What is the best armor set for a magic build in Hardmode Terraria?

In Hardmode Terraria, the best armor set for a magic build depends on your progression stage and the resources available to you. Magic builds focus on maximizing magic damage, reducing mana usage, and increasing mana regeneration, making armor sets with these bonuses ideal. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you optimize your magic build in Hardmode.

Early Hardmode, the first armor set you should aim for is the Titanium or Adamantite armor. While these are not magic-specific, they provide strong defense and can be crafted using Titanium or Adamantite Bars, which are obtained from smelting the respective ores found in the Underground Hallow or Underground Corruption/Crimson. These sets are a good starting point until you can acquire more specialized magic armor.

The next step is to craft the Forbidden Armor, which is a hybrid set that provides both magic and summoner bonuses. To craft this set, you need to defeat the Sand Elemental in the Desert during a Sandstorm to obtain Forbidden Fragments. Combine these with Titanium or Adamantite Bars at a Mythril or Orichalcum Anvil. The Forbidden Armor increases magic damage, reduces mana usage, and provides a summonable minion, making it a versatile choice for early to mid-Hardmode.

As you progress further, the Hallowed Armor becomes a strong option. Crafted from Hallowed Bars dropped by the Mechanical Bosses (The Twins, The Destroyer, and Skeletron Prime), this set offers high defense and a set bonus that grants a chance to dodge attacks. While not as focused on magic as other sets, it provides a good balance of defense and offense, making it a reliable choice for mid-Hardmode.

For a more specialized magic build, the Spectre Armor is the ultimate goal. This set is crafted from Spectre Bars, which are made from Ectoplasm dropped by Dungeon Spirits in the Hardmode Dungeon, and Chlorophyte Bars, which are crafted from Chlorophyte Ore found in the Underground Jungle. The Spectre Armor has two variants: the Spectre Mask and the Spectre Hood. The Spectre Mask increases magic damage and critical strike chance, while the Spectre Hood sacrifices some damage for a powerful life-stealing effect, healing you for a percentage of the damage you deal. This makes the Spectre Hood particularly useful for survivability during tough battles.

To maximize your magic build, you should also focus on accessories that enhance your magic abilities. The Celestial Cuffs, crafted from a Magic Cuffs, a Celestial Magnet, and a Band of Starpower, increase mana regeneration and restore mana when you take damage. The Mana Flower, crafted from a Mana Potion and a NatureÔÇÖs Gift, automatically uses mana potions when your mana is low, ensuring you can keep casting spells without interruption. The Sorcerer Emblem, dropped by the Wall of Flesh, increases magic damage, and the Celestial Emblem, crafted from a Sorcerer Emblem and a Celestial Magnet, further boosts magic damage and mana regeneration.

In terms of weapons, the Sky Fracture, crafted from a Magic Missile, Light Shards, and Souls of Light, is a strong early Hardmode option. The Golden Shower, crafted from Ichor and Souls of Night, is excellent for reducing enemy defense. The Meteor Staff, crafted from Meteorite Bars and Souls of Light, is a powerful weapon for dealing high damage. Later in Hardmode, the Razorpine, dropped by the Everscream during the Frost Moon event, and the Razorblade Typhoon, dropped by Duke Fishron, are top-tier magic weapons.

Preparation is key for a successful magic build. Stock up on mana potions and ensure you have a good supply of healing potions. Use buff potions like Magic Power Potion, Mana Regeneration Potion, and Endurance Potion to enhance your performance during battles. Set up arenas with platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns to improve survivability during boss fights.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense in favor of pure damage. While magic builds focus on offense, having sufficient defense is crucial for surviving tough encounters. Another mistake is not managing mana effectively. Always keep an eye on your mana bar and use mana potions or the Mana Flower to avoid running out of mana during critical moments.

Advanced techniques include combining the Spectre HoodÔÇÖs life-stealing effect with high-damage weapons like the Razorblade Typhoon to maintain high health during prolonged battles. Additionally, using the Celestial Cuffs and Celestial Emblem together can significantly boost your mana regeneration and damage output.

In summary, the best armor set for a magic build in Hardmode Terraria is the Spectre Armor, with the Spectre Hood for survivability or the Spectre Mask for maximum damage. Combine this with accessories like the Celestial Cuffs, Mana Flower, and Sorcerer Emblem, and use powerful weapons like the Razorblade Typhoon and Razorpine. Proper preparation, resource management, and strategic use of buffs and potions will ensure your magic build is optimized for success in Hardmode Terraria.