Guide:Class setups

While Terraria has no formal player class or leveling system, weapons can be grouped into four distinct categories- Melee, Ranged, Magic, and Summoning (There is also a minor Throwing class). Each class has its strengths, weaknesses, and roles, and every class has a wide variety of weapons and tactics to choose from. As you progress through the game, every class gains more intricate and complex abilities, allowing more variety in strategy and combat as time goes on. It is advised for the player to try out every weapon they find to help determine what works for them best. It is also suggested that players learn how to effectively use buffs and potions to increase their efficiency and survivability in combat (Especially during Events and Boss fights).

Combat is one of the core mechanics of Terraria, which means learning how to properly use the weapons and gear available to you is vital to progressing in the game.

Startup Set
Before the player gets enough metal bars for armor and weapons, try not to focus on any one specific class. Instead, focus on establishing a base and exploring the world for materials and items.

Armor Weapons Accessories
 * Wooden Armor, Ebonwood Armor, Shadewood Armor, Rich Mahogany Armor, Boreal Wood Armor, Cactus Armor, or Pumpkin Armor. Each set is easy to craft and grants decent starting defense. All of the wood armors require 75 pieces of their respective wood to create (20 for the helmet, 30 for the chestplate, and 25 for the leggings). Each set of wood gives different levels of defense, 3 from the Wooden set, 4 from Boreal and Palm Wood, and 5 from Shadewood, Cactus and Ebonwood. If the player has early access to pumpkins (during the Halloween season which is October 20 to November 10) it is highly advised to use this armor set over the wood and cactus since it gives 7 defense and a 10% damage bonus to all weapons.
 * Wooden, Ebonwood, Shadewood, Rich Mahogany, Boreal or Palm Wood Sword, or a Cactus Sword. The overhead swing of regular broadswords makes flying enemies, such as Eyes and Bats, much easier to deal with, and they render the Copper Shortsword you start with more or less obsolete fairly quickly.
 * The Spear, found in Wood Chests on the surface. It's ability to hit multiple times in a single thrust allows it to deal a good amount of damage to early-game enemies. With proper aim and skill, you can "juggle" some enemies to rack up damage.
 * Wooden, Ebonwood, Shadewood, Rich Mahogany, Boreal or Palm Wood Bow. The wood bows are the earliest form of long-ranged offense players receive. They require arrows to fire. Bows are much safer to use than swords since you can keep your distance. Remember that arrows are affected by gravity, so aim upward when trying to hit far-away targets. Arrows also have a chance of being retrievable after being fired. Early on you have a few options for arrow types:
 * Wooden Arrows: Crafted from wood and stone (1 wood and one stone gives 50 arrows). They are basic arrows with weak stats, but can be crafted into more powerful variants.
 * Flaming Arrows: Crafted from Wooden Arrows and a Torch. Flaming Arrows not only have a higher base damage, but also have a chance of setting the target on fire, which deals extra damage over the next few seconds.
 * Frostburn Arrows: Crafted from Wooden Arrows and an Ice Torch. Frostburn Arrows are an upgraded version of Flaming Arrows, dealing more damage and inflicting the more powerful Frostburn damage-over-time debuff.
 * Jester Arrows: Crafted from Wooden Arrows and a Fallen Star. Jester Arrows are the best arrows you can receive at this stage in the game (And, arguably, one of the best arrows in the entire game). They are not affected by gravity, have a higher velocity than the other arrow types listed above, and can pierce an infinite number of enemies. Their downside, however, is that they have a limited range; they "fizzle" out after a certain distance. Jester Arrows can also sometimes be found in Golden Chests.
 * The Wooden Yoyo. The Wooden Yoyo is simple to craft, only requiring Wood and Cobwebs. Holding down Left Click allows you to keep the yoyo out, making it an effective spacing tool against enemies.
 * The Wand of Sparking. Wands of Sparking can be found in Wooden Chests, and is a Magic weapon made for new players. However, due to your extremely limited mana pool at the start of the game, it is wise to have another, non-Magic weapon handy in case you run out of mana.

Besides Armor and Weapons, you also have access to Accessories. Accessories have their own equip slots, and offer a variety of stat boosts and abilities. Many Accessories offer bonuses that cannot be obtained by any other means. Summary
 * The Shackle. Shackles are dropped by Zombies. They offer 1 defense. Although relatively useless alone, they can sometimes have very helpful Modifiers (Also called "Prefixes"). For example, a Warding shackle grants 5 defense (1 + 4 from the Warding prefix)
 * For those planning to use Magic weapons and are in a world with Corruption, it is worthwhile to keep a Shackle, as it can be crafted into the Magic Cuffs later on in the game.
 * The Aglet. The Aglet can be found in Wood Chests on the surface and give the player a 5% speed boost.
 * Like the Shackle, it's suggested to hang onto an Aglet, as you can use it to craft the Lightning Boots later on.

This is the equipment players should aim for before delving underground to collect metal ores. This is generally the best equipment you'll get without an Anvil, unless you find a lucky Chest or two.

Tips
 * Note the pattern of saving Accessories for the future. Many early-game Accessories can be upgraded into more powerful items. If you ever see an Accessory labeled as a "Material" in its tooltip, speak to the Guide and he will show you what it can create.
 * Since the Wood Swords and Wood Bows are so cheap to make, it may be worthwhile to craft many of them until you receive a favorable prefix.
 * Wooden Chests can occasionally contain Iron Bars or Lead Bars. This allows you to craft an Anvil from they very start and practically skip this stage of the game altogether.

Summoner
While the player can now separate into summoner class, now it may be more effective to stay in the Magic class since the summoner class still needs it's mana levels and the magic class would have a bit more weapons to attack with and more damage.

Armor
Weapons Summary A basic Summoner loadout for the early game. Summoning Potion also helps any summoner. The Angler is easy to find and helps at this point. If you want to get every advantage possible, then go Fishing and get some buffs and healing potions. Once these requirements are fulfilled, along with full health and mana, the player has no choice but to jump straight into boss fights.
 * Any armor you can get at the time, Wood armor, Cactus armor, Pumpkin armor or if a metal armor, at least Iron armor/Lead armor.
 * Crimson Rod
 * Slime Staff

Magic
Magic is the most diverse way of attacking in the game and can be used in a plethora of ways. It is highly suggested to personally experience as many magical weapons as possible because the DPS (Damage Per Second) isn't always everything in magical weapons.
 * Magic Hat sold from the Traveling Merchant
 * Jungle Armor considering you're in early game, this will be a bit hard to get.
 * Meteorite Armor is a great choice considering the Space Gun uses no mana while this is equipped.

Weapons
 * If you're lucky enough, you can go to your Dungeon and sometimes find a Water Bolt on bookshelves.
 * Any of the gem staffs can work, Sapphire Staff, Topaz Staff, Diamond Staff, Ruby Staff etc.
 * The last thing is the Space Gun can be obtained after mining Meteorite with a Gold Pickaxe or Platinum Pickaxe and above.

Accessories Summary
 * The Magic Cuffs are a good choice, as they give you mana every time you get hurt. Though, you need a Corruption world to obtain it.
 * The Mana Flower is a quite recommended, you may even use this throughout the game. 8% Reduced mana usage, and it auto-consumes mana potions.
 * The Natures Gift also reduces mana usage, but by 6%.
 * The Mana Regeneration Band Regens mana faster, and gives an extra 20 mana.
 * The Rocket Boots, Spectre Boots, Lightning Boots, Frostspark Boots, or Hermes Boots are also recommended as they allow you to quickly retreat and regenerate your mana.
 * With this setup you should be able to complete most of the pre-hardmode bosses. You can always progress the weapons, and/or reforge them if you're having trouble.

Melee Set
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary With this level of equipment, players are prepared to start fighting bosses and entering the midgame. Not every item on this list needs to be acquired, but a suit of Gold/Platinum Armor and a good melee weapon with over 20 damage is almost needed. Using Lead or Iron for armor and weapon is not recommended since it is required for boss summoning items in hardmode.
 * Gold armor or Platinum armor
 * Blade Of Grass or Muramasa
 * Enchanted Boomerang, Ice Boomerang, Fruitcake Chakram(if Christmas)
 * Spear, Trident
 * Wooden Yoyo -> Rally -> Amazon
 * A grapple hook is highly recommended.
 * Magic Mirror
 * Cloud in a Bottle
 * Hermes Boots
 * Band of Regeneration
 * Shackle
 * Aglet

Melee - Shadow/Crimson
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary This is the generic Melee set for Corruption/Crimson through the Dungeon. Seeing as it is the first mid-game set available, if you are going on a Ranger or Caster run, it is advisable to use Shadow or Crimson armor until you are able to acquire Meteor or Necro armor.
 * Shadow armor or Crimson armor
 * Light's Bane, Blood Butcherer, Phaseblade, Starfury, Bee Keeper or Muramasa
 * Ball O' Hurt or The Meatball -> Blue Moon
 * Thorn Chakram
 * Valor
 * The most defensive equipment.
 * Items that make movement easier such as, Hermes Boots, Cloud in a Bottle or a Grappling Hook.

Caster
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary The first Caster set available. Great due to the advantage of infinite Space Gun shots.
 * Meteorite Armour
 * A gem staff such as the Diamond Staff (or Ruby Staff if you have a Platinum World).
 * Space Gun (this most useful when using Meteorite Armour as is reduces the Mana cost to zero).
 * Any possible item that increases mana such as Magic Cuffs or Band of Starpower.
 * Hermes Boots
 * Cloud/Blizzard/Sandstorm in a Bottle (more useful if combined with Shiny Red Balloon)

Secondary Caster
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Full set of Jungle armor or a Diamond Robe in place of Jungle Chestplate.
 * Ruby Staff or Diamond Staff
 * Bee Gun
 * Water Bolt
 * Book of Skulls
 * Magic Missile / Flamelash
 * Aqua Scepter
 * Flower of Fire
 * Demon Scythe
 * Movement increasing equipment such as Hermes Boots.
 * Celestial Cuffs
 * A Mana Flower (its auto-consuming effect is very useful in long fights)

Final Caster armor for Normal mode. Not really much to it, just a basic Caster set.
 * An alternative to it is using Wizard Hat with Leggings from Meteor Armor, this will cause a loss of 40 mana and 3 armor, but gives a bonus of 22% magic damage(20% on mobile) and 4% magic critical chance.

Ranger - Necro
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Necro armor
 * Minishark
 * Handgun -> Phoenix Blaster
 * Boomstick
 * Silver Bullets or Meteor Shots
 * Demon Bow/Tendon Bow -> Molten Fury
 * Unholy Arrows or Hellfire Arrows
 * Star Cannon
 * Fallen Stars
 * Harpoon
 * Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield
 * Spectre Boots -> Lightning Boots -> Frostspark Boots
 * Cloud in a Balloon/Blizzard in a Balloon/Sandstorm in a Balloon -> Bundle of Balloons
 * Obsidian Horseshoe
 * Band of Regeneration

The final normal mode Ranged set, and only. Relies on great mobility given by the Bundle of Balloons.

Melee - Molten
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Molten armor
 * Night's Edge
 * Flamarang
 * Sunfury
 * Dark Lance
 * Cascade
 * Arkhalis
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Band of Regeneration
 * Magma Stone
 * Obsidian Horseshoe or Feral Claws

Final Melee set for Normal mode, great for early Hardmode as well.

Summoner - Bee
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Bee armor
 * Imp Staff
 * Hornet Staff
 * Slime Staff
 * Crimson Rod
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Bundle of Balloons
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Tiger Climbing Gear or Lava Waders
 * Celestial Cuffs or Mana Flower

First and only summoning class for pre-hardmode, relies on the great mobility Frostspark Boots and Bundle of Balloons give. Note: use Lava Waders in the Underworld only.

Melee/Ranged - Slash+Blast
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shadow armor
 * Muramasa>Night's Edge
 * Phoenix Blaster
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Feral Claws
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Sweetheart Necklace
 * Cloud in a balloon

A fast, hard to stop force. Get them down with the gun and then run in and finish them off with the sword.

Melee - Palladium
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Palladium armor, if not available then Orichalcum armor or Mythril armor
 * Phasesaber or Cutlass
 * Titanium Trident
 * Dao of Pow
 * Flamarang
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Harpy Wings or Wings of similar tier
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Fire Gauntlet
 * Charm of Myths or Star Veil

This is the Melee set for early Hardmode, before fighting any mechanical bosses. Palladium armor is arguably the best of the hardmode ore armors, and specially for tanks, as they greatly increase life regeneration when hit. Adamantite and Titanium both take great amounts of time to grind on, so it's often better to go for Cobalt or Mythril tier armor unless absolutely required, in the case of Casters.

Caster - Titanium
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Titanium armor or Adamantite armor
 * Poison Staff
 * Diamond Staff
 * Crystal Storm
 * Golden Shower
 * Demon Scythe
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Harpy Wings or Wings of a similar tier
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Mana Flower or Sorcerer Emblem

This is the early Hardmode Caster set, before fighting any metallic bosses. It requires Titanium/Adamantite rather than Palladium due to the fact that unlike Melee and Ranged, it cannot take advantage of Frost Armor and doesn't get an upgrade until Chlorophyte. Due to the difficulty of the hardmode jungle, it is almost required to have either Titanium/Adamantite or Frost+ armor to survive in it. The Poison staff, a very, VERY good Magic weapon is available as soon you enter hardmode, and is an outstanding weapon throughout all of hardmode. Similarly, the Diamond staff was an outstanding weapon throughout all of normal mode, and is also very good during early hardmode. Again, the Mana Flower isn't really necessary, depending on personal preference.

Ranger - Palladium
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Palladium armor, if not available then Orichalcum armor or Mythril armor
 * Clockwork Assault Rifle
 * Shotgun
 * Minishark
 * Party Bullets or Crystal Bullets
 * Titanium Repeater or Adamantite Repeater
 * Cursed Arrows or Ichor Arrows
 * Star Cannon
 * Fallen Stars
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Harpy Wings or Wings of a similar tier
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Bundle of Balloons
 * Ranger Emblem or Charm of Myths

The early Hardmode Ranger armor. Similar to the Melee set, it uses Palladium armor, seeing as not really much more is needed until you are able to get Frost Armor.

Summoner - Spider
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spider armor
 * Spider Staff
 * Queen Spider Staff
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Harpy Wings or wings of a similar tier
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Charm of Myths
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Bundle of Balloons

Early hardmode summoner class. *Summoning Potion is highly recommended. You need 76 total Spider Fangs to craft the Spider Armor, Spider Staff, and Queen Spider Staff.

Melee - Frost
Armor
 * Frost armor

Weapons Accessories Summary The mid-hardmode Melee set. Just a basic Frost Melee set.
 * True Night's Edge -> Terra Blade
 * Gungnir
 * Light Discs
 * Dao of Pow
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings, Leaf Wings or Fire Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Fire Gauntlet
 * Charm of Myths or Star Veil

Ranger - Frost
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Frost armor
 * Megashark
 * Shotgun
 * Party Bullets or Crystal Bullets
 * Hallowed Repeater
 * Cursed Arrows or Ichor Arrows
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings, Leaf Wings or Fire Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Bundle of Balloons
 * Ranger Emblem or Charm of Myths

This set is basically just a much more powerful version of the Ranger Palladium set, using better Armor, a better Gun, a better Repeater and better wings. The Shotgun and Repeater are mostly for Crowd Control, while the Megashark is good for everything else.... literally. The whole point of the Frost set is to tank hits and deal extremely high DPS with the Megashark + Frostburn, making it great for bosses.

Caster - Hallowed
Armor weapons accessories Summary
 * Hallowed armor
 * Poison Staff
 * Rainbow Rod
 * Magic Dagger
 * Magical Harp
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Unholy Trident
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings, Leaf Wings or Fire Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Sorcerer Emblem

More of an optional class, casters may want to opt for a Hallowed set because they do not benefit from the effects of Frost Armor, this set benefits mostly from items dropped by the mechanical bosses.

Caster - Chlorophyte
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Chlorophyte armor
 * Venom Staff
 * Magic Dagger
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Golden Shower
 * Unholy Trident
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings, Leaf Wings or Fire Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Sorcerer Emblem

Again, the Caster is the only class that does not benefit from Frost Armor, and as such must get Chlorophyte armor until they can get Spectre Armor, which is unfortunately often acquired last of the Endgame Armor Sets. As before, the Venom Staff is still a great weapon, with the Frost staff, replacing the Diamond Staff, as it is essentially an upgrade to the Diamond Staff. The Golden Shower, while still not very good as an average weapon, is still great for bosses as it lowers their defense, so that the Caster may use the Venom or Frost Staff to utterly destroy any Boss even faster than normal.

Summoner - Spider 2.0
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spider armor
 * Spider Staff
 * Pirate Staff
 * Optic Staff
 * Queen Spider Staff
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings, Leaf Wings, or Fire Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Charm of Myths
 * Bundle of Balloons

A summoner class. Uses post-mechanical bosses, items.

Melee/Range-Slash+Blast2.0
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Cobalt Armor->Adamantite armor->Hallowed armor
 * Cobalt Sword->Cutlass->Chlorophyte Saber or Death Sickle
 * Venus Magnum or Megashark
 * Flamethrower
 * Ankh Shield
 * Hoverboard
 * Frostspark boots
 * Fire Gauntlet
 * Mechanical Glove

A stronger version of Slash+blast. Works the same as the original.

Melee - Beetle
Armor Weapons Accessories
 * Beetle armor with beetle scale mail
 * Terra Blade
 * Death Sickle
 * Flower Pow
 * Chlorophyte Partisan/Chlorophyte Saber
 * Bananarangs
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings, Leaf Wings orFire Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Any 2 of: Fire Gauntlet, Frozen Turtle Shell, Charm of Myths, Star Veil

Finally the Warrior has his endgame armor... but his weapons could still use a bit of work.

Ranger - Shroomite
Armor Weapons Accessories
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Venus Magnum
 * Uzi
 * Megashark
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Pulse Bow
 * Venom Arrows or Ichor Arrows
 * Grenade Launcher
 * Rocket IIIs
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Hoverboard
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Master Ninja Gear
 * Ranger Emblem or Charm of Myths

A powerful Pre-Dungeon Ranger set, complete with the all-powerful Chlorophyte Bullets, every enemies worst fear. You click with the Venus Magnum, and things die. Can't get better than that.

Summoner - Tiki
Armor Weapons
 * Tiki Armor
 * Pirate Staff
 * Pygmy Staff
 * Optic Staff
 * Queen Spider Staff
 * Nimbus Rod

Accessories Summary
 * Pygmy Necklace
 * Hercules Beetle
 * Hoverboard
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Charm of Myths or Bundle of Balloons

The summoner just got a HUGE boost.

Caster - Spectre
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spectre armor
 * Rainbow Gun
 * Magic Dagger
 * Shadowbeam Staff
 * Heat Ray
 * Inferno Fork
 * Unholy Trident
 * Leaf Blower
 * Magnet Sphere
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Golden Shower
 * Ankh Shield
 * Hoverboard, Celestial Stone, or Avenger Emblem
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs->Celestial Cuffs
 * Sorcerer Emblem

The Hardmode Dungeon's worst nightmare. All of the weapons are useful for different reasons. Heat Ray is likely going to be your main weapon due to its versatility.

Melee - Beetle 2.0
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Beetle armor with beetle scale mail
 * Terra Blade
 * Vampire Knives
 * Paladin's Hammer
 * Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Possessed Hatchet
 * Flower Pow or Flairon
 * Chlorophyte Partisan/Chlorophyte Saber
 * Ankh Shield
 * Hoverboard
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Any 2 of: Fire Gauntlet, Frozen Turtle Shell, Paladin's Shield, Charm of Myths, Star Veil

Great for adventuring. The set just got much better with the Vampire Knives. The whole idea is to use the Vampire Knives on EVERYTHING.

Ranger - Shroomite 2.0
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Venus Magnum
 * Megashark (If possible Space Dolphin Machine Gun
 * Sniper Rifle
 * Tactical Shotgun
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Piranha Gun
 * Chlorophyte Shotbow or hallowed repeater
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Rocket Launcher
 * Proximity Mine Launcher
 * Rocket IIIs (Rocket IV does more damage, but destroys tiles)
 * Pulse Bow
 * Tsunami
 * Ankh Shield
 * Hoverboard and/or Frostspark Boots
 * Any 2/3 of: Sniper Scope, Magic Quiver, Bundle of Balloons, Master Ninja Gear

Anything that looks at this set funny dies a quick-and-very-much-painful death. Sniper Rifle + Chlorophyte Bullets = Death. It's common sense.

Melee/Range-Slash+Blast2.5
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Cobalt Armor->Adamantite armor->Hallowed armor
 * Cobalt Sword->Cutlass->Chlorophyte Saber or Death Sickle
 * Venus Magnum or Megashark
 * Vampire Knives
 * Ankh Shield
 * Hoverboard
 * Frostspark boots
 * Fire Gauntlet
 * Celestial Stone

A stronger version of Slash+blast. Works the same as the original.

Summoner - Tiki 2.0
Armor Weapons Accessories
 * Tiki Armor
 * Ruthless Pirate Staff
 * Ruthless Pygmy Staff
 * Ruthless Optic Staff
 * Ruthless Queen Spider Staff
 * Ruthless Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Demonic Wasp Gun
 * Demonic Nimbus Rod
 * Warding Pygmy Necklace
 * Warding Hercules Beetle
 * Warding Hoverboard
 * Warding Ankh Shield
 * Warding Celestial Stone

Don't deny the frost hydra's power. A decent set for bosses. Optic Staff + Pygmy Staff + Queen Spider Staff + Staff of the Frost Hydra + Nimbus Rod + Wasp Gun + Summoning Potion + Magic Power Potion = Death. Note: The Pirate Staff is only to be used on enemies that can't fly and WON'T fly.

Melee - Pre-Pumpkin Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Beetle armor with beetle scalemail
 * Legendary Terra Blade
 * Godly Vampire Knives
 * Godly Paladin's Hammer
 * Godly Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Godly Possessed Hatchet
 * Godly Flairon
 * Godly Chlorophyte Partisan/Chlorophyte Saber
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Warrior Emblem
 * Menacing Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Fire Gauntlet

All players going into the Pumpkin and Frost moons are highly advised to go for a max-damage setup. The whole idea with this set is to use Vampire Knives on everything, so as to preserve life as long as possible. Buffs are also highly advised when going into the Pumpkin Moon.

Alternate Melee - Pre-Pumpkin Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Turtle Armor
 * Terra Blade with damage modifier
 * Flairon also with damage modifier
 * Mushroom Spear or Chlorophyte Partisan
 * Warding Obsidian Shield
 * Warding Star Veil
 * Warding Frost Wings you should have had a blizzard by now
 * Warding Celestial Stone
 * Warding Frostspark Boots or Lightning Boots

There are 2 ways to go about the Pumpkin Moon: Trying to survive, and trying to reach wave 15. The first method, I suggest using the Terra Blade to take care of farther distanced enemies and use either the Mushroom Spear or the Chlorophyte Partisan to deal with large clusters of enemies. For the second method, I suggest building a platform in your arena (you should have built one by now) just above the enemies including Mourning Wood and spamming the Flairon above them, as the bubbles will absolutely make all 'dem skrubs rekt.

Ranger - Pre-Pumpkin Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Vortex Armour, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Unreal Venus Magnum
 * Unreal Megashark
 * Unreal Sniper Rifle
 * Unreal Tactical Shotgun
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Crystal Bullets
 * Unreal Piranha Gun
 * Unreal Phantasm
 * Unreal Tsunami
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Godly Rocket Launcher
 * Unreal Proximity Mine Launcher
 * Rocket IVs
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Ranger Emblem
 * Menacing Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Sniper Scope

Like the Melee set, this is also a Max Damage set. It does share most of its Acessories with the Melee set, with the exception of the Sniper Scope and Ranger Emblem. As before, the goal with this set is to stay out of harms way and snipe things with the Sniper Rifle + Chlorophyte Bullets. Sniper Rifle + Chlorophyte Bullets = Death.

Caster - Pre-Pumpkin Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spectre armor with Spectre Mask
 * Mythical Rainbow Gun
 * Mythical Shadowbeam Staff
 * Mythical Heat Ray
 * Mythical Inferno Fork
 * Godly Leaf Blower
 * Mythical Magnet Sphere
 * Mythical Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Demonic/Mystic Nimbus Rod
 * Mythical Golden Shower
 * Mythical Magic Dagger
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Sorcerer Emblem
 * Menacing Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Celestial Cuffs

As like the Ranger set, Casters stick with full Spectre Armor for Max-damage, and only the accessories change. Just shoot Rainbows and Debuffs at evil Halloween Monsters and you've got it. You may need an arena.

Summoner - Pre-Pumpkin Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Tiki Armor
 * Ruthless Nimbus Rod
 * Ruthless Tempest Staff
 * Ruthless Optic Staff
 * Ruthless Pygmy Staff
 * Ruthless Queen Spider Staff
 * Ruthless Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Menacing Pygmy Necklace
 * Menacing Hercules Beetle
 * Menacing Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Celestial Stone

Not much to be said. Summon some twins, sharknadoes, and dragons, and go for it.

Melee - Pre-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Beetle Armor with Beetle Scale Mail
 * Legendary Terra Blade/The Horseman's Blade
 * Godly Vampire Knives
 * Godly Paladin's Hammer
 * Godly Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Godly Possessed Hatchet
 * Godly Flairon
 * Godly Chlorophyte Partisan/Chlorophyte Saber
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Warrior Emblem
 * Menacing Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing Mechanical Glove
 * Menacing Fire Gauntlet

All players going into the Frost Moon are highly advised to go for a max-damage setup, like this one. The whole idea with this set is to use Vampire Knives on everything, so as to preserve life as long as possible. Buffs are also highly advised when going into the Frost Moon.

Ranger - Pre-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Unreal Venus Magnum
 * Unreal Megashark
 * Unreal Sniper Rifle
 * Unreal Tactical Shotgun
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Crystal Bullets
 * Unreal Stake Launcher
 * Stakes
 * Unreal Piranha Gun
 * Unreal Chlorophyte Shotbow
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Godly Rocket Launcher
 * Unreal Proximity Mine Launcher
 * Rocket IVs
 * Unreal Candy Corn Rifle
 * Menacing/Lucky Celestial Stone
 * Menacing/Lucky Ranger Emblem
 * Menacing/Lucky Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing/Lucky Avenger Emblem or Lightning Boots
 * Menacing/Lucky Sniper Scope

Like the Melee set, this is also a Max Damage set, though some may prefer to sacrifice a little damage for more movement. This shares most of its accessories with the Melee set, with the exception of the Sniper Scope, and the use of a Destroyer Emblem, as ranged characters no longer get a boost from the mechanical glove. As before, the goal with this set is to stay out of harms way and snipe things with the Sniper Rifle + Chlorophyte Bullets. Sniper Rifle + Chlorophyte Bullets = Death.

Caster - Pre-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons
 * Spectre armor
 * Mythical Rainbow Gun
 * Mythical Venom Staff
 * Mythical Shadowbeam Staff
 * Mythical Magic Dagger
 * Mythical Heat Ray
 * Mythical Inferno Fork
 * Godly Bat Scepter
 * Mythical Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Mythical Raven Staff
 * Demonic/Mystic Nimbus Rod
 * Mythical Golden Shower
 * Mythical Magnet Sphere

Accessories Summary
 * Menacing/Lucky Celestial Stone
 * Menacing/Lucky Sorcerer Emblem
 * Menacing/Lucky Celestial Emblem
 * Menacing/Lucky Avenger Emblem
 * Any 2 of: Menacing/Lucky Destroyer Emblem, Menacing/Lucky Hoverboard, Menacing/Lucky Magic Cuffs, Menacing/Lucky Frostspark Boots

As like the Ranger set, Casters stick with full Spectre Armor for Max-damage, and only the accessories change. Just shoot Rainbows and Poisonous projectiles at evil Frost Monsters and you've got it.

Summoner - Pre-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spooky Helmet/Tiki Mask Interchange the armor sets for max minions
 * Spooky Breastplate/Tiki Shirt
 * Spooky Leggings/Tiki Pants
 * Ruthless Nimbus Rod
 * Ruthless Optic Staff
 * Ruthless Tempest Staff
 * Ruthless Raven Staff
 * Ruthless Pygmy Staff
 * Ruthless Queen Spider Staff
 * Ruthless Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Menacing Papyrus Scarab
 * Menacing Necromantic Scroll
 * Menacing Pygmy Necklace
 * Menacing Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem

Not much to be said, either. Just murder everything with twins, dragons, and sharknadoes. Remember, there is a way to summon an extra minion. Equip the Spooky armor and summon max minions. Then finally equip the full Tiki Set and summon the final minion. Switch back to the spooky armor and you're set.

Melee - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Recommended Buffs Summary
 * Beetle Helmet or Turtle Helmet
 * Beetle Scale Mail, Beetle Shell or Turtle Scale Mail
 * Beetle Leggings or Turtle Leggings
 * Legendary Terra Blade/The Horseman's Blade
 * Godly Vampire Knives
 * Godly North Pole
 * Godly Paladin's Hammer
 * Godly Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Godly Possessed Hatchet
 * Godly Flairon
 * Menacing/Lucky Ankh Shield
 * Menacing/Lucky Hoverboard, Spooky Wings, Tattered Fairy Wings or Fishron Wings
 * Menacing/Lucky Warrior Emblem
 * Menacing/Lucky Mechanical Glove or Master Ninja Gear
 * Menacing/Lucky Celestial Stone
 * Flask of Ichor
 * Ale/Sake or any kind of potion that gives the Tipsy debuff
 * Bowl of Soup or anything that gives the Well Fed buff
 * Anything else that suits your needs!

A great End-game Melee set for whatever you want to do. Great for exploration, boss battles and Pumpkin and Frost Moons. Vampire Knives + North Pole = Death. Also, I would recommend the Fire Gauntlet over Master Ninja Gear simply for the reason that Melee players have a lot of defense and don't need to dodge attacks so much due to the self-heal effect of the Vampire Knives. Also note that if you're using this set for PvP and PvE you should have two sets of accessories: one with Lucky for PvE and one with Menacing for PvP. This is due to the fact that you cannot hit crits on other players.

Ranger - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Rapid Chain Gun
 * Unreal Sniper Rifle
 * Unreal Tactical Shotgun
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Unreal Candy Corn Rifle
 * Candy Corn
 * Unreal Stake Launcher
 * Stakes
 * Unreal Piranha Gun
 * Unreal Pulse Bow
 * Unreal Tsunami
 * Holy Arrows
 * Unreal Stynger
 * Stynger Bolts
 * Unreal Snowman Cannon
 * Rocket IIIs
 * Unreal Jack 'O Lantern Launcher
 * Explosive Jack 'O Lanterns
 * Elf Melter
 * Gel
 * Menacing/Warding Ankh Shield
 * Menacing/Warding Hoverboard, Spooky Wings, Tattered Fairy Wings or Fishron Wings
 * Menacing/Warding Frostspark Boots
 * Any 2 of: Menacing/Warding Sniper Scope, Magic Quiver, Bundle of Balloons, Master Ninja Gear or Celestial Stone

A great End-game Ranger set for whatever you want to do. Great for exploration, boss battles and Pumpkin and Frost Moons. Chain Gun + Chlorophyte Bullets = Death. NOTE: The Elf Melter is not supported by any of the Shroomite headpieces. Use the Chlorophyte ranged helmet to maximize damage.

Caster - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spectre armor
 * Mythical Blizzard Staff
 * Mythical Rainbow Gun
 * Mythical Razorpine
 * Mythical Venom Staff
 * Mythical Shadowbeam Staff
 * Mythical Heat Ray
 * Mythical Inferno Fork
 * Mythical Razorblade Typhoon
 * Demonic/Mystic Nimbus Rod
 * Mythical Golden Shower
 * Godly Bat Scepter
 * Menacing/Warding Ankh Shield
 * Menacing/Warding Hoverboard, Spooky Wings, Tattered Fairy Wings or Fishron Wings
 * Menacing/Warding Frostspark Boots
 * Menacing/Warding Magic Cuffs or Celestial Cuffs
 * Menacing/Warding Celestial Stone

A great End-game Caster set for whatever you want to do. Great for exploration, boss battles, wrecking noobs, and Pumpkin and Frost Moons. Blizzard Staff + open sky = Death

Summoner - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spooky Helmet/Tiki Mask Interchange the armor sets for max minion damage and max minions
 * Spooky Breastplate/Tiki Shirt
 * Spooky Leggings/Tiki Pants
 * Ruthless Optic Staff
 * Ruthless Tempest Staff
 * Ruthless Raven Staff
 * Ruthless Pygmy Staff
 * Ruthless Queen Spider Staff
 * Ruthless Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Demonic/Mystic Nimbus Rod
 * Menacing and Warding Papyrus Scarab
 * Menacing and Warding Necromantic Scroll
 * Menacing and Warding Pygmy Necklace, Destroyer Emblem
 * Menacing and Warding Hercules Beetle
 * Menacing and Warding Spooky Wings, Avenger Emblem

A great End-Game Summoner for doing anything without having to worry about mobs. Note: There is a certain sequence to maximize damage for your minions. Equip the Destroyer and Avenger Emblems, along with the Spooky armor. Summon 6 Minions, then equip the Pygmy Necklace and summon the 7th minion. Finally equip the full Tiki Set and summon the final minion. You can now replace the Avenger Emblem with Wings, and the Hercules Beetle with whatever is preferable. It is also wise to replace the Menacing summoning items with Warding after summoning the minions to add defense, so they retain their damage.

Builder - Early Game
Armor Weapons Items Accessories Summary A setup for a player that focuses on building in the early game. They should be building Homes to bring in NPCs. The enemies they will encounter are Slimes, Demon Eyes,and Zombies, and therefore they do not need really good gear.
 * Any armor available, builders can be fine even without armor this early in the game.
 * Any weapon should do, at least a Wooden Sword or Wooden Bow.
 * Building Blocks (preferably with some useless material such as Dirt Blocks for nerd-poling/making the base of building/etc)
 * Wood and Stone for furniture
 * Ropes
 * Any kind of Torches for lighting
 * Any accessories with movement speed or defense modifier.
 * Aglet
 * Shackle

Builder - Mid Game
Armor Weapons Items Accessories Suggested Accessories: Summary In mid-game, the builder should expand the house even more and be ready to assist in defending the base/house from Goblin Invasions, and possibly Corruption/Crimson.The builder may also start painting the house to make it look better. The builder might build an arena for boss fights, monster traps or farms.
 * Any armor available, at least Crimson armor or Shadow armor.
 * At least Light's Bane/Blood Butcherer and Gold Bow/Platinum Bow.
 * Vilethorn to hit enemies through blocks.
 * Spike Balls may be effective for invasion/clustering monsters.
 * Grenades are another good choice for clustering monsters.
 * Hornet Staff to help deal with weaker monsters.
 * Any kind of Grappling Hook
 * Building Blocks (preferably with some useless material, such as Dirt Blocks, for nerd-poling/making the base of building/etc)
 * Wood and Stone for furniture and useful items
 * Ropes or Chains
 * Any kind of Torches for lighting
 * Umbrella
 * Paintbrush
 * Paint Roller
 * Paint Scraper
 * Any Paints
 * Any accessories with movement speed or defense modifier. Preferably ones that increase mobility.
 * Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield
 * Shoe Spikes/Climbing Claws -> Tiger Climbing Gear
 * Any Bottles/Balloons such as Cloud in a Bottle/Shiny Red Balloon -> Cloud in a Balloon, and the like.
 * Lucky Horseshoe -> Obsidian Horseshoe
 * Hermes Boots/Rocket Boots -> Spectre Boots -> Lightning Boots -> Frostspark Boots

Builder - End Game
Armor Weapons Items Accessories
 * Any armor available, at least Cobalt armor or Palladium armor.
 * Some players may choose to use a Summoner armor set (such as Spider armor, Tiki armor, or Spooky armor) combined with a minion staff (such as the Pygmy Staff or Raven Staff)
 * Some players may choose to use the Mining armor for the increased mining speed; but beware: it provides a very small amount of defense.
 * Any weapons of choosing - at least early harmode weapons (such as Crystal Storm, the Clockwork Assault Rifle, the Laser Rifle, etc.) but end-game weapons that can take out several enemies, such as the Magnet Sphere, the Stynger, the Terra Blade, etc. are ideal.
 * Nettle Burst to hit enemies through blocks.
 * Some kind of minion staff - the Spider Staff is fairly easily acquirable in hardmode, but any of the end game minions like the Tempest Staff or Raven Staff are ideal.
 * A weapon that can heal you, such as the Vampire Knives, or any magic combined with the Spectre armor
 * Any of the end-game tools, such as: Shroomite Digging Claw, the Spectre Hamaxe, the Picksaw, etc. are ideal.
 * Players may want to use the various wands, such as the Living Wood Wand, the Hive Wand, etc.
 * Any kind of Grappling Hook - some players may choose to use the Ivy Whip, Web Slinger or Skeletron Hand to be able to suspend themselves in mid-air; others may prefer the Dual Hook.
 * The Rod of Discord - for getting into areas that you would otherwise have to mine into
 * Building Blocks, furniture, etc. (may want to bring some useless blocks like dirt/mud to make scaffolding, etc.)
 * Paintbrush, Paint Roller, Paint Scraper, Any Paints
 * Wrench(es), Wire Cutter, Wire, Actuators, Switches, etc.
 * Wings/Hoverboard

Any accessories with, defense, increased placement speed or extended reach modifier, such as the following:

Defense Extended Reach/Increased placement speed Accessories useful in certain scenarios Summary
 * Ankh Shield
 * Paladin's Shield
 * Celestial Stone
 * Extendo Grip
 * Toolbelt
 * Brick Layer
 * Cement Mixer
 * Ruler - to line things up on screen
 * GPS - to line things up that are too big to fit all on the screen
 * Paint Sprayer - can save you quite a bit of time

In end-game, the player has access to all blocks and accessories. The player can expand their structures using wiring, paint, and whichever blocks they wish. This is a comprehensive list of useful accessories and items for building.

Console/Mobile exclusive
These classes are exclusive to the Console and Mobile versions of Terraria, as some of the armors and weapons listed here cannot be obtained in the PC version.

Melee - Dragon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Dragon Armor
 * Tizona -> Terra Blade, improved if combined with imbugents
 * Tonbogiri, good for crowd control
 * The Horseman's Blade, pumpkins benifit from melee boost from armor
 * Vampire Knives or Scourge of the Corruptor is good for dps, and Vampire knives can life-steal
 * Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield -> Ankh Shield, for knockback immunity
 * Titan Glove -> Power Glove -> Fire Gauntlet for damage, knockback and melee speed improvments, and Fire gauntlet sets monsters on fire
 * Warrior Emblem -> Avenger Emblem -> Destroyer Emblem for increased damage, and Destroyer Emblem increases critical strike chance
 * Some kind of mobility accessory (Wings are best, Spectre Boots or Lightning Boots are also good, Tiger Climbing Gear is also nice, and if you've entered the post-Plantera dungeon, Master Ninja Gear will greatly help)
 * Any one of the following: Cross Necklace -> Star Veil, Paladin's Shield, Star Cloak -> Bee Cloak, Shiny Red Balloon -> Cloud in a Balloon and variants -> Bundle of Balloons, Sun Stone -> Moon Stone -> Celestial Stone

For mid-Hardmode to post-Plantera hardmode melee player in the console/mobile version.

Ranger - Titan
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Titan Armor (Not to be confused with Titanium)
 * Vulcan Repeater for exploding ranged attacks. Alternatively you may use a Sharanga or a Stynger
 * Sniper Rifle reforged to Unreal for maximum ranged damage
 * A rapidfiring weapon, preferably a Megashark -> Space Dolphin Machine Gun (Unobtainable in 1.2), Venus Magnum, or on the console version, the Chain Gun as the mobile version does not have the Frost Moon event
 * Archers should use the Magic Quiver to increase arrow damage and reserve arrows, gunners should use a Rifle Scope for increased view range for the Sniper Rifle and similar
 * Ranger Emblem -> Avenger Emblem is a must if aiming for damage
 * A mobility accessory like Wings or Spectre Boots/Lightning Boots will quicken movement, and Tiger Climbing Gear or Master Ninja Gear would be good as well
 * Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield -> Ankh Shield for knockback immunity
 * One of the following: Sun Stone -> Moon Stone -> Celestial Stone, Magma Stone, Cross necklace -> Star Veil, Star Cloak -> Bee Cloak, Panic Necklace -> Sweetheart Necklace
 * It helps if all or some of the accessories are reforged to have either Warding, or Lucky prefix

For mid-Hardmode to close to Post-Plantera console/mobile ranger players. During post-Plantera, it is best just to switch to Shroomite as its Stealth ability gives more damage and makes you a more unlikely target.

Caster - Spectral
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spectral Armor (not to be confused with Spectre Armor)
 * Crystal Storm; even though the rapid-firerate on the mobile is slower than on the PC, with luck it can be easily get from an Arch Demon  without a bookcase, and since Arch Demons can spawn pre-Hardmode, you can get Crystal Storm before you defeat the Wall of Flesh and initiate hardmode
 * Inferno Fork for its outstanding damage and "after blast"
 * Magical Harp, it works better on the console, but it works okay on the mobile as well
 * Frost Staff -> Blizzard Staff for good ice damage, and chance to induce slowness on enemies
 * Nettle Burst for hitting enemies through blocks
 * (optional) a backup melee weapon in case mana runs out and you didn't equip a Mana Flower, Vampire Knives are a good choice for regenerating health
 * Band of Starpower -> Mana Regeneration Band -> Celestial Cuffs
 * Nature's Gift -> Mana Flower for reduced mana usage. It helps that the mana flower automatically uses mana potions in your inventory
 * Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield -> Ankh Shield for knockback immunity
 * Wings are a MUST for the caster as movement will help dodge deadly projectiles and charges. Alternatively, you may use Spectre Boots -> Lightning Boots combined with Asphalt to to dodge attacks on foot
 * Any one of the following: Sun Stone -> Moon Stone -> Celestial Stone, Sorcerer Emblem -> Avenger Emblem, Tiger Climbing Gear -> Master Ninja Gear, Panic Necklace -> Sweetheart Necklace

For mid-Hardmode to early post-Plantera console/mobile casters. Spectral armor gives high damage increases and reduced mana cost so high damage magic weapons may be used in placed of the ones listed above. Due to the weakness of Spectral armor, however, Accessories should be reforged to Warding for more defense.

All Around - Dragon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Dragon Armor
 * Cutlass -> Keybrand -> Tizona
 * Terra Blade -> The Horseman's Blade
 * Gungnir -> Tonbogiri
 * Vampire Knives or Paladin's Hammer/Possessed Hatchet
 * Megashark
 * Venus Magnum or Vulcan Repeater
 * Rainbow Rod
 * Golden Shower
 * Accessories can be mixed, due to the fact that this class is for the all-arounder, so any five accessories listed previously will work.

For the console/mobile player who can't decide what to choose, an all-arounder class would suit them nicely. You may replace Dragon armor with any other armor of your choice, but Dragon offers lots of defense.