Terraria: Best Armor For Summoners (2024)

Boasting some of the most unique gameplay in Terraria is the Summoner Class, allowing players to rely on Summons to do most of the heavy lifting for them. Despite their fragile nature, a Summoner’s Terraria experience can be made more versatile depending on the combination of creatures they summon on the battlefield.

However, Summoners are only as efficient as the armor they wear. While the game offers players a multitude of options to choose armor parts they prefer, certain Armor Sets are just built to complement a Summoner’s spellcasting-heavy arsenal. The following examples are some of the best Summoner armor in Terraria.

Updated on October 7, 2024, by Rhenn Taguiam: Fans who want to pursue the Summoner as the main class in their Terraria gameplay might be wondering what the best gear they should wear to ensure their summon nurse remains battle-ready at all times. While Summoner-specific bonuses are locked in gear earned and crafted at later levels, Summoner hopefuls can still pursue powerful early-game builds by following the traditional progression of armor for new characters. Among these include the starter sets from some of the game’s earliest Ores, especially for players who want to start progressing into stronger Armors.

1 Iron

Perfect For Progressing As A Beginner

Despite its status as the game’s third-lowest armor tier, Iron Armor doesn’t look as weak as other lower-ranking armor in the game. Its dull gray-ish tone does imply its nature as a mundane armor, but it’s perfectly serviceable for Summoners who are still making their way through the rest of the game’s starting areas.

With 60 Iron Bars, they can technically create a full set of Iron Armor they can wear while slowly making progress throughout the rest of the title. Defeating Skeletons in the Underground can grant them the much rarer Ancient Iron Helmet, which gives players a taste of early-level grind for rarer armor variants. While not optimized for a Summoner’s kit, they’re perfect for newcomers who have to prioritize overall defense - especially for the glass cannon Summoner in earlier levels.

2 Lead

More Sophisticated Armor Variant Past Iron

Considered a direct level up from Iron Armor, Lead Armor is the fourth-weakest metal armor in the game. It takes a set of 60 Lead Bars to craft, with no rare armor variants from other creatures. Its straightforward nature means it’s a more worthwhile grind than Iron Armor, and it’s not as “fancy” as Silver and other much stronger armor variants.

Similar to other lower-level armor, its bonuses aren’t tailored to the Summoner’s kit just yet. It should be around this time that players start getting used to mining ore to smelt into bars and craft armor pieces they want to wear. This is especially the case with Summoner-compatible armor, which should have optimized pieces popping up throughout the game world when players get their Lead Armor.

3 Silver

The Armor In The Cover Of Terraria

Players who see the Silver Armor for the first time might recognize its design from the Steam version of Terraria, which features a larger-scale version of the armor as its cover art. Compared to other lower-level armor sets, Silver Armor has a more “knightly” appearance, especially with its armet-style helm that is quite unlike other armor players have acquired at the time. While not built for the Summoner’s kit, Silver Armor is worth getting for its Easter Egg value, especially with its connection to the game’s cover.

Acquiring Silver Armor is possible by using 15 Silver Bars at an Iron Anvil or Lead Anvil, making this yet another entry-level option for Summoners-to-be. While its 13 Armor is respectable for its level, players are advised to have Silver Armor as a backup full armor piece while they start finding Summoner-friendlier individual pieces they can swap for more optimized effects.

4 Tungsten

A Green Sheen Unique For Its Lower-Level Stature

As players might notice throughout their Terraria playthrough, craftable armor types follow a progression of materials - mostly “familiar” types such as Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and others. However, unique to Terraria is its inclusion of more unconventional materials - in this case, Tungsten for Tungsten Armor.

Technically an “alternative” of Silver Armor, Tungsten Armor trumps the former with a more potent 15 total set defense compared to Silver’s 13. Not to mention, Tungsten boasts a unique greenish-purple tinge that makes it among the more unique-looking armor sets for the early-level Terraria experience. This serves as a preview for Summoner hopefuls, as the design of the Tungsten Armor is a tease to the more playful designs of other Summoner-compatible armor in the game.

5 Gold Armor

Ornate Appearance Hindered By Its Rarity

In a game like Terraria where metals can be a basis for armor, the prospect of wearing Gold Armor can immediately give the idea of pristine awesomeness to a Class like the Summoner. After all, pulling off a rich vibe while summoning Minions can certainly set the mood in intense sessions.

However, despite its potent defense and +3 Defense bonus, its practicality as a basic armor can be questioned unless players acquire the full 75 Gold Bar cost. Likely, a player would already have access to a higher tier of armor by the time they aim for the Gold Armor Set. However, more careful players who take their time may see the potential benefits of Gold Armor as an early-to-mid-game armor while they’re saving up for more powerful variants.

6 Platinum Armor

Rock A Futuristic Armor For Hardmode

Players who want their Summoners to get into Hardmode with a decent starter armor should look into completing the Platinum Armor. Its 20 Defense as a set makes it much stronger than Gold, despite its rather difficult method of acquisition. Moreover, appearance-wise, the Platinum Armor rocks a sleeker, mecha-esque armored look compared to the more plainly pristine aesthetic of the Gold.

However, similar to Gold Armor, players are only advised to get the Platinum Armor if they’re confident they’re able to secure its pieces. Players will likely get lower-Defense Armor sets with more benefits earlier in their gameplay. If this is the case, it’s better to skip the Platinum Armor outright.

7 Ninja Armor

Become A High-Tech Shinobi Summoner

The nature of the Summoner’s Minions to sometimes look like turrets and mechanized creatures can give the Ninja Armor a unique future-fantasy feel. When acquired from the King Slime or Lepus, players can enjoy a +33% chance to not consume a Thrown Item and even +20% Movement Speed, in addition to an awesome-looking after-image effect.

Due to its lower defensive numbers, the Ninja Armor might seem impractical for pure Summoner builds. However, in the earlier stages of the game where armor isn’t abundant, acquiring the Ninja Armor for flavor and its additional Movement Speed can give Summoners much-needed mobility. At the very least, the armor could be a placeholder for a mysterious ninja getup while players are gearing up with higher-level armor.

8 Gladiator Armor

Add An Imperial Flair To Summons

Players who eventually get into the Marble Caves in their Terraria playthroughs may appreciate the unique appearance of the Gladiator Armor compared to other standard outfits. Acquired as a 14.29% chance drop from Hoplites, this armor easily gives players a much-deserved regal feel upon completion of the set.

Its fairly high drop rate can make the Gladiator Armor a more practical armor to build upon for Summoners instead of the similarly-rated Gold and Platinum Armor sets. The immunity to Knockback can make the Gladiator Armor a must-have for Summoners who want to get up close and personal against opponents while being assisted by their Minions.

9 Pumpkin Armor

Boost Base Damage In Early-Game Fights

Being a Minion-heavy Class meant Summoners in Terraria suffer on the overall DPS front, making the hilarious-looking Pumpkin Armor a viable asset in their runs. While the whole set costs a hefty 75 Pumpkins, being able to rock a Halloween-themed vegetable-inspired look provides players not just with a unique aesthetic versus the earlier Wood Armor or Cactus Armor, but with better defenses overall.

Moreover, Summoners may want to use Pumpkin Armor early on in their runs courtesy of its +10% Damage boost. Despite being minuscule compared to higher-level armor, its ease of acquisition and bonuses accrued can even make the weapon more powerful than Gold or even Platinum Armor.

10 Fossil Armor

Become A Ranged Attack Powerhouse

Resembling the bone motif of the Necromancer in Diablo 4, the Fossil Armor in Terraria also contains the rather horrific pretext of using monster bones as a backdrop of a menacing Summoner Armor. Players who want their Summoners to hit hard in combat may want to get the Fossil Armor, especially if they pair it with a ranged weapon due to its effects.

At its core, the main Set Bonus of the Fossil Armor gives players a +20% Chance not to consume their Ammo after firing, conserving their resources. Not only that, the Fossil Armor’s chest piece gives +5% Ranged Damage, while all pieces contribute +4% Critical Strike Chance each up to a total of +12% Critical Strike Chance with a complete set.

11 Flinx Fur Coat

Get An Extra Early-Game Minion

Players who want their Summoners to resemble Wizards from Hogwarts Legacy can opt for a traditional robe via the Flinx Fur Coat. When equipped, its wearer gets stylish purple robes with lavender fur for both the collar and the dress ends. Its straightforward but posh appearance becomes in line with the Summoner’s more sophisticated flair compared to spellcaster builds in Terraria.

With a full set, the Flinx Fur Coat lets Summoners conjure another Minion, boosting their combat efficiency with more summons. Not only that, Summoners also boost their minions’ damage by 5%, allowing them to contend with their more aggressive comrades in any encounter.

12 Bee Armor

Make Minions More Dominant In The Early Game

The insect motif of the Bee Armor in Terraria resembles the Vespoid Armor from the Monster Hunter series, especially its integration of insect parts into the gear’s overall aesthetic. The Terraria armor itself seems to boast heavy yellows with gold details, giving the imagery of a chest plate and a chain-looking dress with yellow boots. Notable to the overall design is the appearance of spiked shoulder blades and headgear stylized to look like a bee.

When equipped as a set, the Bee Armor gives players +2 Minions, in line with the swarm motif that comes with the insect. Moreover, Summons get +23% Damage, making Bee Armor users more combative compared to their peers. Lastly, using the Bee Gun with the full set unlocks the “Not the Bees!” Achievement.

13 Obsidian Armor

Makes Whips And Minions A Viable Combo

The hat-toting Obsidian Armor that players can obtain in Terriar has a striking resemblance to the Blue Mage of the Final Fantasy series, at least in terms of overall design motif. However, Summoners in Terraria looking for a change of pace may find the Obsidian Armor quite a stylish set, especially since the hat, the mouthpiece, and even the imposing backpiece can give them a more modern flair compared to other armor sets.

When equipped, the Obsidian Armor gives quite a decent slate of balanced effects to boost the Summoner’s combat capabilities. Summoners wearing this set can get an extra Minion as well as boost their Summon Damage by 31%. Moreover, players can improve their Whip’s performance with +15% Speed and +30% Range.

14 Ancient Shadow Armor

Critical Strike Chance Boost Mesh Well With Offensive Kits

The heavy dark colors of the Shadow Armor closely match the motif of the Dark Knight in Final Fantasy 14, with the red details of the Ancient Shadow Armor adding a much-needed flair to its older aesthetic. Compared to the more imposing dragon head-like hood of the Shadow Armor, the Ancient Shadow Armor has a more prominent traditional helm for a cowl that, alongside its strong reds, gives it a familiar vibrance to the supposed original appearance of marbled Greek statues of yore.

Should Summoners get the Ancient Shadow Armor from the Eater of Souls, players get +15% Movement Speed and +15% Critical Strike Chance for the complete set. Not only that, players get a special after-image whenever they move as well as change the flame of the Rocket Boots to become purple. Most importantly, the Ancient Shadow Armor’s pieces could be interchanged with those of the original Shadow Armor to achieve the same bonuses.

15 Spider Armor

Access To More Minions Enhance Summoner's Overall Combat Potential

Unlike the sleek Spider-Man suit, the Spider Armor is a bulky armor that gives players four spider leg appendages on top of stylized biological protective gear. Despite its monstrous appearance, the Spider Armor is straightforward in terms of its benefits.

The boost in Minion count enables players to be more comfortable summoning more Minions to do the heavy lifting in terms of DPS, especially against tough foes like Plantera. While simple in terms of stats, the Spider Armor is superior for Summoners versus the Forbidden Armor.

16 Forbidden Armor

Extra Minion And Storm Mechanics Add Flair To Class

Fans who want their Terraria sessions to have a more artistic take on their Summoner’s appearance could go for the Forbidden Armor, especially since its design scheme and headdress seem to reference Anubis, the Egyptian God of the Dead. When worn as a full set, the Forbidden Armor releases the Forbidden Sign companion. This companion has an activated attack that summons a Sand Tornado.

Unlike other Armor Sets that either focus heavily on Summoners or have interchangeable parts to accommodate other Classes, the Forbidden Armor can prioritize both Summoner and Magic Classes.

17 Monk Armor

Extra Sentry Cements More Defensive Plays

Despite the armor allowing players to sport the familiar look of a monk in a fantasy world, the Monk Armor has some of the best buffs for summon-heavy Terraria builds. The Monk Armor’s best feature is its buff to the Lightning Aura Sentry, encouraging builds that hold locations and eliminate enemies from afar - perfect for Plantera and mechanical bosses.

In terms of comparisons, the Monk Armor’s stats are tied close to the Squire Armor. Whereas the Monk Armor enables players to deal more damage, the more defensive Squire Armor is a better choice for often-fragile Summoners.

18 Squire Armor

Ballista Enhancement Encourages Frontline Combat

Taking on the visuals of a traditional Middle Ages knight, the Squire Armor lets players simulate the feeling of defending an area from sieges. After all, the Armor’s focus on Sentries gives the impression of players calling for fortress-defending ballista to add protections against powerful Terraria bosses.

The Squire Armor can become a decent Hardmode Summoner Armor for both the early game and specific encounters. Its focus on Sentries makes the Squire Armor an alternative to the Minion-heavy Spider Armor, giving players more firepower if they’re looking to cover specific locations in combat.

19 Shinobi Infiltrator

More Sentry Options Expands Combo Potential

Set up as a direct upgrade to the Monk Armor, the Shinobi Infiltrator is an attack-heavy gear that once again focuses on Sentries, this time giving a massive boost to the Lightning Aura Sentry to make it a more formidable force on the battlefield.

While it has higher melee bonuses than the melee-based Solar Flare Armor, the Shinobi Infiltrator’s Sentry-heavy kit makes it ideal for Summoners to wear against tougher bosses like the Golem.

20 Hallowed Armor

Invincibility Option Can Drastically Boost Defensive Options

The ceremonial gray-and-gold aesthetic of the Hallowed Armor can give players an experience akin to donning the knightly Armor Parts in a Mega Man game. This Hardmode set allows players to accommodate all Classes, with the Hallowed Hood allowing players to enjoy up to +3 Minions, with the Holy Protection buff allowing players to dodge an opponent’s second attack with a neat afterimage effect.

However, despite the Hallowed Armor having a regal appeal, its bonuses are subpar compared to other Summoner sets. On top of its overall defense being the lowest across all Hardmode gear, even the Spider Armor is superior in terms of Summon Damage. In turn, the Hallowed Armor may work better in Terraria events instead of difficult Hardmode bosses.