Guide for begginers and experienced players.
Check what items you should or must have in different stages of gameplay for each class.
Pre-Bosses
Before fighting with a boss, set-bonuses from wooden and ore amour give almost exclusively additional defense, the accesories will not discriminate weapon type when giving bonuses. There is little point to sticking to a “class” this early on. Notably, there are nearly no items for summoner available at this point- only the Slime Staff, the Hornet Staff and the Imp Staff. For these reasons, players are recommended to make use of whatever they can get their hands on.
Mixed (early)
Weapons
- Wooden Bow
- Wooden sword
- Cactus Sword
- Wooden Boomerang
- Spear
- Wand of Sparking
- Enchanted Sword
- Shurikens
- Grenades
Armour
- Wooden armour
- Cactus armour
Accesories
- Shackle
- Cloud in a bottle
- Aglet
Buffs/Potions/Flasks
Notes: Early game, just use what weapons/accessories you find.
Mixed (late)
Weapons:
- Gold Broadsword
- Platinum Broadsword
- Trident
- Enchanted Boomerang
- Poisoned Knife
- Grenades
- Bombs
- Gold Bow
- Platinum Bow
- Gem staff
- Enchanted Sword
Armour:
- Gold armor
- Platinum armor
- Pumpkin armor
Accesories:
- Shackle
- Cloud in a Bottle
- Aglet
- Band of Regeneration
- Band of Starpower
- Hermes Boots
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Archery Potion
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Swiftness Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Well Fed
Notes:
- Early game, just use what weapons/accessories you find.
- In Halloween, Pumpkin armor is available pre-bosses, and while it gives much less defence than Gold or Platinum it has a +10% damage buff, very powerful if you can reliably dodge.
Pre-Hardmode
Once you start defeating the first bosses new options become available. In addition, you should have enough mana to use magic weapons. However, the armors still only give small bonuses, so you can still safely mix class styles without a significant loss of damage. Dedicated summoners are still rather weak at this point, although their summoning items can be used by any class.
Melee
Weapons:
- Falcon Blade
- Muramasa
- Phaseblade
- Blade of Grass
- Night’s Edge
- Fiery Greatsword
- Dark Lance
- Sunfury
- Thorn Chakram
- Flamarang
- Valor
- Cascade
- Starfury
- Enchanted Sword
Armour:
- Shadow armor
- Molten armor
Accesories:
- Feral Claws
- Counterweight
- String
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Flask of Poison
- Flask of Fire
- Thorns Potion
Notes: –
Ranged
Weapons:
- Minishark
- Phoenix Blaster
- Handgun
- Boomstick
- The Bee’s Knees
- Molten Fury
- Hellwing Bow
Armour:
Accesories:
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Swiftness Potion
- Archery Potion
- Ammo Reservation Potion
- Ammo Box
Notes: –
Magic
Weapons:
- Ruby Staff
- Diamond Staff
- Aqua Scepter
- Water Bolt
- Bee Gun
- Demon Scythe
- Space Gun
Armour:
- Meteor armor
- Jungle armor
- Diamond Robe
- Gypsy Robe
- Wizard Hat
Accesories:
- Band of Starpower
- Mana Flower
- Celestial Cuffs
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Mana Regeneration Potion
- Magic Power Potion
Notes: Not recommended if you have low max mana.
Summoning
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Summoning Potion
- Bewitching Table
Notes: Rather weak at this point.
Throwing
Weapons:
- Bone Javelin
- Bone Throwing Knife
- Beenade
- Grenade
- Bone Glove
- Ale Tosser
Armour:
Accesories:
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
Notes: Only usable on the Desktop version. On other versions, throwing items are considered ranged instead.
Mixed
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Cloud in a Balloon
- Spectre Boots
- Band of Regeneration
- Obsidian Shield
- Shark Tooth Necklace
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Rage Potion
- Wrath Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Well Fed
Notes: Items that aren’t class specific.
Pre-Mechanical Bosses
At this point in time, it starts to become important to pick a specific class. Many accessories will only benefit a certain class and armor sets start to notably affect your damage output. In addition, playing with the Thrown weapons is no longer effective, as those weapons are insufficient for Hardmode. On the other hand, the summoner class starts to become more powerful but still not strong enough to defeat bosses. At this point, you may want to start working on getting good modifiers for your equipment as well.
Melee
Weapons:
- Adamantite Sword
- Titanium Sword
- Phasesaber
- Dao of Pow
- Titanium Trident
- Adamantite Glaive
- Thorn Chakram
- Flamarang
- Amarok
- Fetid Baghnakhs
- Shadowflame Knife
- Ice Sickle
Armour:
- Orichalcum armor
- Adamantite armor
- Titanium armor
- Frost armor
Accesories:
- Warrior Emblem
- Power Glove
- Yoyo Bag
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Flask of Poison
- Flask of Fire
- Flask of Ichor
- Flask of Cursed Flames
- Thorns Potion
- Sharpening Station
Notes: –
Ranged
Weapons:
- Phoenix Blaster
- Clockwork Assault Rifle
- Daedalus Stormbow
- Adamantite Repeater
- Titanium Repeater
- Dart Rifle
- Dart Pistol
- Onyx Blaster
Armour:
- Adamantite armor
- Titanium armor
- Frost Armor
Accesories:
- Ranger Emblem
- Magic Quiver
- Endless Musket Pouch
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Swiftness Potion
- Archery Potion
- Ammo Reservation Potion
- Ammo Box
Notes: Endless Musket Pouch is optional, the advantage is there’s no need to worry about running out of Musket balls, one of the weakest types of ammunition.
Magic
Weapons:
- Poison Staff
- Meteor Staff
- Crystal Storm
- Crystal Serpent
- Golden Shower
- Cursed Flames
- Life Drain
- Demon Scythe
- Shadowflame Hex Doll
- Sky Fracture
- Spirit Flame
Armour:
- Adamantite armor
- Titanium armor
- Forbidden armor
Accesories:
- Celestial Cuffs
- Sorcerer Emblem
- Mana Flower
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Mana Regeneration Potion
- Magic Power Potion
- Crystal Ball
Notes: –
Summoning
Weapons:
- Spider Staff
- Queen Spider Staff
- Pirate Staff
Armour:
- Spider armor
- Forbidden armor
Accesories:
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Summoning Potion
- Bewitching Table
Notes: While the Forbidden armor provides less summoning boosts than Spider armor, it has more defense and magical boosts, allowing for a more offensive approach.
Mixed
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Frostspark Boots
- Obsidian Horseshoe
- Obsidian Shield
- Ankh Shield
- Charm of Myths
- Frozen Wings
- Harpy Wings
- Angel Wings
- Demon Wings
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Rage Potion
- Wrath Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Well Fed
Notes: Only listing items that aren’t class specific.
Pre-Plantera
This is the point where a mixed class becomes rather weak compared to a single class, mainly due to there being separate armor sets for each class. You can of course still play a mixed class, though it is recommended to have a backup armor set (e.g. in the vanity slots) so you can switch quickly for some additional damage or defense.
Melee
Weapons:
- Excalibur
- Cutlass
- Terra Blade
- Dao of Pow
- Mushroom Spear
- Light Disc
- Yelets
- Fetid Baghnakhs
- Death Sickle
Armour:
Accesories:
- Warrior Emblem
- Fire Gauntlet
- Yoyo Bag
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Flask of Poison
- Flask of Fire
- Flask of Ichor
- Flask of Cursed Flames
- Thorns Potion
- Sharpening Station
Notes: –
Ranged
Weapons:
- Megashark
- Flamethrower
- Daedalus Stormbow
- Chlorophyte Shotbow
Armour:
Accesories:
- Ranger Emblem
- Avenger Emblem
- Magic Quiver
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Swiftness Potion
- Archery Potion
- Ammo Reservation Potion
- Ammo Box
Notes: –
Magic
Weapons:
- Venom Staff
- Golden Shower
- Crystal Storm
- Cursed Flames
- Life Drain
- Magical Harp
- Rainbow Rod
Armour:
Accesories:
- Celestial Emblem
- Sorcerer Emblem
- Mana Flower
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Mana Regeneration Potion
- Magic Power Potion
- Crystal Ball
Notes: Magic is somewhat weak at this point, not having obtained a good armor upgrade.
Summoning
Weapons:
- Spider Staff
- Queen Spider Staff
- Optic Staff
- Pirate Staff
Armour:
- Spider armor
- Forbidden armor
Accesories:
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Summoning Potion
- Bewitching Table
Notes: Summoner is relatively weak at this point, not having obtained a real upgrade.
Mixed
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Avenger Emblem
- Frostspark Boots
- Obsidian Horseshoe
- Obsidian Shield
- Ankh Shield
- Charm of Myths
- Frozen Wings
- Harpy Wings
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Rage Potion
- Wrath Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Well Fed
Notes: Only listing items that aren’t class specific.
Pre-Golem
With the hardmode dungeon now available, as well as the Pumpkin Moon and Frost Moon (it will be hard to reach last wave with current equipment, but you can still obtain the drops on earlier waves), there is a variety of new equipment available. Furthermore, any Biome Keys you have obtained are now usable.
Melee
Weapons:
- The Horseman’s Blade
- Christmas Tree Sword
- Terra Blade
- Seedler
- Flower Pow
- Mushroom Spear
- North Pole
- Paladin’s Hammer
- Kraken
- The Eye of Cthulhu
- Vampire Knives
- Scourge of the Corruptor
Armour:
Accesories:
- Warrior Emblem
- Fire Gauntlet
- Yoyo Bag
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Flask of Venom
- Flask of Fire
- Flask of Ichor
- Flask of Cursed Flames
- Thorns Potion
- Sharpening Station
Notes: –
Ranged
Weapons:
- Candy Corn Rifle
- Chain Gun
- Elf Melter
- Venus Magnum
- Daedalus Stormbow
- Chlorophyte Shotbow
- Piranha Gun
- Sniper Rifle
Armour:
Accesories:
- Ranger Emblem
- Magic Quiver
- Rifle Scope
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Swiftness Potion
- Archery Potion
- Ammo Reservation Potion
- Ammo Box
Notes: –
Magic
Weapons:
- Shadowbeam Staff
- Magnet Sphere
- Blizzard Staff
- Rainbow Gun
Armour:
Accesories:
- Celestial Emblem
- Sorcerer Emblem
- Mana Flower
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Mana Regeneration Potion
- Magic Power Potion
- Crystal Ball
Notes: Possible to do the Pumpkin Moon or Frost Moon items, but it’s not recommended.
Summoning
Weapons:
- Raven Staff
- Staff of the Frost Hydra
- Pygmy Staff
- Deadly Sphere Staff
Armour:
Accesories:
- Summoner Emblem
- Papyrus Scarab
- Pygmy Necklace
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Summoning Potion
- Bewitching Table
Notes: –
Mixed
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Avenger Emblem
- Frostspark Boots
- Obsidian Horseshoe
- Ankh Shield
- Charm of Myths
- Frozen Wings
- Spectre Wings
- Hoverboard
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Rage Potion
- Wrath Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Well Fed
Notes: Only listing items that aren’t class specific.
Pre-Duke Fishron
Not much changes after defeating the Golem. For melee users the Influx Waver and Beetle Armor becomes available. For ranged users the Sniper Scope and Electrosphere Launcher are now available. Mages can use the Laser Machinegun and Charged Blaster Cannon. For summoners the Xeno Staff and for all classes the Destroyer Emblem and Celestial Stone are available. Most other weapons only have situational uses.
Pre-Celestial Events
Equipment from Duke Fishron and Martian Invasion now available.
Melee
Weapons:
- Christmas Tree Sword
- Terra Blade
- Influx Waver
- Flairon
- North Pole
- The Eye of Cthulhu
- Vampire Knives
- Scourge of the Corruptor
Armour:
- Turtle armor
- Beetle armor
Accesories:
- Warrior Emblem
- Fire Gauntlet
- Yoyo Bag
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Flask of Venom
- Flask of Fire
- Flask of Ichor
- Flask of Cursed Flames
- Thorns Potion
- Sharpening Station
Notes: Both sets of Beetle are nice to have.
Ranged
Weapons:
- Candy Corn Rifle
- Chain Gun
- Electrosphere Launcher
- Tsunami
- Piranha Gun
- Sniper Rifle
Armour:
Accesories:
- Ranger Emblem
- Magic Quiver
- Sniper Scope
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Swiftness Potion
- Archery Potion
- Ammo Reservation Potion
- Ammo Box
Notes: –
Magic
Weapons:
- Razorpine
- Razorblade Typhoon
- Magnet Sphere
- Blizzard Staff
- Laser Machinegun
- Bubble Gun
Armour:
Accesories:
- Celestial Emblem
- Sorcerer Emblem
- Mana Flower
- Celestial Cuffs
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Mana Regeneration Potion
- Magic Power Potion
- Crystal Ball
Notes: Both sets of Spectre armor are nice to switch around.
Summoning
Weapons:
- Raven Staff
- Xeno Staff
- Tempest Staff
- Staff of the Frost Hydra
Armour:
Accesories:
- Summoner Emblem
- Papyrus Scarab
- Pygmy Necklace
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Summoning Potion
- Bewitching Table
Notes: –
Mixed
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Destroyer Emblem
- Celestial Stone
- Frostspark Boots
- Obsidian Horseshoe
- Ankh Shield
- Charm of Myths
- Fishron Wings
- Hoverboard
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Rage Potion
- Wrath Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Well Fed
Notes: Only listing items that aren’t class specific.
Endgame
At this point you can probably start using a mixed class again (except when fighting the Moon Lord), because all equipment easily kills everything anyway.
Melee
Weapons:
- Meowmere
- Star Wrath
- Solar Eruption
- Terrarian
- Vampire Knives
Armour:
Accesories:
- Warrior Emblem
- Mechanical Glove
- Fire Gauntlet
- Yoyo Bag
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Flask of Venom
- Flask of Fire
- Flask of Ichor
- Flask of Cursed Flames
- Thorns Potion
- Sharpening Station
Notes: –
Ranged
Weapons:
- S.D.M.G.
- Phantasm
- Sniper Rifle
Armour:
Accesories:
- Ranger Emblem
- Magic Quiver
- Sniper Scope
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Swiftness Potion
- Archery Potion
- Ammo Reservation Potion
- Ammo Box
Notes: –
Magic
Weapons:
- Last Prism
- Nebula Arcanum
- Lunar Flare
- Nebula Blaze
- Razorblade Typhoon
Armour:
Accesories:
- Celestial Emblem
- Sorcerer Emblem
- Magic Cuffs
- Mana Flower
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Mana Regeneration Potion
- Magic Power Potion
- Crystal Ball
Notes: –
Summoning
Weapons:
- Stardust Dragon Staff
- Stardust Cell Staff
- Xeno Staff
- Lunar Portal Staff
- Rainbow Crystal Staff
- Staff of the Frost Hydra
- Queen Spider Staff
Armour:
Accesories:
- Papyrus Scarab
- Necromantic Scroll
- Pygmy Necklace
- Hercules Beetle
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Summoning Potion
- Bewitching Table
Notes: –
Mixed
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Ankh Shield
- Celestial Shell
- Celestial Stone
- Destroyer Emblem
- Frostspark Boots
- Charm of Myths
- Solar Wings
- Fishron Wings
- Vortex Booster
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Ironskin Potion
- Endurance Potion
- Rage Potion
- Wrath Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Well Fed
Notes: Only listing items that aren’t class specific.
Tank
Weapons:
- Star Wrath
- Meowmere
- Vampire Knives
- Lunar Portal Staff
- Rainbow Crystal Staff
- Staff of the Frost Hydra
- Queen Spider Staff
Armour:
Accesories:
- Worm Scarf
- Celestial Shell
- Flesh Knuckles
- Ankh Shield
- Paladin’s Shield
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Food and Drink
- Endurance Potion
- Heartreach Potion
- Inferno Potion
- Ironskin Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Thorns Potion
- Campfire
- Heart Lamp
Notes: Be sure to have 500 health.
Yoyo-Warrior
Weapons:
Armour:
Accesories:
- Destroyer Emblem
- Yoyo Bag
- Celestial Stone
- Celestial Shell
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Food and Drink
- Endurance Potion
- Heartreach Potion
- Inferno Potion
- Ironskin Potion
- Lifeforce Potion
- Regeneration Potion
- Thorns Potion
- Campfire
- Heart Lamp
Notes: Use of the Cosmic Car Keys, may not be that effective against the Moon Lord.
Other
Some equipment sets are not meant for fighting, but for other activities, such as fishing, building and exploring. All equipment is optional and makes it easier to perform the task, but otherwise simply use what is at hand.
Wiring
Weapons:
- The Grand Design
- Wires and other wiring items
Armour:
Accesories:
- Toolbelt
- Toolbox
- Architect Gizmo Pack
- Mechanical Ruler
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
Notes:
- If you can’t get Stardust armor, you can try Spider armor or Bee armor
- The Mechanic is necessary for most items.
Building
Weapons:
- Spectre Paintbrush
- Spectre Paint Roller
- Spectre Paint Scraper
- Grand Design
- Bottomless Water Bucket
- Super Absorbant Sponge
- Stardust Cell Staff
Armour:
Accesories:
- Toolbelt
- Toolbox
- Architect Gizmo Pack
- Mechanical Ruler
- Movement accessories
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Builder Potion
- Calming Potion
- Peace Candles
Notes: Let the minions take care of enemies so you can focus on building.
Fishing
Weapons:
- Hotline Fishing Hook
- Golden Fishing Rod
- Stardust Cell Staff
Armour:
- Angler armor
- Stardust armor
Accesories:
- High Test Fishing Line
- Angler Earring
- Tackle Box
- Angler Tackle Bag
- Fish Finder
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Crate Potion
- Fishing Potion
- Sonar Potion
- Calming Potion
Notes: Let the minions take care of enemies so you can focus on fishing.
Catcher
Weapons:
- Bug Net
- Golden Bug Net
- Hornet Staff
- Flare Gun
Armour:
Accesories:
- Flower Boots
- Hermes Boots
- Lifeform Analyzer
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Calming Potion
- Peace Candles
Notes: Let the minions take care of enemies so you can focus on catching Critters.
Exploring/Mining
Weapons:
- Bomb
- Dynamite
- Binoculars
- Flare Gun
- Picksaw
- Shroomite Digging Claw
- Rod of Discord
- Breathing Reed
- Magic Mirror
- Ice Mirror
- Stardust Cell Staff
- Drill Containment Unit
Armour:
- Mining armor
- Night Vision Helmet
- Diving Helmet
- Stardust armor
Accesories:
- PDA
- Arctic Diving Gear
- Movement accessories
Buffs/Potions/Flasks:
- Dangersense Potion
- Flipper Potion
- Gravitation Potion
- Mining Potion
- Night Owl Potion
- Obsidian Skin Potion
- Spelunker Potion
- Water Walking Potion
- Teleportation Potion
- Recall Potion
- Wormhole Potion
- Calming Potion
Notes: Let the minions take care of enemies so you can focus on exploring/mining.
Original Link – Continuation of discussion