In Baldur’s Gate 3 there is a wide selection of armor. Since we want to make your choice easier, we will show you the best armor for beginners that you can already obtain early in Act 1.
This guide is intended to help you get started with the epic adventure of Baldur’s Gate 3 by introducing you to the best armor options for beginners that you can acquire early in the first act of the game.
These armor pieces will provide you with a significant advantage and are therefore a wise choice to start your journey. Some of the mentioned armor pieces can even be used all the way into Act 3.
The armor options in this game offer a wide range of properties and bonuses. Some of them even allow you to use useful tricks to expand your tactical abilities in combat.
With this, you are well-equipped for the challenges that await you in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Warning Spoiler: This article contains spoilers from Act 1.
Best Armor in the Early Game
Below we present the best armor for beginners that you can obtain early in the first act of Baldur’s Gate 3.
Gloves of Power
What can the armor do? The Gloves of Power grant the wearer +1 to Dexterity. On a melee hit, you may impose a -1d4 penalty on the opponent’s attack and saving throws.
- It is best to give these gloves to a melee fighter in the group.
Where can I find the Gloves of Power? You can obtain these powerful gloves right at the beginning of Act 1. Outside the gates of the Emerald Grove, you will face a fierce battle against a group of goblins, from which you can loot the Gloves of Power.
Note: The item can only be used by you if you have the Mark of the Absolute burned onto you by Priestess Gutt in the goblin camp.
Deformed Headband of Intelligence
What can the armor do? When you wear the Deformed Headband of Intelligence, the wearer receives an Intelligence value of 17. Give the headband to someone who could benefit from it. If your character already has 17 Intelligence or more, the headband has no effect. And be careful, if the headband is removed, the Intelligence will return to its original value.
- The headband is particularly useful if you don’t have a wizard in your group. This way you can more easily succeed in Intelligence checks.
Where can I find the Deformed Headband of Intelligence? You have two options to obtain the Deformed Headband of Intelligence: Either you fight the hidden ogre gang in the ruined village and loot the headband, or you can pay them to assist you in battle. Later, you still have the option to eliminate them. It is worn by the smartest of the three ogres.
Smuggler’s Ring
What can the armor do? This ring gives the wearer +2 to Stealth and +2 to Dexterity.
- The ring is ideal for a Dexterity character like Astarion. When stealing, the Smuggler’s Ring will definitely help you.
If you want to steal something, just equip the ring. After that, you can take it off and wear a better ring for combat.
Where can I find the Smuggler’s Ring? You can find the Smuggler’s Ring east of the waypoint “Waukeen’s Rest” on Stairway Road. Just walk along the river, near the coordinates X:57, Y:514. You can then retrieve the ring from the remains of a skeleton.
Helmet of Haste
What can the armor do? The wearer gains “Haste” for three turns at the start of combat, allowing them to move 1.5 meters further. This helmet can also be well combined with the Harvester’s Ring to benefit even more from mobility in combat. We will explain where to find the ring in the course of the article.
- The helmet and Harvester’s Ring are best suited for a melee fighter like Karlach, Minthara, or Lae’zel.
How do I get the Helmet of Haste? Very close to the waypoint “Ruined Village” there is a locked chest that you can open. Inside this chest, you will find the Helmet of Haste, one of the best armor pieces you can obtain early in the game.
Gloves of Archery
What can the armor do? These gloves allow the wearer to use longbows and shortbows, adding +2 additional damage to all ranged attacks – which is quite powerful.
- These gloves are perfect for rangers or a ranged rogue.
Where can I find the Gloves of Archery? You can obtain the gloves right at the start of the game by going to the goblin camp and speaking with the merchant Grat at the entrance. He will offer you the chance to purchase the gloves.
Harvester’s Ring
What can the armor do? The ring gives you +3 meters of movement speed, which is very practical for melee fighters and makes you more mobile in combat.
Where can I find the Harvester’s Ring? In the goblin camp, you will encounter a goblin named Harvester – right next to the waypoint. Kill the goblin so he drops his ring. However, Harvester surrenders right in the middle of the fight.
You can then kill him directly, but doing so will make part of the goblin camp hostile. Instead, you can simply follow him and take down Harvester in a quiet place.
Gloves of the Grumbling Loser
What can the armor do? The Gloves of the Grumbling Loser are among the best early armor pieces for melee fighters. They grant the wearer +1 to Strength saving throws. What makes them particularly powerful is the following effect:
- The wearer has an advantage on melee attack rolls when surrounded by 2 or more opponents.
- If you give the gloves to a melee fighter, you can charge into the fray with advantages right away. Especially a surrounded fighter or barbarian can benefit from these advantages.
Where can I find the Gloves of the Grumbling Loser? You can also find these gloves inside the goblin camp. Pass by Dror Ragzlin, the leader (far left against the wall, up the stairs), and reach a treasure chamber. To obtain the gloves, you need to successfully pick the lock of the treasure chamber.
Here are 5 helpful tips to make your life easier in Baldur’s Gate 3:
Amulet of Misty Step
What can the armor do? First of all: The Amulet of Misty Step is one of the best armor pieces in Baldur’s Gate 3. Misty Step is simply a super powerful and practical spell that is suitable for everyone.
With Misty Step, you can teleport to any location in sight, allowing you to gain a height advantage in combat, escape your opponents more easily, or quickly close the distance to them.
Where can I find the Amulet of Misty Step? The Amulet of Misty Step is located in the western area inside the goblin camp. To get there, you must pass through a locked door. You can either pick the lock or obtain the key from Priestess Gutt.
If you successfully pick the lock, you will encounter an ogre lady that must be defeated. Afterwards, you can loot the amulet from a treasure chest.
Gloves of Thievery
What can the armor do? The Gloves of Thievery give the wearer an advantage on Dexterity rolls, which is quite handy. So if you want to steal something or pick a lock, you can simply put on the gloves – you then receive an advantage on your roll.
Where can I find the Gloves of Thievery? You can purchase the Gloves of Thievery at the Zhentarim hideout from the merchant after successfully completing the quest “Find the Lost Delivery”.
To do this, you must return the lost delivery unopened to the Zhentarim hideout, which can also earn you a powerful crossbow. Afterwards, you will have access to better items at the merchant, including the Gloves of Thievery.
Ring of Protection
What can the armor do? The Ring of Protection is very strong and is one of your best armor options for the beginning of the game. You receive +1 to your Armor Class and +1 to saving throws from the ring.
How do I get the Ring of Protection? To obtain the Ring of Protection, you need to steal the Idol of Sylvanus, which is located at coordinates X: 252, Y: 517 in the Emerald Grove – specifically in the sacred basin of the Emerald Grove.
- However, note that the druids will be hostile towards you and behave aggressively towards tieflings if you steal the idol without precautions.
A trick you can use: Place a crate next to the idol, so that the crate can still be opened. Then use the spell “Fog Cloud” on the idol.
This way, you can place the idol unnoticed into the crate, pick up the crate, and teleport to your camp. It is advisable to save before attempting (F5), so that you can reload in case it doesn’t work on the first try.
Bracers of Defense
What can the armor do? With the Bracers of Defense, the wearer receives a +2 bonus to Armor Class, as long as they are not wearing armor or wielding a shield.
- These bracers are suitable for barbarians, monks, mages, sorcerers, and warlocks. In short: All classes that wear clothing (no armor) and do not have a shield equipped benefit from this bonus.
How do I get the Bracers of Defense? Go to the second building on the left side in the ruined village – the apothecary house. On a counter, there is a book with the quest “Search the Basement”.
Behind this counter, you will discover a basement hatch that leads you to an underground adventure. Once in the basement, you will find the rusty key in a corner of the westernmost room of the lab, behind three wooden crates. After a keen look (Perception check), you will discover a lever that leads you to the next secret room.
Engage in a conversation with the talking magical mirror and try to outsmart it. In another article about the necromancer book of Thay, which is also behind the mirror, we explain what words the mirror wants to hear from you. Then use the rusty key to open the locked gate.
Be careful! Then disable the numerous traps. Finally, grab the Bracers of Defense from a chest. In this room, you will also find the aforementioned necromancer book.
Best Armor for Beginners – Outlook: These items form a solid foundation to successfully start your adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3.
The choice of suitable armor heavily depends on your character and preferred playstyle. It is worthwhile to try out different items to find out which fits your heroes best.
Later in Act 1, you will encounter even more powerful items. However, these armor options are a good choice to support you at the beginning.
More about Baldur’s Gate 3: Best Weapons for Beginners from Act 1 – Here’s how to find them at the start
