Armor types

Looks vs Functionality
In Tyria (the Prophecies campaign), each armor type is distinctive in both appearance and bonuses. For example, the warrior Gladiator's Armor offers energy bonuses, while the Wyvern Armor has higher AL against elemental damage. Both have distinct looks and you can be sure of the inherent bonus.

In Cantha (the Factions campaign) however, Functionality and appearance are decoupled. one can craft armors of all functional types with any art style. For example, for any one profession, all armors crafted in Cavalon will look exactly the same (the "Luxon Armor" style), regardless of their bonus.

Additionally, many armor sets have their corresponding "ascended", or "15k", types, which have the same functionality as their "normal" counterparts, but have different appearances. They are available only to PvE characters, and only from towns that are deep into the campaign plot. Ascended armor comes with a much higher price tag in terms of both gold and materials.

Each profession also has a single Obsidian art style. Obsidian armor is profoundly expensive, requiring Ectoplasm and Obsidian Shards, in addition to other rare and common crafting materials. Obsidian armor is only available from the Eternal Forgemaster in the Fissure of Woe, and requires a lengthy set of prerequisite quests before the forge can be opened.

Special Events Armor

 * Pumpkin Crown (Headgear) - Halloween 2005
 * Yule Cap (Headgear) - Christmas 2005
 * Horns of Grenth (Headgear) - Christmas 2005
 * Tengu Mask (Headgear) - Day of the Tengu 2006
 * Dragon Mask (Headgear) - Dragon Festival 2006

Discontinued Sets
These armor sets can be found at some fansites, but they have been discontinued. They are listed here for historical purposes, and to eliminate confusion when comparing this list to those on other sites. Most were either only around during the beta, or are the orginal names of some of the current armors. The names might be reused in future campaign releases.
 * Adept's Armor (Elementalist)
 * Regal Armor (Mesmer)
 * Silk Armor (Monk)
 * Blasphemer's Armor (Necromancer)
 * Pagan Armor (Necromancer)