In the vast and brutal world of Elden Ring, survival hinges on more than just skill with a sword or mastery of magic. For melee-focused players—those who rush headlong into battle, braving devastating swings and deadly combos—armor is a cornerstone of success. Among the many armor sets available to Tarnished warriors, few strike a balance between style, protection, and effectiveness quite like the Hoslow’s Set. Featuring excellent defensive stats, a sleek design, and strong lore connections, the Hoslow Set has earned its place among the best melee armor sets in Elden Ring.
What Is the Hoslow Set?
The Hoslow’s Set is a heavy armor set once worn by knights of the Hoslow family, known for their loyalty and ruthless efficiency. The set includes:
Hoslow’s Helm
Hoslow’s Armor
Hoslow’s Gauntlets
Hoslow’s Greaves
Each piece is adorned with chainmail and crimson fabric, accented with silver filigree and a unique metal collar. This distinctive aesthetic is not just for show—it communicates nobility, menace, and strength. It is also tightly tied to the storyline of Diallos Hoslow, a tragic NPC whose path intertwines with player choice.
How to Get the Hoslow Set
The Hoslow Set can be acquired in two main ways, both involving Diallos Hoslow:
Method 1: Volcano Manor Questline
To get the full set through this path:
Join Volcano Manor: Head to Mt. Gelmir and align yourself with Tanith’s faction.
Complete Assassinations: You’ll receive assassination contracts from Tanith. Complete these to progress through the ranks.
Final Target - Juno Hoslow: Eventually, you will be tasked with invading and killing Juno Hoslow, the older brother of Diallos.
Loot the Set: Upon defeating Juno Hoslow, his armor, as well as his signature weapon—the Hoslow’s Petal Whip—can be looted from his corpse.
Method 2: PvP Route via Diallos’ Questline
Alternatively, if you progress through Diallos’ personal questline and complete it to the end (without killing Juno), you may receive different rewards, but not the full Hoslow Set. For those seeking only the armor, the Volcano Manor route is the most direct.
Hoslow Set Stats Weight
Armor Piece Physical Defense Poise Weight
Helm 5.1 5 4.6
Armor 14.6 18 11.8
Gauntlets 4.4 5 3.9
Greaves 8.6 12 7.3
Total 32.7 40 27.6
With above-average Poise and excellent physical defense, the Hoslow Set is ideal for aggressive melee builds that trade blows up close. It also offers decent elemental resistances, particularly against Fire and Magic, which are common in PvE and PvP alike.
Why It’s Great for Melee Builds
1. Poise and Stagger Resistance
With a total Poise of 40, this set allows you to tank through lighter hits without breaking attack animations. This is especially important for melee builds using colossal weapons, greatswords, or dual-wielding setups that require full commitment to combos.
2. Damage Mitigation
Hoslow’s Set offers well-balanced protection across physical and elemental types. It’s not as tanky as Bull-Goat’s Set, but it doesn’t carry the same extreme weight, allowing for better mobility. This balance is key for high-endurance melee players who want toughness without becoming sluggish.
3. Fashion Souls Appeal
Functionality aside, the Hoslow Set is simply one of the most visually striking armor sets in the game. The red cloak, intricate metalwork, and noble yet brutal appearance make it a fan-favorite for melee builds who want to look both regal and ruthless.
4. Synergy with Whips and Dex Builds
While the set offers heavy armor qualities, it pairs surprisingly well with dexterity-based melee builds, particularly those using whips or dual curved swords. The lore-friendly combo of Hoslow’s Petal Whip + Hoslow Set is a top-tier PvP choice for stylish yet deadly combatants.
PvP and PvE Performance
In PvP:
The Hoslow Set is well-suited to invasions and duels. Its high poise allows for trading hits with faster weapons, especially when combined with poise-enhancing talismans.
It also offers enough fashion credibility to strike fear or admiration into your opponents during fights in the Colosseum or open-world invasions.
In PvE:
Ideal for fighting humanoid enemies, knights, or beasts where you can afford to go toe-to-toe.
Its versatility allows it to be paired with most melee weapons—from greatswords and halberds to fists and whips—making it an all-purpose melee set for endgame content.
Talismans and Weapons to Pair with the Hoslow Set
To get the most out of the Hoslow Set in a melee build, consider the following synergistic items:
Talismans:
Bull-Goat’s Talisman – Boosts poise for even greater trade potential.
Erdtree’s Favor – Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
Green Turtle Talisman – Increases stamina regen, which helps in stamina-hungry melee fights.
Radagon’s Scarseal/Sourceal – Boosts Strength at the cost of defense, mitigated by Hoslow’s good armor.
Weapons:
Hoslow’s Petal Whip – Stylish and lore-accurate, with Blood loss buildup and great spacing potential.
Dual Curved Swords – Fast and bleed-heavy, great for overwhelming opponents.
Colossal Weapons – For high-poise, high-damage trade builds.
Final Thoughts
The Hoslow Set is a rare blend of aesthetics, lore significance, and raw combat power. While it may not be the absolute highest in defense or poise, it strikes a fantastic balance that fits perfectly into a melee-focused Tarnished’s toolkit. Whether you’re slicing through PvE bosses with a greatsword or styling on opponents in PvP with whip combos, the Hoslow Set stands tall as one of the best melee armor sets in Elden Ring.
If you're a player who thrives on getting up close and personal, look no further—the Hoslow Set is your bloodstained badge of honor.
