Guide:Class setups

In Terraria, there are many different types of weapons, armor and accessories. By combining these Weapons, Armor and Accessories in different ways, many different abilities and bonuses etc. become available to the player and may enable them to take on difficult tasks such as defeating Bosses and the Pumpkin Moon and Frost Moon. This page lists some common synergies, setups and ideal reforge prefixes. Note that these prefixes are by no means required, and spending much effort reforging midgame equipment is generally a waste. NOTE: This page is up-to-date as of Version 1.2.2

Wood Set - Startup Set
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Wooden Armor, Ebonwood Armor, Shadewood Armor, Cactus Armor, Rich Mahogany Armor, Pumpkin armor(if Halloween)
 * Wooden Sword
 * Wooden Bow
 * Flaming Arrows (or wooden arrows)
 * Shackle
 * Aglet

This is the equipment players should aim for before digging for an iron anvil. This is generally the best equipment you'll get without an Anvil, unless you find a lucky Chest or two. Cautious use of the bow can enable characters to take out enemies up to and including Skeletons, though Giant Worms pose a serious threat at this stage.

Metal Set
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Pumpkin armor(if Halloween), Silver Armor or Tungsten armor, Gold Armor or Platinum armor
 * Silver Broadsword or Tungsten Broadsword, Gold Broadsword or Platinum Broadsword, Candy Cane Sword(if Christmas), Ice Blade
 * Silver Bow or Tungsten Bow, Gold Bow or Platinum Bow
 * Flaming Arrows, Frostburn Arrows, Jester's Arrows
 * Snowball Cannon
 * Snowballs
 * Red Ryder
 * Musket Balls
 * Shuriken, Star Anise(if Christmas), Throwing Knifes
 * Enchanted Boomerang, Ice Boomerang, Fruitcake Chakram(if Christmas)
 * Spear, Trident
 * Grappling Hook, Candy Cane Hook(if Christmas), Amethyst Hook, Topaz Hook, Sapphire Hook, Emerald Hook, Ruby Hook, Diamond Hook
 * Magic Mirror
 * Cloud in a Bottle
 * Hermes Boots
 * Band of Regeneration
 * Shackle
 * Aglet

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 ranged weapon is recommended.

Melee - Shadow/Crimson
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shadow armor or Crimson armor
 * Light's Bane/War Axe of the Night or Blood Butcherer/Blood Lust Cluster -> Phaseblade, Starfury or Bee Keeper -> Blade of Grass -> Muramasa
 * Ball O' Hurt or The Meatball -> Blue Moon
 * The Rotted Fork
 * Thorn Chakram
 * Shackle -> Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield
 * Hermes Boots -> Spectre Boots -> Lightning Boots -> Frostspark Boots
 * Cloud in a Bottle, Blizzard in a Bottle or Sandstorm in a Bottle -> Balloon Equivalent
 * Anklet of the Wind or Aglet -> Obsidian Horseshoe or Feral Claws
 * Band of Regeneration

This is the generic Melee set for Corruption/Blood 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.

Caster - Meteor
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Meteor armor
 * Space Gun
 * Ruby Staff or Diamond Staff
 * Vilethorn
 * Crimson Rod
 * Phaseblade or sword of similar tier
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Hermes Boots
 * Band of Regeneration
 * Any 2 of: Lucky Horseshoe, Cloud in a Bottle/Blizzard in a Bottle/Sandstorm in a Bottle, Shiny Red Balloon

The first Caster set available. Great due to the advantage of infinite Space Gun shots, and due to this also servers as a good ranged set due to the Space Gun being rather pseudo Magic/Ranged.

Caster - Jungle + Diamond Robe
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Jungle armor, 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
 * Slime Staff (Do not grind for this! It isn't worth the grind)
 * Muramasa, or sword of similar tier
 * Band of Regeneration -> Cobalt Shield -> Obsidian Shield
 * Hermes Boots -> Spectre Boots -> Lightning Boots -> Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Any 2 of: Mana Flower(you really don't need this if you have Magic Cuffs), Obsidian Horseshoe or Cloud in a Balloon/Blizzard in a Balloon/Sandstorm in a Balloon

Final Caster armor for Normal mode. Not really much to it, just a basic Caster set.

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
 * Muramasa, or sword of similar tier
 * 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
 * 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.

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 metallic 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
 * 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.

Melee - Frost
Armor
 * Frost armor

Weapons Accessories Summary The mid-hardmode Melee set. Just a basic Frost Melee set.
 * True Night's Edge
 * Gungnir
 * Light Discs
 * Flower Pow
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen 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
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen 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 - Chlorophyte
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Chlorophyte armor
 * Poison Staff
 * Frost Staff
 * Flower of Frost
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Golden Shower
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen Wings
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Mana Flower or 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 Poison Staff is still the main 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 deffence so that the CVaster may use the Poison or Frost Staff to utterly destroy any Boss even faster than normal.

Melee - Turtle
Armor Weapons Accessories
 * Turtle armor
 * Terra Blade
 * Death Sickle
 * Flower Pow
 * Chlorophyte Partisan/Chlorophyte Saber
 * Bananarangs
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Frozen 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 user a bit of work.

Ranger - Shroomite
Armor Weapons Accessories
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Venus Magnum
 * Uzi
 * Megashark
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Chlorophyte Shotbow
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Grenade Launcher
 * Rocket IIIs
 * Obsidian Shield
 * Hoverboard
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Bundle of Balloons
 * 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.

Caster - Spectre
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spectre armor
 * Poison Staff
 * Rainbow Gun
 * Shadowbeam Staff
 * Heat Ray
 * Inferno Fork
 * Leaf Blower
 * Magnet Sphere
 * Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Nimbus Rod
 * Wasp Gun
 * Golden Shower
 * Ankh Shield
 * Hoverboard
 * Frostspark Boots
 * Magic Cuffs
 * Sorcerer Emblem

Man, this set is the Hardmode Dungeon's worst nightmare. The Poison Staff is STILL the main weapon, still having the highest DPS of all the available Magic weapons up to this point. All of the weapons are useful for different reasons.

Melee - Post-Dungeon Turtle
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Turtle armor
 * Terra Blade
 * Vampire Knives
 * Paladin's Hammer
 * Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Possessed Hatchet
 * Flower Pow
 * 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 Tank got Tankier with the Vampire Knives. The whole idea is to use the Vampire Knives on EVERYTHING.

Ranger - Post-Dungeon Shroomite
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Venus Magnum
 * Megashark
 * Sniper Rifle
 * Tactical Shotgun
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Piranha Gun
 * Chlorophyte Shotbow
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Rocket Launcher
 * Proximity Mine Launcher
 * Rocket IVs
 * 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 science.

Melee - Pre-Pumpkin Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Chlorophyte Helmet
 * Turtle Scale Mail
 * Hallowed Greaves
 * Legendary Terra Blade
 * Legendary Vampire Knives
 * Godly Paladin's Hammer
 * Legendary Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Godly Possessed Hatchet
 * Godly Flower Pow
 * 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, like this one. The mismatched armor allows for the Highest damage increasements for Melee, with only 7 less deffence than full Turtle armor. Of course, it cannot take advantage of the set bonuses, but the Turtle bonuses weren't really that good to begin with. 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.

Ranger - Pre-Pumpkin 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
 * Unreal Piranha Gun
 * Unreal Chlorophyte Shotbow
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Unreal Rocket Launcher
 * Unreal Proximity Mine Launcher
 * Rocket IVs
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Ranger Emblem
 * Menacing Mechanical Glove
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Sniper Scope

Like the Melee set, this is also a Max Damage set. Unlike the Melee set, however, it does not break the armor set, as full Shroomite is already the highest Damage Ranger Armor setup already. However, it does share most of it's Acessories with the Melee set, with the exception of the Sniper Scope, and the use of a Mechanical Glove in place of the Fire Gauntlet, it's upgrade. 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
 * Mythical Rainbow Gun
 * Mythical Poison Staff
 * Mythical Shadowbeam Staff
 * Mythical Heat Ray
 * Mythical Inferno Fork
 * Mythical Leaf Blower
 * Mythical Magnet Sphere
 * Mythical Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Mythical Nimbus Rod
 * Mythical Golden Shower
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Sorcerer Emblem
 * Menacing Mechanical Glove
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Magic Cuffs

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 Halloween Monsters and you've got it.

Melee - Pre-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Chlorophyte Helmet
 * Turtle Scale Mail
 * Hallowed Greaves
 * Legendary Terra Blade/The Horseman's Blade
 * Legendary Vampire Knives
 * Godly Paladin's Hammer
 * Legendary Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Godly Possessed Hatchet
 * Godly Flower Pow
 * 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 Frost Moon are highly advised to go for a max-damage setup, like this one. The mismatched armor allows for the Highest damage increasements for Melee, with only 7 less deffence than full Turtle armor. Of course, it cannot take advantage of the set bonuses, but the Turtle bonuses weren't really that good to begin with. 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
 * Unreal Stake Launcher
 * Stakes
 * Unreal Piranha Gun
 * Unreal Chlorophyte Shotbow
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Unreal Rocket Launcher
 * Unreal Proximity Mine Launcher
 * Rocket IVs
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Ranger Emblem
 * Menacing Mechanical Glove
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Sniper Scope

Like the Melee set, this is also a Max Damage set. Unlike the Melee set, however, it does not break the armor set, as full Shroomite is already the highest Damage Ranger Armor setup already. However, it does share most of it's Acessories with the Melee set, with the exception of the Sniper Scope, and the use of a Mechanical Glove in place of the Fire Gauntlet, it's upgrade. 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 Accessories Summary
 * Spectre armor
 * Mythical Rainbow Gun
 * Mythical Poison Staff
 * Mythical Shadowbeam Staff
 * Mythical Heat Ray
 * Mythical Inferno Fork
 * Mythical Bat Scepter
 * Mythical Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Mythical Raven Staff
 * Mythical Nimbus Rod
 * Mythical Golden Shower
 * Menacing Celestial Stone
 * Menacing Sorcerer Emblem
 * Menacing Mechanical Glove
 * Menacing Avenger Emblem
 * Menacing Magic Cuffs

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 Halloween Monsters and you've got it.

Melee - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Chlorophyte Helmet or Turtle Helmet
 * Turtle Scale Mail
 * Hallowed Greaves or Turtle Leggings
 * Legendary Terra Blade/The Horseman's Blade
 * Legendary Vampire Knives
 * Godly North Pole
 * Godly Paladin's Hammer
 * Legendary Scourge of the Corruptor
 * Godly Possessed Hatchet
 * Godly Flower Pow
 * Menacing/Warding Ankh Shield
 * Menacing/Warding Hoverboard, Spooky Wings or Tattered Fairy Wings
 * Menacing/Warding Frostspark Boots
 * Menacing/Warding Fire Gauntlet
 * Menacing/Warding Celestial Stone

A great End-game Melee set for whatever you want to do. Great for exploration, and for boss battles. Decent on Pumpkin and Frost Moons. Vampire Knives + North Pole = Death

Ranger - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Shroomite armor, all three hats, used interchangeably
 * Unreal Chain Gun
 * Unreal Sniper Rifle
 * Unreal Tactical Shotgun
 * Chlorophyte Bullets
 * Unreal Stake Launcher
 * Stakes
 * Unreal Piranha Gun
 * Unreal Chlorophyte Shotbow
 * Chlorophyte Arrows
 * Unreal Snowman Cannon
 * Rocket IVs
 * Elf Melter
 * Gel
 * Menacing/Warding Ankh Shield
 * Menacing/Warding Hoverboard, Spooky Wings or Tattered Fairy 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.

Caster - Post-Frost Moon
Armor Weapons Accessories Summary
 * Spectre armor
 * Mythical Blizzard Staff
 * Mythical Rainbow Gun
 * Mythical Razorpine
 * Mythical Poison Staff
 * Mythical Shadowbeam Staff
 * Mythical Heat Ray
 * Mythical Inferno Fork
 * Mythical Staff of the Frost Hydra
 * Mythical Raven Staff
 * Mythical Nimbus Rod
 * Mythical Golden Shower
 * Menacing/Warding Ankh Shield
 * Menacing/Warding Hoverboard, Spooky Wings or Tattered Fairy Wings
 * Menacing/Warding Frostspark Boots
 * Menacing/Warding Magic Cuffs
 * Menacing/Warding Celestial Stone

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