How do I unlock the best endgame armor for a summoner build in Terraria?

To unlock the best endgame armor for a summoner build in Terraria, you will need to focus on obtaining the Stardust Armor set. This armor is the pinnacle of summoner gear and provides significant bonuses to minion damage, minion count, and overall summoner effectiveness. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

First, you need to understand the progression required to reach the Stardust Armor. The Stardust Armor is crafted using Stardust Fragments, which are dropped by the Celestial Pillars during the Lunar Events. To access the Lunar Events, you must defeat the Lunatic Cultist, who spawns after you destroy all four Celestial Pillars. This means you need to progress through the game, defeating bosses like Plantera, Golem, and the Lunatic Cultist to reach this point.

To start, you should focus on building a strong summoner character early in the game. Begin with basic summoner gear like the Bee Armor, which is crafted using Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee. This armor increases your minion count and provides decent defense. As you progress, aim for the Spider Armor, which is crafted using Spider Fangs dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves. This armor further boosts your minion damage and count.

Once you reach Hardmode, you will need to defeat the Wall of Flesh to unlock Hardmode enemies and resources. After this, focus on obtaining the Tiki Armor, which is purchased from the Witch Doctor NPC after defeating Plantera. The Tiki Armor provides a significant boost to minion damage and count, making it a crucial step in your progression.

Next, you will need to defeat the Golem in the Jungle Temple. This boss drops the materials needed to craft the Spooky Armor, which is another strong summoner set. The Spooky Armor is crafted using Spooky Wood, which is dropped by Mourning Wood during the Pumpkin Moon event. This armor further enhances your minion damage and count, preparing you for the Lunar Events.

To access the Lunar Events, you must defeat the Lunatic Cultist, who spawns after you destroy all four Celestial Pillars. The Celestial Pillars are summoned after defeating the Lunatic Cultist, and each pillar corresponds to a different class: Solar (melee), Vortex (ranged), Nebula (magic), and Stardust (summoner). Focus on the Stardust Pillar to obtain Stardust Fragments, which are used to craft the Stardust Armor.

The Stardust Armor set consists of the Stardust Helmet, Stardust Plate, and Stardust Leggings. Each piece provides bonuses to minion damage, minion count, and overall summoner effectiveness. The full set bonus allows you to summon a powerful Stardust Guardian, which deals significant damage to enemies.

To craft the Stardust Armor, you will need 36 Stardust Fragments and 45 Luminite Bars. Luminite Bars are crafted using Luminite Ore, which is dropped by the Moon Lord. This means you will need to defeat the Moon Lord to obtain the necessary materials. The Moon Lord is the final boss in Terraria and requires careful preparation and strategy to defeat.

When preparing for the Moon Lord fight, ensure you have the best summoner weapons and accessories. The Stardust Dragon Staff and Stardust Cell Staff are excellent choices for summoner weapons, as they summon powerful minions that deal high damage. Accessories like the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Summoner Emblem will further boost your minion damage and count.

In terms of combat strategy, focus on maintaining distance from the Moon Lord while your minions deal damage. Use mobility accessories like the Master Ninja Gear or the Celestial Shell to dodge attacks and stay alive. Buff potions like the Summoning Potion, Bewitching Table, and Wrath Potion will enhance your minion count and damage, making the fight easier.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive the Moon Lord's attacks. Ensure you have high defense and mobility to avoid taking unnecessary damage. Additionally, make sure to craft and use buff potions, as they provide significant advantages in tough battles.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your accessory loadout and using the right buffs. For example, combining the Papyrus Scarab and Necromantic Scroll will maximize your minion damage and count. Using the Celestial Shell during the night will provide additional buffs to your stats, making you more effective in combat.

Resource requirements and preparation are crucial for this progression. Ensure you have a good supply of healing potions, buff potions, and ammunition for your weapons. Building an arena with platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns will provide additional healing and mobility during boss fights.

In summary, unlocking the best endgame armor for a summoner build in Terraria involves progressing through the game, defeating key bosses, and obtaining the necessary materials to craft the Stardust Armor. Focus on building a strong summoner character, using the right weapons and accessories, and preparing for tough battles. With careful planning and strategy, you can achieve the ultimate summoner build and tackle Terraria's endgame challenges effectively.