Seven points might seem negligible, but when the player has a small health pool it can mean the difference in surviving an unexpected encounter. By comparison, a full set of (heavy) Iron Armor has a rating of 65. Without taking any perks or crafting skills into account, a full set of (light) Leather Armor grants an armor rating of 58. Survival is least assured early in the game, so that’s when the higher rating of heavy armor is crucial. At lower levels a Sabre Cat can kill an unarmored player in just a few quick hits - particularly if they get the drop on the player. A prime example is when the player is up against Skyrim’s more dangerous animals, like the Cave Bear or Sabre Cat. The advantages of wearing Heavy Armor are most tangible in the early game. In the mid-late game, and with enough perks, both armor types can reach the same threshold. Light Armor favors mobility and stealth, but Heavy Armor is all about defense and tanking.

Related: What Skyrim Survival Mode Changes (& Why It's Great) There’s nothing more depressing than seeing the Dragonborn get beheaded by a Forsworn Briarheart. Having a low armor rating in Skyrim is dangerous, and leaves players vulnerable to instant death blows from dragons and other high-level opponents. Skyrim is a harsh world, and oftentimes the best insurance policy is to put on the thickest plate mail and the most durable shield that gold can buy. Heavy Armor in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has similar advantages to Light Armor, but there are some key differences that give it its own pros and cons.

Truly light elven armor