There are enemies and environmental threats lurking around every corner in Valheim, and as Vikings progress deeper into the tenth Norse world, they will need more protective gear to survive their excursions. While Valheim's wide assortment of weapons and shields can be used to dodge attacks, armor can also protect a Viking from some damage. Like most everything in Valheim, armor needs to be crafted. Players will first need to unlock the crafting recipe by gathering the right materials during their explorations of various biomes. There are seven armor sets in the Early Access version of Valheim and, in general, one or two correspond to the resources and enemy level of each biome.
Armor can be crafted at either an upgraded Workbench or Forge, depending on the materials used in the recipe. It's a good idea for players to craft and equip full sets, as they can often receive bonuses for doing so. However, pieces can easily be mixed and matched to negate some negative effects of heavier armor, like slowed movement speed. It may also help to craft and store extra armor pieces around home base, as armor will be lost along with other resources and tools any time a Viking dies in battle and respawns. Here's a complete list of every armor set in Valheim and how to craft them all.
How to Craft All Seven Armor Sets in Valheim
As Vikings encounter new enemies, obstacles, and perils across the various Valheim biomes, their armor will need to change to meet the level of their foes and continue keeping them safe. Players will have a choice what to craft and equip as they discover new materials, and what works best will ultimately depend on a player's preference and fighting style. Armor pieces can be crafted and upgraded individually whenever a player chooses. Upgrading makes each piece more durable and more protective, increasing base armor stats.
Rag Armor
Rag Armor is the first armor set a Viking receives from the start of the game. This set has a total base armor stat of 2. Players can craft this set at a Level 1 Workbench in the Meadows the first time they find Leather Scraps:
- Rag Tunic: 5 Leather Scraps
- Rag Pants: 5 Leather Scraps
Leather Armor
Leather Armor is the next armor set a Viking can craft. This set has a total base armor stat of 7. Players can craft this set at a Level 2 Workbench. They will need to reach the Black Forest Biome at least once and collect Bone Fragments to unlock one of the pieces in the set.
- Leather Pants: 6 Deer Hide
- Leather Tunic: 6 Deer Hide
- Leather Helmet: 6 Deer Hide
- Deer Hide Cape: 4 Deer Hide, 5 Bone Fragments
Troll Hide Armor
Troll Hide Armor is the first armor set a Viking will encounter that gives a bonus for equipping the full set. If the Viking is wearing all four pieces, they will receive a 25% buff to their Sneak ability. The Troll Hide Armor set has a total base armor stat of 19. Players can craft this set at a Level 3 Workbench. They will need to reach the Black Forest Biome and find and defeat a Troll to unlock the recipe.
- Troll Leather Pants: 5 Troll Hide
- Troll Leather Tunic: 5 Troll Hide
- Troll Leather Helmet: 5 Troll Hide, 3 Bone Fragments
- Troll Hide Cape: 10 Troll Hide, 10 Bone Fragments
Bronze Armor
The first of the metal armors, Bronze Armor is crafted at a Level 1 Forge. The Bronze Armor set has a base armor stat of 24. Players will need to reach the Black Forest Biome at least once and mine Copper and Tin Ores to unlock it. They will need to cook both Ores in a Smelter before they can turn it into Bronze. The full Bronze Armor set reduces player movement speed by 10%.
- Bronze Plate Leggings: 5 Bronze, 2 Deer Hide
- Bronze Plate Cuirass: 5 Bronze, 2 Deer Hide
- Bronze Helmet: 5 Bronze, 2 Deer Hide
Iron Armor
Iron Armor will be most beneficial in the Swamp Biome, where players find Iron in the first place. This set has a total base armor stat of 42. Players can craft this set at a Level 2 Forge. They will need to defeat the Elder and mine Iron from the Swamp to unlock the recipe. The full Iron Armor set reduces player movement speed by 10%.
- Iron Greaves: 20 Iron, 2 Deer Hide
- Iron Scale Mail: 20 Iron, 2 Deer Hide
- Iron Helmet: 20 Iron, 2 Deer Hide
Wolf Armor
The Wolf Armor set is necessary, especially when players want to explore the Mountains biome more easily. The Wolf Fur Cape grants Frost Resistance and can be worn separately with any armor in cold environments. The full Wolf Armor set has a total base armor stat of 61. Players can craft the Wolf Armor set at a Level 2 Forge and Level 3 Workbench. They will need to mine Silver and earn a Drake Trophy to unlock the recipe. Players should note that the full Wolf Armor set reduces movement speed by 10%.
- Wolf Armor Legs: 20 Silver, 5 Wolf Pelt, 4 Wolf Fangs
- Wolf Armor Chest: 20 Silver, 5 Wolf Pelt, 1 Chain
- Drake Helmet: 20 Silver, 2 Wolf Pelt, 2 Drake Trophy
- Wolf Fur Cape: 6 Wolf Pelt, 4 Silver, 1 Wolf Trophy
Padded Armor
The best armor currently available in Valheim is the Padded Armor set, and it is especially important for players traveling deeper into the Plains biome. The full Padded Armor set has a total base armor stat of 79. Players can craft the Padded Armor set at a Level 2 Forge and Level 3 Workbench. They will need to gather Flax and spin it into Linen Thread using a Spinning Wheel to unlock the recipe. Players should note that the full Padded Armor set reduces movement speed by 10%.
- Padded Greaves: 20 Linen Thread, 10 Iron
- Padded Cuirass: 20 Linen Thread, 10 Iron
- Padded Helmet: 15 Linen Thread, 10 Iron
- Linen Cape: 20 Linen Thread, 1 Silver
Valheim is in Steam Early Access and is available for PC.