Terraria offers a wide variety of gameplay styles, and the Summoner class is one of the most unique. Instead of engaging directly in combat, Summoners rely on their minions to do the fighting for them. Choosing the best summoner armor in Terraria can significantly impact performance, especially in boss fights and large invasions. With the right gear, summoners can unleash a powerful army of minions that tear through enemies efficiently. This topic explores the best summoner armor sets in Terraria across different progression stages, focusing on minion boosts, defense, and special abilities.
Pre-Hardmode Summoner Armor Sets
In the early stages of Terraria, summoner options are limited, but there are still a few armor sets that provide significant advantages. Pre-Hardmode armor may not have high defense, but it supports minion capacity and damage output, which are crucial for early progression.
Obsidian Armor
- Set Bonus: 1 extra minion slot, 15% increased minion damage, immunity to fire blocks
- Location: Crafted from Obsidian and Silk
Obsidian Armor is arguably the best pre-Hardmode summoner armor. It provides strong minion boosts and useful fire immunity. This set can carry players through much of early game content, including the Dungeon and the Underworld, especially when paired with a strong summon like the Imp Staff.
Bee Armor
- Set Bonus: 2 extra minion slots, 23% increased minion damage
- Location: Crafted with Bee Wax from Queen Bee
Bee Armor is ideal after defeating the Queen Bee. The high bonus to minion damage and increased summon capacity make it a strong choice. While its defense is low, it works well in combination with accessories that provide survivability. Bee Armor is especially effective when used in jungle environments where it’s sourced.
Early Hardmode Summoner Armor Sets
Once you enter Hardmode, new ores and bosses unlock stronger armor options. Summoners finally gain access to more specialized gear that significantly enhances their army’s capabilities. Choosing the right armor here will make progressing through early Hardmode content smoother.
Spider Armor
- Set Bonus: 3 extra minion slots, 28% increased minion damage
- Location: Crafted with Spider Fangs from Black Recluses
Spider Armor is the first real summoner-focused set in Hardmode. With three extra minions and a solid boost to damage, it outclasses all pre-Hardmode armor for summoners. It’s relatively easy to obtain early in Hardmode and should be a top priority for anyone focusing on the summoner class.
Forbidden Armor (Hybrid)
- Set Bonus: Summons a sand tornado, moderate summoner bonuses
- Location: Crafted with Forbidden Fragments from Sand Elementals
Although technically a hybrid armor set for summoners and mages, Forbidden Armor provides unique abilities like the Forbidden Storm, which adds utility and extra DPS. If you’re playing a mixed build or enjoy both magic and summoning, this is a fun option before transitioning to more specialized gear.
Mid to Late Hardmode Summoner Armor
As you progress further into Hardmode and defeat mechanical bosses, even stronger armor sets become available. These sets allow you to summon more minions, increase their damage, and survive longer against powerful enemies and bosses.
Hallowed Armor (with Summoner Headpiece)
- Set Bonus: Holy Protection (dodging ability), moderate minion bonuses
- Location: Crafted with Hallowed Bars from mechanical bosses
Hallowed Armor isn’t a pure summoner set, but it can be crafted with a summoner headpiece. The dodge ability from the full set makes it excellent for survivability. It is ideal for players who want a balance between summoner offense and defensive utility while preparing for Plantera and other late Hardmode content.
Tiki Armor
- Set Bonus: 4 extra minions, 30% increased minion damage
- Location: Purchased from the Witch Doctor after Plantera is defeated
Tiki Armor is a huge power jump for summoners. Offering four additional minions and high damage bonuses, this set significantly boosts your summoning army. While it doesn’t offer as much protection as some other sets, its offensive power makes it ideal for farming events and bosses post-Plantera.
Spooky Armor
- Set Bonus: 4 extra minions, 58% increased minion damage
- Location: Crafted with Spooky Wood from the Pumpkin Moon event
Spooky Armor is an upgrade over Tiki Armor and is arguably the best offensive summoner armor in the game. It has the highest minion damage boost and excellent summon capacity. The downside is its lower defense, which means players need to focus on dodging and use supportive accessories. This set is perfect for offense-heavy strategies, particularly in events and boss rushes.
Endgame Summoner Armor
Once you’ve beaten the Moon Lord, the ultimate armor sets become available. Summoners gain access to armor that not only enhances minions but also grants powerful set bonuses to dominate any enemy in the game.
Stardust Armor
- Set Bonus: Summons a Stardust Guardian, 5 extra minions, 66% increased minion damage
- Location: Crafted with Stardust Fragments from Celestial Events
Stardust Armor is the pinnacle of summoner gear in Terraria. It provides the highest minion capacity and the best damage bonuses of any set. The Stardust Guardian adds even more utility by attacking nearby enemies. Whether you’re farming, exploring, or fighting bosses, this set makes you nearly unstoppable as a summoner. It’s essential for any endgame summoner build and is widely considered the best summoner armor overall.
Choosing the Best Armor for Your Playstyle
The best summoner armor in Terraria isn’t always about raw stats it also depends on your playstyle. Some players prefer mobility and survivability, while others want maximum minion output. Here’s a quick breakdown to help guide your choice:
- Early Game: Obsidian Armor or Bee Armor
- Early Hardmode: Spider Armor
- Mid Game: Hallowed Armor (Summoner), Tiki Armor
- Late Game: Spooky Armor
- Endgame: Stardust Armor
Balance is key when choosing armor. Spooky Armor is great for high offense but requires careful movement due to low defense. Stardust Armor offers both power and versatility, making it ideal for all endgame scenarios. Pair your armor with the right accessories, summoning weapons, and buffs to maximize its effectiveness.
The best summoner armor in Terraria changes depending on your progression and combat goals. From early-game Bee Armor to endgame Stardust Armor, each set offers unique strengths that enhance your summoner experience. Mastering the summoner class means not only picking the right armor but also understanding when to upgrade and how to use your minions strategically. With the right gear and careful preparation, summoners can be one of the most powerful and satisfying classes in Terraria.