How do I know when to change my armor?

[ez]

Hi, im new to the game. Im playing Samurai and im lvl 40 and still using starter armor. I have a lot of different armor pieces in my inventory - but i don't know if i should equip it or not and how i see when its ''worth'' equipping. Anyone who can help me out?

[Clockwork]

Whenever you feel like it. If you like the aesthetic of a new piece of armour, it can be worth changing. If you feel like some enemies deal too much damage (physical, magical, fire lightning, holy, etc.), it can be worth changing. If you need more poise to not flinch at every single attack, it can be worth changing. If you feel like all your equipment combined turned your armour load into "Heavy load" and rendering dodge clumsier, it can be worth lowering the total amount of weight of things you carry to get a more reliable dodge by doing back to "Medium load" (aka. about 70% of total weight).

[Stan The Man]

armour doesnt really matter that much so just wear what you think looks best!

[clemons75]

Originally posted by Stan Oswald:

armour doesnt really matter that much so just wear what you think looks best!

Fashion Souls >>>>>>> Bullgoat/Meta sets

[Ironwu]

Skill > Armor. Armor is there for when you make a mistake so you might not get one-shot killed.

Your real gearing goals should be Ashes of War, Talismans, Weapons, Summons, and Upgrades. Take better Armor when it shows up, but don't chase after it. Be sure to keep your weight at Medium or Light. NEVER Heavy.

Good Luck
Have Fun!

[Count von Bunnyhopven]

Armor does not mater whatsoever for the first half of the game. Because the heavies armors you can find at that point wont help much anyhow and you have better things to invest your early points in to than carrying weight. So go with whatever combination makes you look good!

In the end game though armor maters a lot, because it can increase your damage reduction up to 40-50% or so. 50% damage reduction is the same as doubling your hit points and healing so thats huge! Also end game enemies hit like a truck! I know of one boss in the snow fields that can one-shot you through bull-goat armor and 60 vit with one of its attacks!

[NullDragon]

Generally I've found the most important thing is to have literally anything equipped in all slots. That will give you roughly 20% damage reduction total, with minimal investment.

Otherwise, heavier armor generally has more physical damage resistance and damage resistance in general, but more physical than non-physical resistances. Careful playstyles will likely be happy with 10 endurance and much lighter armor. More reckless or deliberate(trading health with enemies, for example) will want heavier armor and more END investment for more poise and defense.

Above all else keep every slot filled if you can. Even a commoner headband in the head is better than nothing at all there. The lightest possible armor still offers significantly more resistance than an empty slot.