Elden Ring: 17 Best Armor Sets For Magic Builds (2024)

Armor is a bit of a misnomer here, as most of the armor sets made for magic-inclined builds in Elden Ring are either glamorous gowns or raggedy rags. Still, they do have their advantages compared to the tin cans and cast iron pots that melee builds choose to wear. What they lack in physical damage negation, they compensate in magical and elemental damage protection.

But of course, that doesn't mean any mage or wizard can simply pick their choice of hooded robes or pointy hats. Some of them have semi-hidden bonuses, while others are simply more stylish than others. One might want to be picky with their choice of magical drip in Elden Ring. Who knows, maybe the proper armor set might attract the right maiden for the maidenless wizards?

Updated August 10, 2024 by Erik Petrovich: The Elden Ring DLC has some Sorcerous themes throughout Castle Ensis, Shadow Keep, and the Count Ymir questline, expanding on lore we learned in the base game. In these areas, you can find new Elden Ring Magic armor sets suited for Sorcery-wielders, two of which particularly stand out for their special bonuses and set effects. The High Priest Set, worn by Count Ymir himself, is great for players who want to try using Finger Sorceries, but only if you alter the Robe. On the other hand, the Fire Knight set is useful (and pretty stylish) for all Sorcery armor seekers. This guide has been updated with new details on these two armor sets, including what specific pieces you need to get special bonuses associated with each.

19 High Priest Set (Altered)

The High Priest set might not be the first armor set that jumps to mind when you think of the best Magic Armor Sets in Elden Ring, but with two pieces that enhance Sorceries, it's one you shouldn't miss. The High Priest Hat increases your Intelligence and Arcane by one, which isn't much, but it can be very useful for Rule Level 1 runs.

Normally, the High Priest Robe doesn't have any special effects. But if you go to Boc and get it Altered (or use the Golden Sewing Needle yourself), you can turn it into the Finger Robe. Count Ymir wears this after you complete his quest, and it enhances all Finger Sorceries by 8%. If you plan to use these creepy new spells in the DLC, the High Priest set, and the altered Finger Robe, are a natural fit.

High Priest Set Location

The High Priest armor set can only be unlocked by defeating Count Ymir at the end of his questline. Head to the Cathedral of Manus Metyr to start the quest, and return to his throne once you have defeated Metyr, Mother of Fingers to fight him. Turn the High Priest Robe into the Finger Robe by Altering it with the Golden Sewing Needle.

18 Fire Knight Set (With Salza's Hood)

The Fire Knight set, like the High Priest set, isn't altogether too special on its own. It looks great, and especially suits the aesthetic of Fire Sorcery-users, but if you want to maintain its aesthetic and gain a boost to your Sorceries too, consider picking up Salza's Hood.

The Fire Knight Helm doesn't give any bonuses, but Salza's Hood – being the hood of a Sage of the Fire Knights – gives you a small +2 bonus to Intelligence. You can mix and match this with other armor sets, but Salza's Hood definitely looks best when cosplaying a member of Messmer's Fire Knights.

Fire Knight Set Location

Pieces to the Fire Knight armor set drop from Fire Knights within Shadow Keep, with a pretty low drop chance. Salza's Hood can be found at the entrance to the Ancient Ruins of Rauh from Shadow Keep. Salza himself guards the entrance to the Ancient Ruins, and must be defeated to progress to this zone. On defeat, he will drop his hood an d the Rain of Fire spell.

17 Juvenile Scholar Set

Given the effort needed for players to unlock such an item, one would expect this armor set to have something special. But it's mostly just for novelty and as some kind of rare trophy. The Juvenile Scholar Set is mostly just a junior version of the Queen of the Full Moon set.

Still, it's lighter and more agile, allowing players to come up with some clever hit-and-run builds using certain talismans that favor light load. It's also ideal for cosplaying as certain NPCs or enemies in the game, particularly Rennala's daughters.

Juvenile Scholar Set Location

To get the Juvenile Scholar Set Elden Ring players must head to the graveyard area to the east of Caria Manor, after obtaining the Resurrection Painting. This is found at the Artist's Shack in the east of Liurnia, pretty close to the Carian Study Hall.

16 Shaman Set

Not all magic builds in Elden Ring are all about snobby and pompous wizards. Some are down-to-earth shaman builds that utilize one of the most visceral spells in the game. Players can complete the look by aping those Ancestral Follow Shaman enemies in the underground sections.

The Shaman Set itself is unimpressive both for physical and elemental protection. But players might find a use for it if they like spamming Ancestral Infant's Head. It is, however, decent enough against Poison and Rot damage or buildup.

Shaman Set Set Location

To get the Shaman Set Elden Ring players must simply kill Ancestral Follower Shaman enemies in the Siofra River. Each piece has a different chance to drop, though the Shining Horned Headband is the rarest.

15 Astrologer Set

Players don't have to go far to look like a proper mage in Elden Ring. The Astrologer Set is readily available at the start of the game, assuming players picked the Astrologer class. If not, then players can still obtain it early in the game by venturing into Liurnia of the Lakes.

The armor set isn't particularly build-defining, as it has no perks or special effects that can alter gameplay. However, it has impressive elemental damage protection as well as defense against Madness and Blight which is perfect for adventurous mages.

Astrologer Set Set Location

To get the Astrologer Set Elden Ring players must either play as an Astrologer, or purchase it from the first Merchant you meet in Liurnia of the Lakes – just after descending from the cliffs at the southern entrance, you should see his campfire.

14 All-Knowing Set

The All-Knowing Set features Gideon's signature wise man garb, and the helmet itself looks imposing enough. The armor piece also has a cape though it's not as flowy as other clothed armor sets. Still, it's a decent armor with a lightweight and can compete with others at the stage in which players get it.

As far as bonuses for magic builds go, it's nothing special. But the well-rounded defense and the manageable weight might make it appealing for certain mage builds. Besides, it's lore-friendly since Gideon prizes fundamentalist magic, which is a combination of Intelligence and Faith spells.

All-Knowing Set Location

To get the All-Knowing Set Elden Ring players must defeat Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing, in the Ashen version of Leyndell towards the end of the game. As the third-to-last boss of Elden Ring, don't expect to have this set till nearly the end.

13 Royal Knight Set

If players are into battlemage builds but don't want to look like a hermit, then Loretta's fancy and ornate armor gives a more dignified appearance. It's another well-rounded armor though the weight might compromise certain mage builds and force them to invest in Endurance.

But it's worth it since the poise is high enough for players to shrug off some disruptive light attacks. Moreover, the physical defense is quite high, and it's generally a good armor for trading blows, especially in PvP. Just don't forget to use Loretta's Greatbow as a cherry on top.

Royal Knight Set Location

To get the Royal Knight SetElden Ring players can purchase it from Finger Reader Enia after defeating Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree in Elphael. The Chest costs 6,000 Runes, while each other piece cost 4,000 Runes, for a total of 18,000 Runes.

12 Queen Of The Full Moon Set

Players will have to beat up a grieving divorcee mother who just lost all of her children in order to grab this set from Enia. Rennala is sadly semi-mandatory or mandatory if players want to be able to re-spec. Her armor is also decent enough as a fashion statement.

A lot of people with goofy fashion senses also prefer wearing her helm. Apart from the tall profile, the helmet also gives out three Intelligence. It's not much but it can help players save up on some expensive levels to pour into Intelligence.

Queen Of The Full Moon Set Location

To get the Queen of the Full Moon SetElden Ring players must purchase it from Finger Reader Enia in Roundtable Hold after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. You don't need to turn in her Remembrance for this set, but it will set you back 31,000 Runes – 10k for the helm, and 7k for each other piece.

11 Noble's Set

The Noble's set looks like a pajama set, but the torso piece has a small cape, so it passes the Elden Bling criteria. Apart from that, the helmet, or in this case, the hood, is also elegant. It's navy blue in color and fits in well with other armor set pieces.

In terms of bonuses, it's quite meek as the helmet piece only gives one point of Mind. It's a small and barely noticeable increase to FP but at least it gives off some kind of benefit should players choose to use it as a fashion statement.

Noble's Set Location

To get the Noble's SetElden Ring players must simply head to Windmill Village in northern Altus Plateau and defeat enemies in the East Windmill Pasture area.

10 Bull-Goat Set

Some magic-builds that can spare several more points into Endurance will be well-rewarded as they get access to the heaviest and most stable armor in the game. Because in hindsight, the biggest problem for a magic-build is getting interrupted in their casting animation.

Bull-Goat Set ensures that magic-builds can just shrug that off. On top of the highest poise value in the game, the armor also protects the best, especially from physical damage. At times, it can even be preferable for any Tarnished who likes to spam Comet Azur.

Bull-Goat Set Location

To get the Bull-Goat Set Elden Ring players must follow Patches' questline in Volcano Manor. After a few targets, you will be instructed to kill Great Horned Tragoth. Find this NPC's invasion sign, and defeat him, in the Magma Wyrm cave that connects Liurnia and the Altus Plateau.

9 Carian Knight Set

The Carian Knight Set is a specialized piece of armor for spellblades or magic builds that still rely on melee fighting styles. Thus, they demand more protection since they're not meant to be glass cannons. The Carian Knight set offers the perfect compromise for such a play style.

It's light enough to let magic builds dodge well but heavy enough for decent poise and defense. Moreover, the style is just too good to pass up, especially for anyone who wants to roleplay as a spellsword or some kind of hybrid knight.

Carian Knight Set Location

To get the Carian Knight Set Elden Ring players must look on the ground next to a grave on an outcropping in the Academy of Raya Lucaria, near the end of the second graveyard section before the Wheel itself.

8 Alberich's Set

Alberich is that nightmarish invader in the main hall of the Roundtable Hold. He's a cheating spammer, and the worst part is that he doesn't even drop his cool armor after defeat. Players can thankfully nab themselves some Alberich apparel in the Fortified Manor, which is the main dimension version of the Roundtable Hold.

It's just in the main hall of the said manor. Apart from the edgy ruby-laden design, the armor set also boosts Aberrant Sorceries. Sadly there are only two spells in that category; Briars of Punishment and Briars of Sin. Both of them can be difficult to use, but at least the armor is flashy.

Alberich's Set Location

To get Alberich's SetElden Ring players must find the reflection of Roundtable Hold, the Fortified Manor, in Leyndell. Jump off the tower wall near the especially large Oracle Envoy below the colosseum to reach this area, then go to Mad Tongue Alberich's usual spot below the balcony within.

7 Snow Witch Set

The Snow Witch Set is the best armor for any Frost mage, as it's the only armor set to boost that category of spells. It's mainly the hat the players want since that gives the Cold Sorcery bonus, but the clothes aren't really that bad, apart from the shoeless or bootless skirt.

Moreover, it allows players to cosplay their favorite waifu in the game, Ranni. It's a bit hard to match her complexion and her four sinewy doll arms but a dedicated player will manage. It's also worth noting that this armor set belonged to Renna, Ranni's secret mentor. Do note that the armor set has no gloves so players can get creative or resourceful in that department.

Snow Witch Set Location

To get the Snow Witch Set Elden Ring players must reach Renna's Rise, just outside Caria Manor in the Three Sisters, after completing much of Ranni's questline. It should only be lootable once Ranni departs and allows access to Renna's Rise in the first place.

6 Azur's Glintstone Set

This armor is a status symbol. It indicates that players who have it didn't mess up Sellen's questline and that they have committed to the most busted Sorceries in the game. Azur's Glintstone Set is a bit polarizing when it comes to jazzing it out in Elden Bling endgame fashion but the function outweighs the form.

That buff to Comet Azur ensures that Comet Azur cheese builds can min-max their damage and boss one-shotting capabilities. Sure enough, the person who wore it, Azur, was among the most powerful sorcerers in the Lands Between and yes, that crystal helmet is Azur's skull and brain. Still, a small price to pay for some mighty magic.

Azur's Glintstone Set Location

To get Azur's Glintstone SetElden Ring players must find Azur, sitting just northeast of Hermit Village in Mt. Gelmir as part of Sorceress Sellen's questline. Talk to Azur around the corner of the Demihuman Queen to receive his set.

5 Lusat's Set

Lusat's Set is the thematic twin to Azur's armor set and while its passive bonus is dwarfed by the latter's encompassing buffs, Lusat's set boasts the highest magic damage negation out of all the mage-type armor in the game. That means it's great for mage duels in PvP.

The helmet also grants a buff to Stars of Ruin, which is presumably Lusat's signature spells. It's a powerful one so the buff is welcome but the cost is also a little too high. In any case, Lusat's Set is also a status symbol since it's part of Sellen's lengthy and complicated questline.

Lusat's Set Location

To get Lusat's Set Elden Ring players must find Lusat in Sellia Hideaway as part of Sorceress Sellen's Questline. Talk to Lusat at the end of Sellia Hideaway and he will relinquish the set to you.

4 Battlemage Set

Despite the name, don't expect the Battlemage armor set to have some respectably physical damage negation numbers. It's painstakingly flimsy as far as physical armor goes and gives more focus on repelling magical and elemental attacks.

In fact, the only reason it's named "Battlemage" is due to the fact that the helmet gives two points each to Strength and Intelligence. Even so, it's bound to strike fear into the hearts of PvP enemies, especially when paired with the Gavel of Haima spell. Most players have painful memories of that spell and this armor from PvE.

Battlemage Set Location

To get the Battlemage SetElden Ring players must defeat Battlemages. You can find a respawning Battlemage in the northern Altus Plateau just west of the Windmill Villages.

3 Preceptor's Set

Seluvis is the most pompous snob in Elden Ring, so wearing his skin and style might be a bit repulsive for some; it's best to treat it like cold revenge for all the times he called players a "dirty and backward provincial." The set's not without its merits, of course.

For one, it's elegant and tasteful while maintaining an air of mystery and wonder. The masked hat also gives a nice bonus to Mind with a somewhat negligible penalty to Stamina. Meanwhile, the set's physical damage negation is actually decent for light armor. Too bad that didn't stop assassins from gutting Seluvis' hateful guts now, did it?

Preceptor's Set Location

To get the Preceptor's SetElden Ring players must follow Ranni's questline almost until the end. Late in the questline, when Ranni departs, Seluvis will die – loot the Preceptor's Set from Seluvis' body in Seluvis' Rise.

2 Spellblade Set

The Spellblade Set is the more battle-oriented Battlemage set as it actually increases the output of weapons that deal Frost and Magic damage in their Ashes of War or weapon skill. Each piece of this armor set boosts the aforementioned damage types by two percent for a total of eight if worn as a set.

So magic-builds that mostly fight in melee (such as Moonveil mages, for example) will benefit the most here. Sorcerer Rogier drops this whole set after he finally takes his last breath in Roundtable Hold. This usually happens as players are progressing Ranni's quest line.

Spellblade Set Location

To get the Spellblade Set Elden Ring players must follow Sorcerer Rogier's questline through to its end, when it can be found on his body in Roundtable Hold.

1 Glintstone "Burger King" Crowns

They're not exactly a set, but these "Burger King" helmets typically worn by the boffins in Raya Lucaria Academy are quite the prized piece of equipment for Sorcerers and spellcasters. They come in several variations and each of them raises Intelligence while penalizing another stat. These are the six variants, what they do, and how to find them:

Elden Ring

Platform(s)

PS5 , Xbox One , PS4 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S , PC

Released

February 25, 2022

Developer(s)

From Software

ESRB

M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence