D&D 5e Armor Handbook
By Joshua Joseph Kochuthelliyil
Hello! I am Joshua Joseph Kochuthelliyil, and this is the D&D 5e Armor Handbook. This is intended for use with the Dungeons and Dragons 5e tabletop role-playing game. Here, I shall present a clear breakdown of the armor options for each class. But first, let’s answer a few questions . . .
How will armor be ranked?
Armour will be ranked, by class, via a 5★ system. Now, it should be kept in mind that although 4★ and 3★ options might not be the power gamer's number one choice, they are still fine in their own right. Additionally, know that there is no “universal” best armor. Depending on your needs, a 5★ option for one class may be a 1★ for another, and vise-versa.
Why do I, an adventurer, need armor?
The vast, magical world of Dungeons and Dragons is filled with numerous whims, pleasures, beauties, and miracles. However, just as numerous amongst this world, are demons, beasts, aberrations, and monstrosities. Creatures of the night, that want nothing more than to feast upon your flesh. Bandits and pirates that intend to rob you. Cultists that work to put not only your life, but the lives of all you hold dear, in peril. Indeed, the world is a dangerous place. As an adventurer, you accept that fact in stride, understanding that a single misstep could spell doom for you or any of your party members. And so, when the horde skeletons fire at you with their bows, when the Beholder glares at you with it’s eye rays, and when the Dragon scorches you from above, if you had ever hoped to enjoy the spoils of your dungeon delving, see your loved ones ever again, or have the chance to become the hero you were always meant to be . . you better believe you’re going to invest in your survival.
Alright, without further ado, let’s begin with the D&D 5e Armour Handbook!
Artificer
Enhanced Defense ★★★★★ (5)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a type of Infusion you can put on your armor. This is a game-changer. Even just +1 AC is amazing, but it scales to +2 at later levels!
Half Plate ★★★★★ (5)
This is the standard issue for most Artificers. Good AC, minimal Dexterity investment.
Shield ★★★★ (4)
Shields are amazing, as they give you an extra +2 to AC if you have a free hand. However, as an Artificer, if you have both hands occupied, you might find trouble in using a stowed magic item.
Scale-Mail ★★★ (3)
The starting gear for all Artificers. It’ll serve you well early on, but you should upgrade as soon as you can.
Armorer Specialist
Plate ★★★★★ (5)
This is the creme of the crop if you’re an Artificer! It’s especially so, as when combined with a Shield and Enhanced Defense, you can get upwards of 24 AC!
Breast Plate ★★★★ (4)
This is the best choice you’ve got if you want to be stealthy and use the Infiltrator Arcane Armor model. It loses a point due to needing some Dexterity investment and being 1 AC below Half Plate, but other than that, it’s fine.
Studded Leather ★ (1)
There is no reason to use this as an Artificer. If you don’t want stealth disadvantage, use a Breast Plate. This requires too much of a Dexterity investment to use.
Barbarian
Unarmored Defense ★★★★★ (5)
What’s more Barbarian than going full commando? Unarmoured Defense grants you most of the benefit of armor, while not affecting carry capacity, and it even stacks with a shield!
Half Plate ★★★★★ (5)
This offers a little more protection than Unarmored Defense early on, although Unarmoured Defense quickly catches up.
Shield ★★★ (3)
Shields are normally fantastic, but as a Barbarian you usually want to use a brutal, two handed weapon. Shields and Barbarians can work for more defensive builds, however, and as stated before, the Shield’s AC bonus stacks with Unarmored Defense.
Hide ★ (1)
Thanks to Unarmored Defense, wearing nothing will give you more AC than wearing this.
Plate ★ (1)
You can’t Rage in heavy armor.
Battlerager Path
Spiked Armor ★★★★ (4)
For the most part, spiked armor is just Half Plate but worse.
Bard
Studded Leather ★★★ (3)
Most Bards can’t do better than Studded Leather, and even though your Dexterity bonus won’t be too high to supplement this, every point of AC counts.
Leather ★★ (2)
The best gear you can start off with. Not the best, but it is what it is.
Valor College
Half Plate ★★★★★ (5)
Half plate is great for a gish like you! All the AC you need, but you only need a 14 in Dexterity to get the most out of it!
Breast Plate ★★★★★ (5)
1 AC less than Half Plate, but also no disadvantage on stealth. The choice you make between the two will come down to your preferences.
Shield ★★★★★ (5)
Unless you’re two-handing a weapon, a Shield is a must-have! You have Bard HP, so you’ll need to pad that out somehow! Make sure to grab Warcaster if you’re going this route, though.
Swords College
Half Plate ★★★★★ (5)
This is good on a Swords Bard for the same reason it’s good on a Valor Bard.
Breast Plate ★★★★★ (5)
Same as with Valor.
Cleric
Shield ★★★★★ (5)
You have very little reason not use a shield as a Cleric. You will rarely need that free hand, and what’s more, if you place a holy sigil on your shield, it can double as a spellcasting focus!
Half Plate ★★★★ (4)
The status-quo for many Clerics. It offers good defense, although of course, it isn't’ the best.
Scale Mail ★★★ (3)
The best gear many Clerics can start off with at level 1. Not too shabby, but trade it for Half Plate when you can.
Forge, Life, Nature, Order, Tempest, and War Domains
Plate ★★★★★ (5)
If you’re one of the Clerics that gain access to heavy armor, this is amazing! If you’re tanky, then no matter what, the rest of the party can rely on you to heal them up!
Chainmail ★★★ (3)
Starting gear for any Cleric that gains heavy armor proficiency. Not bad in the slightest.
Druid
Shield ★★★★★ (5)
Just like with the Cleric, Shields are phenomenal on casters, since you have no use for that free hand! Just make sure the shield isn’t made of metal.
Studded Leather ★★★ (3)
Unfortunately, this is the best you can do, despite having medium armor proficiency.
Half Plate ★ (1)
Despite having proficiency, you can’t wear this because Druids can’t wear metal armor.
Breastplate ★ (1)
Same as above.
Hide ★ (1)
Despite being thematic, don’t wear this. This is just Studded Leather but worse.
Fighter
Plate ★★★★★ (5)
The best armor a fighter could ever ask for. This is a must pick for all Strength based Fighters. That’s 18 AC, without a shield!
Shield ★★★★★ (5)
Like usual, Shields are amazing! That +2 AC will push you from being formidable to unstoppable, with the Fighter’s already high defenses! The only reason not to use a shield is if you’re wielding a 2 handed weapon like a greatsword or bow, or you’re duel-wielding.
Studded Leather ★★★★ (4)
Now, this is the best armor a Dexterity based Fighter could ask for! When paired with a maxed out Dexterity, this is only 1 point of AC behind plate!
Splint ★★★★ (4)
This is a good intermediate for when Chainmail offers too low AC but Plate is too expensive.
Half Plate ★★★★ (4)
A little expensive, but just as good as Studded Leather, although you take a stealth penalty.
Defense Fighting Style ★★★★ (4)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a Fighting Style that adds +1 to your AC. It may not seem like much, but when it comes to AC, +1 makes all the difference. With this, you can even push a Strength based Fighter’s AC to 21!
Chainmail ★★★ (3)
For starting gear, this is nothing to sneeze at. However, if you’re a Strength based fighter, you can soar much higher than this. Admittedly, it is a pain to save gold to reach higher armor tiers, so in the meantime, this’ll do.
Leather ★★★ (3)
For starting gear, this also isn’t too bad for a Dexterity based Fighter. After all, it’s only 1 AC behind Studded Leather.
Breast Plate ★★ (2)
Most of the time, using Studded Leather will give just as good AC.
Arcane Archer Archetype
Arcane Archers are locked into Dexterity builds, so keep that in mind.
Cavalier Archetype
Similarly, Cavaliers are locked into Strength builds.
Eldritch Knight Archetype
Shield (Spell) ★★★★★ (5)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive spell. This is a must have for any Eldritch Knight! Combining this with the Fighter’s already stellar defenses makes you unstoppable! Just think; a 21 AC Fighter jumps to 26 AC for a round with the Shield spell.
Mage Armor ★★★★★ (5)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive spell. It might be a little difficult to justify this pick over other spells, but it allows a Dexterity Fighter to have the AC of a Plate user.
Monk
Unarmored Defense ★★★★★ (5)
Admittedly, this is your only option as a Monk, but it’s good nonetheless. Eventually, this will scale to 20 AC, without having to wear any gear!
Studded Leather ★ (1)
Not only do you lack proficiency, but Monks lose a ton of their abilities if they wear armor.
Half Plate ★ (1)
Same as above.
Shield ★ (1)
If it’s armor, the Monk doesn’t want it.
Paladin
Plate ★★★★★ (5)
Since Paladins are generally Strength based, this is your endgame! Combining high AC with your Lay on Hands and Aura will make not only you, but the party unstoppable.
Shield ★★★★★ (5)
Unless you’re using a great weapon, you should be holding a shield.
Splint ★★★★ (4)
A good stepping stone for when you’re not ready for Plate yet.
Defense Fighting Style ★★★★ (4)
Since your list of Fighting Styles are more limited than Fighters, that just makes Defense as an even better choice.
Chainmail ★★★ (3)
Certainly, it’s a humble beginning, but chainmail will do just fine for the first few levels.
Half Plate ★ (1)
There’s little reason to use Dexterity based gear.
Ranger
Studded Leather ★★★★★ (5)
Since Rangers are generally Dexterity based, this is your final tier of armor. With a capped Dexterity, it’s nearly as high as a Paladin’s.
Leather ★★★★ (4)
Standard issue Ranger starting gear. It’s only 1 AC below Studded Leather, so not too bad.
Half Plate ★★★★ (4)
A little expensive and gives disadvantage on Stealth, but can take you right to max AC.
Shield ★★★ (3)
Shields are generally great, but since Rangers typically use bows, as their name implies, this reduces the shield’s value, as you can’t have both your longbow and shield out at the same time.
Breast Plate ★★ (2)
Generally, Studded Leather will serve you better.
Rogue
Studded Leather ★★★★★ (5)
Are you really a Rogue if you aren’t rocking jet black tights? Studded Leather is the highest armor a Rogue can go, and your AC won’t be too shabby with maxed out Dexterity.
Leather ★★★★ (4)
Classic starting armor for Rogues. Save up to get Studded Leather as soon as you can. Or, you know, steal it for free.
Padded ★ (1)
Disadvantages of Stealth. Need I say more?
Sorcerer
Mage Armor ★★★★ (4)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive spell. It’s a great pick, since you can cast it once in the day and have okay AC. It really sucks to choose this as an early level spell though, given how little you have.
Shield (Spell) ★★★★ (4)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive spell. This is an amazing last ditch option, but it will eat through your spell slots quickly if you’re not careful.
Warlock
Armor of Shadows ★★★★ (4)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but an Eldritch Invocation. This is the best armor most Warlocks can get, but the cost of spending an Invocation on it is expensive.
Studded Leather ★★★ (3)
Unless you want to spend an Invocation of Armor of Shadows, this is going to be your default. Not bad by any means.
Leather ★★ (2)
This is your starter gear. Yeah, the starting benefits of your Pact aren’t the greatest, but it’ll get better.
Hexblade Patron
Half Plate ★★★★★ (5)
Hexblades, due to getting in the thick of things, get stellar armor training! With just 14 Dexterity, you can get your highest AC without sacrificing on Charisma!
Shield ★★★★ (4)
Shields are always great, but for Hexblades they lose a bit of power, since you often want to hold a great weapon.
Shield (Spell) ★ (1)
Usually, the Shield spell is amazing, but in this case, since you have to cast your high power Pact slots to use it, it’s simply not worth it to spend them on a 1st level spell.
Wizard
Mage Armor ★★★★ (4)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive spell. It’s a reliable way to get okay AC, and since you’re a Wizard, you have more spells and thus it’s easier to pick.
Shield (Spell) ★★★★ (4)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive spell. Just like with the Sorcerer, this is a great way to keep yourself alive, Since you get more spells, you can pick it without worry.
Bladesinger Tradition
Bladesong ★★★★★ (5)
This isn’t actually an armor type, but a defensive feature. This single feature is the source of the Bladesinger Wizard’s infamy. If you’re playing a Bladesinger but aren’t using Bladesong, you aren’t a Bladesinger.
Studded Leather ★★★ (3)
This is just a worse version of Mage Armor. It costs no spell slots though, so that’s something.
Plate ★ (1)
Don’t get greedy by trying to stack powerful armor on top of Bladesong via feats or Multiclassing. If you’re wearing any more than light armor, Bladesong ends.
Shield ★ (1)
If it ends your Bladesong, don’t wear it.
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