Shields
A shield, equipped in the off-hand opposite a one-handed weapon, gives added defense—especially when blocking. Shields are crafted at a Woodworking Station.
Armor
Equipped in seven slots at the inventory, armor provides extra protection for the player. Your level must be equal to or greater than the armor’s level to wear it. Some armor comes with a trait and/or enchantment, which provides added benefits.
Armor comes in three unique weights: light, medium, and heavy. The amount of protection increases the heavier the armor. The three armor types have a skill line that gives one Active Effect and five Passive Abilities. Your playstyle may dictate which type you wear, but mixing it up also has its advantages. Heavy armor is best for players in the front lines, medium works well for stamina users, and light armor is geared toward Magicka users.
| Armor Slot | Light | Medium | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Hat | Helmet | Helm |
| Chest | Robe | Jack | Cuirass |
| Hands | Gloves | Bracers | Gauntlets |
| Shoulders | Epaulets | Arm Cops | Pauldrons |
| Waist | Sash | Belt | Girdle |
| Legs | Breeches | Guards | Greaves |
| Feet | Shoes | Boots | Sabatons |
Light and medium armor is crafted at a Woodworking Station. Heavy armor must be created at a Blacksmithing Station.
Jewelry
Three more slots, the neck and two fingers, can be equipped with a necklace and rings. These items come with their own enchantments and traits. Jewelry cannot be crafted.
Weapon and Armor Sets
Equipping weapons and armor from the same set gives the player added stats as stated in the item’s description. Most, but not all, item sets give bonuses for wearing up to five pieces from the same set. These items can be crafted, dropped by enemies, found in dungeons, and purchased from vendors in Cyrodiil.