Minecraft wiki entry for How_to_play, associated text: Armor is essential in combat, it can be made with Leather, Iron, Gold, Diamond or Netherite. Additionally, there is Chainmail armor, that cannot be crafted but it can be found in loot chests and turtle shells that can be crafted with Scutes. Armor makes you take less damage from players, mobs, etc, and turtle shells give you the Water Breathing status effect along with the protection boost. but it also has durability so be careful.