Unleash Your Inner Knight: Top10 Medieval Armors in Gaming

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Summary

  • Armor varies between historical and fantasy settings in video games.
  • Various medieval armor sets, like Warhorse in Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Ursine in The Witcher 3, offer unique protection and styles.
  • Games like For Honor feature armor sets such as Black Prior and Lawbringer, reflecting a mix of fantasy and historical aesthetics.

These video games often recreate or draw inspiration from the Middle Ages of Europe, a period characterized by feudalism, conflicts over petty disputes, and absolute rule. Although it may not seem as primitive as some people think today, it was far from an idyllic era to live in.

The quintessential picture of the Middle Ages is that of a knight – a stately figure in gleaming armor, frequently depicted galloping into battle on horseback or confronting a legendary creature in a fanciful setting. In such scenarios, many would yearn for such protective armor, considering how these depictions often portray a world where an infected wound means near-certain death or incapacitation. In the realm of gaming, these armor sets are some of the most sought-after Medieval-inspired items.

10. Warhorse Armor

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

In the game “Kingdom Come: Deliverance,” the Warhorse Armor Set is likely the most realistic protective outfit because it’s the only one that includes all major pieces, excluding only a coif (headcovering) and hose (leggings). This armor is primarily made of metal plates, but it also comes with a distinctive red and white tabard (vest) and torse (waist-belt), adding a stylish touch to the armor.

This armor has its drawbacks in certain areas. Its toughness leaves much to be desired, but the repair costs are quite affordable. Moreover, it’s quite noisy, producing a lot of sound when worn, which makes it unsuitable for stealthy characters. Lastly, it should be noted that this is downloadable content armor. In order to utilize it, players must first obtain the Treasures Of The Past expansion.

9. Ursine Armor

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

As a gamer, I’d say “In the world of gaming, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt stands out as an exceptional role-playing game. For those who prefer a beefier Geralt, the Ursine Armor set is a tough blend of leather, mail, and plate armor. This armor can be acquired and enhanced through treasure hunts, with the top-tier grandmaster version becoming accessible during the Blood & Wine expansion.

The armor is ideally suited for witchers, offering both protection for their legs through the hauberk and coattails, and flexibility for movement. Extra fabric and leather cushions help absorb impacts that would otherwise crush conventional armor, while the chainmail and plates shield against the sharpest blades and stabs.

8. Black Prior

For Honor

As a dedicated For Honor fan, I’ve always admired the unique characters that populate this game. The Black Priors, however, stand out in a different way. Unlike traditional sword-and-board heroes, they don’t exude a typical air of nobility. Instead, they are knights who once served under the ruthless Warlord Apollyon. Now, they fight not for glory or honor, but as a form of penance for their actions during her reign.

In simpler terms, the armor worn by the Black Prior character in For Honor is a blend of a low-fantasy atmosphere with influences from crusaders. Unlike historical crusaders, the Black Priors openly display their dark and troubled history. Their attire combines a cloth tabard, chainmail, and a hint of metal plating for that touch of fantasy, making them a distinct element within the game.

7. Grail Knights

Warhammer Fantasy

In simpler terms, Grail knights are the elite warriors of Bretonnia, embodiments of the Lady of the Lake’s wishes. Empowered by the goddess, they cut through their enemies as a scythe cuts through grass. With the ability to vanquish both undead and unholy foes, these knights stand as the epitome of chivalry and valor.

The grandeur of the Grail Knights is evident in their armor, adorned with vibrant tapestries, tall feathers, and golden embellishments, making them stand out almost ostentatiously. However, this extravagance serves not only as a spectacle but also as a clear statement on the battlefield.

6. Steel Armor

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim

In the world of Skyrim, the Steel Armor might not be the most extraordinary or exotic, but it’s arguably the ideal plate armor for a typical adventurer, particularly at the start of the game. Although superior sets exist, they often deviate from the traditional medieval appearance and veer towards the more fantastical aspects unique to the Elder Scrolls universe.

As a gamer, I’m utterly captivated by this armor. It effortlessly exudes an authentic medieval vibe while seamlessly blending with the Nordic fantasy ambiance of the game. The runes etched all over it and the Valkyrie-inspired helmet make it a masterful tribute to Norse mythology.

5. Sigmarite Priest

Warhammer Fantasy

The clerics who follow Sigmar, the main deity revered within the Empire (one of the game’s dominant factions), are often referred to as his messengers or heralds. In times of conflict, they take up hammers, much like their divine leader, and carry shields adorned with the double-tailed comet, which is Sigmar’s emblem.

The armor they wear consists of thick metal plating, complete with a protective collar for the neck and lower face area. Critics argue that a helmet should be included, but instead, they use a band as a symbol of their rank. Despite this apparent flaw, they can stand their ground against Orcs, Chaos Warriors, and various other terrifying creatures of the night, suggesting they have some effective strategies in place.

4. Lawbringer

For Honor

In the land of knights, it’s these heavy armor sets that are donned by those who uphold justice. The Lawbringer’s armor stands tall and strong, adorned with robust metal plates and a high collar for neck protection. On the battlefield, the Lawbringers are formidable opponents, armed with a versatile poleaxe – both a useful tool of war and a stark symbol of their duties during peace.

It’s appropriate that, given his bulky armor, the Lawbringer’s gameplay strategy primarily focuses on defensive parries, which demands a skillful player to make full use of them effectively.

3. Cuman Armor

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

In the captivating world of Kingdom Come: Deliverance, I’ve come to appreciate the unique charm of the Cuman armor. Unlike conventional plate armors, these sets boast an extraordinary design with a sculpted faceplate and a towering peaked helmet that truly stands out. They are undeniably iconic elements that add a distinct flair to the game.

The soldiers players often encounter from Kingdom Come hail from the Cuman tribe, which is actually a Turkic people who settled in Hungary post-Mongol invasions. Consequently, their armor styles vary noticeably. Despite this difference, it’s one of the most captivating armors to observe and offers appealing stats.

2. Faraam Armor

Dark Souls 2

As a history enthusiast, I find it intriguing how embossing, an often-overlooked aspect of historical plating, played a significant role in the grandeur of yesteryears. Today, armor is primarily perceived as a functional necessity, with aesthetics taking a back seat. However, delving into the past reveals that this art form was more than just protection; it served as an opulent display for those who had the means to afford such finery.

The Faraam Armor stands out as quite functional compared to certain historical knight’s armor, especially considering the monstrous foes its user would face. A noteworthy design aspect is the chainmail skirt that’s left open instead of full leg armor, likely for increased mobility and speed – a valuable asset when confronting the terrifying creatures in the Dark Souls series.

1. Armor of Morkar

Warhammer Fantasy

For millennia, the Armor of Morkar, once donned by the initial Everchosen of Chaos, Morkar the Uniter, has been passed down. Now, it’s in the possession of Archaon the Everchosen, the very Marshal of the Apocalypse. With this armor, Archaon is said to have shattered the Mythical Realm and heralded Armageddon.

In the context outside its “Warhammer: Age Of Sigmar” depiction, Morkar’s Armor showcases historical authenticity that is rare for a fantasy design, making it even more impressive. Archaon’s armor resembles late medieval plate with a barbute, yet another remnant of chaos. The helmet stands out as the only fantastical element, yet it cleverly connects his armor to a fantasy world without making the rest appear absurd.

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2025-03-23 08:06