Handsome Phantom’s Top Video Game Outfits

‘Tis the season for holiday work parties, family functions and uncomfortable forced human interaction. As apprehensive as we all may be about the thought of dressing up to make it look like we have our lives in order, it’s a necessary evil that we all must endure. Parallels can be drawn to gaming as it’s really not that different from finally unlocking a somewhat respectable suit of armor so that you might masquerade as a possible threat to enemies or human players in a PVP lobby. What better time to look back at some of our favorite video game outfits and armor sets from the recent history of gaming!

Cam & Brandon’s Pick – Nightingale Armor, Skyrim

In a game full of unique and interesting outfits, the Nightingale set is easily one of the most striking and visually intimidating. This sharp and nimble suit is awarded to the Dragonborn by Karliah of the Thieves Guild following completion of the Trinity Restored quest.

As Cam puts it, it is not only one of best suits of armor in the game, but it’s also tied to an incredibly deep piece of Elder Scrolls lore. The Nightingale armor emerges as an iconic standalone outfit and would be incredible in just about any fantasy world. So much so that two of our editors selected it!

Kevin’s Pick – The Poncho, Red Dead Redemption

What better way to feel like an iconic cowboy bad-ass than to don an outfit undoubtedly inspired by Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name. Certainly not one of the toughest wild west suits to obtain – this is gifted as soon as the player unlocks any safe house in the Mexico region – but synonymous with the subject matter nonetheless.

“A musty old outfit. A souvenir of your travels in Mexico.” The game’s description put it perfectly. What’s most impressive about this gear, despite the fact that it’s purely cosmetic and has an intentionally worn look to it, is that it is easily one of the most popular in the game. Furthermore, the red and yellow accents combined with the triangular details make it a memorable part of a fantastic wild west journey.

Phil’s Pick – Mega Man X Armor, Mega Man X

What’s great about Mega Man X is the game’s focus on unlocking new gear pieces throughout the games eight themed stages. Not only does each new piece improve the overall look of the tiny blue cyber boy, but it also awards a unique new ability. Progression through the game is marked not only by conquering bosses, but also an evolving look for Mega Man.

Much like gently used towels, Phil and I share fond childhood memories of Mega Man X. Progressing through the game and slowly but surely adding new bits to adorn your final and visually stunning form was incredibly satisfying.

Dustin’s Pick – Invisible Armor, Skyrim

Say what you will about one game getting multiple entries in this list, but a game with the amount of varied collectibles as Skyrim deserves two spots. Now Dustin, who’s a bit weird, specifically chose this armor set because it broke the game. By nearly maxing out the enchanting skill, Dustin was able to upgrade and augment his armor with unique effects.

Each piece of this enchanted outfit grants 20% invisibility to the player. So by wearing all five pieces, the Dragonborn becomes completely invisible to all enemies and NPC’s. Too much power for one gamer, and evidently for Dustin’s PC as this ground the game to a halt. Certainly memorable, albeit for different reasons.

Boo’s Pick – Shield Weaver Armor, Horizon Zero Dawn

For an armor set that was supposed to be secretly locked behind the Ancient Armory, it’s impressive how quickly the Shield Weaver outfit became synonymous with Horizon Zero Dawn. One look at this armor had gamers drooling over the prospect of having the privilege of wearing it.

Couple that with the fact that this set awards Aloy with a rechargeable shield that negates all incoming damage and it’s no wonder why so many gamers spent hours collecting all power cells needed to unlock. It’s memorable for Boo because it made her feel like you fell out of a completely different game such as Destiny, but still seemed to fit perfectly.

Ben’s Pick – Big Daddy Suit, Bioshock 2

Having spent the entire play through of the original Bioshock cowering in fear over even the sound of an incoming Big Daddy made the thought of actually playing as one insane. Bioshock 2 gave us that ability to play as Project Delta and the experience of clomping around as a protector of the Little Sisters did not disappoint.

The shear lumbering power that you have instantly makes you understand why you were made to feel so afraid in the first game. Taking control of the devastating drill hand from the first person perspective was absolutely brutal in the best way possible.

Dave’s Pick – Feline School Gear, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

As someone who rarely strays from the safety and comfort of a game’s main narrative path, the Feline School Armor is particularly memorable for me. That’s because it was one of the only occasions that I spent significant time and effort grinding out side missions for diagrams and materials for this gear set.

I pursued this set over the other schools for it’s agility and elemental resistance. I’d consider myself the furthest thing from a cosplayer. But if I was to try, this would probably be the first choice. The overlapping neck collars and navy blue design make it look like a winter jacket that I would actually spend money on. Here’s hoping this set makes it into the upcoming Netflix series!

Have your own favorite armor set that didn’t make our list? Let us know in our official Discord or on Twitter!