Platinum vs. Gold Armor in Terraria: Why Platinum Reigns Supreme

In the early stages of your Terraria adventure, you’ll encounter both Gold and Platinum ores. While they serve similar purposes—crafting tools, weapons, and armor— the question arises: is platinum armor better than gold? The answer is a resounding yes, although the difference is nuanced and not as dramatic as later-game armor progressions. Platinum armor offers a slight but significant statistical edge over gold armor, making it the preferred choice when available. This advantage, while not game-changing, sets the stage for a player’s early progression.

The Superiority of Platinum: A Detailed Look

The primary reason platinum armor edges out gold is its higher defense value. A full set of Platinum armor provides 20 defense, including a set bonus of 4. Gold armor, in contrast, only provides 16 defense with a set bonus of 4, totaling just 12 defense. That’s a noticeable difference early on, especially when every point of defense counts. This difference, while seemingly small, can be the determining factor in surviving early-game encounters with formidable enemies.

Key Differences

Here’s a breakdown of the specific advantages of platinum armor:

• Higher Base Defense: As mentioned, platinum provides a total of 20 defense when the full set is equipped. This makes it more effective at reducing damage taken from enemy attacks, enabling a player to survive more damage.
• Mining Efficiency: Although not directly related to armor, it is worth mentioning that the Platinum Pickaxe is slightly better than the Gold Pickaxe. It provides higher pickaxe power, deals more damage to enemies, and is faster to swing. While both are capable of mining Obsidian, having the platinum variant helps with overall early game resource gathering.
• Rarity & Value: Although not applicable to armour specifically, platinum is generally considered rarer and more valuable than gold in Terraria. Platinum ore has a small chance to be dropped by slimes, making it slightly more difficult to acquire. This increased rarity reinforces its position as the superior counterpart to Gold.

The Overall Impact

While both gold and platinum armors are considered early-game options, the slight statistical advantage of platinum can have a meaningful impact. Early in the game, players face the challenges of low health pools and more brutal attacks from enemies. The additional defense provided by platinum can be a significant aid in surviving longer. This can help to keep players exploring the world for longer before needing to return to base to heal. Additionally, having the Platinum Pickaxe gives players the ability to gather resources faster. This allows them to progress more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To further clarify the nuances of platinum vs. gold and related aspects, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. Is Platinum Armor significantly better than Silver Armor?

No. The difference in defense between a full set of silver and platinum armor is almost negligible. Players won’t notice a substantial difference in their survivability.

2. Is Platinum a direct upgrade from Gold?

Yes, platinum armor is a direct upgrade from gold armor due to the higher defense and pickaxe capabilities. While both are early-game options, platinum is statistically superior.

3. How much Platinum Ore is needed for a full set of armor?

To craft a full set of Platinum armor on the Desktop, Console, and Mobile versions, you’ll need 300 Platinum Ore (75 Platinum Bars). On the Old-gen console and 3DS versions, you will require 360 Platinum Ore (90 Platinum Bars).

4. Can Platinum mine Obsidian?

Yes, the Platinum Pickaxe can mine Obsidian, as it provides the required 55% pickaxe power. Both the Platinum and Gold pickaxes are capable of doing so.

5. What is the primary use of Platinum in Terraria?

Platinum’s primary use is to craft Platinum Bars, which are used to make the fourth tier of equipment such as tools, weapons, and armor, as well as various other items.

6. Is Platinum armor the best pre-hardmode armor?

Platinum armor is not the best pre-hardmode armor, that would be the Molten armor, which is made with Hellstone ore obtained in the Underworld. Platinum is the next best option and a good stepping stone to better armor sets.

7. Is Tungsten armor better than Platinum?

No, Tungsten armor is not better than Platinum. Tungsten armor offers lower defense than both Gold and Platinum.

8. Is Palladium armor worth it?

Palladium armor is worth considering, especially in early Hardmode. It provides a useful healing buff on hit, aiding in survivability. While not boasting the highest defense, the healing effect makes it valuable.

9. What happens if you get 100 Platinum coins on the Console version of Terraria?

On the console version of Terraria, 100 platinum coins convert into a Fallen Star. Players are advised to keep stacks of platinum at no higher than 99 to avoid this conversion.

10. Is Platinum rarer than Gold in Terraria?

Yes, platinum is generally considered rarer than gold in Terraria, although they are both found relatively early in the game. Platinum can also be found as a drop from some slimes.

11. What armor should I get after Platinum?

After Platinum armor, the next armor set you should aim for is the Molten Armor, which is crafted from Hellstone obtained in the Underworld. This armor will provide you with significantly higher defense.

12. What is the best armor in the game?

The best armors overall are the end-game sets: Solar Flare, Vortex, Nebula, and Stardust, crafted using fragments from Celestial Pillars and Luminite obtained from the Moon Lord. They offer the most significant combat enhancements.

13. How does Platinum compare to Tungsten?

Platinum is better than Tungsten in most respects. The Platinum Pickaxe has more pickaxe power and higher damage. Platinum also provides more defense than Tungsten.

14. Is Platinum armor good for early hardmode?

Platinum armor is not ideal for early hardmode. Players should try to quickly upgrade their armor to hardmode variants such as Palladium or Cobalt, which will be significantly stronger.

15. Can you craft a Platinum Crown?

Yes, the Platinum Crown is a craftable vanity item. It can also be used as a crafting material for the Slime Crown used to summon the King Slime.

Conclusion

While not a dramatic leap in power, platinum armor is definitively better than gold armor in Terraria. The slightly higher defense and superior pickaxe offered by platinum provide a crucial edge in the early game. The small statistical advantages can be a significant benefit for players as they learn the ropes. By understanding the subtle differences between these early-game armors, you can make better choices for your Terraria adventure. As you progress, remember that platinum is a stepping stone to even greater armor sets, so make the most of it while it serves you well.