Armor progression (2024)


Progression in Terraria is marked by the player gaining access to new weapons, accessories, and armors. While weapons are the main determinant of combat effectiveness, armor also plays an important role by degrading damage taken and passively boosting damage output based on set bonuses, item categories, etc. Choosing the ideal armor sets to use at each stage of the game is sometimes straightforward, but not always. This guide will help you decide on which armor sets to use at various points in game progression.

  • Especially later in the game, bonuses to melee speed and movement speed are generally not considered as impactful as direct offensive bonuses, making them a lower priority.
  • Melee speed generally only affects projectile velocity and the swing speed of close-ranged weapons. Neither of those are as impactfull as direct bonuses to melee damage and critical chance, although melee speed investment is still viable when using powerful close-ranged weapons such as Fetid Baghnakhs and Terra Blade.
  • Direct movement speed bonuses are inferior to Hermes Boots, double-jumps, and dashes when it comes to dodging attacks. Also, movement speed bonuses granted by armor pale in comparison to the +85% movement speed granted by Exquisitely Stuffed, Slice of Cake, and Swiftness Potion. Your actual mobility mainly comes from Wings, which do not benefit from these bonuses.

Defense is a polarizing stat whose effectiveness largely depends on what enemies you plan to tank hits from, and becomes disproportionately more potent when your defense is already very high. While it is unlikely to make you invincible, boosting defense as high as possible is a legitimate strategy even on higher difficulties. Those who are unwilling to invest fully in defense are advised to focus more on damage or critical hit bonuses.

The following listings are in rough order of decreasing viability.

Contents

  • 1 Earlygame
  • 2 Late pre-Hardmode
  • 3 Early Hardmode
  • 4 Pre-Plantera
  • 5 Pre-Betsy
  • 6 Pre-Lunar Events
  • 7 Endgame

Earlygame[]

At this point, armor serves little purpose other than to boost your defense. You may obtain up to 20 defense with metal armors Platinum armor, but the resources required are better spent elsewhere. It's perfectly fine to wear Ebonwood armor, Shadewood armor, or other basic, easy-to-craft armors until you can get your hands on a real armor set like Iron armor Lead armor and platinum armor or Tungsten armor. Whatever you wear at the start of the game will be replaced very quickly. More experienced players can save time by completely skipping armor in the early game, potentially even up to the Wall of Flesh battle.

If playing on a drunk world, Moon Lord Legs become becomesst leg armor piece to use early on. Otherwise, use whatever provides the highest defense, the most practical choices being Jungle Pants or Gladiator Leggings.

HeadChestLegsNotes
All classes
Armor progression (1)Mining Helmet Armor progression (2)Ultrabright HelmetArmor progression (3)Flinx Fur CoatArmor progression (4)Jungle Pants(+1 cap, 5% summon, 8 def) Practical set for exploring. Nominally a summoner set, but works well for all classes early on.
Armor progression (5)Gladiator HelmetArmor progression (6)Gladiator BreastplateArmor progression (7)Gladiator Leggings(16 def) Provides high defense bonuses and knockback immunity. Can be farmed from a Hoplite Statue placed near a natural wired trap.
Armor progression (8)Mining Helmet Armor progression (9)Ultrabright HelmetArmor progression (10)Mining ShirtArmor progression (11)Mining Pants(3 def) Provides 30% increased mining speed. Requires some luck with Undead Miners.
Armor progression (12)Pumpkin HelmetArmor progression (13)Pumpkin BreastplateArmor progression (14)Pumpkin Leggings(10% dmg, 7 def) Earlygame set that can be used before defeating a boss during the Halloween season.
Armor progression (15)Cactus HelmetArmor progression (16)Cactus BreastplateArmor progression (17)Cactus Leggings(3 def) Earlygame set that repels enemies upon making contact.
Melee
Armor progression (18)Ancient Shadow HelmetArmor progression (19)GiArmor progression (20)Ancient Shadow Greaves(5% dmg, 5% crit, 16 def) Optimal, but not very practical to obtain. Melee users should simply wear a Gi and maximize defense using the other slots.
Ranged
Armor progression (21)Fossil HelmetArmor progression (22)GiArmor progression (23)Fossil Greaves(5% dmg, 13% crit, 12 def) Maximizes ranged damage output.
Magic
Armor progression (24)Wizard HatArmor progression (25)Mystic RobeArmor progression (26)Armor progression (27)Jungle Pants(11% dmg, 22% crit, 12 def) Provides high magic bonuses, but requires some luck from the Traveling Merchant.
Armor progression (28)Wizard HatArmor progression (29)Diamond RobeArmor progression (30)Armor progression (31)Jungle Pants(5% dmg, 16% crit, 13 def) Diamond Robe is weaker but can be obtained without relying on luck.
Summon
Armor progression (32)Magic HatArmor progression (33)Flinx Fur CoatArmor progression (34)Armor progression (35)Jungle Pants(6% dmg, 12% crit, +1 cap, 5% summon, 9 def) Head and leg slots used to maximize magic damage, since there is no other summoner equipment.
Armor progression (36)Fossil HelmetArmor progression (37)Flinx Fur CoatArmor progression (38)Fossil Greaves(0% dmg, 8% crit, +1 cap, 5% summon, 9 def) Head and leg slots used to maximize ranged damage, since there is no other summoner equipment.
Armor progression (39)Ancient Shadow HelmetArmor progression (40)Flinx Fur CoatArmor progression (41)Ancient Shadow Greaves(1 cap, 5% summon, 13 def) Theoretically optimal set for a pure summoner since melee speed bonuses benefit whips.

Late pre-Hardmode[]

Sets that can be acquired after defeating at least one pre-Hardmode boss.

HeadChestLegsNotes
All classes
Armor progression (42)Crimson HelmetArmor progression (43)Crimson ScalemailArmor progression (44)Crimson Greaves(6% dmg,? regen, 19 def) Classless set used to regenerate health while exploring. Works best outside of combat when standing still.
Melee
Armor progression (45)Molten HelmetArmor progression (46)Molten BreastplateArmor progression (47)Molten Greaves(17% dmg, 7% crit, 25 def) Maximizes melee damage output while providing substantial defense and immunity to On Fire!.
Ranged
Armor progression (48)Armor progression (49)Necro HelmetArmor progression (50)Necro BreastplateArmor progression (51)Necro Greaves(15% dmg, 10% crit, 19 def) Maximizes ranged damage output.
Magic
Armor progression (52)Wizard HatArmor progression (53)Mystic RobeArmor progression (54)Meteor Leggings(20% dmg, 16% crit, 11 def) Maximizes magic damage output.
Armor progression (55)Wizard HatArmor progression (56)Diamond RobeArmor progression (57)Armor progression (58)Jungle Pants(5% dmg, 16% crit, 13 def) Pieces interchangeable with above set for increased mana economy.
Armor progression (59)Meteor HelmetArmor progression (60)Meteor SuitArmor progression (61)Meteor Leggings(27% dmg, 0% crit, 16 def) Eliminates mana cost from Space Gun and Gray Zapinator.
Summon
Armor progression (62)Obsidian Outlaw HatArmor progression (63)Obsidian LongcoatArmor progression (64)Obsidian Pants(+1 cap, 31% summon, 15 def) Provides 30% range bonus and 15% speed bonus to whips.
Armor progression (65)Bee HeadgearArmor progression (66)Bee BreastplateArmor progression (67)Bee Greaves(+2 cap, 23% summon, 13 def) Increases minion damage by 10%

Early Hardmode[]

To save resources, it is recommended that you choose one early Hardmode armor set and use it until you defeat your first mechanical boss. Palladium, Orichalcum, and Titanium sets are typically preferred over Cobalt, Mythril, and Adamantite, but alternatives have been listed for players whose worlds contain Adamantite.

HeadChestLegsNotes
All classes
Armor progression (68)Crystal Assassin HoodArmor progression (69)Crystal Assassin ShirtArmor progression (70)Crystal Assassin Pants(15% dmg, 15% crit, +0 cap, 15% summon, 36 def) Enables dashing. Frees up accessory slot that would normally be taken by Shield of Cthulhu in Expert mode.
Melee
Armor progression (71)Adamantite HelmetArmor progression (72)Frost BreastplateArmor progression (73)Mythril Greaves(14% dmg, 28% crit, 51 def) Offers a balance between offense and defense.
Armor progression (74)Mythril HelmetArmor progression (75)Mythril ChainmailArmor progression (76)Mythril Greaves(17% dmg, 28% crit, 37 def) Cheaper set that maximizes melee bonuses at the cost of defense.
Armor progression (77)Frost HelmetArmor progression (78)Frost BreastplateArmor progression (79)Frost Leggings(26% dmg, 11% crit, 43 def) Provides high melee bonuses and a useful Frostburn debuff that improves visibility.
Armor progression (80)Titanium MaskArmor progression (81)Titanium BreastplateArmor progression (82)Titanium Leggings(16% dmg, 15% crit, 49 def) Damages and stunlocks enemies in close range.
Armor progression (83)Palladium MaskArmor progression (84)Palladium BreastplateArmor progression (85)Palladium Leggings(17% dmg, 3% crit, 2 regen, 32 def) Provides constant regeneration in combat.
Armor progression (86)Orichalcum MaskArmor progression (87)Orichalcum BreastplateArmor progression (88)Orichalcum Leggings(11% dmg, 6% crit, 42 def) Continuously fires piercing projectiles across the screen during combat. Unusually low bonuses.
Ranged
Armor progression (89)Adamantite MaskArmor progression (90)Frost BreastplateArmor progression (91)Mythril Greaves(14% dmg, 31% crit, 37 def) Maximizes bonuses to ranged damage and critical chance. A Gi can substitute as a cheaper alternative to the Frost Breastplate for users who are not concerned with defence.
Armor progression (92)Adamantite MaskArmor progression (93)Forbidden RobesArmor progression (94)Spider Greaves(14% dmg, 10% crit, +2 cap, 16% summon, 27 def) Shirt and pants interchangeable with above set for varying degrees of summoner hybridization.
Armor progression (95)Frost HelmetArmor progression (96)Frost BreastplateArmor progression (97)Frost Leggings(26% dmg, 11% crit, 43 def) Provides high ranged bonuses and a useful Frostburn debuff that improves visibility. Most practical set for defense stacking.
Armor progression (98)Titanium HelmetArmor progression (99)Titanium BreastplateArmor progression (100)Titanium Leggings(23% dmg, 13% crit, 34 def) Damages and stunlocks enemies in close range.
Armor progression (101)Orichalcum HelmetArmor progression (102)Orichalcum BreastplateArmor progression (103)Orichalcum Leggings(0% dmg, 21% crit, 30 def) Continuously fires piercing projectiles across the screen during combat.
Armor progression (104)Palladium HelmetArmor progression (105)Palladium BreastplateArmor progression (106)Palladium Leggings(14% dmg, 12% crit, 2 regen, 23 def) Provides constant regeneration in combat.
Magic
Armor progression (107)Forbidden MaskArmor progression (108)Forbidden RobesArmor progression (109)Forbidden Treads(25% dmg, 0% crit, +2 cap, 25% summon, 26 def) Excellent set bonus for crowd control and killing The Destroyer.
Armor progression (110)Adamantite HeadgearArmor progression (111)Forbidden RobesArmor progression (112)Forbidden Treads(22% dmg, 12% crit, +2 cap, 10% summon, 24 def) Higher magic bonuses than Forbidden armor, but loses the tornado set bonus.
Armor progression (113)Adamantite HeadgearArmor progression (114)Mystic RobeArmor progression (115)Forbidden Treads(28% dmg, 18% crit, +1 cap, 14 def) Maximizes bonuses to magic damage and critical chance. Gi, Meteor Suit, Jungle Shirt can be used as substitutes in decreasing order of effectiveness.
Armor progression (116)Titanium HeadgearArmor progression (117)Titanium BreastplateArmor progression (118)Titanium Leggings(23% dmg, 13% crit, 30 def) Damages and stunlocks enemies in close range.
Armor progression (119)Orichalcum HeadgearArmor progression (120)Orichalcum BreastplateArmor progression (121)Orichalcum Leggings(0% dmg, 24% crit, 27 def) Continuously fires piercing projectiles across the screen during combat.
Armor progression (122)Palladium HeadgearArmor progression (123)Palladium BreastplateArmor progression (124)Palladium Leggings(17% dmg, 3% crit, 2 regen, 21 def) Provides constant regeneration in combat.
Summon
Armor progression (125)Forbidden MaskArmor progression (126)Forbidden RobesArmor progression (127)Forbidden Treads(25% dmg, 0% crit, +2 cap, 25% summon, 26 def) Excellent set bonus for crowd control and killing The Destroyer. Encourages use of magic.
Armor progression (128)Obsidian Outlaw HatArmor progression (129)Obsidian LongcoatArmor progression (130)Obsidian Pants(+1 cap, 31% summon, 15 def) Deals more damage than Spider armor overall when using Firecracker, despite low capacity bonuses.
Armor progression (131)Spider MaskArmor progression (132)Spider BreastplateArmor progression (133)Spider Greaves(+3 cap, 28% summon, 20 def) Standard option.

Pre-Plantera[]

Aside from Hallowed and Chlorophyte Bars, you now have access to the second tier of the Old One's Army, the rewards of which provide welcome upgrades to every class. The lopsided stat distributions of the Tavernkeep's armor sets make them excellent for hybrid sets, meaning that they are useful even if not planning to purchase a full set.

HeadChestLegsNotes
All classes
Armor progression (134)Crystal Assassin HoodArmor progression (135)Crystal Assassin ShirtArmor progression (136)Crystal Assassin Pants(15% dmg, 15% crit, +0 cap, 15% summon, 36 def) Remains viable since it provides the longest pre-Plantera dash, and the only dash outside of Expert/Master mode.
Melee
Armor progression (137)Chlorophyte MaskArmor progression (138)Monk's ShirtArmor progression (139)Squire's Greaves(36% dmg, 21% crit, +0 cap, 35% summon, 59 def) Provides the highest melee bonuses available.
Armor progression (140)Hallowed MaskArmor progression (141)Turtle Scale MailArmor progression (142)Squire's Greaves(18% dmg, 33% crit, +0 cap, 15% summon, 68 def) Provides maximum possible defense with decent melee bonuses.
Armor progression (143)Hallowed MaskArmor progression (144)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (145)Hallowed Greaves(17% dmg, 17% crit, 50 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Armor progression (146)Turtle HelmetArmor progression (147)Turtle Scale MailArmor progression (148)Turtle Leggings(14% dmg, 12% crit, 65 def) Provides raw defense and 15% damage reduction, making it ideal for pure tanking.
Ranged
Armor progression (149)Hallowed HelmetArmor progression (150)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (151)Hallowed Greaves(22% dmg, 15% crit, 31 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Armor progression (152)Adamantite MaskArmor progression (153)Huntress's JerkinArmor progression (154)Spider Greaves(34% dmg, 10% crit, +1 cap, 26% summon, 32 def) Loses Holy Protection, but gains bonuses to ranged and summoning.
Armor progression (155)Adamantite MaskArmor progression (156)Huntress's JerkinArmor progression (157)Mythril Greaves(34% dmg, 20% crit, +0 cap, 20% summon, 34 def) Loses Holy Protection, but maximizes ranged bonuses.
Armor progression (158)Frost HelmetArmor progression (159)Frost BreastplateArmor progression (160)Frost Leggings(26% dmg, 11% crit, 43 def) While not as powerful for pure ranged, the set remains useful for defense stacking and spreading Frostburn.
Magic
Armor progression (161)Hallowed HeadgearArmor progression (162)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (163)Hallowed Greaves(19% dmg, 19% crit, 31 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Armor progression (164)Hallowed HeadgearArmor progression (165)Forbidden RobesArmor progression (166)Apprentice's Trousers(12% dmg, 32% crit, +1 cap, 20% summon, 27 def) Loses Holy Protection, but gains bonuses to magic and summoning.
Armor progression (167)Hallowed HeadgearArmor progression (168)Chlorophyte Plate MailArmor progression (169)Apprentice's Trousers(17% dmg, 39% crit, 33 def) Loses Holy Protection, but maximizes magic bonuses.
Summon
Armor progression (170)Hallowed HoodArmor progression (171)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (172)Hallowed Greaves(+3 cap, 17% summon, 27 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks. Favors Blade Staff due to low damage bonuses.
Armor progression (173)Obsidian Outlaw HatArmor progression (174)Obsidian LongcoatArmor progression (175)Obsidian Pants(+1 cap, 31% summon, 15 def) Remains the strongest offensive set when using whips.
Armor progression (176)Squire's Great HelmArmor progression (177)Squire's PlatingArmor progression (178)Squire's Greaves(15% dmg, 15% crit, +0 cap, 30% summon, 2 regen, 56 def) Tanky set that decimates crowds of enemies when used with Ballistas. Encourages use of melee.

Pre-Betsy[]

While Plantera and Golem provide separate advancements to game progression when defeated, they are treated as one milestone by this guide due to their similar difficulty level. At this point, you would be expected to have defeated Duke Fishron, Martian Madness, and the Pumpkin Moon. The Xeno Staff, Desert Tiger Staff, and Spooky Breastplate in particular provide a noticeable power boost to hybrid summoners.

Those who have stockpiled a large supply of Defender Medals prior to defeating Golem can skip to the next section.

HeadChestLegsNotes
Melee
Armor progression (179)Chlorophyte MaskArmor progression (180)Monk's ShirtArmor progression (181)Squire's Greaves(36% dmg, 21% crit, +0 cap, 35% summon, 59 def) Highest raw melee bonuses available.
Armor progression (182)Hallowed MaskArmor progression (183)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (184)Squire's Greaves(10% dmg, 25% crit, +2 cap, 26% summon, 52 def) Hybrid summoner that benefits from Ichor, Vampire Knives, and speed-increasing whips.
Armor progression (185)Beetle HelmetArmor progression (186)Beetle ShellArmor progression (187)Beetle Leggings(11% dmg, 5% crit, 73 def) Reduces damage taken by up to 45% every 3 seconds, but offensive bonuses are extremely poor.
Armor progression (188)Beetle HelmetArmor progression (189)Beetle Scale MailArmor progression (190)Beetle Leggings(14-44% dmg, 8% crit, 61 def) Ideal for builds that depend on melee speed (mainly Terra Blade).
Armor progression (191)Squire's Great HelmArmor progression (192)Squire's PlatingArmor progression (193)Squire's Greaves(15% dmg, 15% crit, +0 cap, 30% summon, 2 regen, 56 def) For use against the Old One's Army, paired with Ballistas.
Ranged
Armor progression (194)Armor progression (195)Armor progression (196)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (197)Shroomite BreastplateArmor progression (198)Mythril Greaves(13% dmg x1.15, 28% crit, 44 def) Slightly stronger than full Shroomite when not using stealth.
Armor progression (199)Armor progression (200)Armor progression (201)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (202)Shroomite BreastplateArmor progression (203)Spooky Leggings(13% dmg x1.15, 18% crit, +1 cap, 11% summon, 45 def) Extra minion compensates for loss of ranged crit.
Armor progression (204)Armor progression (205)Armor progression (206)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (207)Huntress's JerkinArmor progression (208)Spooky Leggings(20% dmg x1.15, 5% crit, +1 cap, 31% summon, 38 def) Slightly weaker ranged bonuses, but provides substantially stronger minions.
Armor progression (209)Hallowed HelmetArmor progression (210)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (211)Hallowed Greaves(22% dmg, 15% crit, 35 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Armor progression (212)Huntress's WigArmor progression (213)Huntress's JerkinArmor progression (214)Huntress's Pants(20% dmg, 10% crit, +0 cap, 30% summon, 36 def) For use against the Old One's Army, paired with Explosive Traps.
Magic
Armor progression (215)Spectre HoodArmor progression (216)Spectre RobeArmor progression (217)Spectre Pants(-25% dmg, 7% crit, 30 def) Reduces magic damage, but grants near-immortality as long as you can manage your mana.
Armor progression (218)Spectre MaskArmor progression (219)Spectre RobeArmor progression (220)Spectre Pants(25% dmg, 17% crit, 42 def) Set bonus provides large amounts of extra burst damage. Can be switched to/from Spectre Hood very quickly.
Armor progression (221)Spectre MaskArmor progression (222)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (223)Apprentice's Trousers(12% dmg, 32% crit, +2 cap, 21% summon, 39 def) A minion-based alternative to full Spectre. Switching to the Spectre Hood is not possible without deleting minions.
Armor progression (224)Hallowed HeadgearArmor progression (225)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (226)Hallowed Greaves(19% dmg, 19% crit, 31 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Summon
Armor progression (227)Spooky HelmetArmor progression (228)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (229)Spooky Leggings(+4 cap, 58% summon, 30 def) Maximizes offensive capabilities.
Armor progression (230)Hallowed HoodArmor progression (231)Hallowed Plate MailArmor progression (232)Hallowed Greaves(+3 cap, 17% summon, 27 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks. Favors Blade Staff due to low damage bonuses.

Pre-Lunar Events[]

With the Old One's Army vanquished and a good supply of Defender Medals in your pocket, you can now purchase the best armor available before challenging the Lunar Events. The most notable of these armor pieces is the Valhalla Knight's Breastplate, which noticeably increases the survivability of all classes; it restores 240 health in 1 minute, which is more than a Super Healing Potion can heal in the same amount of time.

HeadChestLegsNotes
Melee
Armor progression (233)Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetArmor progression (234)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (235)Valhalla Knight's Greaves(20% dmg, 20% crit, +0 cap, 70% summon, 4 regen, 58 def) Increases sentry capacity while providing decent melee bonuses and regeneration.
Armor progression (236)Hallowed MaskArmor progression (237)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (238)Valhalla Knight's Greaves(10% dmg, 30% crit, +0 cap, 50% summon, 4 regen, 72 def) Forgoes sentries for slightly higher melee bonuses and defense.
Armor progression (239)Chlorophyte MaskArmor progression (240)Monk's ShirtArmor progression (241)Valhalla Knight's Greaves(36% dmg, 26% crit, +0 cap, 40% summon, 66 def) Forgoes regeneration to maximize melee bonuses.
Armor progression (242)Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetArmor progression (243)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (244)Valhalla Knight's Greaves(20% dmg, 20% crit, +2 cap, 51% summon, 45 def) Forgoes regeneration to maximize minion- and sentry-based offense.
Armor progression (245)Beetle HelmetArmor progression (246)Beetle ShellArmor progression (247)Beetle Leggings(11% dmg, 5% crit, 73 def) Reduces damage taken by up to 45% every 3 seconds, but offensive bonuses are extremely poor.
Ranged
Armor progression (248)Armor progression (249)Armor progression (250)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (251)Red Riding DressArmor progression (252)Red Riding Leggings(25% dmg x1.15, 15% crit, +0 cap, 50% summon, 51 def) Highest DPS available for pure ranged.
Armor progression (253)Red Riding HoodArmor progression (254)Red Riding DressArmor progression (255)Red Riding Leggings(25% dmg, 20% crit, +0 cap, 60% summon, 48 def) Extreme buff to Explosive Trap firing speed makes this optimal for Old One's Army and invasion events.
Armor progression (256)Armor progression (257)Armor progression (258)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (259)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (260)Red Riding Leggings(0% dmg x1.15, 15% crit, +0 cap, 55% summon, 4 regen, 51 def) Survival-focused.
Armor progression (261)Armor progression (262)Armor progression (263)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (264)Red Riding DressArmor progression (265)Spooky Leggings(25% dmg x1.15, 5% crit, +1 cap, 36% summon, 45 def) Hybrid summoner.
Armor progression (266)Armor progression (267)Armor progression (268)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (269)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (270)Red Riding Leggings(0% dmg x1.15, 10% crit, +2 cap, 36% summon, 38 def) Hybrid summoner with more minion investment.
Magic
Armor progression (271)Spectre HoodArmor progression (272)Spectre RobeArmor progression (273)Spectre Pants(-25% dmg, 7% crit, 30 def) A fallback option for rapidly healing yourself and your teammates.
Armor progression (274)Spectre MaskArmor progression (275)Spectre RobeArmor progression (276)Spectre Pants(25% dmg, 17% crit, 42 def) Set bonus provides large amounts of extra burst damage. Can be switched to/from Spectre Hood very quickly.
Armor progression (277)Spectre MaskArmor progression (278)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (279)Dark Artist's Leggings(10% dmg, 35% crit, +0 cap, 50% summon, 4 regen, 56 def) Offers a combination of survivability and damage.
Armor progression (280)Spectre MaskArmor progression (281)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (282)Dark Artist's Leggings(10% dmg, 35% crit, +2 cap, 31% summon, 43 def) All-out offensive hybrid set with extra minions.
Armor progression (283)Dark Artist's HatArmor progression (284)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (285)Dark Artist's Leggings(15% dmg, 25% crit, +2 cap, 46% summon, 32 def) Invests more into minions and sentries. Valhalla Knight's Helm can be used if defense is a problem.
Summon
Armor progression (286)Spooky HelmetArmor progression (287)Spooky BreastplateArmor progression (288)Spooky Leggings(+4 cap, 58% summon, 30 def) Maximizes offensive capabilities.
Armor progression (289)Spooky HelmetArmor progression (290)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (291)Spooky Leggings(+2 cap, 52% summon, 4 regen, 43 def) Sacrifices 2 minions for extra regeneration and defense.
Armor progression (292)Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetArmor progression (293)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (294)Spooky Leggings(20% dmg, 0% crit, +1 cap, 61% summon, 4 regen, 44 def) Sentry-based set. Use with Frost Hydra/Queen Spider and melee weapons.
Armor progression (295)Squire's Great HelmArmor progression (296)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (297)Spooky Leggings(+1 cap, 41% summon, 6 regen, 46 def) Invests entirely into regeneration.

Endgame[]

All Luminite-tier armors are the best offensive armors for their respective classes (aside from Solar Flare armor, which offers a combination of offense and defense). However, the Valhalla Knight's Breastplate can still be worn by ranged users and summoners, who do not receive any defensive benefits from their respective endgame armors.

HeadChestLegsNotes
Melee
Armor progression (298)Solar Flare HelmetArmor progression (299)Solar Flare BreastplateArmor progression (300)Solar Flare Leggings(29% dmg, 26% crit, 3 regen, 78 def) Offers almost as much regen as the Valhalla Knight's Breastplate, and provides decent offensive bonuses and damage reduction on top of that.
Armor progression (301)Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetArmor progression (302)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (303)Stardust Leggings(20% dmg, 0% crit, +2 cap, 72% summon, 4 regen, 46 def) Defensive summoner hybrid that uses both summons and sentries.
Armor progression (304)Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetArmor progression (305)Monk's ShirtArmor progression (306)Valhalla Knight's Greaves(40% dmg, 20% crit, 60% summon, 56 def) Offensive set focused on using endgame sentries.
Armor progression (307)Solar Flare HelmetArmor progression (308)Solar Flare BreastplateArmor progression (309)Valhalla Knight's Greaves(29% dmg, 46% crit, 2 regen, 82 def) Specialized entirely towards dealing melee damage. Also maximizes raw defense.
Ranged
Armor progression (310)Vortex HelmetArmor progression (311)Vortex BreastplateArmor progression (312)Vortex Leggings(36-116% dmg, 27-47% crit, 62 def) Immense DPS when stealthed, at the cost of horizontal acceleration (unless using Soaring Insignia). Appreciates teammates that can draw aggro.
Armor progression (313)Armor progression (314)Armor progression (315)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (316)Red Riding DressArmor progression (317)Stardust Leggings(25% dmg x1.15, 5% crit, 2 cap, 47% summon, 47 def def) Maximizes non-stealthed total DPS when combined with endgame minions.
Armor progression (318)Armor progression (319)Armor progression (320)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (321)Red Riding DressArmor progression (322)Vortex Leggings(33% dmg x1.15, 13% crit, 55 def) Maximizes non-stealthed ranged DPS. Realistically, this is only useful before killing Moon Lord for the second time.
Armor progression (323)Armor progression (324)Armor progression (325)Shroomite headpieceArmor progression (326)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (327)Vortex Leggings(8% dmg x1.15, 13% crit, 30% summon, 4 regen, 55 def) Survival-focused.
Magic
Armor progression (328)Nebula HelmetArmor progression (329)Nebula BreastplateArmor progression (330)Nebula Leggings(26-71% dmg, 16% crit, 0-9 regen, 46 def) Provides immense damage and regeneration bonuses to yourself and your teammates.
Armor progression (331)Spectre MaskArmor progression (332)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (333)Dark Artist's Leggings(10% dmg, 35% crit, 0 cap, 50% summon, 4 regen, 56 def) For use in multiplayer if you already have a teammate using Nebula armor for the +45% damage boost.
Armor progression (334)Hallowed HeadgearArmor progression (335)Stardust PlateArmor progression (336)Dark Artist's Leggings(12% dmg, 37% crit, 2 cap, 44% summon, 35 def) Similar to the above, but specialized entirely towards dealing damage.
Armor progression (337)Spectre HoodArmor progression (338)Spectre RobeArmor progression (339)Spectre Pants(-25% dmg, 7% crit, 30 def) Remains mildly useful for pinch healing, with the highest healing potential (36/30 health per second).
Summon
Armor progression (340)Stardust HelmetArmor progression (341)Stardust PlateArmor progression (342)Stardust Leggings(5 cap, 66% summon, 38 def) Maximizes offensive capabilities.
Armor progression (343)Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetArmor progression (344)Stardust PlateArmor progression (345)Stardust Leggings(20% dmg, 0% crit, 4 cap, 64% summon, 38 def) Sentry-based summoner. Encourages use of melee.
Armor progression (346)Squire's Great HelmArmor progression (347)Valhalla Knight's BreastplateArmor progression (348)Stardust Leggings(2 cap, 52% summon, 6 regen, 48 def) Full-time Vampire Knives spammer carried entirely by summons.

V • D • E

Setups

Surviving in Environments

Other

As someone deeply immersed in the intricate world of Terraria, my expertise in the game extends beyond mere familiarity. I've spent countless hours exploring, battling, and strategizing, delving into the nuances of armor sets, weaponry, and progression paths. From the early game struggles to the triumphant conquests of the endgame bosses, my firsthand experience forms the foundation of my knowledge.

Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article about armor progression in Terraria:

  1. Progression Markers:

    • Player advancement is marked by acquiring new weapons, accessories, and armors.
    • Weapons are crucial for combat effectiveness, but armor also mitigates damage and enhances damage output through set bonuses and other factors.
  2. Armor Priorities:

    • Emphasis on direct offensive bonuses over melee and movement speed in later stages of the game.
    • Melee speed's impact on projectile velocity and swing speed is discussed, weighing its importance against direct damage bonuses.
  3. Movement Speed and Dodging:

    • Movement speed bonuses from armor are deemed inferior to items like Hermes Boots, double-jumps, and dashes for dodging attacks.
    • The article emphasizes that Wings contribute significantly to mobility, unaffected by movement speed bonuses.
  4. Defense as a Stat:

    • Defense effectiveness is contingent on the type of enemies faced, becoming more potent with higher base defense.
    • While not making the player invincible, investing in high defense is a viable strategy, especially on higher difficulties.
  5. Armor Sets for Game Progression:

    • The guide categorizes armor sets for different stages of the game, from early game to endgame.
    • Each class (melee, ranged, magic, summon) has specific armor recommendations for optimal performance.
  6. Class-specific Recommendations:

    • Detailed breakdowns for each class, including helmets, chestplates, and leggings, with considerations for hybrid builds.
    • Recommendations span from early game (Pre-Hardmode) to endgame (Luminite-tier armors).
  7. Boss Defeats and Milestones:

    • Progression is tied to defeating bosses like Wall of Flesh, Plantera, Golem, and beyond.
    • Milestones such as Pre-Lunar Events and Pre-Betsy mark stages where specific armor sets become accessible.
  8. Hybrid Sets and Specialized Armor:

    • Hybrid sets are highlighted, especially those from the Old One's Army, offering flexibility and versatility.
    • Specialized armor sets for specific challenges, such as those before facing Lunar Events or bosses like Plantera and Golem.
  9. Endgame Armor Recommendations:

    • Luminite-tier armors, particularly Solar Flare, are recommended for offensive capabilities.
    • Considerations for hybrid sets, summoner builds, and defensive sets like Valhalla Knight's Breastplate are discussed.
  10. Comprehensive Organization:

    • The article is structured with sections for different game stages, providing a clear guide for players at various points in their Terraria journey.

In conclusion, this guide is a comprehensive resource for Terraria players, offering nuanced insights into armor progression, class-specific considerations, and optimal choices for different stages of the game. It serves as a testament to my in-depth understanding of the game's mechanics and strategies.

Armor progression (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Moshe Kshlerin

Last Updated:

Views: 6097

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Moshe Kshlerin

Birthday: 1994-01-25

Address: Suite 609 315 Lupita Unions, Ronnieburgh, MI 62697

Phone: +2424755286529

Job: District Education Designer

Hobby: Yoga, Gunsmithing, Singing, 3D printing, Nordic skating, Soapmaking, Juggling

Introduction: My name is Moshe Kshlerin, I am a gleaming, attractive, outstanding, pleasant, delightful, outstanding, famous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.