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What’s the Best Summoner Armor in Terraria? A Comprehensive Guide

The Stardust Armor is, unequivocally, the best summoner armor in Terraria. It provides the highest minion damage boost, a significant defense boost, and an extra five minion slots, along with the invaluable Stardust Guardian minion, which doesn’t occupy a minion slot. This makes it the ultimate choice for any summoner looking to maximize their damage output and survivability in the late game. Now, let’s delve deeper into the world of summoner armor and explore the various options available at different stages of the game.

A Tiered Approach to Summoner Armor

Choosing the right armor is crucial for any Terraria summoner. The optimal choice depends heavily on your progress in the game. We’ll break down the best armor sets at different stages:

Pre-Hardmode: Laying the Foundation

While your options are limited before entering Hardmode, don’t underestimate their importance. These sets provide crucial early-game boosts.

Obsidian Armor: Crafted from Obsidian, Silk, and Shadow Scales or Tissue Samples, Obsidian Armor is arguably the best pre-Hardmode option. It offers a surprisingly high summon damage bonus. This set is your first real step to a pure summoner build. It comes with a damage bonus that puts it above most other options you may have at this point of the game.
Bee Armor: Acquired from the Queen Bee, Bee Armor is another viable pre-Hardmode set. It grants a smaller summon damage bonus than Obsidian Armor, but it does offer a slight increase to minion count. This is very good for newer players that will appreciate having the additional minion.

Early Hardmode: Gearing Up

As you enter Hardmode, new opportunities arise. Focus on acquiring these sets as soon as possible.

Spider Armor: Crafted using Spider Fangs dropped by Wall Creepers and Jungle Creepers, Spider Armor is an early Hardmode set that offers a solid summon damage bonus and an increased minion capacity. This is also going to be the first armor set in Hardmode that really feels like it makes you a summoner.
Forbidden Armor: While technically a hybrid set, the Forbidden Armor, crafted from Forbidden Fragments and Adamantite or Titanium Bars, provides a decent summon damage bonus and a set bonus that empowers magic weapons. This set provides a great choice for hybrid characters that may want to combine their summoner class with a bit of magic.

Mid-Hardmode: Powering Up

These armors provide a significant power boost as you progress through Hardmode bosses.

Hallowed Armor: Obtained by crafting Hallowed Bars, Hallowed Armor is a versatile set with a unique dodge chance. While not purely focused on summoning, the dodge chance adds a layer of survivability that can be beneficial.
Tiki Armor: Purchased from the Witch Doctor in a Jungle biome after defeating Plantera, Tiki Armor provides a substantial summon damage boost and increased minion capacity. Tiki Armor represents one of the first pure summoner armor sets that can really start to do some serious damage.

Late Hardmode: The Endgame

These are the pinnacle summoner armor sets, designed for tackling the toughest challenges Terraria has to offer.

Spooky Armor: Crafted using Spooky Wood obtained during the Pumpkin Moon event, Spooky Armor provides a very high summon damage bonus and minion capacity. While it has lower defense compared to Stardust Armor, the increased damage can make it a powerful alternative. Many players will use this set as the final set due to the relatively ease to collect and the high damage it can do.
Stardust Armor: As mentioned, Stardust Armor is the ultimate summoner armor. Crafted from Luminite Bars and Stardust Fragments, it offers the highest overall stats for summoners. The Stardust Guardian is an invaluable asset in any fight. The addition of this guardian just makes the set the best option.

Choosing the Right Armor for Your Playstyle

Ultimately, the best summoner armor for you depends on your playstyle and progression. Consider these factors:

Damage vs. Survivability: Some sets prioritize damage output, while others offer better defense.
Minion Capacity: More minions generally mean more damage, but can also strain your mana.
Set Bonuses: Some set bonuses offer unique effects that can enhance your gameplay.
Availability: Consider the difficulty and time required to obtain each set.

Summoner Accessories: Complementing Your Armor

While armor is crucial, don’t neglect the importance of summoner accessories. These accessories can further boost your minion damage, capacity, and survivability. Key accessories include:

Pygmy Necklace: Increases minion capacity.
Necromantic Scroll: Increases minion damage and capacity.
Papyrus Scarab: Combines the effects of the Pygmy Necklace and Necromantic Scroll.
Summoner Emblem: Increases summon damage.
Hercules Beetle: Increases minion knockback and damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoner Armor

1. Is Obsidian Armor still good in Hardmode?

Obsidian Armor falls off significantly in Hardmode. While it’s a great pre-Hardmode option, you should replace it with Spider Armor or Forbidden Armor as soon as possible.

2. How important is minion capacity?

Minion capacity is very important for summoners, as it directly affects your damage output. The more minions you can summon, the more damage you can inflict.

3. Can you mix and match armor pieces for summoner builds?

While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended. Armor set bonuses provide significant advantages, so it’s best to stick with a complete set.

4. What’s the best way to farm Spooky Wood?

The best way to farm Spooky Wood is to participate in the Pumpkin Moon event. Use powerful weapons and accessories to maximize your damage output and clear as many waves as possible.

5. How do I get Stardust Fragments?

Stardust Fragments are obtained by defeating the Stardust Pillar during the Lunar Events. This is one of the more difficult pillars, so prepare yourself!

6. Is Stardust Armor worth the grind?

Absolutely. Stardust Armor is the best summoner armor in the game, and the Stardust Guardian is an invaluable asset in any fight. The grind is well worth the power boost.

7. Does armor defense matter for summoners?

Yes, armor defense is important for all classes, including summoners. While summoners typically focus on damage output, survivability is also crucial.

8. Are there any summoner armor sets that are good for hybrid builds?

Forbidden Armor is a good option for hybrid summoner/mage builds. It provides both summon damage and magic damage bonuses.

9. What are the best summoner weapons to use with Stardust Armor?

The Stardust Dragon Staff and the Xeno Staff are both excellent choices for summoners using Stardust Armor. The Stardust Dragon Staff provides consistent, high damage, while the Xeno Staff offers versatile crowd control.

10. How does the Stardust Guardian work?

The Stardust Guardian is a powerful minion summoned by the Stardust Armor set bonus. It attacks enemies with a barrage of punches and is capable of dealing significant damage. It does not take up a minion slot.

11. Can I use buffs to improve my summon damage?

Yes, buffs such as Summoning Potion, Bewitched, and Clairvoyance can significantly improve your summon damage and minion capacity.

12. What is the best strategy for defeating Moon Lord as a summoner?

The best strategy for defeating Moon Lord as a summoner is to use Stardust Armor and powerful summon weapons like the Stardust Dragon Staff or Xeno Staff. Focus on dodging Moon Lord’s attacks and maintaining a safe distance. The Games Learning Society promotes strategic thinking, which is key in battles like these. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

13. Is there a pre-hardmode summoner weapon for beginners?

Yes, the Flinx Staff is a great weapon to start out pre-hardmode. In addition to being very accessible early on, the weapon is a very good option that is easy to obtain.

14. What are the different play styles for summoner?

There are typically two play styles for summoners; aggressive and passive. The passive play style has the summoner hanging back behind the minions allowing them to do all of the damage. The aggressive play style is a bit more hands on and involves whips and the summoner staying closer to the battle.

15. Is summoner the weakest class?

No, summoner is not the weakest class. While it can be challenging in the early game, summoner becomes incredibly powerful in the late game with the right gear and strategy.

What’s the best summoner armor?