In the vast and unforgiving realm of Elden Ring, the ability to customize and enhance one’s armor is paramount to survival and triumph. Whether it’s tailoring defense values to suit specific enemies, or simply expressing personal style, alterations play a crucial role in shaping the course of one’s adventure. However, navigating the intricate mechanics of armor modification can be daunting, even for seasoned warriors. This comprehensive guide will delve into the secrets of how to alter armor in Elden Ring, empowering players with the knowledge to forge their own indomitable suits of protection.
The fundamental aspect of armor alteration lies in the acquisition of Runes. Runes are the lifeblood of Elden Ring’s economy and advancement systems, and they serve as the currency for purchasing smithing services. Once a sufficient number of Runes have been amassed, players can seek out master blacksmiths who possess the skills to modify armor. These artisans can be found at various locations throughout the Lands Between, each specializing in specific types of alterations. Some smiths may excel at reinforcing physical defenses, while others may focus on enhancing elemental resistances or adding special enchantments.
Before embarking on the path of armor modification, it is essential to understand the ramifications of each alteration. Some changes may irreversibly modify the base properties of armor, while others may require rare or expensive materials. Players should carefully consider their goals and consult with smiths to determine the most appropriate course of action. With the right knowledge and a keen eye for detail, the process of armor alteration can transform even the most humble of garments into a formidable bulwark against the perils that lurk within Elden Ring.
Locating the Smithing Master
To alter armor in Elden Ring, you must first locate a Smithing Master. These skilled craftsmen are found at various locations throughout the Lands Between. Once you find a Smithing Master, you can interact with them to access their services.
Roundtable Hold
One of the earliest Smithing Masters you can meet is located in the Roundtable Hold, a hub area that becomes available after you defeat Godrick the Grafted. To reach the Roundtable Hold, use the teleporter found at the Site of Grace outside Godrick’s arena.
The Smithing Master in the Roundtable Hold is Hewg, and he is located in the secluded area behind the throne room. Hewg offers a wide range of services, including armor alteration.
Other Locations
In addition to Hewg, there are several other Smithing Masters located in the Lands Between. They can be found in the following locations:
| Location | Smithing Master |
|---|---|
| Limgrave | Irina |
| Weeping Peninsula | Iji |
| Caelem Ruins | Lhutel the Headless |
| Redmane Castle | Edgar |
| Leyndell, Royal Capital | Hugh |
Each Smithing Master offers slightly different services, so it’s worth visiting multiple locations to find one that meets your specific needs. For example, Hewg in the Roundtable Hold is the only Smithing Master who can alter legendary weapons and armor.
Requirements for Armor Alteration
To alter armor, you will need the following materials:
- Runes: The primary in-game currency used for purchasing items and services.
- Smithing Stones: Special items used for enhancing and altering weapons and armor. The type of Smithing Stone required for armor alteration depends on the level of the armor.
The cost of armor alteration varies depending on the type of alteration and the level of the armor. Simpler alterations, such as changing the appearance of the armor, are relatively inexpensive. More complex alterations, such as increasing the armor’s stats, require more expensive materials.
Optimizing Defensive Capabilities
In Elden Ring, defensive capabilities are critical for survival in the unforgiving Lands Between. To enhance your protection and withstand the relentless onslaught of enemies, consider the following strategies for altering your armor:
1. Choose the Right Material
Different armor materials offer varying levels of protection and weight. Heavy armor, such as plate and mail, provides exceptional defense but hinders mobility. Medium armor, like chainmail and leather, offers a balance between protection and agility. Light armor, such as cloth and fur, sacrifices defense for maximum movement speed. Select the material that best suits your playstyle and combat requirements.
2. Upgrade Your Armor
Upgrading your armor at a Smithing Stone enhances its defensive capabilities. Each upgrade increases the armor’s physical and elemental resistances, making you more resilient against attacks. Invest your Smithing Stones wisely to improve your overall protection and longevity.
3. Enchant Your Armor
Enchanting your armor with magical properties further enhances its defensive capabilities. Different enchantments provide specific bonuses, such as increased elemental resistances or damage reduction. Visit an Enchantress to imbue your armor with powerful enchantments and gain an edge in battle.
4. Repair Your Armor
Armor takes damage during combat and requires regular repair to maintain its effectiveness. While you can repair armor using Smithing Tools, it’s more convenient to rest at a Site of Grace to automatically repair your equipment. Keep your armor in good condition to ensure optimal protection.
5. Combine Different Armor Pieces
Mix and match armor pieces from different sets to maximize your defensive capabilities. Experiment with various combinations to find the optimal balance of defense, mobility, and elemental resistances. Don’t be afraid to mix heavy armor with lighter pieces for a versatile and effective defense.
6. Optimize Your Equipment Load
Your equipment load, or weight ratio, has a significant impact on your mobility, agility, and stamina regeneration. Overburdened characters have slower movement, stamina depletion, and reduced combat effectiveness. Aim for a medium load for a balance between protection and maneuverability. Heavy loads are only recommended for specific builds that prioritize defense above all else.
| Equipment Load | Mobility / Agility | Stamina Regeneration |
|---|---|---|
| Light | High | Fast |
| Medium | Balanced | Moderate |
| Heavy | Low | Slow |
Enhancing Physical Resistance
Elden Ring grants players various options to enhance their physical resistance through altering armor, allowing them to withstand punishing attacks from enemies. Here’s a comprehensive guide on optimizing armor for physical resistance:
1. Understanding Armor Stats
Each piece of armor in Elden Ring possesses three primary stats:
- Physical Damage Reduction:
- Poise:
- Weight:
Percentage reduction against all physical damage types (Slashing, Piercing, and Striking)
Resistance to being staggered or knocked down by attacks
Impacts character speed and mobility
2. Choosing the Right Armor Type
Elden Ring features a diverse array of armor sets, each with unique stat distribution. Certain armor types are specifically designed to enhance physical resistance:
- Heavy Armor: Offers the highest physical resistance but significantly increases weight and reduces agility.
- Medium Armor: Balances physical resistance and weight, providing a moderate level of both.
- Light Armor: Provides the lowest physical resistance but grants greater mobility and stamina consumption.
3. Upgrading Armor
Upgrading armor with Smithing Stones enhances its stats, including physical resistance. Higher upgrade levels result in significant stat improvements.
4. Fortifying with Talismans
Certain talismans grant passive bonuses to physical resistance, such as:
- Great-Jar’s Arsenal: Increases equip load, allowing players to wear heavier armor without sacrificing mobility.
- Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Enhances physical damage negation for a limited duration after absorbing a hit.
5. Using Buffs and Incantations
Temporary buffs and incantations can boost physical resistance in specific situations:
- Barrier of Gold: Incantation that grants a temporary physical damage reduction buff.
- Golden Vow: Incantation that increases overall defense, including physical resistance.
6. Enhancing with Ashes of War
Some Ashes of War can be applied to weapons or shields to provide additional physical resistance:
- Flame of the Redmanes: Ash of War that grants a temporary physical resistance boost after landing a hit.
- Bloodhound’s Step: Ash of War for weapons that grants invulnerability to physical damage during a short dash.
7. Optimizing Physical Resistance
Optimizing physical resistance requires careful consideration of the following factors:
- Enemy Attack Types: Identify the types of physical damage enemies inflict to prioritize resistance.
- Individual Armor Pieces: Different armor pieces provide varying levels of resistance. Mix and match to maximize overall protection.
- Talismans and Buffs: Combine buffs and talismans to stack physical resistance bonuses.
- Weight Management: Balance physical resistance with mobility by carefully managing armor weight and optimizing equip load.
- Comfort Level: Determine the level of physical resistance that feels comfortable based on playing style and enemy difficulty.
- Specific Encounters: Tailor physical resistance optimization to specific encounters or boss fights with unique attack patterns.
- Upgrade Availability: Prioritize upgrading armor pieces that offer the highest physical resistance gains with available resources.
- Damage Type Variation: Consider the variation in damage types enemies may inflict and prioritize resistance against the most prevalent types.
- Rolling and Dodging: Physical resistance can be supplemented with skilled rolling and dodging techniques to mitigate incoming damage.
- Health and Stamina: Ensure sufficient health and stamina to withstand attacks and perform evasive maneuvers.
Optimizing physical resistance is an iterative process that requires experimentation and adaptation based on individual playstyles and enemy encounters. By carefully considering the factors outlined above, players can significantly enhance their survivability against physical attacks in Elden Ring.
Balancing Armor Weight and Protection
In Elden Ring, armor plays a crucial role in safeguarding your character from enemy attacks and elemental damage. However, selecting the right armor requires careful consideration of its weight and protection levels, as both factors impact your character’s mobility and combat effectiveness.
Armor Weight
Armor weight is measured in pounds (lbs) and significantly affects your character’s movement speed, stamina consumption, and ability to dodge enemy attacks. Heavier armor provides greater defense but at the cost of reduced mobility. Conversely, lighter armor allows for faster movement and more efficient stamina usage, but offers less protection.
Armor Protection
Armor protection is measured in three categories: Physical, Magic, and Fire. Each category represents the armor’s ability to resist damage from physical attacks, magical spells, and fire damage, respectively. Higher protection values indicate better resistance to that particular damage type.
Finding the Right Balance
The key to optimizing armor selection in Elden Ring is finding the right balance between weight and protection. This depends on your playstyle, preferred combat tactics, and the specific enemies you are facing.
Factors to Consider
When selecting armor, consider the following factors:
- Desired mobility level
- Anticipated enemy attack types
- Your character’s current stamina and weight capacity
Recommended Weight Ranges
As a general guideline, consider the following weight ranges for different playstyles:
| Playstyle | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Light and Agile | Less than 30 lbs |
| Balanced and Defensive | 30 to 45 lbs |
| Heavy and Tanky | Over 45 lbs |
Specific Enemy Attacks
Some enemies in Elden Ring specialize in certain damage types. For example, Fire Giants deal heavy fire damage, while Dragons breathe powerful fire attacks. If you anticipate facing such enemies, consider equipping armor with high Fire protection.
Maximize Protection for Bosses
When facing challenging bosses, prioritize armor that offers high protection in all three categories (Physical, Magic, and Fire). This will provide your character with the best chance of surviving boss attacks and reducing incoming damage.
Customize and Experiment
The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its customization options. Experiment with different armor combinations to find the perfect balance for your character. Consider the weight, protection levels, and special effects of each armor piece to optimize your combat performance.
Customizing Armor Appearances
Elden Ring offers a wide range of armor sets to customize your character’s appearance. These sets can be found throughout the game world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from merchants. In addition to their aesthetic value, different armor sets also provide varying levels of protection and stat bonuses.
Altering Armor Appearances
While you can equip different armor sets to change your character’s appearance, you may prefer to alter the appearance of individual pieces of armor to create a unique look. This is possible through the use of Alteration Runes, which can be obtained by defeating certain enemies or by purchasing them from merchants.
Tailor’s Tools
To alter armor appearances, you will need to visit a Tailor’s Tools workbench, which can be found in various locations throughout the game world. These workbenches allow you to make the following changes to your armor:
Change the color of the armor
- Change the material of the armor
- Change the pattern of the armor
These changes are purely cosmetic and do not affect the armor’s stats.
Using Alteration Runes
To make these changes, you will need to use Alteration Runes. Different Runes allow for different types of alterations, such as changing the color, material, or pattern of the armor. Each Rune has a specific set of options that it can provide.
To use an Alteration Rune, simply select it from your inventory and then select the armor piece you wish to alter. The available options for that Rune will then be displayed. Once you have selected the desired option, the Rune will be consumed and the alteration will be made.
Combining Alteration Runes
You can combine multiple Alteration Runes to create unique looks for your armor. For example, you could combine a Rune that changes the color of the armor with a Rune that changes its material. This allows you to create combinations that are not possible with a single Rune.
However, it is important to note that Alteration Runes are not reusable. Once you have used a Rune to alter a piece of armor, it will be consumed and you will not be able to use it again.
Unlocking More Alteration Runes
There are a total of 20 Alteration Runes available in Elden Ring. You can unlock these Runes by defeating certain enemies, by purchasing them from merchants, or by finding them hidden throughout the game world.
The following table lists all of the Alteration Runes available in Elden Ring, along with their locations and effects:
| Rune | Location | Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
Alteration Rune 1 |
Defeat the Black Knife Assassin in the Deathtouched Catacombs |
Change the color of the armor |
|
Alteration Rune 2 |
Purchase from Patches at Murkwater Cave |
Change the material of the armor |
|
Alteration Rune 3 |
Find in a chest in the Raya Lucaria Academy |
Change the pattern of the armor |
By collecting and using Alteration Runes, you can create custom armor appearances that are unique to your character. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect look for your Tarnished adventurer.
Crafting and Upgrading Armor
Gathering Materials
To craft or upgrade armor, you’ll need to gather various materials. These materials can be obtained by defeating enemies, looting chests, or purchasing them from merchants. Some of the most common materials used for armor crafting and upgrading include:
*
- Smithing Stones
- Grave Glovewort
- Ghost Glovewort
- Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
Crafting Armor
Once you have the necessary materials, you can craft armor at any Site of Grace. To craft an armor piece, select “Crafting” from the menu and then choose the “Armor” tab. From there, select the armor piece you want to craft and press the “Craft” button.
Upgrading Armor
Upgrading armor allows you to improve its stats, such as its defense and durability. To upgrade armor, you’ll need to use the same materials that you used to craft it. You can upgrade armor at any Smithing Table. To upgrade an armor piece, select “Upgrade” from the menu and then choose the armor piece you want to upgrade. From there, select the material you want to use and press the “Upgrade” button.
14. Table of Upgrade Materials
The following table shows the different types of upgrade materials and the armor pieces they can be used to upgrade.
| Upgrade Material | Armor Pieces |
|---|---|
| Smithing Stone 1 | Weapons and armor up to +3 |
| Smithing Stone 2 | Weapons and armor up to +6 |
| Smithing Stone 3 | Weapons and armor up to +9 |
| Smithing Stone 4 | Weapons and armor up to +12 |
| Smithing Stone 5 | Weapons and armor up to +15 |
| Smithing Stone 6 | Weapons and armor up to +18 |
| Smithing Stone 7 | Weapons and armor up to +21 |
| Smithing Stone 8 | Weapons and armor up to +24 |
| Grave Glovewort 1 | Spirit ashes up to +3 |
| Grave Glovewort 2 | Spirit ashes up to +6 |
| Grave Glovewort 3 | Spirit ashes up to +9 |
| Grave Glovewort 4 | Spirit ashes up to +12 |
| Grave Glovewort 5 | Spirit ashes up to +15 |
| Grave Glovewort 6 | Spirit ashes up to +18 |
| Grave Glovewort 7 | Spirit ashes up to +21 |
| Grave Glovewort 8 | Spirit ashes up to +24 |
| Ghost Glovewort 1 | Spirit ashes up to +3 |
| Ghost Glovewort 2 | Spirit ashes up to +6 |
| Ghost Glovewort 3 | Spirit ashes up to +9 |
| Ghost Glovewort 4 | Spirit ashes up to +12 |
| Ghost Glovewort 5 | Spirit ashes up to +15 |
| Ghost Glovewort 6 | Spirit ashes up to +18 |
| Ghost Glovewort 7 | Spirit ashes up to +21 |
| Ghost Glovewort 8 | Spirit ashes up to +24 |
| Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone | Weapons and armor up to +25 |
Repairing and Restoring Armor
In Elden Ring, your armor plays a crucial role in protecting you from enemy attacks. Over time, however, your armor can become damaged, reducing its effectiveness. Fortunately, there are ways to repair and restore your armor, allowing you to continue using it effectively in combat.
Common Methods for Restoring Your Armour:
There are a few common methods for restoring your armor in Elden Ring:
-
Repairing at Sites of Grace:
You can repair your armor at any Site of Grace in the game. Simply select the “Repair” option from the menu and choose the armor you want to repair. The cost of repairing armor varies depending on the type of armor and the amount of damage it has sustained.
-
Using Repair Powders:
Repair Powders are consumable items that can be used to instantly repair your armor. There are two types of Repair Powders: Regular Repair Powders and Great Repair Powders. Regular Repair Powders restore a small amount of durability to your armor, while Great Repair Powders restore a large amount of durability.
-
Using Ash of War:
Some Ashes of War can be applied to your armor to give it additional effects, including the ability to repair itself. For example, the “Bloodhound’s Step” Ash of War allows you to dodge attacks by consuming durability from your armor. This can be a useful way to keep your armor in good condition, especially in extended fights.
Repair Costs:
The cost of repairing armor varies depending on the type of armor and the amount of damage it has sustained. The following table shows the repair costs for different types of armor:
| Armor Type | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Light Armor | 100 Runes per point of durability |
| Medium Armor | 150 Runes per point of durability |
| Heavy Armor | 200 Runes per point of durability |
Preventing Armor Damage:
There are a few things you can do to prevent your armor from getting damaged:
-
Dodge and Block Attacks:
The best way to prevent your armor from getting damaged is to dodge and block enemy attacks. This will prevent your armor from taking direct hits, which can cause significant damage.
-
Use Talismans:
There are a few talismans that can help you reduce the amount of damage your armor takes. For example, the “Godfrey Icon” talisman increases your poise, which makes you more resistant to being staggered by attacks.
-
Repair Your Armor Regularly:
Even if you’re careful, your armor will eventually get damaged. It’s important to repair your armor regularly to keep it in good condition and prevent it from breaking.
Enchanting Armor for Special Abilities
Armor in Elden Ring can be enchanted to gain special abilities. These abilities can range from simple stat boosts to powerful magical effects. To enchant armor, you will need to find an Ash of War that corresponds to the ability you want to add. Once you have found an Ash of War, you can apply it to your armor at a Site of Grace.
Types of Armor Enchantments
There are many different types of armor enchantments available in Elden Ring. Some of the most common include:
- Stat boosts: These enchantments increase your stats, such as strength, dexterity, or intelligence.
- Elemental damage: These enchantments add elemental damage to your attacks, such as fire, lightning, or magic.
- Status effects: These enchantments inflict status effects on your enemies, such as poison, bleed, or frostbite.
- Special abilities: These enchantments grant you special abilities, such as the ability to regenerate health or teleport.
How to Find Ash of Wars
Ash of Wars can be found in a variety of ways, including:
- Looting chests and corpses
- Defeating enemies
- Purchasing them from merchants
- Finding them hidden in the environment
Once you have found an Ash of War, you can take it to a Site of Grace to apply it to your armor.
How to Apply Ash of Wars
To apply an Ash of War to your armor, follow these steps:
1. Rest at a Site of Grace.
2. Select the “Alter Armor” option.
3. Select the piece of armor you want to enchant.
4. Select the “Ash of War” option.
5. Select the Ash of War you want to apply.
6. Confirm your selection.
The Ash of War will now be applied to your armor.
Best Ash of Wars for Each Armor Type
The best Ash of War for each armor type depends on your personal playstyle and build. However, some general recommendations include:
- Light armor: Ash of War: Quickstep, Ash of War: Bloodhound’s Step
- Medium armor: Ash of War: Golden Vow, Ash of War: Barricade Shield
- Heavy armor: Ash of War: Giant Hunt, Ash of War: Lion’s Claw
Special Considerations
There are a few special considerations to keep in mind when enchanting armor:
- Some Ash of Wars can only be applied to certain types of armor.
- Enchanting armor can be expensive, so be sure to consider the cost before applying an Ash of War.
- Enchanting armor can also increase its weight, so be sure to factor that into your build.
Conclusion
Enchanting armor is a great way to customize your character and improve your combat effectiveness. By following the tips in this guide, you can find the best Ash of Wars for your armor and apply them to create a powerful and stylish set of gear.
Optimizing Armor for Stealthy Gameplay
Stealth is a viable combat approach in Elden Ring, allowing players to approach encounters from unexpected angles and deliver devastating blows. To enhance stealth capabilities, consider optimizing armor for the purpose of minimizing noise and visibility.
Armor Selection
Choose armor pieces with inherent low noise values. Avoid heavy metal armors, such as the Knight Armor, which generate significant noise. Instead, opt for light cloth or leather armors, like the Assassin’s Set or the Black Knife Set.
Armor Modifications
Further reduce noise levels by applying modifications to your armor. The Silencing Grease consumable can be applied to armor pieces, reducing noise by 20% for a limited duration. Alternatively, upgrade your armor with the Phantom Slash Ash of War, which temporarily enhances stealth and reduces noise by 20%.
Armor Enchantments
Enchant your armor with the Nox Flowing Magma spell to gain an additional 20% stealth bonus for 30 seconds. This spell is especially effective when paired with light armor and other low-noise modifications.
Armor Weight
Maintain a low equip load to enhance mobility and reduce the noise generated by movement. Avoid overloading your character with heavy equipment, especially during stealthy missions.
Armor Visibility
In addition to noise, consider the visibility of your armor. Choose armor pieces with darker or less reflective materials to avoid drawing attention. Bright colors and shiny surfaces can hinder stealth capabilities.
Armor Coverage
While it may seem counterintuitive, wearing full armor can actually enhance stealth by covering exposed skin. Bare skin generates more noise than covered areas, so opt for armor sets that provide full coverage.
Footwear
Don’t overlook the impact of footwear on stealth. Choose boots with soft soles, such as the Leather Boots or the Colossal Greaves, to minimize noise when walking.
Noise Reduction Chart
For reference, here is a table summarizing the noise reduction values of various armor pieces and modifications:
| Item | Noise Reduction |
|---|---|
| Assassin’s Set | 30% |
| Black Knife Set | 25% |
| Silencing Grease | 20% |
| Phantom Slash | 20% |
| Nox Flowing Magma | 20% |
Conclusion
By carefully considering the noise and visibility of your armor, you can optimize your character for stealthy gameplay in Elden Ring. Embrace the shadows and strike with precision to achieve victory without alerting your unsuspecting foes.
Utilizing Armor for Co-op and Multiplayer
In Elden Ring, synchronizing your armor setup with your co-op companions can significantly enhance your overall effectiveness in multiplayer. Here are some key considerations when choosing and altering armor for cooperative play:
Coordinating Armor Stats
When venturing into Elden Ring’s cooperative multiplayer, it’s crucial to ensure that your armor stats complement those of your teammates. For instance, if your group primarily engages in melee combat, prioritizing armor with high physical resistance is wise. Conversely, if spellcasting and ranged attacks are your forte, tailoring your armor towards elemental resistance will prove more beneficial.
Optimizing Weight and Mobility
In cooperative multiplayer, agility and mobility play a critical role. Coordinating your armor’s weight to achieve a balanced overall load is essential. This allows you and your companions to navigate the game world with ease, dodge enemy attacks effectively, and execute strategic maneuvers.
Enhancing Cooperation-Specific Abilities
Certain armor sets and alteration options in Elden Ring provide unique abilities that can greatly benefit cooperative play. For instance, armor pieces that enhance health regeneration or resistance to specific enemy types can significantly aid your team’s survival. Additionally, consider incorporating armor alterations that increase stamina or equip load, allowing you to carry more equipment and explore longer distances without resting.
Additional Considerations
Beyond the aforementioned factors, several other considerations can influence your armor choices for cooperative multiplayer in Elden Ring:
- Your team’s playstyle and combat preferences
- The specific enemies and environments you’re likely to encounter
- The availability of other armor sets and alteration options throughout the game
By carefully considering these elements, you and your co-op companions can synergize your armor setups to maximize your effectiveness, enhance your teamwork, and conquer Elden Ring’s challenges together.
Armoring Up for Specific Encounters
In addition to general armor considerations, customizing your gear for specific encounters can prove invaluable in cooperative multiplayer. Here are some examples:
Table: Armor Optimization for Specific Encounters
| Encounter | Optimal Armor Stats | Recommended Alterations |
|---|---|---|
| Fire-breathing Boss | High Fire Resistance | Flameproof Crest Talisman, Fire Charm |
| Poison Swamp Area | Medium Poison Resistance | Poisonbite Crystal Tear, Assassin’s Perfume |
| Fast-Paced Melee Combat | Balanced Physical Resistance, High Poise | Bull-Goat’s Talisman, Dragoncrest Shield Talisman |
By tailoring your armor to the specific challenges of an encounter, you can significantly increase your survivability and the overall success of your cooperative team.
Maximizing Damage Reduction with Armor
1. Understanding Armor Stats
Armor in Elden Ring provides various stats that affect your character’s defensive capabilities. These stats include:
- Physical Damage Reduction: Reduces damage from physical attacks (slashing, piercing, thrusting, and striking).
- Magic Damage Reduction: Reduces damage from magical attacks (sorceries, incantations, and dragon breath).
- Fire Damage Reduction: Reduces damage from fire-based attacks.
- Lightning Damage Reduction: Reduces damage from lightning-based attacks.
- Holy Damage Reduction: Reduces damage from holy-based attacks.
- Immunity: Provides complete immunity to certain damage types (e.g., Madness Immunity)
- Poise: Increases your character’s resistance to being staggered by enemy attacks.
- Weight: Determines how much the armor weighs, which affects your character’s mobility.
2. Choosing the Right Armor Set
Selecting an armor set that effectively maximizes damage reduction requires careful consideration of the following factors:
- Intended Playstyle: Consider your preferred combat style and the types of enemies you will primarily encounter. For example, if you rely heavily on magic, prioritize high Magic Damage Reduction.
- Enemy Type: The enemies you face will dictate the most effective damage reduction stats. For instance, against enemies that primarily use fire attacks, gear up with high Fire Damage Reduction.
- Weight: Balance the damage reduction benefits of an armor set with its weight. Heavier armor may offer more protection, but it can hinder your mobility.
- Fashion: The aesthetics of your armor set can also be a consideration. Elden Ring offers a wide range of armor options to suit various tastes.
3. Enhancing Armor Stats
Besides choosing the right armor set, you can further enhance its defensive capabilities through various methods:
- Smithing: Upgrading your armor at blacksmiths with Smithing Stones increases its overall stats, including damage reduction.
- Enchanting: Infusing your armor with elemental affinities (e.g., Fire, Magic, Lightning) through weapon arts can boost the damage reduction against specific damage types.
- Talismans: Certain talismans, such as the Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman, the Godfrey Icon, and the Blue Dancer Charm, enhance your character’s overall damage reduction or specific damage reduction stats.
- Buffs and Spells: Some spells and buffs, such as Golden Vow and Barrier of Gold, temporarily boost your damage reduction or specific damage reduction stats.
- Ashes of War: Some Ashes of War provide defensive bonuses, such as Barricade Shield or Golden Vow’s Shield, which further increase your damage reduction.
37. Calculating Damage Reduction
Understanding Damage Types:
Damage in Elden Ring is categorized into several types: Physical, Magic, Fire, Lightning, Holy, and Status. Each armor piece provides different levels of resistance to these damage types.
Base Damage Reduction:
The base damage reduction for each armor piece is determined by its Physical Damage Reduction stat. This stat ranges from 0% to 100%, with higher values indicating greater damage reduction.
Calculating Damage Reduction:
To calculate the total damage reduction from a specific armor set, follow these steps:
- Identify the damage type being dealt: Determine the type of damage the enemy is dealing (e.g., Physical, Fire).
- Check armor stats: For each armor piece in the set, locate the stat corresponding to the damage type (e.g., Physical Damage Reduction for physical attacks).
- Multiply stats: Calculate the product of all the relevant damage reduction stats for the armor set.
- Add stats: Sum the result from step 3 for all armor pieces in the set.
- Apply percentage: Divide the sum from step 4 by 100 to convert it into a percentage.
Example:
| Armor Piece | Physical Damage Reduction |
|---|---|
| Helmet | 20% |
| Chest Piece | 30% |
| Gauntlets | 15% |
| Leggings | 25% |
Calculation:
Total Reduction = (20% x 30% x 15% x 25%) / 100 = 0.00375
= 0.375%
In this example, the armor set provides a total Physical Damage Reduction of 0.375%.
Additional Considerations:
- Multiple Damage Types: If an attack deals multiple damage types, the game calculates the damage reduction for each type separately.
- Status Effects: Some status effects, such as Hemorrhage or Frostbite, can ignore armor’s damage reduction.
- Enemy Damage Modifiers: Certain enemies may have bonuses or penalties to their damage output, which can affect the effectiveness of armor.
Enhancing Armor for Specific Encounters
In the vast world of Elden Ring, you’ll encounter a diverse range of enemies, each with their own unique abilities and weaknesses. To optimize your defense against these formidable foes, it’s crucial to customize your armor for specific encounters. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to enhance your armor for optimal protection in Elden Ring:
Materials and Methods for Armor Alteration
To alter armor in Elden Ring, you’ll need the following:
- Runes: Used as currency for armor alteration services.
- Smithing Stones: Required to upgrade and reinforce armor.
- Armor Alteration Kits: Essential items used to change the stats and resistance of armor.
You can purchase these materials from merchants or find them as loot throughout the game. Alteration services are available at Smithing Sites.
Enhancing Armor Durability
Armor durability is a crucial factor to consider, as it determines how much damage your armor can withstand before it breaks. To enhance durability, you can use Smithing Stones to reinforce your armor at Smithing Sites. Reinforcing armor also increases its physical defense.
Adjusting Armor Weight and Mobility
Armor weight plays a role in your character’s mobility. Heavy armor provides exceptional protection but can slow down your movement and agility. Conversely, light armor offers less protection but allows for quicker movements. You can alter the weight and mobility of armor by using Armor Alteration Kits. These kits come in three types:
- Heavy Alteration Kit: Increases armor weight and physical defense.
- Medium Alteration Kit: Balances armor weight, mobility, and physical defense.
- Light Alteration Kit: Reduces armor weight and increases mobility, while sacrificing physical defense.
Optimizing Defense against Specific Enemies
To enhance your defense against specific enemies, it’s crucial to understand their damage types and weaknesses. Consider the following strategies:
- Physical Damage: Majority of enemies in Elden Ring deal physical damage. To resist physical attacks, opt for armor with high physical defense ratings.
- Magic Damage: Some enemies, such as sorcerers and wizards, rely on magic attacks. Protect yourself by wearing armor with high magic defense ratings.
- Fire Damage: Enemies like dragons and magma wyrms inflict fire damage. Equip armor with high fire resistance to mitigate their attacks.
- Holy Damage:Holy damage is often used by angelic beings and certain bosses. To counter this damage type, equip armor with high holy resistance.
- Lightning Damage: Enemies such as lightning-wielding knights and dragons deal lightning damage. Enhance your lightning resistance with armor that offers high protection against this element.
Advanced Armor Alteration Techniques
In addition to the basic alteration methods, there are advanced techniques that can further enhance your armor’s effectiveness:
Enchanting Armor
Enchanting armor adds special abilities and resistance bonuses to your gear. You can apply enchantments using Ash of War items, which are found as loot or purchased from merchants. Different Ashes of War grant unique enchantments, such as increased critical hit damage, enhanced defensive capabilities, or elemental damage buffs. Enchanting armor is recommended for high-level encounters where enemies possess powerful abilities.
Alteration Mastery
Alteration Mastery is a special skill that allows you to enhance the stats and resistance of armor beyond their base limits. To acquire this skill, you need to complete Roderika’s quest in Stormveil Castle. Once obtained, Alteration Mastery grants the ability to modify armor stats by a greater margin, providing exceptional protection against specific enemy types.
Armor Swap Optimization
In quick-paced encounters or boss battles, swapping between different armor sets can provide a tactical advantage. Carry a variety of armor pieces with different resistances and weight values to adapt to changing conditions on the battlefield. Quick-swapping armor allows you to mitigate specific enemy damage types or adjust your mobility as needed.
Conclusion
Customizing and enhancing your armor in Elden Ring is a crucial aspect of gameplay. By understanding the materials, methods, and advanced techniques involved in armor alteration, you can optimize your defense against a wide range of enemies and challenges. Tailored armor provides both protection and adaptability, ensuring your success in the perilous world of Elden Ring.
Repairing and Enchanting Armor Simultaneously
In Elden Ring, players can not only repair their armor but also enhance its capabilities through enchanting. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do both:
Repairing Armor
Armor in Elden Ring deteriorates over time as it takes damage. To repair it, players will need a Smithing Stone. The table below shows the different types of Smithing Stones and the armor they can be used to repair:
| Smithing Stone | Armor Types |
|---|---|
| Smithing Stone (1) | Cloth, Leather, Chainmail |
| Smithing Stone (2) | Cloth, Leather, Chainmail, Plate |
| Smithing Stone (3) | Cloth, Leather, Chainmail, Plate, Heavy Plate |
To repair armor, players must visit a Site of Grace. At the Site of Grace, select the “Craft” option and choose “Repair Weapon or Armor.” Select the desired armor piece and then choose the corresponding Smithing Stone to repair it.
Enchanting Armor
Enchanting armor in Elden Ring grants it additional properties, such as increased defenses, elemental resistance, or special effects. To enchant armor, players will need an Ash of War. Ashes of War can be found throughout the game world or purchased from merchants.
To enchant armor, players must visit a Blacksmith. Blacksmiths can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between. At a Blacksmith, select the “Ashes of War” option and choose the desired armor piece. The player can then select the desired Ash of War to enchant the armor.
Combining Repairing and Enchanting
Players can combine repairing and enchanting armor at the same time by using an Ash of War that also has a repair effect. The Ash of War “Mend” is one such example. When applied to an armor piece, “Mend” not only enchants the armor with a holy buff but also repairs it.
To use “Mend,” players must first obtain it. “Mend” can be found as a drop from the mini-boss “Elemer of the Briar” in the Shaded Castle. Once obtained, players can apply “Mend” to any armor piece at a Blacksmith.
Repairing and Enchanting Simultaneously Using Ashes of War
The following table lists Ashes of War that can be used to repair and enchant armor simultaneously:
| Ash of War | Repair Effect | Enchantment Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Mend | Repairs armor | Holy buff |
| Ash of War: Endure | Repairs armor | Increases stamina recovery speed |
| Ash of War: Barricade Shield | Repairs shields | Increases shield stability |
By using these Ashes of War, players can simultaneously repair and enhance their armor, giving them an advantage in combat.
Optimizing Armor Value for Different Encounters
42. Exploring the Damage Types and Resistances Mechanics
Delving into the intricate web of damage types and resistances in Elden Ring empowers players with the knowledge to tailor their armor choices for optimal protection. Damage types in the game are broadly classified into three categories: physical, elemental, and status.
a) Physical Damage Types
* Standard Physical: Inflicted by melee weapons and arrows.
* Strike: Dealt by blunt weapons such as hammers and clubs.
* Slash: Delivered by sharp weapons like swords and katanas.
* Pierce: Inflicted by piercing weapons such as spears and rapiers.
b) Elemental Damage Types
* Fire: Emanates from fire-based spells, incantations, and weapons.
* Lightning: Unleashed by lightning-based spells, incantations, and weapons.
* Holy: Infused in holy-based spells, incantations, and weapons.
* Magic: Originates from magic-based spells, incantations, and weapons.
c) Status Damage Types
* Bleed: Causes continuous damage over time and increases with successive hits.
* Frostbite: Slows movement speed and lowers defense, making enemies more vulnerable.
* Poison: Gradually depletes health over time.
* Scarlet Rot: Inflicts rapid and persistent damage, reducing maximum health.
Understanding the different damage types is crucial because each armor piece possesses varying levels of resistance to these elements. By analyzing the expected enemy encounters, players can select armor that provides the highest protection against the prevalent damage types.
For instance, if a player anticipates facing numerous fire-breathing dragons, equipping armor with high fire resistance becomes paramount. Conversely, when traversing areas inhabited by lightning-wielding enemies, wearing armor with substantial lightning resistance proves invaluable.
d) Building a Flexible Armor Wardrobe
Adaptability is key to maximizing armor effectiveness. Carrying multiple armor sets or individual pieces catering to different damage types allows players to adjust their gear as per the challenges they encounter.
| Damage Type | Armor with High Resistance |
|---|---|
| Fire | Magma Wyrm Scale Armor, Scaled Armor |
| Lightning | Lightningproof Robe, Black Knife Armor |
| Holy | Sacred Relic Sword, Crucible Tree Armor |
| Magic | Azur’s Glintstone Robe, Carian Knight Armor |
By considering the damage types and resistances, players can meticulously craft an armor strategy that maximizes their survivability and triumph over the myriad of threats lurking within the Lands Between.
Exploring the Impact of Armor on Mobility
In Elden Ring, armor serves as a crucial defense mechanism against hostile attacks, but it also impacts the player’s mobility and agility. Understanding this relationship is essential for optimizing one’s gameplay strategy.
Weight and Load Thresholds
Armor weight plays a significant role in determining a character’s movement speed and overall agility. Each piece of armor has an associated weight value, which collectively contribute to the character’s total equip load. The equip load is categorized into three thresholds: light, medium, and heavy load. Lighter equip loads allow for faster movement and more agile dodging, while heavier loads result in slower movement and decreased mobility.
| Equip Load Thresholds | Movement Speed | Agility |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Fast | High |
| Medium | Moderate | Moderate |
| Heavy | Slow | Low |
1. Light Load
Maintaining a light equip load (below 30% of maximum) grants the character the best mobility. They can move quickly, roll, and dodge efficiently to avoid enemy attacks. This is ideal for agile characters who rely on evasion and dexterity rather than brute force.
2. Medium Load
A medium equip load (30-70% of maximum) provides a balance between mobility and protection. Characters can still move reasonably well, but their agility is slightly compromised. This is suitable for all-around builds that prioritize both offense and defense.
3. Heavy Load
Carrying a heavy equip load (70%+ of maximum) significantly reduces mobility. Characters become slow and sluggish, and dodging effectively becomes challenging. This is typically only recommended for heavily armored builds that prioritize survivability over speed and agility.
Mobility and Survivability Trade-Off
Selecting the appropriate armor weight depends on the playstyle and build. A heavier equip load provides better protection but sacrifices mobility, while a lighter equip load enhances agility at the cost of reduced defense. Players must find a balance that suits their strategy.
4. Impact on Different Playstyles
The impact of armor weight varies depending on the player’s playstyle:
- Melee Combat: For melee-focused characters, agility is crucial. Light or medium armor allows them to move swiftly, dodge attacks, and maintain positioning effectively.
- Magic and Ranged Combat: Magic and ranged attackers benefit from maintaining a distance from enemies. Medium or heavy armor provides better survivability while still allowing for adequate movement.
- Hybrid Builds: Characters who combine melee and ranged combat require a balance of mobility and protection. Medium armor is often the ideal choice, as it provides a versatile mix of both attributes.
Armor Customization for Optimal Mobility
Beyond selecting the appropriate weight, players can further optimize their mobility through armor customization:
1. Prioritize Light and Medium Armor
Choosing armor pieces with lighter weight values and prioritizing mobility over protection is beneficial for agile playstyles.
2. Adjust Equip Load with Talismans
Talismans can be equipped to temporarily reduce the equip load percentage. This can be helpful for characters who want to maintain light mobility while wearing heavier armor.
3. Manage Stamina Consumption
Heavy armor increases stamina consumption for actions such as dodging and rolling. Managing stamina effectively through proper pacing and consumables is crucial to maintain mobility.
Conclusion:
Understanding the impact of armor on mobility in Elden Ring is essential for optimizing one’s gameplay strategy. By balancing armor weight and agility, selecting the appropriate armor for different playstyles, and customizing armor for optimal mobility, players can navigate the Lands Between with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Combining Different Armor Sets for Bonuses
In Elden Ring, you have the freedom to mix and match armor pieces from different sets to create your own unique look and gain specific bonuses. Certain armor sets provide bonuses when worn together, known as set bonuses. These bonuses can significantly enhance your character’s stats or grant special abilities.
To activate a set bonus, you must wear all the pieces of the specific armor set. The number of pieces required to activate the bonus varies, usually two or three. The set bonus is displayed in the armor’s description in the inventory screen.
Combining different armor sets can allow you to tailor your character’s build and playstyle. For instance, if you prefer a heavy armor setup, you could combine pieces from the Lionel’s Set and the Royal Remains Set to gain increased poise and health. Alternatively, if you favor a more stealthy approach, you could wear the Black Knife Set and the Shadow Set to enhance your stealth and assassinate enemies quietly.
Here are some examples of set bonuses from different armor sets in Elden Ring:
| Armor Set | Set Bonus |
|---|---|
| Lionel’s Set | Increased poise when wearing all pieces |
| Royal Remains Set | Increased max HP when wearing all pieces |
| Black Knife Set | Increased stealth when wearing all pieces |
| Shadow Set | Increased backstab damage when wearing all pieces |
It’s important to note that not all armor sets have set bonuses. Some provide individual bonuses for each piece, while others offer minor stat increases. Experimenting with different combinations to find the optimal setup for your character’s needs is crucial.
Maximizing Value from Smithing Stones
Smithing Stones are essential items in Elden Ring, used to enhance weapons and armor. However, getting the most value out of these stones requires careful planning and consideration.
Optimizing Upgrades
Each upgrade level requires a specific number of Smithing Stones, so it’s important to prioritize the most effective upgrades. Generally, it’s best to focus on upgrading weapons first, as they deal more damage and can carry you through the game’s challenges more easily.
Weapon versus Armor
While both weapons and armor benefit from upgrades, the return on investment differs. Upgrading weapons increases their attack power significantly, making them more effective in combat. Upgrading armor, on the other hand, provides incremental improvements to defense and resistance, which may not be as impactful in the long run.
Consideration of Weight
Armor weight plays a significant role in determining the character’s mobility and stamina consumption. Heavy armor may provide higher protection, but it can hinder agility and make it difficult to dodge or attack quickly.
Armor Resistance Types
Armor in Elden Ring has different resistance types, each offering protection against specific damage types. Consider the enemies you are likely to encounter in the areas you plan to explore to determine the most suitable armor for your build.
Identifying the Ideal Armor
The ideal armor for each player depends on their preferred playstyle, the areas they are exploring, and the enemies they are facing. Some general guidelines can help you make an informed decision:
For Melee-Focused Builds
Melee-focused characters prioritize damage output and survivability. They may opt for medium armor that offers a balance of protection and mobility, allowing them to withstand attacks while maintaining their agility.
For Ranged-Focused Builds
Ranged builds tend to stay at a distance from enemies, reducing the need for heavy armor. They can opt for light armor that enhances mobility and allows them to reposition themselves quickly.
For Magic-Focused Builds
Magic-focused characters rely on casting spells at a distance. They may prefer light or medium armor that provides sufficient protection while allowing them to cast spells comfortably without excessive stamina consumption.
Boss Encounters or Specific Areas
Some bosses or specific areas may require specialized armor or resistance types. For example, if you’re facing an opponent that deals significant fire damage, consider armor with high fire resistance.
Ultimately, the best way to maximize value from Smithing Stones is to carefully consider your playstyle, the enemies you’re facing, and the areas you’re exploring. By prioritizing effective upgrades and making informed decisions about armor, you can optimize your character’s performance and progress through the game more efficiently.
Efficiently Acquiring and Upgrading Armor
Acquiring Armor
There are several ways to acquire armor in Elden Ring:
- Find it in chests: Chests scattered throughout the world may contain armor pieces.
- Kill enemies: Some enemies drop armor pieces upon defeat.
- Purchase it from merchants: Merchants in various locations sell a variety of armor sets.
- Craft it yourself: With the right materials and blueprints, you can craft your own armor.
Choosing the Right Armor
When choosing armor, consider the following factors:
- Physical Defense: Protects against physical attacks such as melee strikes and arrows.
- Magic Defense: Protects against magical attacks such as spells.
- Weight: Heavier armor provides more protection but slows you down.
- Fashion: Customize your character’s appearance with different armor sets.
Upgrading Armor
To enhance the effectiveness of your armor, you can upgrade it at Blacksmiths using Smithing Stones.
- Find Smithing Stones: Smithing Stones are found in caves, dungeons, and as rewards from bosses.
- Talk to Blacksmiths: Blacksmiths in various locations can upgrade your armor for a fee.
- Upgrade Levels: Each armor piece can be upgraded multiple times, increasing its protection.
Special Enhancements
In addition to upgrading, you can further enhance your armor with Imbuement and Enchantment:
- Imbuement: This adds a status effect, such as Fire or Holy, to your attacks while wearing the armor.
- Enchantment: This increases the overall defense of the armor, but it requires rare materials.
Specific Armor Sets
Here are some notable armor sets in Elden Ring:
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Raya Lucaria Sorcerer Set | Academy of Raya Lucaria |
| Carian Knight Set | Carian Manor |
| Tree Sentinel Set | Limgrave, near the Gatefront Ruins |
| Banished Knight Set | Stormveil Castle |
| Malenia’s Armor Set | Haligtree, Miquella’s Haligtree |
123 How To Alter Armor Elden Ring
Altering your armor in Elden Ring is a crucial step to customizing your character and enhancing their performance in battle. With the help of a skilled blacksmith, you can modify the appearance, attributes, and abilities of your armor pieces to suit your playstyle and preferences.
To alter armor, you must first locate a blacksmith. Blacksmiths can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, often near settlements or waypoints. Once you have found a blacksmith, interact with them and select the “Alter Armor” option from the menu.
The Alter Armor menu will present you with a list of your currently equipped armor pieces. You can select any piece to view its current attributes and available modifications. Modifications can include changing the armor’s appearance, enhancing its physical or magical defenses, or adding special abilities such as increased mobility or resistance to certain elements.
The cost and materials required to alter armor will vary depending on the modifications you choose. You will need to have the necessary materials in your inventory before you can complete the alteration.
People Also Ask
How do I find a blacksmith in Elden Ring?
Blacksmiths can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between. They are often located near settlements or waypoints. Check the interactive map or consult online guides to find blacksmiths in specific areas.
What are the benefits of altering armor?
Altering armor allows you to customize the appearance, attributes, and abilities of your armor pieces. This can enhance your character’s performance in battle by increasing their defenses, adding special abilities, or improving their mobility.
What materials do I need to alter armor?
The materials required to alter armor will vary depending on the modifications you choose. Common materials include Smithing Stones, Whetstones, and Ashes of War. You can obtain these materials by looting enemies, chests, or by purchasing them from merchants.
