What is the best armor set for a summoner in early Hardmode Terraria?
In early Hardmode Terraria, summoners have a few solid armor options to choose from, but the best set for this stage is the Spider Armor. This armor set is specifically designed for summoners and provides significant bonuses to minion damage and capacity, making it ideal for players who want to focus on summoning as their primary combat style. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to obtain and use the Spider Armor effectively, along with tips and strategies to maximize its potential.
To craft the Spider Armor, you will need Spider Fangs, which are dropped by Black Recluses found in Spider Caves. These caves are typically located in the Underground or Cavern layers, often near the Jungle biome. Black Recluses are dangerous enemies, so itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately before farming them. The Spider Armor set consists of three pieces: the Spider Mask, Spider Breastplate, and Spider Greaves. Each piece requires a specific number of Spider Fangs, with the full set totaling 36 Spider Fangs. The Spider Mask increases minion damage by 28%, the Spider Breastplate increases minion capacity by 2, and the Spider Greaves provide a small boost to movement speed. When worn together, the set bonus increases your minion capacity by an additional 1, bringing the total to 4 extra minions.
Before attempting to farm Spider Fangs, make sure your character is well-equipped for early Hardmode. A good weapon for summoners at this stage is the Spider Staff, which summons spider minions that deal decent damage and have a unique ability to cling to enemies, making them effective against fast-moving or flying foes. You can craft the Spider Staff using 16 Spider Fangs at an Anvil. Additionally, consider using accessories that boost summoner capabilities, such as the Hercules Beetle or the Pygmy Necklace, which increase minion damage and capacity, respectively. These accessories can be obtained from the Witch Doctor NPC, who sells them after Plantera has been defeated, but you can still make progress without them.
When farming Spider Fangs, itÔÇÖs crucial to have a safe and efficient setup. Build a small arena in the Spider Cave with platforms and walls to control enemy movement. Use weapons like the Daedalus Stormbow or the Onyx Blaster to deal with Black Recluses from a distance, as they can deal significant damage up close. Summon your spider minions to assist in combat, and consider using buff potions like Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness to improve survivability and mobility. If youÔÇÖre struggling with the Black Recluses, you can also use traps or lava to help kill them more easily.
Once youÔÇÖve crafted the Spider Armor, youÔÇÖll notice a significant improvement in your summoner capabilities. The increased minion capacity allows you to summon more minions, which can overwhelm enemies and bosses. The Spider StaffÔÇÖs minions are particularly effective against early Hardmode bosses like the Destroyer, Skeletron Prime, and The Twins, as their ability to latch onto enemies ensures consistent damage output. Pair your Spider Armor with the Spider Staff and accessories like the Summoner Emblem or Avenger Emblem to further boost your minion damage.
A common mistake summoners make in early Hardmode is neglecting their defense. While the Spider Armor provides decent defense for a summoner set, itÔÇÖs still lower than other armor sets like Adamantite or Titanium. To compensate, focus on dodging attacks and using mobility accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu or the Lightning Boots. Additionally, consider using the Bewitching Table, which can be found in the Dungeon, to temporarily increase your minion capacity by 1. This can give you an edge in tough battles.
For advanced optimizations, consider combining the Spider Armor with other summoner weapons and accessories. The Queen Spider Staff, which summons a spider turret that attacks enemies, pairs well with the Spider Armor and can be crafted using 24 Spider Fangs. This turret provides additional damage and can be placed strategically to control enemy movement. You can also use the Optic Staff, which summons twin minions that deal high damage, though it requires defeating The Twins to obtain.
In terms of resource management, farming Spider Fangs can be time-consuming, so itÔÇÖs important to maximize your efficiency. Use Battle Potions and Water Candles to increase enemy spawn rates, and consider setting up a small base near the Spider Cave to respawn quickly if you die. If youÔÇÖre playing in multiplayer, coordinate with teammates to farm Spider Fangs more quickly, as each player can contribute to the effort.
In summary, the Spider Armor is the best early Hardmode armor set for summoners due to its significant boosts to minion damage and capacity. By farming Spider Fangs, crafting the Spider Staff, and using accessories that enhance summoner abilities, you can create a powerful summoner build capable of taking on early Hardmode challenges. Focus on defense and mobility, use buffs and strategic setups, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense or inefficient farming. With the right preparation and strategy, the Spider Armor will serve you well as you progress through Hardmode and prepare for even greater challenges.
To craft the Spider Armor, you will need Spider Fangs, which are dropped by Black Recluses found in Spider Caves. These caves are typically located in the Underground or Cavern layers, often near the Jungle biome. Black Recluses are dangerous enemies, so itÔÇÖs important to prepare adequately before farming them. The Spider Armor set consists of three pieces: the Spider Mask, Spider Breastplate, and Spider Greaves. Each piece requires a specific number of Spider Fangs, with the full set totaling 36 Spider Fangs. The Spider Mask increases minion damage by 28%, the Spider Breastplate increases minion capacity by 2, and the Spider Greaves provide a small boost to movement speed. When worn together, the set bonus increases your minion capacity by an additional 1, bringing the total to 4 extra minions.
Before attempting to farm Spider Fangs, make sure your character is well-equipped for early Hardmode. A good weapon for summoners at this stage is the Spider Staff, which summons spider minions that deal decent damage and have a unique ability to cling to enemies, making them effective against fast-moving or flying foes. You can craft the Spider Staff using 16 Spider Fangs at an Anvil. Additionally, consider using accessories that boost summoner capabilities, such as the Hercules Beetle or the Pygmy Necklace, which increase minion damage and capacity, respectively. These accessories can be obtained from the Witch Doctor NPC, who sells them after Plantera has been defeated, but you can still make progress without them.
When farming Spider Fangs, itÔÇÖs crucial to have a safe and efficient setup. Build a small arena in the Spider Cave with platforms and walls to control enemy movement. Use weapons like the Daedalus Stormbow or the Onyx Blaster to deal with Black Recluses from a distance, as they can deal significant damage up close. Summon your spider minions to assist in combat, and consider using buff potions like Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness to improve survivability and mobility. If youÔÇÖre struggling with the Black Recluses, you can also use traps or lava to help kill them more easily.
Once youÔÇÖve crafted the Spider Armor, youÔÇÖll notice a significant improvement in your summoner capabilities. The increased minion capacity allows you to summon more minions, which can overwhelm enemies and bosses. The Spider StaffÔÇÖs minions are particularly effective against early Hardmode bosses like the Destroyer, Skeletron Prime, and The Twins, as their ability to latch onto enemies ensures consistent damage output. Pair your Spider Armor with the Spider Staff and accessories like the Summoner Emblem or Avenger Emblem to further boost your minion damage.
A common mistake summoners make in early Hardmode is neglecting their defense. While the Spider Armor provides decent defense for a summoner set, itÔÇÖs still lower than other armor sets like Adamantite or Titanium. To compensate, focus on dodging attacks and using mobility accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu or the Lightning Boots. Additionally, consider using the Bewitching Table, which can be found in the Dungeon, to temporarily increase your minion capacity by 1. This can give you an edge in tough battles.
For advanced optimizations, consider combining the Spider Armor with other summoner weapons and accessories. The Queen Spider Staff, which summons a spider turret that attacks enemies, pairs well with the Spider Armor and can be crafted using 24 Spider Fangs. This turret provides additional damage and can be placed strategically to control enemy movement. You can also use the Optic Staff, which summons twin minions that deal high damage, though it requires defeating The Twins to obtain.
In terms of resource management, farming Spider Fangs can be time-consuming, so itÔÇÖs important to maximize your efficiency. Use Battle Potions and Water Candles to increase enemy spawn rates, and consider setting up a small base near the Spider Cave to respawn quickly if you die. If youÔÇÖre playing in multiplayer, coordinate with teammates to farm Spider Fangs more quickly, as each player can contribute to the effort.
In summary, the Spider Armor is the best early Hardmode armor set for summoners due to its significant boosts to minion damage and capacity. By farming Spider Fangs, crafting the Spider Staff, and using accessories that enhance summoner abilities, you can create a powerful summoner build capable of taking on early Hardmode challenges. Focus on defense and mobility, use buffs and strategic setups, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense or inefficient farming. With the right preparation and strategy, the Spider Armor will serve you well as you progress through Hardmode and prepare for even greater challenges.