Benefit of Item Sets? - Elder Scrolls Online - ESO

Explanation on the benefits of sets in The Elder Scrolls Online. How do they make you more powerful? How can they help increase combat or farming efficiency?

Table of contents

6 Chapters

Pick your Traits

Chapter 2 / 6

Weapons, armor and jewelry can come in 9 different traits each. A trait is a special bonus that is usually already on an item, and in most times randomly applied, or is added specifically on crafted weapons, armor or jewelry.

You can change the trait of an item by using a Transmutation Station if you have access to one via your guild or a friend’s house, or in the Clockwork City DLC. Be aware though that you need to have researched the trait that you want to change to, and that trait changing will lock the item to your account.Trait Research: If you want to learn more about how to research traits, I recommend checking out the Trait Research Guide.

Transmute Traits: If you want to learn more on how you can change an already existing trait on a set, I recommend checking out the Transmutation Guide.

The quality of an item improves the trait and makes it stronger; a common quality item will have a less powerful trait bonus than for example a Legendary upgrade.

Armor Traits

Trait Effects Normal Fine Superior Epic Legendary
Divines Increases Mundus Stone Effects by: 5.1% 6.1% 7.1% 8.1% 9.1%
Infused Increase Armor Enchantment effects by: 9% 13% 17% 21% 25%
Invigorating Increases Magicka, Stamina and Health Recovery by: 8 10 12 147 16
Impenetrable Reduces item’s durability damage by 50% and increases Critical Resistance by: 116 119 122 124 127
Nirnhoned Increases Spell and Physical Resistance by: 220 229 238 244 253
Reinforced Increases Armor by: 12% 13% 14% 15% 16%
Sturdy Reduces Block Cost by: 2% 2.5% 3% 3.5% 4%
Training Increase experience gained from kills by:: 7% 8% 9% 10% 11%
Well-Fitted Reduces the cost of Sprinting and Roll Dodge by: 1.2% 2.4% 3.6% 4.8% 6%

Jewelry Traits

Trait Effects Normal Fine Superior Epic Legendary
Arcane Increases Max Magicka by: 767 797 827 847 877
Robust Increases Max Stamina by: 767 797 827 847 877
Healthy Increases Max Health by: 844 877 914 932 965
Protective Increases Physical and Spell Resistance by: 1053 1091 1128 1153 1190
Tribune Increases Max Health, Stamina, & Magicka: 422 - 384 - 384 438 - 399 - 399 455 - 414 - 414 466 - 424 - 424 482 - 439 - 439
Infused Increases Enchantment Effectiveness by: 24% 33% 42% 51% 60%
Swift Increases Movement Speed by: 3% 4% 5% 6% 7%
Harmony Increases Synergy Effectiveness by: 12% 14% 16% 18% 20%
Bloodthirsty Increases Weapon and Spell Damage against enemies under 90% Health by up to: 70 140 210 280 350

Weapon Traits

Unlike armor, weapons can hold two slots or be wielded twice, so these stats are for one weapon. For two weapons the bonuses count double, unless otherwise indicated.

1 Handed: Stats shown in the Weapons table

2 Handed: 2x Stats

Trait Effects Normal Fine Superior Epic Legendary
Charged Increases chance to apply Status Effects by: 70% 80% 90% 100% 110%
Decisive Chance to gain 1 additional Ultimate anytime that Ultimate is gained by: 19.1% 21.2% 23.3% 25.4% 27.5%
Defending Increases total Physical and Spell Resistance by: 1428 1485 1542 1580 1638
Infused Reduces Enchantment cooldown by 50%Increases Weapon Enchantment effect by:(doesn’t count double for 2H) 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%
Nirnhonded Increases Weapon Damage by:(doesn’t count double for 2H) 11% 12% 13% 14% 15%
Powered Increases Healing done by: 2.5% 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5%
Precise Increases Weapon and Spell Critical values by: 1.6% 2.1% 2.6% 3.1% 3.6%
Sharpened Increases Armor and Spell Penetration by: 1428 1485 1542 1580 1638
Training Increases Experience gained from kills by: 2.5% 3% 3.5% 4% 4.5%

Other Purpose Traits

As you might have already seen, we have two more traits which you can find on all items. These traits offer no combat bonuses, and are not meant to be worn or wielded. You can’t research or craft them either.

Trait Effects
Ornate Increased value upon sale to an NPC vendor.
Intricate Increased Inspiration Experience gained upon deconstruction.

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