Unlocking Dragonknight Potential: The Ultimate Armor Guide

The “best” armor for a Dragonknight in The Elder Scrolls Online isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends heavily on your role, your playstyle, and the content you’re tackling. However, a strong contender for a versatile and potent choice is the Ebon Armory set, especially for those aiming to contribute to group play. While traditionally heavy armor is favored, Dragonknights can effectively utilize medium armor sets, given the proper build. The best armor type largely depends on your intended role, where light armor supports healing and Magicka DPS, medium armor empowers Stamina DPS, and heavy armor is the bastion of tanking and provides resilience for both Magicka and Stamina PvP builds.

Delving Deeper: Armor Choices for Dragonknights

Let’s break down some of the most effective armor sets for Dragonknights, categorized by playstyle and role.

The Stalwart Tank

• Ebon Armory: This set is a cornerstone for many tanks, providing a substantial health boost to both yourself and your group members. The 5-piece bonus increases your max health and that of your allies within a certain radius, significantly enhancing group survivability.

• Alkosh: For trials and coordinated groups, Alkosh is a fantastic option. This set applies a debuff to enemies, reducing their physical and spell resistance, thus amplifying the damage output of the entire group.

• Turning Tide: Turning Tide is a great set for PvP and PvE tanks as it applies vulnerability on successful blocks and rolls.

• Torug’s Pact: This craftable set is a solid choice for new tanks, especially those focused on buffing weapon enchantments. The increased weapon enchantment proc chance and potency can significantly impact sustain and damage mitigation.

The Damage-Dealing Dynamo (DPS)

For Dragonknight DPS builds, the choice between Stamina and Magicka dictates the ideal armor sets.

Stamina Dragonknight

• Hunding’s Rage: A craftable set, Hunding’s Rage provides a substantial weapon damage boost, making it an excellent choice for Stamina-based builds, especially at earlier gear levels.

• Briarheart: Acquired in Wrothgar, Briarheart offers a chance to heal yourself and gain weapon damage on dealing critical damage. This set is excellent for survivability and damage output.

• Tzogvin’s Warband: Dropping in Frostvault, Tzogvin’s warband applies major courage to yourself and allies for 20 seconds whenever you deal critical damage, significantly boosting the groups weapon and spell damage.

Magicka Dragonknight

• Mother’s Sorrow: Mother’s Sorrow significantly boosts your critical chance, making it a staple for Magicka DPS builds. Combine this with sets that increase your Magicka and spell damage for maximum impact.

• False God’s Devotion: This set, earned in Sunspire, reduces Magicka cost and increases movement speed after killing an enemy, boosting sustain and making you more mobile.

• Burning Spellweave: Obtained in City of Ash I & II, this set has a chance to apply a damage over time effect whenever you deal fire damage, making it a perfect addition to your Dragonknight kit.

Honorable Mentions

• Zaan: While classified as monster set, the Zaan set is a great option for PvP Dragonknights.

• Ashen Grip: Another craftable set, Ashen Grip is useful for leveling and provides a minor damage boost through the fire damage proc.

Mastering Your Dragonknight: Key Considerations

• Armor Weight: While Heavy Armor provides the most raw protection, don’t underestimate the benefits of Medium or even Light Armor. Medium Armor enhances stamina sustain and weapon damage, while Light Armor boosts Magicka sustain and spell damage. Hybrid builds can also be viable, though they require careful planning and execution.

• Traits and Enchantments: Optimize your armor with appropriate traits and enchantments. Traits like Divines (increased Mundus Stone effect) or Infused (increased enchantment effect) are powerful. Enchantments should focus on bolstering your primary resource pool (Stamina or Magicka) and resistances.

• Monster Sets: Don’t forget about Monster Sets. Sets like Bloodspawn for tanks (ultimate generation and survivability) or Slimecraw for DPS (minor berserk) provide unique bonuses and can significantly enhance your build.

• Content Matters: The “best” armor for Veteran Trials will differ significantly from what you’d use for soloing World Bosses or engaging in PvP. Adjust your gear to suit the content you’re facing.

Understanding the Importance of Theorycrafting

Theorycrafting can become a valuable tool in determining the best armor setup for your Dragonknight. The Elder Scrolls Online community offers a wealth of resources, including build guides and DPS calculators, that you can use to refine your gear choices. You can learn from the experience of others and tailor your gear to your playstyle. Games offer valuable opportunities for learning, skill development, and fostering a sense of community, aligning with the goals of organizations like the Games Learning Society.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Heavy Armor always the best choice for a Dragonknight?

No. While Heavy Armor provides the most raw armor and passives focused on defense and sustain, Medium Armor can be incredibly effective for Stamina DPS Dragonknights, offering increased weapon damage and stamina sustain.

2. What are the best traits for Dragonknight Tank armor?

Reinforced (increased armor) and Infused (increased enchantment effectiveness) are excellent choices for tanking, as well as Sturdy (block cost reduction).

3. What are the best Mundus Stones for a Dragonknight?

For tanks, the Atronach (increased Magicka recovery) or the Lord (increased physical and spell resistance) are popular. For DPS, the Thief (increased critical chance) or the Warrior (increased weapon damage) are optimal.

4. How important is set bonus synergy for a Dragonknight?

Very important. The 5-piece bonus of an armor set is often where the most significant benefits lie. Focus on choosing sets that complement each other and synergize with your build and playstyle.

5. Can Dragonknights effectively use Light Armor?

Yes, although it is less common. A Magicka-based Dragonknight focusing on DPS could potentially utilize Light Armor for the increased Magicka sustain and spell damage.

6. What is the best weapon type for a Dragonknight Tank?

A sword and shield is almost mandatory for tanking, providing both defensive capabilities and access to essential skills.

7. What is the best weapon type for a Stamina Dragonknight DPS?

Two-handed weapons and dual wield are both good options, depending on play style. Two-handed weapons offer heavy burst damage while dual wield will apply more damage over time effects.

8. What is the best race for a Dragonknight?

For tanking, Nord and Imperial are top choices due to their health and stamina boosts, as well as their mitigation capabilities. For Stamina DPS, Dark Elf and Orc are popular choices for their weapon damage boosts. For Magicka DPS, High Elf and Dark Elf offer magicka and spell damage enhancements.

9. How do I acquire the Ebon Armory set?

Ebon Armory pieces drop from the Crypt of Hearts I and II dungeons.

10. Is crafting gear a viable option for a Dragonknight?

Absolutely. Craftable sets like Hunding’s Rage, Julianos, and Torug’s Pact are excellent options, particularly for new characters or for filling specific build needs.

11. What is the best Ultimate ability for a Dragonknight?

For tanks, Aggressive War Horn is a must-have for buffing group damage. For DPS, Standard of Might is a powerful option, providing both damage and damage reduction.

12. How do I improve my Dragonknight’s sustain?

Focus on skills and passives that restore resources on ability use or damage taken. Also, ensure you have appropriate enchantments and Mundus Stones to boost your resource recovery.

13. What are the best ways to learn more about Dragonknight builds?

Consult online guides, watch gameplay videos, and experiment with different gear and skill combinations. Engage with the Elder Scrolls Online community to learn from experienced players.

14. How often should I change my gear as I level up?

As you level up, your gear will quickly become outdated. Try to upgrade your gear every 5-10 levels to ensure you’re properly equipped for the content you’re facing.

15. What is the best way to test out new armor sets for my Dragonknight?

Use a training dummy to test your DPS and survivability with different gear combinations. Experiment in different types of content to see how the sets perform in real-world situations.

By understanding your role, carefully selecting your armor, and optimizing your build, you can unlock the full potential of your Dragonknight and become a formidable force in The Elder Scrolls Online. Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are key to mastering any class, and engaging with resources like GamesLearningSociety.org can further enhance your understanding of game mechanics and strategies.