What is the best armor set for a summoner build in Terraria?
The summoner class in Terraria is a unique and powerful playstyle that focuses on summoning minions to fight for you. To optimize a summoner build, the best armor sets are crucial as they provide significant bonuses to minion damage, capacity, and other summoner-specific stats. The progression of summoner armor is tied to the game's stages, starting from early pre-Hardmode and advancing to endgame gear. Here's a detailed guide on the best armor sets for a summoner build, along with strategies, tips, and considerations.
In the early game, the primary summoner armor set is the Bee Armor, crafted from Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee boss. This set increases minion capacity by two and provides a 23% boost to minion damage. To obtain it, you need to defeat the Queen Bee in the Underground Jungle. This armor is ideal for early summoners, as it allows you to summon more minions and deal more damage. Pair it with the Imp Staff, which is crafted from Hellstone Bars, for a strong early-game setup.
Once you enter Hardmode, the summoner armor progression becomes more advanced. The first major upgrade is the Spider Armor, crafted from Spider Fangs dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves. This set increases minion capacity by three and boosts minion damage by 28%. It also provides decent defense, making it a solid choice for early Hardmode. The Spider Armor works well with the Spider Staff, which summons spider minions that deal high damage and inflict the Venom debuff.
As you progress further in Hardmode, the next significant armor set is the Forbidden Armor, crafted from Forbidden Fragments dropped by Sand Elementals in the Desert during a Sandstorm. This set increases minion capacity by two and boosts minion damage by 30%. It also provides a 15% bonus to magic damage, making it a hybrid option for summoners who want to incorporate magic weapons into their build. The Forbidden Armor is versatile and works well with minions like the Blade Staff or Sanguine Staff.
The endgame summoner armor is the Stardust Armor, crafted from Stardust Fragments dropped by the Stardust Pillar during the Lunar Events. This set is the pinnacle of summoner gear, providing a massive boost to minion damage and capacity. The Stardust Armor increases minion capacity by five and boosts minion damage by 66%. It also grants the Stardust Guardian, a powerful minion that deals high damage and has a unique attack pattern. The Stardust Armor is best paired with the Stardust Dragon Staff or Stardust Cell Staff, both of which are incredibly powerful minions for endgame content.
To maximize your summoner build, accessories are just as important as armor. Key accessories include the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace, all of which increase minion capacity and damage. The Celestial Shell and Celestial Stone provide additional stat boosts, while the Summoner Emblem directly increases minion damage. For mobility, consider using the Master Ninja Gear or the Soaring Insignia, which provide dodge and flight capabilities, respectively.
Preparation is essential for a summoner build. Always carry summoning potions, which increase minion capacity, and bewitching tables, which provide an additional minion slot. Buffs like the Wrath Potion and Well Fed can further enhance your damage output. Additionally, ensure you have a proper arena for boss fights, with platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns for regeneration.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Always prioritize accessories that provide defense or mobility, such as the Ankh Shield or Frostspark Boots. Another mistake is not upgrading your minions regularly. Always aim to use the strongest minion available for your current progression stage.
Advanced techniques include using hybrid builds to complement your summoner setup. For example, combining summoner armor with magic weapons can provide additional damage sources. The Forbidden Armor is particularly suited for this playstyle. Additionally, using sentries like the Ballista Staff or Explosive Trap Staff can provide extra damage during boss fights.
Resource requirements for summoner armor vary depending on the stage of the game. Early-game sets like the Bee Armor require Bee Wax, which is relatively easy to obtain. Hardmode sets like the Spider Armor require Spider Fangs, which can be farmed in Spider Caves. Endgame sets like the Stardust Armor require Stardust Fragments, which are obtained during the Lunar Events. Always ensure you have the necessary materials before attempting to craft these sets.
In summary, the best armor sets for a summoner build in Terraria are the Bee Armor for early game, Spider Armor and Forbidden Armor for Hardmode, and Stardust Armor for endgame. Pair these with the appropriate minions and accessories to maximize your damage output and survivability. Preparation, resource management, and avoiding common mistakes are key to succeeding as a summoner. With the right setup, you can dominate Terraria's challenges and enjoy the unique playstyle of the summoner class.
In the early game, the primary summoner armor set is the Bee Armor, crafted from Bee Wax dropped by the Queen Bee boss. This set increases minion capacity by two and provides a 23% boost to minion damage. To obtain it, you need to defeat the Queen Bee in the Underground Jungle. This armor is ideal for early summoners, as it allows you to summon more minions and deal more damage. Pair it with the Imp Staff, which is crafted from Hellstone Bars, for a strong early-game setup.
Once you enter Hardmode, the summoner armor progression becomes more advanced. The first major upgrade is the Spider Armor, crafted from Spider Fangs dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves. This set increases minion capacity by three and boosts minion damage by 28%. It also provides decent defense, making it a solid choice for early Hardmode. The Spider Armor works well with the Spider Staff, which summons spider minions that deal high damage and inflict the Venom debuff.
As you progress further in Hardmode, the next significant armor set is the Forbidden Armor, crafted from Forbidden Fragments dropped by Sand Elementals in the Desert during a Sandstorm. This set increases minion capacity by two and boosts minion damage by 30%. It also provides a 15% bonus to magic damage, making it a hybrid option for summoners who want to incorporate magic weapons into their build. The Forbidden Armor is versatile and works well with minions like the Blade Staff or Sanguine Staff.
The endgame summoner armor is the Stardust Armor, crafted from Stardust Fragments dropped by the Stardust Pillar during the Lunar Events. This set is the pinnacle of summoner gear, providing a massive boost to minion damage and capacity. The Stardust Armor increases minion capacity by five and boosts minion damage by 66%. It also grants the Stardust Guardian, a powerful minion that deals high damage and has a unique attack pattern. The Stardust Armor is best paired with the Stardust Dragon Staff or Stardust Cell Staff, both of which are incredibly powerful minions for endgame content.
To maximize your summoner build, accessories are just as important as armor. Key accessories include the Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Pygmy Necklace, all of which increase minion capacity and damage. The Celestial Shell and Celestial Stone provide additional stat boosts, while the Summoner Emblem directly increases minion damage. For mobility, consider using the Master Ninja Gear or the Soaring Insignia, which provide dodge and flight capabilities, respectively.
Preparation is essential for a summoner build. Always carry summoning potions, which increase minion capacity, and bewitching tables, which provide an additional minion slot. Buffs like the Wrath Potion and Well Fed can further enhance your damage output. Additionally, ensure you have a proper arena for boss fights, with platforms, campfires, and heart lanterns for regeneration.
Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Always prioritize accessories that provide defense or mobility, such as the Ankh Shield or Frostspark Boots. Another mistake is not upgrading your minions regularly. Always aim to use the strongest minion available for your current progression stage.
Advanced techniques include using hybrid builds to complement your summoner setup. For example, combining summoner armor with magic weapons can provide additional damage sources. The Forbidden Armor is particularly suited for this playstyle. Additionally, using sentries like the Ballista Staff or Explosive Trap Staff can provide extra damage during boss fights.
Resource requirements for summoner armor vary depending on the stage of the game. Early-game sets like the Bee Armor require Bee Wax, which is relatively easy to obtain. Hardmode sets like the Spider Armor require Spider Fangs, which can be farmed in Spider Caves. Endgame sets like the Stardust Armor require Stardust Fragments, which are obtained during the Lunar Events. Always ensure you have the necessary materials before attempting to craft these sets.
In summary, the best armor sets for a summoner build in Terraria are the Bee Armor for early game, Spider Armor and Forbidden Armor for Hardmode, and Stardust Armor for endgame. Pair these with the appropriate minions and accessories to maximize your damage output and survivability. Preparation, resource management, and avoiding common mistakes are key to succeeding as a summoner. With the right setup, you can dominate Terraria's challenges and enjoy the unique playstyle of the summoner class.