these are just the most basic types of armor in diablo. since there over 1,000 armors, i decided to do ONLY the most basic.
Armor, especially when venturing into Hell, can be your best ally. There is just no substitute for a good piece of armor. Even the lowliest form of armor is still worth applying. Why? Because it increases your Armor rating. In the early stages, when there is little healing or mana potions to be found and your dexterity is low, you will need all the defense you can get.
LIGHT ARMOR:
Light armor ranges from lightweight rags and cloaks to hardened leather and quilted armor. Though it does not offer great protection, it will be all you have in the very beginning. Most of this armor can be found in the early levels of the Cathedral and from the blacksmith. Do not fret about your attributes, as any character can wear all light armor. Despite the minimal protection, it can help deflect a blow or two and is very cheap to repair. Note that some of this armor is magically enchanted and can prove advantageous for a while. However, my advice would be to move to the higher stages as soon as possible. Most light armor is really minimal and just good for making a quick buck at the blacksmith's. If your resources are low or you have not found anything better, stick to either leather or quilted armor as it provides the most protection.
MEDIUM ARMOR:
We can define medium armor to include your basic metal armor, such as chain mail and ring mail. While it provides good overall protection, medium armor is a bit more complicated than light armor because of the attribute requirements. However, by the time most players are able to afford some decent medium armor, attributes should not be a problem. Though chain mail is not anything to write home about, it should be every player's objective to get to this stage as soon as possible. Not only will your Armor Class increase, but you will be able to increase experience points by delving deeper into the labyrinth. As with light armor, always try to carry the best you can afford. Unless you are very wealthy or lucky enough to find some excellent pieces, you will be stuck with medium armor for a while. Therefore, go with the best. However, medium armor does come at a price. It starts in the several hundreds and can range in the thousands for the more expensive pieces. Furthermore, it's more expensive to repair than light armor. All single players should get their first taste of medium armor with the quest for Arkaine's Valor, which is found in level 5 of the dungeon. This is a unique item that starts to turn things in your favor with its solid protection and special attributes. As an extra bonus, all classes can wear it.
HEAVY ARMOR:
This is what is needed to finish Diablo. Heavy armor consists of solid metal plates over a chain mesh. The extent of the plate coverage determines the exact type of armor. Simple plate armor, for instance, covers the player's torso and arms. Though it provides excellent protection and mobility, full plate mail should be every player's ultimate goal. Full plate mail provides the most protection available and is a prerequisite if you want to have any success when venturing into Hell. Full Plate Mail, however, has stringent requirements and can only be worn by the strongest warriors. Coupled with a good sword, a warrior can be very difficult to stop. Full armor is available for most of the game through either Wirt, the peg-legged boy, or Griswold the blacksmith. However, be prepared to pay a very stiff price for armor of this protection. Most is magically enhanced and ranges in the several thousands for high quality material. In addition, the price to repair such items is expensive to say the least.
HELMETS:
Like armor, helmets come in a multitude of varieties, ranging from a simple cap to a crown. Many basic helmets are found in the early levels of the dungeon and it is very good advice to always have one handy. In the later levels, the style of helmet gets more complicated in accordance with its greater protection. A player should always try to wear the best helmet they can afford. Along with protection, many helmets also offer increased resistance to fire, magic, and lightning and attribute bonuses. Helmets, in my opinion, are one of the best buys in the game. A good helmet can give an Armor Class of 15, which is equivalent to some light/medium armor. However, their biggest drawback is their extravagant price and repair costs.
SHIELDS:
Shields are another great type of protection. Your character automatically attempts to block all incoming blows with his or her shield, and, in times of desperation, they can be used as bashing weapons. The most simple type of shield is the buckler, which is found in the first level of the dungeon. Though not exuberant, it provides decent protection early in the game. More shields become available as you delve deeper into the labyrinth or visit either Wirt or the blacksmith. Like all other armor, shields can be magically enchanted and offer additional protection and attributes. Unfortunately, if you plan to use a shield, you are limited to a one-handed weapon. Therefore, all staves, staffs, bows, and two-handed swords, which cause great damage, cannot be used.
JEWELRY:
Made of precious gems, rings and amulets offer great bonuses to all who are lucky to use them. Although the knowledge needed to create them is long lost or tightly guarded, there are still some rings to be found in Diablo. Rings and amulets are great extras for any warrior since they all offer magic bonuses and are indestructible, thus not needing any maintenance. In single-player, the reward for purifying Tristram's water supply is the Ring of Truth. Nevertheless, they do have their drawbacks. Besides being very expensive, players can use only one ring per hand and only one amulet because multiple pieces seem to interfere with each other.
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