Updated on April 11, 11:49 a.m. (GMT+8): Added relevant guides.

Blade Armor and Antique Cuirass are essential defensive items in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang that protect their bearers against physical damage.

While these two offer substantial physical defense, they have unique passive effects that can be advantageous in specific situations.

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That means prioritizing one over the other can be a game-changer, especially for roamers or tanks who do not farm much gold from minions or jungle creeps.

By understanding the unique benefits of these two items, players can make better decisions about which item to focus on based on their role, the enemy team composition, and the game’s current state.

Comparing the stats and passive effects of Blade Armor and Antique Cuirass

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang physical defense item Blade Armor
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Composed of Steel Legplates and two Leather Jerkins, Blade Armor provides the highest physical resistance in the game. More importantly, it’s the only item in the game that has a critical damage reduction.

Furthermore, its unique passive, Bladed Armor, allows you to deal physical damage equal to a certain percentage of incoming damage from basic attacks (calculated before damage reduction) plus another percentage of your physical defense to the attacker, while also inflicting a minimal slow effect.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang physical defense item Antique Cuirass
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In contrast, Antique Cuirass is crafted by combining Dreadnaught Armor (which is made from two Leather Jerkins) and Ares Belt (which requires a Vitality Crystal) to provide substantial physical defense, health points, and HP regen.

Its Deter passive reduces the attacker’s physical attack by a particular percentage for a few seconds when you’re struck by their skill. This effect is capped at three stacks, which means that the damage reduction gets amplified.

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Many players consider Antique Cuirass as the best physical defense item, as it greatly weakens the enemies’ physical DPS, which most marksman and assassin heroes deal.

However, there are certain situations where Blade Armor should be prioritized.

When is it best to buy Blade Armor first?

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It’s best to purchase it when the opposing side has heroes with abilities that deal critical damage through basic attacks and skills, such as:

  • Bruno
  • Leomord
  • Lesley
  • Ling
  • Yi Sun-shin
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Additionally, you should also buy it when the enemy cores have Berserker Fury or Windtalker. These offensive items increase critical chance and damage.

Even if you prioritize Blade Armor in such situations, it’s still wise to purchase Antique Cuirass later on, especially if the enemy team relies heavily on physical damage.

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