armament that may be acquired within the Therapeutic Morgue.

19

Ring Mail Armour +2

Armour Class: 16

Among the many Heavy Armour gamers will encounter of their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, the

Ring Mail Armour

could be the first they discover. Likewise, its

Ring Mail Armour +2

variant is that this piece of substances’s strongest and rarest kind. Giving the looks of steel rings fortifying a vest, the Ring Mail Armour is the closest to a “civilian” put on that gamers can have whereas nonetheless retaining Heavy Armour’s power.

At its core, Ring Mail Armour +2 provides 16 AC. That is leagues behind the opposite stronger Heavy Armour on the checklist, however it stays the highest-AC providing amongst lower-tier Heavy Armour that tanks and melee specialists might encounter within the mid-game.

18

Chain Mail +1

Armour Class: 17

Among the many first sensible items of Heavy Armour a participant can purchase of their Baldur’s Gate 3 could be the

Chain Mail +1

, particularly with how its 17 AC far outclasses the extra widespread Ring Mail Armour (14 AC) and even the bottom Chain Mail Armour (16 AC) when it comes to default Armour Class. The Chain Mail’s inexperienced tabard over a layer of chain hyperlink armour makes thematic sense as a step-up for the

Chain Shirt +1

(14+DEX Mod, Medium Armour), and its knightly design makes for a good build-up to the bulkier

Plate Armour

.

Gamers can begin getting the

Chain Mail Armour +1

from Retailers by the point they get to a lot increased ranges within the sport. This Armour is probably going the cheaper selection by the point retailers even have the Plate Armour of their possession, making it a extra frugal procuring possibility.

17

Adamantine Splint Armour

Armour Class: 17

When gamers lastly attain the Grymforge of their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, they will craft numerous Adamantine armaments through

Mithral Ore

and the Splint Mould. With Adamantine being the equal of the favored Tolkien Mithril, the

Adamantine Splint Armour

boasts a number of the greatest defenses in Heavy Armour within the early sport.

Buying this armour offers gamers a nifty 17 AC. Nonetheless, its prominence as a Heavy Armour comes with its Intense Adamantine Backlash that resembles potent Illithid Powers, whereby opponents who miss hitting the participant will expertise Reeling for 3 turns. This property debuffs enemies with -1 to Assault Rolls, making placing its consumer and close by allies a lot tougher.

16

Rippling Drive Mail

Armour Class: 17

Probably the greatest causes Martial Lessons excel in combating up shut is their functionality of placing again, whether or not via Reactions or throughout their flip. With

Rippling Drive Mail

, Martial Lessons have extra incentives for getting struck a number of occasions whereas being surrounded, particularly when its Drive Absorption impact can slowly construct up for not simply lesser harm taken but additionally repel assaults again at opponents.

Its AC 17 is not as excessive in comparison with different Heavy Armours that may attain AC 20 or 21, however this AC is ideal for characters who do not wish to keep as a harm sponge and as an alternative simply wish to be protected when combating up shut. In that regard, this Heavy Armour is fitted to Fighters who wish to outmaneuver foes up shut with out risking an excessive amount of retaliation.

15

Chain Mail Armour +2

Armour Class: 18

Nothing beats a series mail relating to the normal squire look, particularly when the

Chain Mail Armour +2

exemplifies what the Heavy Armour has to supply in a participant’s Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough. The chain mail itself is hidden inside a layer of an exterior tabard, making its wearers resemble conventional medieval knights.

Regardless of the Chain Mail Armour +2 solely providing 18 AC and no particular results, its standing because the strongest-available Chain Mail within the RPG makes it a must have for gamers preferring the Chain Mail’s easy design with out risking low AC in fight.

14

Dwarven Splintmail

Armour Class: 18

Dwarves throughout fantasy literature have a popularity for having a number of the greatest constitutions amongst humanoid creatures, and that is one thing Dwarven Splintmail embodies in Baldur’s Gate 3. When gamers purchase this from Lann Tarv in Moonrise Towers, they get one of many extra respectable Heavy Armours for his or her beefy tanks.

When geared up, the Dwarven Splintmail not solely offers them +1 STR Saves and Checks, however they even increase their Structure up two (2) factors. Martial-oriented Lessons just like the Fighter, Barbarian, and even the Monk might admire the extra firepower.

13

Splint Armour +1

Armour Class: 18

Gamers in search of an improve to their Chain Mail Armour can get pleasure from their tank’s Baldur’s Gate 3 expertise with

Splint Armour +1

. This gear maintains the looks of

Splint Armour

, whereby an inside full-body swimsuit is roofed by a leather-based coat that covers the chest all the way down to the waist earlier than being studded with steel splints.

Aesthetics-wise, Splint Armour supplies much less full-body protection in comparison with the Chain Mail, though the prominence of steel splints does give the impression of higher safety. Amongst armour varieties, Splint Armour +1 suits the visuals of a martial warrior just like the Fighter who wants defensive gear that may each defend them and provides them ample room for motion.

12

Protecting Plate

Armour Class: 18

When characters put on the Protecting Plate for the primary time of their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough, gamers is perhaps stunned at the way it appears they’ve simply geared up

Plate Armour

. It is because the Protecting Plate is precisely that: an Unusual variant of Plate Armour discovered within the backside of the pit on the Home of Therapeutic Morgue.

Whereas the Protecting Plate boasts the identical stats as Plate Armour, it doesn’t impose Drawback on Stealth Checks. Most significantly, it supplies Resistance to Necrotic Harm. When worn by the workforce’s frontline combatant, the Protecting Plate can turn into an efficient harm buffer towards deadly Necrotic Harm that usually takes the type of damage-over-time Spells.

11

Flawed Helldusk Armour

Armour Class: 18

Among the many apprentices of Forger Carixim of Avernus, Dammon within the Emerald Grove is essentially the most educated about infernal metallurgy exterior its burning realms. When gamers speak to him in Act 2, they’ll give them the

Flawed Helldusk Armour

, an imitation of an unique armour that accommodates a mere fraction of its energy.

Showing as an ornate piece of Plate Armour with golden particulars and pink fabric, the Flawed Helldusk Armours doesn’t point out its infernal origins save for its results. Its Superior Plate characteristic debuffs all assaults with -1 Piercing Harm. Furthermore, its Lesser Infernal Retribution can inflict 1-4 Fireplace Harm to an enemy inside 2 meters of the participant that simply hit them. With how even a 1 HP opponent can transfer usually, this “tiny” harm with the ability to remove them for good is invaluable when outnumbered.

10

Armour Of Devotion

Armour Class: 18

Maybe its look as a detailed imitation of the common Plate Armour makes the Armour of Devotion fairly a worthwhile acquisition. Obtained in Moonrise in Act 2 in a participant’s Baldur’s Gate playthrough, the Armour of Devotion closely resembles full plate however can be fairly appropriate for Paladins.

Possessing 18 AC, the Armour of Devotion is a Uncommon Merchandise that enables Paladins to regain their Oath Cost as soon as a day with out taking a protracted relaxation. Given how Paladins have already got restricted sources, such a provision can support in useful resource administration in Baldur’s Gate 3.

9

Cerebral Citadel Armour

Armour Class: 18

In terms of drawn-out fantasy tales like Baldur’s Gate 3, it is essential for gamers to know in regards to the enemy they’re combating earlier than dealing with them in fight. Such is the case of the participant’s investigation of the Emperor, who seems to be the mysterious huge unhealthy within the sport. All through their investigation, they could come throughout the Cerebral Citadel Armour, basically an otherworldly piece of Heavy Armour tailor-made particularly for many who have Thoughts Flayer parasites.

Carrying the armour grants gamers with a good 18 AC on high of assorted advantages. They can’t be Frightened and in addition get +1 to INT, WIS, and CHA Saves so long as they have the Illithid Parasite of their heads. Regardless of the relatively above-average AC, the boosted defenses could make this armour a must-wear for the workforce’s frontline items, be it a tank or a melee DPS.

8

Plate Armour +1

Armour Class: 19

When gamers transition from carrying the Chain Mail to Plate Armour in Baldur’s Gate 3, they get entry to much less imposing gear. Gone is the trenchcoat-esque full protection of chain mail, and gamers as an alternative get a long-sleeved gown coat with form-fitting pauldrons, a chestplate, and greaves. Nonetheless, gamers who admire the extra ornate detailing of the armour can get the upgraded

Plate Armour +1

variant.

Upon acquisition by the point gamers attain Character Degree 8 to 10, the armour supplies them with Superior Plate, which provides -1 Piercing Harm. As a consequence of its weight, the armour nonetheless imposes Drawback on Stealth Checks. No matter this setback, a personality carrying this armour is probably going staying within the frontlines anyway whereas the workforce’s designated assassins safe their positions.

7

Splint Armour +2

Armour Class: 19

Generally, plate armour simply received’t minimize it on the subject of Baldur’s Gate 3, particularly for gamers who desire a extra conventional “mercenary” search for their characters. Those that wish to gown up their characters to resemble an armoured Geralt of Rivia might admire Splint Armour +2.

The Splint Armour boasts artisanal handiwork on the chest element and belts, created from a mixture of various plates on high of a leather-based base. The armour has 19 AC, removed from essentially the most sturdy plate however nonetheless well worth the acquisition. Being Heavy Armour, its inherent Stealth penalty might make it difficult for gamers to sneak previous spellcasters who love shelling out AOE spells.

6

Blackguard’s Plate

Armour Class: 19

When gamers get into the Bhaalist Crypt, they could additionally wish to take into account killing That Which Lurks. Gamers who do that of their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough might get Blackguard’s Plate as a drop, with the ornate-looking Heavy Armour tainted by its earlier possession of an Oathbreaker.

Within the sport, gamers who equip Blackguard’s Plate get 19 AC on high of Magical Plate, offering a everlasting -1 debuff to incoming harm. Whereas gamers get a Drawback on Stealth Checks that make environmental maneuvers troublesome, they get an Benefit on Knowledge Saves.

5

Emblazoned Plate Of The Marshal

Armour Class: 19

When gamers get to the Iron Throne and resolve to battle Duke Ulder Ravengard, they’ve the chance to accumulate the Emblazoned Plate of the Marshal. This Heavy Armour is especially recognized for its possession of the symbol of the Marshal of the Flaming Fist, offering fairly a bolstered protection. Ought to gamers put on this, they turn into a part of the representatives of Baldur’s Gate’s central navy authority, making this armour good for gamers who wish to roleplay as metropolis locals.

Carrying this armour grants gamers with AC 19, among the many highest players can acquire as Base Armour Class from Heavy Armour. Not solely that, however they get -2 from all incoming harm sources on high of Resistance to Fireplace, making this the right swimsuit to put on for a tank who loves attending to the frontlines as quickly as potential. The Resistance to Fireplace additionally incentivizes the workforce’s spellcaster to go all-out on fireplace spells like Fireball, even when the wearer is in the best way.

4

Reaper’s Embrace

Armour Class: 19

Gamers who encounter Ketheric Thorm of their Baldur’s Gate 3 playthrough could also be enamored by his plate armour, particularly with its chest plate trying eerily like a ribcage. Enjoyers of the RPG who need their gamers to appear like closely armoured variants of the Diablo Necromancer can attain this piece of apparatus by defeating Ketheric Thorm.

When geared up, Reaper’s Embrace offers gamers 19 AC. It’s made from a Magical Plate, offering a everlasting -2 to all incoming harm. It additionally possesses Reaper’s Rigidity, whereby gamers are not affected by issues that drive them to maneuver in trade for a Drawback on DEX Saves. Lastly, they acquire entry to Howl of the Lifeless Cantrip so as to add to their arsenal of spells.

3

Plate Armour +2

Armour Class: 20

Nothing beats fully-kitted tanks on the subject of defending their workforce in Baldur’s Gate 3, which is what

Plate Armour +2

proves. Boasting 20 AC, this Very Uncommon Armour is an ornamented golden plate armour with element that may take care of its extra highly effective counterparts.

Regardless of no different advantages, the Plate Armour +2 remains to be one of the crucial environment friendly Heavy Armour items. Boasting one of many highest AC stats throughout its armour kind, Plate Armour +2 is a standout for Fighters and Paladins who wish to stay tanky with out attempting to synergize with sophisticated further results.

2

Armour Of Persistence

Armour Class: 20

It is a widespread trope in fantasy tales for “the gang” to get collectively when dealing with the ultimate menace, particularly when the protagonists have spent a lot of the story making associates and saving others from hazard. This trope is one thing Baldur’s Gate 3 follows via, particularly when gamers find yourself saving the Druid Grove in Act 1 and assist Dammon and his fellow Tiefling refugees to succeed in Baldur’s Gate.

In some unspecified time in the future within the sport, Dammon will assist gamers purchase the

Armour of Persistence

, maybe the most effective Heavy Armours the sport has to supply. Not solely does the armour boast a staggeringly excessive 20 AC, however it additionally supplies -2 to all incoming Harm. It even comes with Legendary Persistence, which virtually imbues its wearer with Resistance and Blade Ward for defensive bonuses.

1

Helldusk Armour

Armour Class: 21

Each time forge grasp Carixim creates accursed armaments throughout the hellfires of Avernus, neither future nor morality ever bothers him. Because of this, the regally-adorned

Helldusk Armour

does nothing however show the sheer attract of demonic affect towards gamers. Acquired on the Home of Hope, the Helldusk Armour comes at a powerful AC 21 alongside the Helldusk Armour characteristic, instantly granting Proficiency to anybody carrying it. Even a Wizard like Gale, who often doesn’t put on armour, can equip the Helldusk Armour.

It additionally comes with the Prime Aegis of Fireplace, giving its customers immunity from Burning, Resistance to Fireplace Harm, and -3 to all incoming harm. Its Infernal Retribution additionally inflicts the Burning standing to the caster of a spell that the gamers handle to avoid wasting towards.