Orcish Armor is the heavy plate of the Orsimer: dark, spiky, slightly menacing and extremely practical. A full set provides 90 armor for 57 weight, which makes it one of the best value-for-weight sets in the mid-game. It sits between Dwarven and Ebony in the heavy branch of the Smithing tree, and it is the armor of choice for many of the Orcs living in Skyrim’s strongholds.
How to get it
Crafting needs the Orcish Smithing perk at Smithing level 50, which requires Dwarven Smithing first. The main ingredient is Orichalcum Ingot, smelted from Orichalcum Ore. The mines at Dushnikh Yal and Mor Khazgur both have plenty of orichalcum veins, and blacksmiths and general goods merchants sell the ingots at every level.
Ready-made Orcish armor enters leveled loot at player level 25, with enchanted pieces from level 26, and from then on blacksmiths with leveled armor stock, such as Gharol in Dushnikh Yal and Ghorza gra-Bagol in Markarth, can carry it too. Stronghold Orcs wear leveled heavy armor as well; Chief Burguk of Dushnikh Yal, for example, is kitted out in Orcish gear once you reach level 25.
Is it worth wearing?
Yes, and it’s one of the most underrated sets in the game. The cuirass alone matches Steel Plate, and the full set is far lighter than Dwarven while protecting much better. It even beats the much heavier Blades Armor in total armor.
The only real competitor at this tier is Steel Plate, which offers slightly less protection for almost the same weight. Orcish wins if you are already climbing the heavy branch toward Ebony and Daedric, since the perk is on the way anyway, and Orcish Smithing doubles your tempering bonus. With Juggernaut, Well Fitted and Matching Set, a tempered Orcish set can carry you well past the mid-game.
It is also surprisingly valuable for its tier, so spare pieces sell for decent coin.
Good to know
- Orcish Smithing is required on the way to Ebony, Daedric and Dragonplate via the heavy branch.
- Orc stronghold residents are mostly friendly once you’re welcome there, so don’t go stripping the locals.
- All pieces are tempered with Orichalcum Ingots.
Set pieces
| Piece | Slot | Armor | Weight | Value | ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orcish Helmet | Head | 20 | 8 | 500 | 00013959 |
| Orcish Armor | Body | 40 | 35 | 1000 | 00013957 |
| Orcish Gauntlets | Hands | 15 | 7 | 200 | 00013958 |
| Orcish Boots | Feet | 15 | 7 | 200 | 00013956 |
| Orcish Shield | Shield | 30 | 14 | 500 | 00013946 |
Full set totals
- Orcish Armor – helmet, cuirass, gauntlets and boots: 90 armor, 57 weight, 1900 gold; with the Orcish Shield: 120 armor, 71 weight.
Crafting and upgrades
Recipes at the forge – requires the Orcish Smithing perk:
- Orcish Helmet: 1 Iron Ingot, 2 Leather Strips, 2 Orichalcum Ingot
- Orcish Armor: 1 Iron Ingot, 3 Leather Strips, 4 Orichalcum Ingot
- Orcish Gauntlets: 1 Iron Ingot, 2 Leather Strips, 2 Orichalcum Ingot
- Orcish Boots: 1 Iron Ingot, 2 Leather Strips, 3 Orichalcum Ingot
- Orcish Shield: 1 Iron Ingot, 1 Leather Strips, 3 Orichalcum Ingot
Improve (temper) the pieces at a workbench with Orichalcum Ingot.
Stats from the Skyrim game files (Skyrim.esm and the official add-ons): base armor rating, weight and value before Smithing improvements and perks. The ID is the item’s form ID for the console.