Splint Armor +1 – Basic but Reliable
If you’re just starting out in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Splint Armor +1 is likely your first encounter with heavy armor. It provides an Armor Class (AC) of 18, a slight resistance to piercing damage, and—unfortunately—a consistent disadvantage on stealth.
Visually, it works nicely on characters like Lae'zel, especially if you enjoy tweaking color schemes. That said, this armor is best treated as a placeholder. There are no standout defensive features, so once something better comes along, upgrade immediately.
Adamantine Splint Armor – The Act One Powerhouse
This armor shines in early to mid-game. Found in the Grymforge during Act 1, it combines solid defense with some powerful effects. You’ll get damage reduction (-2 from all sources), reeling on melee hits (–3 to enemy attacks), and most importantly—immunity to critical hits.
It holds up surprisingly well into Acts 2 and 3, and you don’t need exploits to get it. It's a natural fit for Lae'zel or any frontliner, making it an S-tier choice for early survivability and sustained performance.
Reaper’s Embrace – Risk vs. Reward
At first glance, Reaper’s Embrace looks like a direct upgrade. With 19 AC and the same –2 damage reduction as the Adamantine armor, it seems impressive. Add the Howl of the Dead ability to slow enemies, and it looks even better.
However, the disadvantage on Dexterity saving throws is a major drawback—especially against common elemental and magical attacks like fireball or lightning bolt. You also get Reaper’s Rigidity, which stops forced movement, but it’s a niche advantage. While stylish and intimidating, this armor is best ranked mid-tier for the average playthrough.
Blackguard’s Plate – Strong Utility, Arrives Late
This is one of the more unique sets thanks to its advantage on Wisdom saving throws, which helps resist effects like Hold Person and Command. It also boasts 19 AC and reduces incoming damage slightly.
Unfortunately, it's acquired very late in the game, typically from a Murder Tribunal encounter. By the time you reach it, you may already be decked out in more effective gear. It's a high B-tier contender if you happen to get your hands on it—just not an essential pick.
Emblazoned Plate of the Marshal – Fire-Proof and Feature-Rich
Belonging to Duke Ravengard, this set is found toward the end of Act 3, making its window for usefulness pretty short. Still, it delivers: 19 AC, –2 damage from all sources, fire resistance, and a +2 bonus to all saving throws.
What makes it stand out is the Fire Shield ability. You can activate it for resistance to cold or fire damage, and it reflects 2–16 damage to attackers. This is excellent for fighters who lack access to spells. If this gear dropped a little earlier in the game, it could easily be S-tier. As is, it lands comfortably in A-tier territory.
Armor of Persistence – Best in Show
This is arguably the best heavy armor in Baldur’s Gate 3, thanks to its impressive synergy of defensive perks. Found in Act 3 from Dammon, it grants 20 AC, –2 incoming damage, and two powerful ongoing buffs: Blade Ward and Resistance.
The Blade Ward gives resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage, while Resistance improves saving throws across the board. This makes it ideal for fighters and tanks who need to stand firm through long battles. The armor also looks fantastic with various dyes and mods. If you're looking for a late-game end-all armor set, this is it.
Splint Armor +2 – Just Functional
This upgraded version of the base Splint Armor gives 19 AC, a –1 piercing damage benefit, and a +1 bonus to Strength checks and saves. It’s decent, but far from exciting. Found often at higher-level vendors, it's usually outclassed by better options already in your inventory.
A fair, mid-game filler piece at best. Safe to say this is C-tier gear that looks better than it performs.
Flawed Helldusk Armor – Firestarter with Quirks
You can pick this one up in Act 2 from Dammon by trading in Infernal Iron. With 18 AC, minor fire retaliation, and –1 piercing damage, it sounds solid. The problem is that its passive fire damage effect is unreliable and only triggers on melee hits—and even then, only if the enemy fails a Dex save.
Compared to Adamantine armor, which is usually available earlier, this one feels underwhelming. That said, it’s not terrible. A situational B-tier pick if you're running multiple heavy armor users.
Rippling Force Mail – Stylish and Strategic
Despite having only 17 AC, this armor comes with an interesting mechanic: Force Conduit. Each time you take damage, you gain stacks that reduce further incoming damage. Once enough stacks build up, you unleash 1d4 force damage in a 6-meter area.
The armor is available early in Act 1, and its stylish look earns it some extra flair points. While it's not the most protective armor stat-wise, it offers a unique gameplay angle. Force Conduit can be maximized with specific self-damaging items, making this a low A-tier or high B-tier option.
Cerebral Citadel Plate – Functional, But Forgettable
Found in Act 3, this armor has 18 AC and provides resistance to fear plus bonuses to mental saving throws—but only if you’re tadpole-infested. It’s a neat concept but limited in practical use.
Not many characters benefit from its stats compared to better options already available. On top of that, it has a Mind Flayer-style appearance, which may or may not fit your style. A clear C-tier entry.
Dwarven Splint Mail – Surprisingly Effective
Often overlooked, this armor offers 19 AC, +1 to Strength checks/saves, and +2 Constitution (up to 20). That last perk is huge—it increases HP, durability, and Constitution save checks.
It’s available as early as Moonrise Towers in Act 2, making it incredibly accessible for the power it brings. While it lacks flashy abilities, it’s one of the best stat-boosting heavy armors, especially for martial classes. Easily A-tier and possibly better than some Act 3 alternatives.
Helldusk Armor – Legendary Power for Any Class
This is the only legendary heavy armor in Baldur’s Gate 3, and it earns that status. With a top-tier 21 AC, –3 damage from all sources, fire resistance, and no burn effects, it’s already a powerhouse.
The real standout is that anyone becomes proficient while wearing it—yes, even squishy spellcasters like Gale. It also grants a bonus action Fly ability, improving battlefield mobility, and deals burning damage to enemies when you pass a saving throw.
This set isn’t just protective—it’s aggressive, utility-rich, and accessible for all classes. It doesn’t dye well and has a bold look, but the perks far outweigh any style quirks. Firm S-tier for both performance and flexibility.
Plate Armor +2 – Late Arrival with Basic Benefits
By the time this armor shows up in merchant inventories (Level 11+), players often have much better gear. Its 20 AC and –2 damage from physical sources are decent, but the lack of any unique traits or magical effects holds it back.
It has a nice look, with dangling plate elements that animate during movement, but performance-wise, it’s purely functional. It’s best used as a temporary fallback option late in the game. A high C-tier at best.
Ring Mail +2 – Too Little, Too Late
Despite the +2, this set gives only 16 AC, making it one of the weakest heavy armors defensively. It includes minor slashing damage reduction and a +1 to Strength saving throws, but that’s not enough to compensate for the low base stats.
You’ll find it between levels 5 and 8—but even then, Adamantine or Reaper’s Embrace will serve you better. Visuals are unimpressive, and it doesn’t look like heavy armor. Firm D-tier due to low AC and limited usefulness.
Chain Mail +2 – Niche and Outclassed
This version of chain mail gives 18 AC and reduces slashing damage by 2. It’s functional and looks fairly good with some added shoulder detail, but it’s still clearly outpaced by better options.
You’ll spot this armor in shops once you're level 7 or higher, but chances are you’ll already have gear like Rippling Force Mail or Dwarven Splint Mail, both of which offer better overall utility. A low C-tier set.
Helldusk Armor (Flawed Variant) – Early Option with Bugs
The flawed version of Helldusk can be made during Act 2 if you give Dammon Infernal Iron. It has 18 AC and may inflict 1d4 fire damage to melee attackers—assuming they fail a Dexterity save.
The effect is inconsistent, and the armor doesn't always work correctly with the combat log. If you’re not running two heavy armor users, you’ll probably prefer sticking to Adamantine or waiting for the real Helldusk later in the game. Solid mid B-tier, but nothing special.
Protective Plate – Necrotic Niche
Though a lesser-known option, the Protective Plate stands out for one reason: necrotic damage resistance. That’s very helpful in certain encounters—especially in late game where undead and dark magic are more frequent.
Its AC is decent, and it’s stealth-friendly, as it doesn’t impose disadvantage on stealth checks. Not flashy, but situationally very effective. A solid C-tier pick with specific applications.
Armor of Devotion – Paladin-Only Value
A paladin’s best friend in Act 2, this set offers 18 AC, and more importantly, grants an extra Channel Oath use through the Eternal Devotion feature. This allows for another use of powerful class abilities, making it very valuable for divine tanks.
You’ll find this at Moonrise Towers, and it works well for thematic builds or roleplay-heavy playthroughs. It’s visually striking and fits the class flavor perfectly. Not versatile, but a respectable B-tier option for paladins.
Ring Mail – Just Don’t
With only 15 AC, minor Strength bonuses, and no standout features, this is the worst heavy armor in Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s outclassed by medium armors paired with high Dexterity and lacks the perks that even early-game sets offer.
It’s basically just filler gear until you can find something—anything—better. Firm D-tier, bordering on unusable.
Standard Plate Armor – Plain and Passable
This is the entry-level version of Plate Armor, offering 19 AC with no modifiers or special abilities. It’s a serviceable set that may see some use if you’re desperate, but is otherwise forgettable.
You’ll find this in stores or on enemies during mid-game. It looks like what you’d expect from generic plate and gives you defense without any flair. C-tier, maybe low B if nothing else is available.
Conclusion: Which Heavy Armor Should You Use in BG3?
When choosing heavy armor in Baldur’s Gate 3, it’s all about timing, class fit, and utility. If you want early game dominance, nothing beats Adamantine Splint Armor—with critical hit immunity and damage reduction, it's ideal from Act 1 onward. For late-game mastery, the Armor of Persistence and Helldusk Armor take the lead with unmatched AC, resistances, and broad class compatibility.
If you’re building a melee tank or frontliner, prioritize gear that boosts saving throws, reduces damage from all sources, and scales well with enemy difficulty. Some sets, like Dwarven Splint Mail, are criminally underrated, while others, like Reaper’s Embrace, sound great on paper but come with risky downsides.
At the end of the day, your armor choice can shape the outcome of combat. This guide gives you the tools to pick the set that fits your style and strategy.
FAQs: BG3 Heavy Armor Tier List
Which is the best heavy armor in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Armor of Persistence is arguably the most balanced and powerful, with high AC, resistance, and a passive Blade Ward effect.
Can non-heavy armor users wear Helldusk Armor?
Yes. The Helldusk Armor makes the wearer proficient automatically, making it ideal for squishy classes like wizards or sorcerers.
What’s the best early-game heavy armor in BG3?
The Adamantine Splint Armor, found in Grymforge, offers high survivability and critical hit immunity early in the game.
Is Dwarven Splint Mail worth using?
Absolutely. It gives +2 Constitution, +1 Strength checks/saves, and 19 AC—perfect for tanks, especially if picked up in Act 2.
Should you prioritize AC or damage reduction?
Ideally, get both. But if forced to choose, damage reduction (like that offered by Helldusk or Adamantine) has more consistent benefits.
Stay Connected with Haplo Gaming Chef
Haplo Gaming Chef blends gaming guides with casual cooking streams for a truly unique viewer experience. Whether you’re here for clean, no-nonsense walkthroughs or just want to chill with some cozy cooking content between game sessions, this is the place for you. From full game unlock guides to live recipe prep and casual chats, Haplo Gaming Chef delivers content that’s both informative and enjoyable.
You Can Follow Along On Every Major Platform:
YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter/X, Threads, Bluesky, Pinterest, Flipboard, Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Medium, Blogger, and even on Google Business.
No filler, no fluff—just straight-up help for gamers and fun for foodies. Join the community today!
For More Guides Visit: Haplo Gaming Chef Website!
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment