Guide:Armor progression

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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 mitigating damage taken and passively boosting damage output.

Although simply choosing a tier-appropriate set of three matching armor pieces will typically be enough to beat the game, players seeking to optimize their loadouts for maximum offense or defense will often get better results from using mix-and-match hybrid sets. This guide will help you decide on which armor combinations to use at various points in game progression.

The armor listings within each section are in no particular order; sortable stat comparison charts are provided for those who want to maximize a particular stat. For stats on individual armor pieces, refer to armor stat table.


Stat overview

In most combat situations, the most beneficial armor stats are damage, critical strike chance, minion capacity, health regeneration, and defense.

  • Damage and critical strike chance are straightforward stats that boost the player's damage output. The optimal combination of total damage and critical chance is around 50/50, though enemy defense tilts the balance slightly in favor of damage. For simplicity, this guide assumes that both stats are equally valuable.
  • Minion capacity is often thought of as a class-specific stat. However, the autonomous nature of minions allows all classes to benefit from increased capacity. Even without investment in summon damage, a single minion can contribute a considerable amount of DPS, along with other potential benefits like attacking enemies coming from multiple directions, or stunlocking them.
  • Sentry capacity has similar offensive potential, but it is not as universally useful as minion capacity due to the stationary nature of sentries making them difficult to use outside of dedicated arenas.
  • Defense is a historically undervalued but useful stat that becomes even more useful on specialized tank builds, some of which are listed in this guide. To maximize the effectiveness of these sets, it's recommended to use defensive accessories reforged to Warding. As a rule of thumb, each point of defense is more effective than a 1% DPS boost when damage taken per hit is less than 50 / 75 / 100. While defensive builds are viable on higher difficulties, it will usually take heavier defense investment to reach the same level of effectiveness, and raw defense is unlikely to offer much protection from contact damage in the for the worthy and get fixed boi seeds.
  • Regeneration is a rare and highly desirable stat for armor to have. It is a more consistent source of survivability than defense, as it provides the same benefit regardless of how much damage the player takes per hit. For perspective, 2 HP/sec is equivalent to 80% of the total regeneration one would gain by using Greater Healing Potions on a 60 second cooldown.
  • Melee speed is a situational stat whose effectiveness depends entirely on the melee weapon that is being used. For most melee weapons that are capable of attacking at a distance, the only effect of melee speed is to increase the projectile velocity and/or range, with no effect on the actual attack rate. One significant exception is the Terra Blade, which does fire at a faster rate when melee speed increases, and therefore benefits greatly from melee speed investment. Swords that are mainly used for close-ranged combat like the Night's Edge and Keybrand also benefit from melee speed, although due to the increased risk to the player, it is typically better to run defensive investment instead.
  • Maximum mana and reduced mana usage can both be thought of as roundabout bonuses to magic DPS, as they both reduce the frequency that players will have to consume mana potions and therefore lessen the effect of Mana Sickness. However, since most magic weapons don't consume mana rapidly enough for Mana Sickness to be a serious hindrance, mana bonuses are usually less important than direct DPS bonuses, and mainly serve to improve quality-of-life when not using mana potions or magic buffs.
  • Movement speed is not worth investing in, even for players who highly value mobility. It only affects grounded movement speed, making it useless in Hardmode when players will be flying or mounted most of the time. In pre-Hardmode, movement speed bonuses are made obsolete by Hermes Boots and other movement accessories. While grounded movement can be useful in an arena made of Asphalt, running on Asphalt boosts speed by such an extreme degree that any additional movement speed bonuses become virtually unnoticeable.

Earlygame

At this point, armor serves little purpose other than to boost your defense. You may obtain up to 20 defense with metal armors such as Platinum armor, but obtaining these sets is time-consuming and usually unnecessary. It's perfectly fine to simply wear Ebonwood armor, Shadewood armor, or other basic, easy-to-craft armors until you can get your hands on a real armor set; 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.

Since there are no melee-specific armor sets at this stage, melee users are advised to use classless sets.

Seed-specific considerations:


Head Chest Legs Notes
All classes
Ancient Shadow HelmetAncient Shadow Helmet Ancient Shadow ScalemailAncient Shadow Scalemail Ancient Shadow GreavesAncient Shadow Greaves (15% crit, 19 def) Ultra-rare set with good offense, defense, and mobility. Extremely time-consuming to obtain.
Ancient Shadow HelmetAncient Shadow Helmet GiGi(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Ancient Shadow GreavesAncient Shadow Greaves (5% dmg, 15% crit, 16 def) Variant of Ancient Shadow armor that maximizes melee and ranged bonuses.
Ancient Shadow HelmetAncient Shadow Helmet Flinx Fur CoatFlinx Fur Coat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Ancient Shadow GreavesAncient Shadow Greaves (10% crit, +1 cap, 5% summon, 13 def) Variant of Ancient Shadow armor with summon bonuses. Technically optimal for pure summoners.
Gladiator HelmetGladiator Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Gladiator BreastplateGladiator Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Gladiator LeggingsGladiator Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (16 def) Provides high defense and knockback immunity. Can be farmed from a Hoplite Statue placed near a natural wired trap.
Platinum HelmetPlatinum Helmet Platinum ChainmailPlatinum Chainmail Platinum GreavesPlatinum Greaves (20 def) Maximizes defense.
Ultrabright HelmetUltrabright Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Flinx Fur CoatFlinx Fur Coat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (+1 cap, 5% summon, 11 def) Hybrid set consisting of the most useful items in each armor slot. Mining Helmet also works.
Ultrabright HelmetUltrabright Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Mining ShirtMining Shirt Mining PantsMining Pants (5 def) Provides 30% increased mining speed. Requires some luck with Undead Miners.
Pumpkin HelmetPumpkin Helmet Pumpkin BreastplatePumpkin Breastplate Pumpkin LeggingsPumpkin Leggings (10% dmg, 7 def) Earlygame set that can be easily obtained during the Halloween season, or by converting Cactus using Shimmer.
Cactus HelmetCactus Helmet Cactus BreastplateCactus Breastplate Cactus LeggingsCactus Leggings (3 def) Earlygame set that repels enemies upon making contact.
Ranged
Fossil HelmetFossil Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) GiGi(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Fossil GreavesFossil Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (5% dmg, 13% crit, 12 def) Alternative to Ancient Shadow armor. Full Fossil armor can be used as a slight downgrade.
Fossil HelmetFossil Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Flinx Fur CoatFlinx Fur Coat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Fossil GreavesFossil Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (8% crit, +1 cap, 5% summon, 9 def) Hybrid summoner set.
Magic
Wizard HatWizard Hat Mystic RobeMystic Robe(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (11% dmg, 22% crit, 12 def) Maximizes magic bonuses, but requires some luck from the Traveling Merchant.
Wizard HatWizard Hat Diamond RobeDiamond Robe Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (5% dmg, 16% crit, 13 def) Reliably obtainable set with high mana economy.
Jungle HatJungle HatJungle Hat Jungle ShirtJungle ShirtJungle Shirt Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (6% dmg, 12% crit, 17 def) Offers a mix of magic offense, mana economy, and defense.
Magic HatMagic Hat(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Flinx Fur CoatFlinx Fur Coat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (6% dmg, 12% crit, +1 cap, 5% summon, 9 def) Hybrid summoner set.
Summon
Jungle HatJungle HatJungle Hat Flinx Fur CoatFlinx Fur Coat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (+1 cap, 5% summon, 12 def) Focuses on defense, since there is no other summoner equipment. Any helmet with high defense will work.

Stat comparisons:

 
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Late pre-Hardmode

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

Head Chest Legs Notes
All classes
Shadow HelmetShadow Helmet Shadow ScalemailShadow Scalemail Shadow GreavesShadow Greaves (15% crit, 19 def) Classless set that substantially boosts ground and air speed.
Crimson HelmetCrimson Helmet Crimson ScalemailCrimson Scalemail Crimson GreavesCrimson Greaves (9% dmg, 9% summon, ? regen, 19 def) Classless set used to regenerate health while exploring. Works best outside of combat when standing still.
Melee
Molten HelmetMolten Helmet Molten BreastplateMolten Breastplate Molten GreavesMolten Greaves (17% dmg, 7% crit, 25 def) Maximizes melee bonuses and defense, and grants immunity to On Fire!.
Ranged
Necro HelmetNecro HelmetNecro Helmet Necro BreastplateNecro Breastplate Necro GreavesNecro Greaves (15% dmg, 10% crit, 19 def) Maximizes ranged bonuses.
Magic
Wizard HatWizard Hat Mystic RobeMystic Robe(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Meteor LeggingsMeteor Leggings (20% dmg, 16% crit, 11 def) Maximizes magic bonuses.
Wizard HatWizard Hat Diamond RobeDiamond Robe Jungle PantsJungle PantsJungle Pants (5% dmg, 16% crit, 13 def) Provides good mana economy. Can be mixed and matched with above set.
Meteor HelmetMeteor Helmet Meteor SuitMeteor Suit Meteor LeggingsMeteor Leggings (27% dmg, 0% crit, 16 def) Eliminates mana cost from Space Gun and Gray Zapinator.
Summon
Obsidian Outlaw HatObsidian Outlaw Hat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Obsidian LongcoatObsidian Longcoat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Obsidian PantsObsidian Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+15% whip speed, +1 cap, 31% summon, 15 def) Provides substantial speed and range bonuses to whips.
Bee HeadgearBee Headgear(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Bee BreastplateBee Breastplate(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Bee GreavesBee Greaves(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) (+2 cap, 23% summon, 13 def) Maximizes minion bonuses; optimal for non-whip users.
Bee HeadgearBee Headgear(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Bee BreastplateBee Breastplate(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Molten GreavesMolten Greaves (+7% whip speed, +2 cap, 8% summon, 17 def) Defensive set. Whip tag damage compensates for low damage bonuses.

Stat comparisons:

 
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Early Hardmode

To save time and resources, it is recommended to prioritize turning Hardmode ores into pickaxes/drills, anvils, and forges to unlock Titanium or Adamantite as soon as possible, which will give you the best chances against your first mechanical boss. Until then, extra ores can be turned into individual armor pieces with the highest stats (typically head pieces) and deconstructed with Shimmer later on.

Head Chest Legs Notes
All classes
Crystal Assassin HoodCrystal Assassin Hood(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crystal Assassin ShirtCrystal Assassin Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crystal Assassin PantsCrystal Assassin Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (15% dmg, 15% crit, 15% summon, 36 def) Requires killing Queen Slime. Provides a dash effect, freeing up accessory slot that would normally be taken up by Shield of Cthulhu in Expert mode.
Titanium MaskTitanium Mask Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Adamantite LeggingsAdamantite Leggings (9/0/0% dmg, 27/18/7% crit, 55 def) Provides near-max defense.
Titanium MaskTitanium Mask Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Forbidden TreadsForbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (9/0/10% dmg, 20/11/0% crit, +1 cap, 51 def) Defensive hybrid summoner set with assorted bonuses.
Melee
Adamantite HelmetAdamantite Helmet Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Mythril GreavesMythril Greaves (14% dmg, 28% crit, 51 def) Balanced offensive + defensive melee set.
Mythril HelmetMythril Helmet Mythril ChainmailMythril Chainmail Mythril GreavesMythril Greaves (17% dmg, 28% crit, 7% summon, 37 def) Cheaper set that maximizes melee bonuses at the cost of defense.
Frost HelmetFrost Helmet Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Frost LeggingsFrost Leggings (26% dmg, 11% crit, 43 def) Provides high melee bonuses and a useful Frostbite debuff that improves visibility.
Titanium MaskTitanium Mask Titanium BreastplateTitanium Breastplate Titanium LeggingsTitanium Leggings (16% dmg, 15% crit, 7% summon, 49 def) Damages and knocks back enemies in close range.
Ranged
Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Mythril GreavesMythril Greaves (14% dmg, 31% crit, 37 def) Maximizes ranged bonuses.
Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Spider GreavesSpider Greaves(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) (14% dmg, 21% crit, +1 cap, 6% summon, 35 def) Extra minion slot for improved crowd control.
Frost HelmetFrost Helmet Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Frost LeggingsFrost Leggings (26% dmg, 11% crit, 43 def) Provides decent ranged bonuses and defense, along with a useful Frostbite debuff.
Titanium HelmetTitanium Helmet Titanium BreastplateTitanium Breastplate Titanium LeggingsTitanium Leggings (23% dmg, 13% crit, 7% summon, 34 def) Damages and knocks back enemies in close range.
Magic
Adamantite HeadgearAdamantite Headgear Adamantite BreastplateAdamantite Breastplate Forbidden TreadsForbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (30% dmg, 12% crit, +1 cap, 8% summon, 28 def) Balanced offensive + defensive mage set.
Adamantite HeadgearAdamantite Headgear Forbidden RobesForbidden Robes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Forbidden TreadsForbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (22% dmg, 12% crit, +2 cap, 10% summon, 24 def) Offensive hybrid summoner set.
Titanium HeadgearTitanium Headgear Titanium BreastplateTitanium Breastplate Titanium LeggingsTitanium Leggings (23% dmg, 13% crit, 7% summon, 30 def) Damages and knocks back enemies in close range.
Forbidden MaskForbidden Mask(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Forbidden RobesForbidden Robes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Forbidden TreadsForbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (25% dmg, 0% crit, +2 cap, 25% summon, 26 def) Excellent set bonus for crowd control and killing The Destroyer.
Adamantite HeadgearAdamantite Headgear Mystic RobeMystic Robe(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Forbidden TreadsForbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (28% dmg, 18% crit, +1 cap, 14 def) Maximizes magic bonuses, but provides almost no defense.
Summon
Spider MaskSpider Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spider BreastplateSpider Breastplate(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spider GreavesSpider Greaves(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) (+3 cap, 28% summon, 20 def) Strongest offensive summoner set.
Titanium MaskTitanium Mask Forbidden RobesForbidden Robes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Spider GreavesSpider Greaves(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) (+9% whip speed, +2 cap, 16% summon, 42 def) Defensive summoner set.
Obsidian Outlaw HatObsidian Outlaw Hat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Obsidian LongcoatObsidian Longcoat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Obsidian PantsObsidian Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+15% whip speed, +1 cap, 31% summon, 15 def) Useful during boss fights due to its substantial bonuses to whip range.
Forbidden MaskForbidden Mask(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Forbidden RobesForbidden Robes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Forbidden TreadsForbidden Treads(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+2 cap, 25% summon, 26 def) Excellent set bonus for crowd control and killing The Destroyer.

Stat comparisons:

 
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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. Though the set bonuses of the Tavernkeep's armor sets are often too situational to be useful, many of the individual armor pieces have very high stats that make them optimal for hybrid sets.

Hallowed armor greatly increases the survivability of glass cannon loadouts, but is less effective than raw defense for pure tanking. Those who plan to use Spectre, Shroomite, or Beetle armor in the future can use Chlorophyte armor at this stage, and use Shimmer to deconstruct it into bars later.

Head Chest Legs Notes
All classes
Crystal Assassin HoodCrystal Assassin Hood(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crystal Assassin ShirtCrystal Assassin Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Crystal Assassin PantsCrystal Assassin Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (15% dmg, 15% crit, 15% summon, 36 def) Remains viable since it provides the longest pre-Plantera dash, and the only dash in Classic mode.
Chlorophyte MaskChlorophyte Mask Chlorophyte Plate MailChlorophyte Plate Mail Chlorophyte GreavesChlorophyte Greaves (21/5/5% dmg, 21/15/15% crit, 5% summon, 51 def) Provides good melee bonuses and serviceable ranged/magic bonuses for tank sets.
Hallowed HoodHallowed Hood(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (7/7/7% dmg, 7/7/7% crit, +3 cap, 17% summon, 27 def) Glass cannon set with higher classless bonuses than other summoner armors.
Melee
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Turtle Scale MailTurtle Scale Mail Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (18% dmg, 33% crit, 15% summon, 69 def) Provides maximum possible defense with decent melee bonuses.
Chlorophyte MaskChlorophyte Mask Monk's ShirtMonk's Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (36% dmg, 21% crit, 35% summon, 60 def) Maximizes melee bonuses.
Turtle HelmetTurtle Helmet Turtle Scale MailTurtle Scale Mail Turtle LeggingsTurtle Leggings (14% dmg, 12% crit, 65 def) Fully defensive set with 15% damage reduction.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (17% dmg, 17% crit, 7% summon, 50 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Ranged
Chlorophyte HelmetChlorophyte Helmet Chlorophyte Plate MailChlorophyte Plate Mail Chlorophyte GreavesChlorophyte Greaves (21% dmg, 15% crit, 5% summon, 44 def) Provides an auto-targeting Leaf Crystal. Optimal for single targets.
Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask Huntress's JerkinHuntress's Jerkin(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Mythril GreavesMythril Greaves (34% dmg, 20% crit, 20% summon, 34 def) Maximizes ranged bonuses; useful for multi-target weapons like the Flamethrower.
Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask Huntress's JerkinHuntress's Jerkin(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Spider GreavesSpider Greaves(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) (34% dmg, 10% crit, +1 cap, 26% summon, 32 def) Hybrid summoner set. Helps with crowd control.
Hallowed HelmetHallowed Helmet Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (22% dmg, 15% crit, 7% summon, 35 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Frost HelmetFrost Helmet Frost BreastplateFrost Breastplate Frost LeggingsFrost Leggings (26% dmg, 11% crit, 43 def) Comparable to Hallowed armor, trading away Holy Protection for extra defense and Frostbite.
Magic
Chlorophyte HeadgearChlorophyte Headgear Chlorophyte Plate MailChlorophyte Plate Mail Chlorophyte GreavesChlorophyte Greaves (21% dmg, 15% crit, 5% summon, 38 def) Provides an auto-targeting Leaf Crystal.
Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear Chlorophyte Plate MailChlorophyte Plate Mail Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (17% dmg, 39% crit, 15% summon, 33 def) Slightly better DPS than Chlorophyte armor.
Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear Forbidden RobesForbidden Robes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (12% dmg, 32% crit, +1 cap, 20% summon, 27 def) Hybrid summoner set.
Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear Squire's PlatingSquire's Plating(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (12% dmg, 32% crit, 25% summon, 42 def) Somewhat tanky magic set that provides more reliable defense than Hallowed armor.
Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (19% dmg, 19% crit, 7% summon, 31 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear Mystic RobeMystic Robe(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (18% dmg, 38% crit, 10% summon, 17 def) Glass cannon set with improved mana conservation.
Summon
Hallowed HoodHallowed Hood(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (+3 cap, 17% summon, 27 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks. Favors Blade Staff due to low damage bonuses.
Spider MaskSpider Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spider BreastplateSpider Breastplate(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spider GreavesSpider Greaves(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) (+3 cap, 28% summon, 20 def) Strongest offensive summoner set.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Squire's PlatingSquire's Plating(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+10% whip speed, 30% summon, 69 def) Fully specialized in defense. Also works as a melee set.
Obsidian Outlaw HatObsidian Outlaw Hat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Obsidian LongcoatObsidian Longcoat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Obsidian PantsObsidian Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+15% whip speed, +1 cap, 31% summon, 15 def) Weaker alternative to above sets that offers better attack range.
Squire's Great HelmSquire's Great Helm(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's PlatingSquire's Plating(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+2 sentry, 30% summon, 2 regen, 58 def) Defensive sentry-based set.

Stat comparisons:

 
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Post-Golem (Old One's Army, Tier 2)

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, players will likely be preparing to face Duke Fishron, Empress of Light, Martian Madness, and the Pumpkin Moon. The gear available at this stage is the minimum recommended gear for fighting the Moon Lord. For ranged users, the non-specific Adamantite Mask (or Hallowed Helmet) and weapon-specific Shroomite headpieces can be considered mostly interchangeable.

This section is mainly for players who are unable to efficiently clear the final tier of the Old One's Army due to not having planned for it in advance. Even without sentries, it should be possible to clear wave 5 to earn 15 medals, enough to buy a single tier 2 armor piece. Those who have stockpiled a large supply of Defender Medals prior to defeating Golem can skip to the next section.

Head Chest Legs Notes
All classes
Beetle HelmetBeetle Helmet Beetle ShellBeetle Shell Beetle LeggingsBeetle Leggings (11/0/0% dmg, 5/0/0% crit, 73 def) Purely defensive set with up to 45% damage reduction. Due to poor melee bonuses, it performs similarly for all classes.
Melee
Beetle HelmetBeetle Helmet Beetle Scale MailBeetle Scale Mail Beetle LeggingsBeetle Leggings (44% dmg, 8% crit, +42% melee speed, 61 def) Optimal set for weapons that scale with melee speed, notably the Terra Blade.
Chlorophyte MaskChlorophyte Mask Monk's ShirtMonk's Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (36% dmg, 21% crit, 35% summon, 60 def) Optimal set for weapons that do not scale with melee speed.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Beetle ShellBeetle Shell Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (15% dmg, 30% crit, +10% melee speed, 15% summon, 74 def) Similar to defensive Beetle armor, trading away damage reduction for decent melee bonuses.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 25% crit, +10% melee speed, +2 cap, 26% summon, 53 def) Hybrid summoner set.
Squire's Great HelmSquire's Great Helm(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's PlatingSquire's Plating(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Squire's GreavesSquire's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (15% dmg, 15% crit, +2 sentry, 30% summon, 2 regen, 58 def) For use against the Old One's Army, paired with Ballistas.
Monk's Bushy Brow Bald CapMonk's Bushy Brow Bald Cap(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Monk's ShirtMonk's Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Monk's PantsMonk's Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (20% dmg, 15% crit, +2 sentry, 30% summon, 46 def) For use against the Old One's Army, paired with Lightning Auras.
Ranged
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Shroomite BreastplateShroomite Breastplate Tiki PantsTiki Pants (13% dmg x1.15, 18% crit, +1 cap, 10% summon, 47 def) Provides about as much DPS as full Shroomite, and better crowd control.
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Shroomite BreastplateShroomite Breastplate Shroomite LeggingsShroomite Leggings (13% dmg x1.15, 25% crit, 51 def) Excellent overall stats, though the set bonus is usually useless outside of multiplayer.
Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask Shroomite BreastplateShroomite Breastplate Shroomite LeggingsShroomite Leggings (27% dmg, 30% crit, 48 def) Provides more flexible damage boosts to all ranged weapons. Also optimal when using rocket weapons.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Shroomite BreastplateShroomite Breastplate Shroomite LeggingsShroomite Leggings (13% dmg, 20% crit, 64 def) Uses the melee helmet to greatly increase defense and tanking ability.
Hallowed HelmetHallowed Helmet Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (22% dmg, 15% crit, 7% summon, 35 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Huntress's WigHuntress's Wig(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Huntress's JerkinHuntress's Jerkin(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Huntress's PantsHuntress's Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (20% dmg, 10% crit, +2 sentry, 30% summon, 36 def) For use against the Old One's Army, paired with Explosive Traps.
Magic
Spectre HoodSpectre Hood Spectre RobeSpectre Robe Spectre PantsSpectre Pants (-25% dmg, 7% crit, 30 def) Reduces magic damage, but grants near-immortality as long as you can manage your mana.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spectre RobeSpectre Robe Spectre PantsSpectre Pants (25% dmg, 17% crit, 42 def) Set bonus provides 400 DPS of extra burst damage. Can be switched to/from Spectre Hood quickly.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Beetle ShellBeetle Shell Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 30% crit, 10% summon, 60 def) Unconventional defensive set that provides more reliable protection from frequent hits.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 30% crit, +2 cap, 21% summon, 39 def) Weaker than Spectre Mask overall, but less reliant on mana thanks to minion investment.
Hallowed HeadgearHallowed Headgear Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (19% dmg, 19% crit, 7% summon, 31 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.
Forbidden MaskForbidden Mask(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Apprentice's RobeApprentice's Robe(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Apprentice's TrousersApprentice's Trousers(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (25% dmg, 20% crit, 45% summon, 31 def) For use against the Old One's Army, paired with any sentry.
Summon
Spooky HelmetSpooky Helmet Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Spooky LeggingsSpooky Leggings (+4 cap, 58% summon, 30 def) Offensive glass cannon set.
Tiki MaskTiki Mask Tiki ShirtTiki Shirt Tiki PantsTiki Pants (+4 cap, 30% summon, 35 def) Trades off some damage for 30% increased whip range.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Tiki PantsTiki Pants (+10% whip speed, +3 cap, 21% summon, 47 def) Balanced offensive + defensive summoner set.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Squire's PlatingSquire's Plating(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Tiki PantsTiki Pants (+10% whip speed, +1 cap, 25% summon, 63 def) Defensive summoner set.
Hallowed HoodHallowed Hood(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Hallowed Plate MailHallowed Plate Mail Hallowed GreavesHallowed Greaves (+3 cap, 17% summon, 27 def) Periodically dodges incoming attacks.

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Post-Golem (Old One's Army, Tier 3)

With a good supply of Defender Medals in your pocket, you can 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.

Head Chest Legs Notes
All classes
Beetle HelmetBeetle Helmet Beetle ShellBeetle Shell Beetle LeggingsBeetle Leggings (11/0/0% dmg, 5/0/0% crit, 73 def) Purely defensive set that works best against infrequent, powerful hits.
Melee
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 30% crit, +10% melee speed, 50% summon, 4 regen, 72 def) Maximizes survivability and provides respectable melee bonuses.
Hallowed MaskHallowed Mask Shinobi Infiltrator's TorsoShinobi Infiltrator's Torso(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 35% crit, +30% melee speed, 40% summon, 74 def) Provides decent melee bonuses (including melee speed) and exceptional defense. Also viable for whip users.
Beetle HelmetBeetle Helmet Beetle Scale MailBeetle Scale Mail Beetle LeggingsBeetle Leggings (44% dmg, 8% crit, +42% melee speed, 61 def) Optimal offensive set for weapons that scale with melee speed, notably the Terra Blade. However, actual melee speed bonuses might not surpass the above set due to rounding.
Chlorophyte MaskChlorophyte Mask Monk's ShirtMonk's Shirt(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (36% dmg, 26% crit, 40% summon, 66 def) Optimal offensive set for weapons that do not scale with melee speed.
Valhalla Knight's HelmValhalla Knight's Helm(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 20% crit, +3 sentry, 60% summon, 4 regen, 68 def) Defensive sentry-based set.
Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetShinobi Infiltrator's Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (20% dmg, 20% crit, +2 sentry, +2 cap, 51% summon, 45 def) Hybrid summoner set.
Ranged
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Red Riding DressRed Riding Dress(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Red Riding LeggingsRed Riding Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (25% dmg x1.15, 15% crit, 50% summon, 51 def) Highest total DPS when combined with minions.
Adamantite MaskAdamantite Mask Red Riding DressRed Riding Dress(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Red Riding LeggingsRed Riding Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (39% dmg, 20% crit, 50% summon, 48 def) Flexible alternative that is optimal for rocket weapons.
Red Riding HoodRed Riding Hood(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Red Riding DressRed Riding Dress(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Red Riding LeggingsRed Riding Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (25% dmg, 20% crit, +3 sentry, 60% summon, 48 def) Extreme buff to Explosive Trap firing speed makes this optimal for Old One's Army and invasion events.
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Red Riding LeggingsRed Riding Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (0% dmg x1.15, 15% crit, 55% summon, 4 regen, 51 def) Defensive ranged set.
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Red Riding DressRed Riding Dress(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Tiki PantsTiki Pants (25% dmg x1.15, 5% crit, +1 cap, 35% summon, 47 def) Hybrid summoner.
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Red Riding LeggingsRed Riding Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (0% dmg x1.15, 15% crit, +2 cap, 36% summon, 38 def) Hybrid summoner with more minion investment.
Magic
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Dark Artist's RobesDark Artist's Robes(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Dark Artist's LeggingsDark Artist's Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (20% dmg, 35% crit, 45% summon, 53 def) Highly mana-efficient offensive set.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Dark Artist's LeggingsDark Artist's Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 35% crit, 50% summon, 4 regen, 56 def) Offers a combination of survivability and damage.
Spectre HoodSpectre Hood Spectre RobeSpectre Robe Spectre PantsSpectre Pants (-25% dmg, 7% crit, 30 def) A fallback option for rapidly healing yourself and your teammates.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spectre RobeSpectre Robe Spectre PantsSpectre Pants (25% dmg, 17% crit, 42 def) Set bonus provides 400 DPS of extra burst damage. Does not scale with weapon strength.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Dark Artist's LeggingsDark Artist's Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 35% crit, +2 cap, 31% summon, 43 def) Offensive hybrid summoner.
Dark Artist's HatDark Artist's Hat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Dark Artist's LeggingsDark Artist's Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (15% dmg, 25% crit, +2 sentry, +2 cap, 46% summon, 32 def) Sentry-based hybrid summoner. Notably lacks mana bonuses.
Summon
Valhalla Knight's HelmValhalla Knight's Helm(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+3 sentry, 60% summon, 4 regen, 68 def) Ultimate defensive set for a pure summoner.
Spooky HelmetSpooky Helmet Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+1 cap, 61% summon, 4 regen, 57 def) Balanced offensive + defensive summoner set.
Spooky HelmetSpooky Helmet Spooky BreastplateSpooky Breastplate Spooky LeggingsSpooky Leggings (+4 cap, 58% summon, 30 def) Offensive glass cannon set.
Tiki MaskTiki Mask Tiki ShirtTiki Shirt Tiki PantsTiki Pants (+4 cap, 30% summon, 35 def) Glass cannon set that trades off some damage for 30% increased whip range.
Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetShinobi Infiltrator's Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Shinobi Infiltrator's TorsoShinobi Infiltrator's Torso(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Shinobi Infiltrator's PantsShinobi Infiltrator's Pants(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+20% whip speed, +3 sentry, 60% summon, 54 def) Sentry-based set that boosts whips and melee weapons.

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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. Sentry-based hybrid sets are also viable due to the massive power of endgame sentry weapons.

Head Chest Legs Notes
Melee
Solar Flare HelmetSolar Flare Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Solar Flare BreastplateSolar Flare Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Solar Flare LeggingsSolar Flare Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (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.
Solar Flare HelmetSolar Flare Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Solar Flare BreastplateSolar Flare Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (29% dmg, 46% crit, 20% summon, 2 regen, 82 def) Maximizes melee bonuses and raw defense.
Solar Flare HelmetSolar Flare Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Solar Flare BreastplateSolar Flare Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust LeggingsStardust Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (29% dmg, 26% crit, +2 cap, 22% summon, 2 regen, 70 def) Defensive hybrid summoner.
Shinobi Infiltrator's HelmetShinobi Infiltrator's Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust PlateStardust Plate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (20% dmg, 20% crit, +2 sentry, +2 cap, 62% summon, 50 def) Offensive sentry-based hybrid summoner.
Ranged
Vortex HelmetVortex Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Vortex BreastplateVortex Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Vortex LeggingsVortex Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (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.
Shroomite headpieceShroomite headpiece Red Riding DressRed Riding Dress(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust LeggingsStardust Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (25% dmg x1.15, 5% crit, 2 cap, 47% summon, 47 def) Maximizes non-stealthed total DPS for mounted combat.
Vortex HelmetVortex Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Vortex LeggingsVortex Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (24% dmg, 15% crit, 30% summon, 4 regen, 58 def) Defensive ranged set.
Magic
Nebula HelmetNebula Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Nebula BreastplateNebula Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Nebula LeggingsNebula Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (26-71% dmg, 16% crit, 0-45% summon, 0-9 regen, 46 def) Provides immense damage and regen bonuses to yourself and your teammates.
Spectre MaskSpectre Mask(Desktop, Console, Old-gen console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Dark Artist's LeggingsDark Artist's Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (10% dmg, 35% crit, 50% summon, 4 regen, 56 def) Defensive set. Useful if you are unable to pick up Nebula boosters, or have a teammate who can provide them.
Dark Artist's HatDark Artist's Hat(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust PlateStardust Plate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Dark Artist's LeggingsDark Artist's Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (15% dmg, 25% crit, +2 sentry, +2 cap, 57% summon, 37 def) Mixed glass cannon set that can be used in the same situations as above.
Spectre HoodSpectre Hood Spectre RobeSpectre Robe Spectre PantsSpectre Pants (-25% dmg, 7% crit, 30 def) Remains mildly useful for pinch healing, with the highest healing potential (36/30 health per second).
Summon
Stardust HelmetStardust Helmet(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust PlateStardust Plate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust LeggingsStardust Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+1 sentry, +5 cap, 66% summon, 38 def) Glass cannon set.
Valhalla Knight's HelmValhalla Knight's Helm(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Stardust LeggingsStardust Leggings(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+2 sentry, +2 cap, 62% summon, 4 regen, 56 def) Balanced offensive + defensive sentry-based summoner.
Valhalla Knight's HelmValhalla Knight's Helm(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's BreastplateValhalla Knight's Breastplate(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) Valhalla Knight's GreavesValhalla Knight's Greaves(Desktop, Console and Mobile versions) (+3 sentry, 60% summon, 4 regen, 68 def) Fully defensive sentry-based summoner.

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