Whether you’re tanking Daedric Lords or just trying to look like a baddie in battle, choosing the right armor set in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion can make all the difference. From stealthy leathers to enchanted heavies, this guide breaks down the absolute best armor sets in Oblivion and exactly where to find them.
1. Daedric Armor (Best Heavy Armor Overall)
- Armor Rating: Highest base in the game
- Type: Heavy
- Where to Find It: Daedric armor doesn’t show up until level 20. At that point, you can find pieces:
- On high-level Dremora (especially in Oblivion Gates)
- From random loot chests
- On Black Bow Bandits or Marauders
- Why It’s Good: Daedric offers the highest defense in vanilla Oblivion. It’s super durable and looks evil as hell (in the best way).
Perfect for warriors and tanks, especially when enchanted.
2. Glass Armor (Best Light Armor Overall)
- Armor Rating: Top-tier for Light Armor users
- Type: Light
- Where to Find It: Starts appearing around level 15 in:
- Loot chests
- Enemies like Marauders and Bandits
- Merchants (occasionally)
- Why It’s Good: It’s lightweight, stylish, and has great defense for sneaky or mobile builds.
Glass armor is especially good if you’re rocking high Acrobatics and dodging attacks more than blocking them.
3. Ebony Armor
- Type: Heavy
- Where to Find It: Appears around level 15–20 in the wild and at merchants.
- Bonus Source: Loot it from Umbra in Vindasel.
- Why It’s Good: Ebony armor has solid stats and looks classy. A great choice if you’re not quite ready for Daedric.
4. Mithril Armor
- Type: Light
- Where to Find It: Appears from level 10+, especially in:
- Shops
- Looted from Bandit Ringleaders
- Why It’s Good: Mithril is the Light Armor equivalent of Dwarven—it’s got great weight-to-defense ratio and shows up earlier than Glass.
Also: the glowy silver aesthetic is a whole vibe.
5. Arena Raiment (Unique Light/Heavy Hybrids)
- Type: Light OR Heavy (depends on which you win)
- Where to Get It: Complete the Arena Questline in the Imperial City.
- Why It’s Good: The Raiment of Valor offers solid defense, Fortify Health, and Strength boosts. You get it after becoming Grand Champion.
Also, it’s just cool to walk around as the Arena Champion. Period.
6. Dark Brotherhood Shrouded Armor
- Type: Light
- Where to Get It: Join the Dark Brotherhood.
- Why It’s Good: This assassin-style armor gives powerful enchantments like Fortify Sneak, Blade, and Acrobatics.
It’s a must-have for stealthy builds or anyone with a flair for the dramatic.
7. Blackwood Company Armor
- Type: Heavy
- Where to Get It: You’ll come across this set during the Fighters Guild questline.
- Why It’s Good: While not top-tier in stats, it looks super unique and makes for excellent roleplay gear if you’re trying to look like an elite mercenary.
8. Enchanted Custom Armor (Best Personalized Set)
- Type: Any
- Where to Get It: Collect Grand Soul Gems and enchant at an Altar of Enchantment. You’ll unlock one by progressing in the Mages Guild.
- Why It’s Amazing: You can make your own armor with enchantments tailored to your build—like Fortify Magicka, Resist Magic, or Chameleon. Basically, it turns any armor into an S-tier set.
Pro tip: Use Azura’s Star for infinite soul-trapping enchantments. Combine that with the Umbra sword and you’re unstoppable.
Bonus: Knights of the Nine Armor (DLC)
- Type: Heavy
- Where to Get It: Complete the Knights of the Nine DLC
- Why It’s Legendary: Offers major Resist Magic and Fortify bonuses. It’s also required to finish the final boss in the DLC storyline.
Perfect for holy crusader builds or anyone craving righteous paladin vibes.
Final Thoughts
If you want the best heavy armor, go with Daedric or make a custom enchanted set. If you’re more into agility and stealth, Glass or Shrouded Armor is the move. And don’t sleep on those quest reward sets—some are stronger than they look.
Need help boosting your skills so you can wear that armor like a boss? Check out our how to level up fast guide or how to sprint & run faster if you’re rocking heavier sets.