The new Lakeland Armor of Fending in Shadowbringers is, like the other sets of Lakeland gear, a recolor. This one is somewhat unique in that its original source is not another dungeon, but rather a set of crafted leveling gear originally designed for Scouting and Striking DPS classes (the level 66 “white” gear from Stormblood, including the Marid Leather Coat as a centerpiece). A rather heavy set of gear, the Lakeland Armor seems a far better fit for tanks than it ever did for FFXIV‘s two light-armored melee DPS, making it a solid set to repurpose for a new role in the expansion. You’ll find the gear, wearable by all tank jobs, in the first dungeon of Shadowbringers, Holminster Switch, and each piece naturally has a corresponding level requirement of 71.

Set Pieces (Requirements: DRK/GNB/PLD/WAR 71)
Weapons: Lakeland Longsword & Kite Shield, Lakeland Greatsword (pictured), Lakeland Manatrigger, Lakeland War Axe
Head: Lakeland Hood of Fending
Body: Lakeland Coat of Fending
Hands: Lakeland Gauntlets of Fending
Legs: Lakeland Breeches of Fending
Feet: Lakeland Greaves of Fending

All pieces in the set are non-dyeable and predominately black—a perfect fit for a fledgling Warrior of Darkness. The set fortunately has no noticeable clipping issues for tails or hands clipping through the sides of the coat. There is some potential for hairstyle clipping issues with the mask included on the Lakeland Hood, but the mask can also be toggled off with the visor option (and personally I think it looks better without it). Other than that small issue, the Lakeland Armor is a well-modeled set, held back only by its inability to be dyed—but we’re all dyeing everything black for Shadowbringers anyway, right?

Thanks to the support of Fashion Ninjutsu’s Patrons (with special thanks going out to Del, Fransisco Galicia, NiaYumiya, and Nomolun), I’m able to take the time needed to acquire full sets of gear for screenshot galleries like this one. If you’ve found this gallery helpful and would like to offer support of your own, you can check out the site’s Patreon, which also supports other things like Mog Station Reviews.