Best early-game armour in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed RPG, picking up directly after the events of the first game.

Once again, players will play as Henry, the protagonist of the first game. Embarking on a new journey, there'll be a whole host of enemies to fight through in Kingdom Come's brutal and realistic combat system, so getting a strong set of armour early on in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 is incredibly important.

Not only providing protection, armour also improves your chances of actually winning the fights you'll be getting yourself into. So, to ensure new players have the best possible start, here’s a breakdown of the best early-game armour sets and pieces in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.

6. Assorted Armour – stolen from bandits

While travelling through the game’s vast world, players will inevitably encounter bandits. Some early quests even require Henry to clear out bandit camps or retrieve stolen goods.

One benefit of carrying out these quests is that you should be able to upgrade your armour off the back of them. Although it's not guaranteed you'll get an upgrade due to the randomness, it's still a sure fire way to pick up some armour early in your Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 game.

How to obtain:

• Loot bandits after defeating them in random encounters or mission objectives.
• Complete quests involving bandit extermination.

Armour stats, benefits, and negatives:

• Randomised quality and durability, meaning pieces can range from basic to well-crafted.
• Includes gambesons, coifs, chainmail, metal helmets, and sometimes plate armour.
• Typically damaged upon retrieval, requiring repairs at a blacksmith.
• Some pieces may be stolen, making them illegal to wear in towns without laundering.

5. Rusted Plate – A quest reward from Radovan

Upon completing the prologue, Henry is introduced to a noble wedding, which he must find a way to attend. One method involves aiding Radovan, the Blacksmith of Tachov.

After meeting Radovan, display to him that you are also an excellent Blacksmith and he will inform you of a cart of missing valuables. If you agree to help him retrieve these, you will begin "The Jaunt" quest and be able to have numerous fights which will all result in obtaining new gear..

As you finish the quest, Radovan will also gift you the Rusted Plate Cuirass, which is a solid and dependable piece of armour in the early-game of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.

How to obtain:

• Meet Radovan and showcase your smithing skills.
• Accept "The Jaunt" quest and retrieve a lost cart of valuables.
• Successfully return to Radovan to receive the Rusted Plate Cuirass.

Armour stats, benefits, and negatives:

• Heavy chest armour that provides moderate protection.
• Stronger than cloth and leather armour but weaker than high-end plate sets.
• Offers a good balance between durability and protection for an early-game piece.

4. Mended Cuirass – Obtained in The Wolf Den

One of Henry’s first tasks after the prologue is to locate Mutt, his loyal dog from the previous game. Once again, Mutt will become your faithful companion, aiding in both combat and stealth as you progress through the game.

This quest leads Henry to a wolf den, marking one of the game’s first real combat encounters.

After clearing out the den with Mutt you will find a lootabale grave, containing the Mended Cuirass Armour. Similar to the previous armour mentioned, it just offers better stats in the early-game of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.

How to obtain:

• Locate Mutt inside a wolf den.
• Defeat the wolves alongside Mutt.
• Loot the Mended Cuirass from a grave inside the den.

Armour stats, benefits, and negatives:

• Slightly superior to the Rusted Plate Cuirass, offering better durability and protection.
• Moderate weight, making it suitable for a variety of playstyles.
• Provides reasonable defence against slashing and blunt attacks.

3. Guard Armour – A risky but useful Set

Town guards in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 wear durable armour that varies by region. Though acquiring it is risky, Guard Armour offers comprehensive protection.

However, for all of it's value as an early-game armour set in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2, it does come with some risks - guards may be aware that it is stolen and attack you for stealing it.

Fortunately, though, stealing it can be pretty simple. Either defeat a guard in combat and loot it from his body, or, go and steal it from the barracks - easy, right?

How to obtain:

• Steal it: Pickpocket a key from a guard in Troskovitz and loot the barracks.
• Defeat a guard in combat and loot their armour.
• Pick locks on storage chests in guard quarters.

Armour stats, benefits, and negatives:

• A complete set covering head, chest, arms, and legs.
• Decent protection for all-around use, especially against basic enemies.
• Higher durability than looted bandit armour.
• Illegal to wear in towns without a disguise, as guards will challenge Henry.

2. Pieces bought from Radovan – An assortment of useful gear

Aside from being a quest giver, Radovan also runs a blacksmith shop in Tachov, selling useful early-game armour in Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.

With items such as the Smooth Cuirass, another upgrade on two armour sets already mentioned in this guide, as well as the Italian Hauberk, there's plenty available from Radovan to help you out in the early-game.

The only issue is that you're going to build up a stack of gold in order to purchase them, but fear not, there are plenty of early-game quests to allow you to do so.

How to obtain:

• Purchase from Radovan’s shop once you have enough Groschen (gold).

Armour stats, benefits, and negatives:

• Expensive but high-quality, making them long-term investments.
• New and undamaged, meaning no repair costs.
• Offers flexibility in mixing and matching pieces for the best combination of protection and mobility.

1. Brunswick's Armour – A legendary early-game set

Players who pre-ordered Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 gain access to a special quest called "Lion’s Quest." This quest, obtained from Scribe Gaibl in Troskovitz, leads to the legendary Brunswick Armour set.

You're going to need a spade to actually complete the quest, and a horse won't go amiss, but for that you're going to get the best armour possible in the early-game of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2.

How to obtain:

• Start "Lion’s Quest" after completing the prologue.
• Solve riddles and travel to multiple locations.

Armour stats, benefits, and negatives:

• The best early-game armour set, offering high durability, defence, and aesthetics.
• Full plate set covering all vital areas.
• Superior to all other early-game options in terms of raw defence.
• Ideal for knights or heavy-armoured builds.
• Unique appearance, making Henry stand out.