Is the Beast Champion Armor Good? A Deep Dive into Elden Ring’s Bulky Defense
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Is the Beast Champion Armor good? The short answer is: absolutely, if you’re looking for exceptional physical and magical defense, high Poise, and aren’t overly concerned with encumbrance. This armor set in Elden Ring is designed for players who want to stand their ground, absorb significant damage, and maintain their footing during intense encounters. However, its heavy weight and its acquisition method might make it less appealing to some players. Let’s break down why it is considered a powerhouse and who would benefit most from using it.
The Strength of the Beast Champion Set
The Beast Champion Set is renowned for its incredible defensive capabilities. Each piece of the set provides substantial resistance to both physical and magical damage, making you incredibly resilient against a wide range of enemy attacks. Furthermore, the armor boasts impressive Poise, which is crucial for maintaining your stance during combat. This higher Poise means enemies will have a much harder time staggering you, allowing you to continue your assault or execute crucial dodges even while under attack. This is invaluable, especially when facing aggressive bosses or groups of enemies who try to interrupt your actions with their own attacks.
However, all this protection comes at a cost. The Beast Champion Armor is exceptionally heavy. This means you’ll likely have to invest heavily into your character’s Endurance stat to avoid heavy encumbrance, which will drastically reduce your agility, combat roll distance and speed, and stamina recovery. For players not focusing on a “tank” build this can be a significant drawback. This heavy weight can also negatively impact the character’s mobility, making dodging and maneuvering more difficult.
Visual Design and Acquisition
Visually, the Beast Champion Set is both bulky and spectacular. “Engraved with tiny beasts,” it presents a menacing, formidable aesthetic that perfectly embodies its purpose. The silver plating and intricate details make it one of the more striking armor sets in the game.
The armor’s acquisition is tied directly to Knight Bernahl, a character you’ll encounter at various points in the game. If you don’t manage to defeat him earlier, he will eventually invade you in Crumbling Farum Azula, at the “Beside the Great Bridge” site of grace. This is the only way to obtain the full set, with the Beast Champion Armor (Altered) chest piece dropping from him. This adds a layer of challenge and perhaps some tension for those that aren’t used to dealing with NPC invasions.
Is it the Best Armor?
The debate about the “best” armor in Elden Ring is always subjective and depends on individual player preferences and playstyles. While the Bull-Goat Set offers the highest Poise in the game (a whopping 100), the Beast Champion Set still provides an excellent balance of Poise and various damage resistances, making it a strong contender for many builds. If you prioritize the highest possible defense and Poise, you might choose the Bull-Goat Set, but if you need high resistances and excellent Poise in tandem, the Beast Champion Armor is an outstanding choice.
For those who don’t mind some extra encumbrance and are playing a ‘tank’ character, the Beast Champion Set is a perfect fit. Its defensive capabilities will allow the player to absorb hits other sets would struggle with while also being able to maintain their offensive. However, if you prefer faster, more nimble gameplay, the heavy weight will likely be a dealbreaker and other, lighter armor sets might better suit your combat style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about the Beast Champion Armor and related topics, aiming to provide you with all the information you need:
What are the main advantages of the Beast Champion Armor?
The primary advantages are its extremely high physical and magical damage negation, great Poise, and striking visual design. It’s ideal for players looking to tank a significant amount of damage.
What are the disadvantages of using the Beast Champion Armor?
The main downside is its heavy weight, which can lead to increased encumbrance, hindering mobility if the player isn’t careful. Additionally, the acquisition is dependent on facing Knight Bernahl, which could be missed if not properly pursued during the game.
Where can I find the Beast Champion Set?
The full Beast Champion Set is obtained by defeating Knight Bernahl. This can either be done at Volcano Manor, or if he is still alive he will eventually invade you at Crumbling Farum Azula at the Beside the Great Bridge site of grace.
What is the difference between the regular and altered versions of the Beast Champion Armor?
The Beast Champion Armor (Altered) is the chest piece dropped by Knight Bernahl during his invasion at Crumbling Farum Azula. It appears slightly different from the regular chest piece, but their defensive capabilities are quite similar.
What does the Poise stat do in Elden Ring?
Poise determines how resistant you are to being staggered or interrupted by enemy attacks. Higher poise means it takes more for an attack to break your character’s stance, allowing you to take more hits and continue your actions.
How does the Beast Champion Armor compare to the Bull-Goat Set in terms of defense?
While the Bull-Goat Set provides the absolute highest Poise at 100, it’s not quite as well rounded as the Beast Champion Armor in terms of magical resistances. The Beast Champion Armor provides a strong combination of Poise with well-rounded physical and elemental damage negation.
Is the Beast Champion Helm worth using?
Yes, the Beast Champion Helm provides additional defense and contributes to the overall poise and resistances of the full set. It not only protects the head, but also changes the appearance, adding to the overall look.
Can the Beast Champion Set be upgraded?
Yes, all armor pieces in Elden Ring can be upgraded using Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones, depending on the item. Upgrading the Beast Champion Set will increase its defense and resistances.
Is heavy armor always the best choice in Elden Ring?
Not necessarily. While heavy armor like the Beast Champion Set provides superior protection, it also reduces mobility. Lighter armor sets are better for players who rely more on dodging and quick attacks.
What stats should I focus on if I want to use the Beast Champion Armor?
If you plan on using the Beast Champion Armor set, you should prioritize leveling Endurance to avoid heavy encumbrance, as well as Vigor to maximize your health.
Does the Beast Champion Set have any special effects?
The Beast Champion Set doesn’t have any unique passive effects. Instead, its effectiveness comes from its high defense, resistances, and Poise.
Can you get the Beast Champion Armor early in the game?
It is possible to find Knight Bernahl early in the game and get the armor from him then and there, but more often it’s obtained later in the game due to his invasion in Crumbling Farum Azula, making it a late-game armor set.
How does the Beast Champion Armor perform against different types of damage?
The Beast Champion Armor provides excellent defense against both physical and magical damage, making it effective against most enemy types and bosses in the game.
Is there a unique version of champion armor in other games?
Yes, in Minecraft Dungeons, there is a hero’s armor, which is considered a unique champion’s armor variant.
What other armor sets are similar to the Beast Champion Set?
The Bull-Goat Set is probably the most similar in that it is also a heavyweight armor set designed for maximum poise and survivability. Others include the Crucible Tree Armor, which is effective against holy damage, while sets like the Soldier’s Set and Knight Set offer more balanced defense and weight options.
Conclusion
The Beast Champion Armor is an excellent choice for players who prioritize high defense, resistance, and Poise and are less concerned with mobility. Its visually impressive design and effectiveness against both physical and magical damage make it a great addition to any “tank” character in Elden Ring. While its weight can be a drawback for some playstyles, the benefits it offers are undeniable for those willing to invest in the right stats. Whether it’s the “best” armor is a matter of preference and strategy, but the Beast Champion Set undoubtedly stands out as a powerful and reliable option for many.