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, offering the highest summon damage and minion capacity in the game. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including mechanics, strategies, tips, and considerations.

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 the four Celestial Pillars. This means you need to progress through the game, defeating bosses like Plantera, Golem, and the Lunatic Cultist to unlock the Lunar Events.

To start, you should focus on building a strong summoner setup before tackling the Lunar Events. Early in the game, you can use armor sets like the Bee Armor or Obsidian Armor, which provide summon damage and minion capacity bonuses. As you progress, aim for the Spider Armor, which is available after defeating the Queen Bee and mining Spider Fangs in the Spider Caves. This armor significantly boosts your summon damage and minion count.

Once you reach Hardmode, you can upgrade to the Tiki Armor, which is sold by the Witch Doctor NPC when he is in the Jungle biome at night. This armor provides even more summon damage and minion capacity. Additionally, you should focus on obtaining powerful summon weapons like the Blade Staff, Sanguine Staff, or Terraprisma. These weapons will help you deal significant damage during boss fights and the Lunar Events.

When you are ready to face the Lunar Events, make sure you have a strong arena setup. Build a large, flat area with platforms, campfires, heart lanterns, and honey pools for regeneration. Place buff stations like the Sharpening Station and Ammo Box to enhance your damage output. Stock up on potions like Summoning Potions, Bewitching Table buffs, and other combat-enhancing potions like Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness.

During the Lunar Events, focus on defeating the Stardust Pillar first, as it drops the Stardust Fragments needed to craft the Stardust Armor. The Stardust Pillar enemies are relatively weak compared to other pillars, but they can still overwhelm you if you are not careful. Use your summon weapons to deal damage while you focus on dodging attacks. Once you defeat the Stardust Pillar, collect the Stardust Fragments and return to your base.

To craft the Stardust Armor, you will need 36 Stardust Fragments and 45 Luminite Bars. Luminite Bars are crafted from Luminite Ore, which is dropped by the Moon Lord. This means you will need to defeat the Moon Lord to obtain the Luminite Ore. The Moon Lord is the final boss in Terraria and requires a well-prepared setup to defeat. Use your strongest summon weapons, accessories, and buffs to maximize your damage output and survivability.

Once you have the Stardust Fragments and Luminite Bars, craft the Stardust Armor at an Ancient Manipulator. The Stardust Armor provides a massive boost to summon damage, increases your minion capacity, and grants the Stardust Guardian ability, which summons a powerful guardian to fight alongside you. This armor is essential for any summoner build aiming to tackle the toughest challenges in Terraria.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting your defense and survivability. While summoners focus on minion damage, you still need to stay alive to control your minions effectively. Make sure to use accessories like the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Summoner Emblem to boost your summon damage and minion capacity. Additionally, consider using defensive accessories like the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield to reduce damage taken.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your accessory loadout and using specific buffs to maximize your damage output. For example, combining the Papyrus Scarab and Necromantic Scroll with the Summoner Emblem and Celestial Shell can significantly boost your summon damage. Additionally, using the Bewitching Table and Summoning Potion will increase your minion count, allowing you to summon more minions for increased damage.

In summary, unlocking the best endgame armor for a summoner build in Terraria requires progressing through the game, defeating key bosses, and participating in the Lunar Events. Focus on obtaining powerful summon weapons and armor sets, prepare a strong arena for boss fights, and use buffs and accessories to enhance your damage and survivability. By following these steps and strategies, you can craft the Stardust Armor and become a formidable summoner in Terraria.