Decoding Artorias’ Armor: Upgradeability, Stats, and Worth in Dark Souls

Yes, you absolutely can upgrade the Artorias armor set in Dark Souls. Each piece of the set can be upgraded a total of 5 times using Twinkling Titanite. This upgrade path will increase its defensive stats, making it more effective against enemy attacks. However, the Artorias set is considered a medium armor set, and even fully upgraded, its stats don’t always measure up to heavier armor options, which we will explore in more detail.

Delving Deeper into the Abysswalker’s Garb

The Artorias armor set holds a special place in the hearts of Dark Souls fans, largely due to the character himself. Knight Artorias, also known as Artorias the Abysswalker, is a tragic figure and a formidable boss within the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. Wearing his armor is a symbolic gesture, representing valor, skill, and a descent into darkness. But sentiment aside, how does this set truly perform?

The Artorias armor falls into the medium weight category, offering a balance of protection and mobility. This appeals to players who want to avoid the slow, cumbersome movements associated with heavy armor while still maintaining a decent level of defense. Its aesthetic is also a major draw; the elegant design and lore-rich backstory make it a popular choice for roleplaying and fashion souls (prioritizing appearance over pure stats).

However, a critical look reveals its limitations. Compared to other medium and heavy armor sets, the Artorias armor’s stats are not exceptional. While it can be upgraded with Twinkling Titanite, other sets, like the Elite Knight armor, can offer superior defense and poise for a similar weight investment. This means that while the Artorias set looks fantastic and provides decent protection, it’s not the most statistically optimal choice for players seeking maximum survivability.

The decision to wear the Artorias armor often comes down to personal preference, play style, and build optimization. Players comfortable with mid-rolling (the default roll speed with medium equip load) or those who invest heavily in endurance to increase their equip load capacity might find the Artorias set perfectly suitable. Others, focused on min-maxing their stats, may opt for alternatives that offer a better defense-to-weight ratio.

Understanding the Upgrade Process

Upgrading the Artorias armor is a straightforward process. Here’s a breakdown:

• Material: The armor requires Twinkling Titanite for each upgrade level.
• Upgrades: Each piece can be upgraded 5 times, denoted as +1, +2, +3, +4, and +5.
• Benefits: Upgrading increases the armor’s physical and elemental defense, as well as its resistance to status effects like bleed and poison.
• Where to Upgrade: Head to Andrey of Astora or Giant Blacksmith to start upgrading the armor.

Pros and Cons of the Artorias Armor

Pros:

• Aesthetic Appeal: The armor looks fantastic and is instantly recognizable.
• Lore Significance: Wearing the armor connects you to the legendary Artorias.
• Balanced Stats: It provides a decent mix of defense and mobility.
• Availability: It is available for purchase from Domhnall of Zena later on.

Cons:

• Statistically Inferior: Other armor sets offer better defense and poise for the same or slightly higher weight.
• Twinkling Titanite Cost: Twinkling Titanite is a relatively rare upgrade material, making it a potentially expensive upgrade.
• Not Ideal for All Builds: It may not be the best choice for players focused on heavy armor and maximum defense.

Ultimately, the Artorias armor is a viable option, especially for those who prioritize aesthetics and lore over pure statistical optimization. Understanding its strengths and weaknesses allows you to make an informed decision based on your individual play style and build preferences. You might even find insights on how games are made, and even how to enhance learning via games by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Artorias’ Armor

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Artorias armor in Dark Souls, providing further insights and addressing common concerns.

1. Where do you get the Artorias armor?

   • The Artorias armor set is purchased from Domhnall of Zena after defeating Artorias in the Artorias of the Abyss DLC. He appears near the Firelink Shrine bonfire.

2. How much does the Artorias armor cost?

   • Each piece of the Artorias armor set costs 20,000 souls from Domhnall of Zena.

3. What kind of Titanite is used to upgrade Artorias armor?

   • The Artorias armor set is upgraded using Twinkling Titanite.

4. Is the Artorias armor good for beginners?

   • While it looks cool, its effectiveness is best felt when upgraded, so it is advised that new players might want to look for more effective choices.

5. Does the Artorias armor provide any special resistances?

   • Yes, the Artorias armor provides balanced resistances to various damage types, as well as status effects like bleed, poison, and curse.

6. How does the Artorias armor compare to the Elite Knight armor?

   • The Elite Knight armor generally provides better defense and poise for a similar weight investment, making it a more statistically efficient choice.

7. Is the Artorias armor worth using in PvP?

   • It is usable, but not optimal. Some players use it for its aesthetic.

8. What is the weight of the Artorias armor set?

   • Each piece weighs about 7.3 units, which is the average weight of the armor.

9. Does upgrading the Artorias armor significantly improve its stats?

   • Yes, upgrading significantly improves the defense and resistance of the Artorias armor.

10. Can I wear the Artorias armor and still fast roll?

    • Yes, if you manage your equip load effectively (staying below 25% of your maximum equip load). Investing in Endurance or using Havel’s Ring can help.

11. Does the Artorias armor have any unique effects?

    • No, the Artorias armor does not have any special effects or stat bonuses beyond its defensive properties.

12. What armor should I use if I want higher defense than Artorias?

    • Options like the Havel’s Armor, Giant Armor, or Black Iron Set offer significantly higher defense, but at the cost of increased weight and reduced mobility.

13. Is the Artorias armor good for a faith build?

    • The armor does not have specific synergy with faith builds so wearing the armor will not provide any advantages.

14. Does the Artorias armor protect against curse?

    • Yes, like most armor sets, the Artorias armor offers some protection against curse, which can be further increased by upgrading.

15. Who sells Twinkling Titanite?

    • Giant Blacksmith sells Twinkling Titanite in Anor Londo, and some can be found as loot throughout the game. Additionally, certain enemies, like the Crystal Lizards, can drop Twinkling Titanite.