Guide:Armor progression/Hardmode

Hardmode

Players unlock Cobalt armor, Palladium armor, and the slow but strong Mollusk armor. Rogues unlock the powerful Titan Heart armor, and summoners the high dps Spider armor. After defeating Queen Slime, players unlock Crystal Assassin armor.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Statigel Helm	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 46 def) Gives excellent offensive stats and strong defense.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit, 55 def) Gives very high defense and offense, with the set bonus helping greatly against single target bosses. Not viable versus worms.
Palladium Mask	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(26% dmg, 3% crit, 39 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent melee stats with 2hp/sec regen regardless of conditions.
Defensive
Palladium Mask	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(39 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent defense with 2hp/sec regen regardless of conditions.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(55 def) Gives very high defense, but decreases mobility.
Offensive
Statigel Helm	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit) Gives excellent offensive stats.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit) Gives high stats and 2 powerful minions, which do 140 base dps. However, the decreased movement speed makes this less practical than other options.
True Melee
Statigel Helm	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 10% melee speed, 46 def) Gives excellent offensive stats and solid defense, without impairing mobility.
Palladium Mask	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(26% dmg, 3% crit, 39 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent melee stats with 2hp/sec regen regardless of conditions.
Ranged
Overall
Statigel Headgear	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 44 def) Gives excellent offensive stats and solid defense, without impairing mobility.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit, 55 def) Gives very high defense and offense, with the set bonus helping greatly against single target bosses. Not viable versus worms.
Palladium Helmet	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(23% dmg, 12% crit, 32 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent offensive stats along with 2hp/sec regen.
Defensive
Palladium Helmet	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(32 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent defense and 2 hp/sec regen.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(55 def) Gives very high defense, but the decreased mobility means you may end up taking more hits.
Offensive
Statigel Headgear	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 44 def) Gives excellent offensive stats and solid defense, without impairing mobility.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit) Gives strong stats overall and 2 powerful minions, which do 140 base damage each. However, the decreased movement speed can make it less practical than other options.
Magic
Overall
Statigel Cap	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, -10% mana usage, 42 def) Gives excellent offensive stats and solid defense, without impairing mobility.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit) Gives strong stats overall and 2 powerful minions, which do 140 base damage. Very good against single targets, but beware of the decreased mobility.
Palladium Headgear	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(23% dmg, 12% crit, 29 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent offensive stats along with 2hp/sec regen.
Defensive
Palladium Headgear	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(29 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent defense and 2 hp/sec regen.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(55 def) Gives very high defense while maintaining strong offensive stats, but the decreased mobility means you may take more hits.
Offensive
Statigel Cap	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, -10% mana usage) Gives excellent offensive stats and solid defense, without impairing mobility.
Statigel Cap	Cirrus' Dress	Mollusk Shelleggings	(26% dmg, 16% crit, -10% mana usage) Gives strong magic stats along with the ability to use up to 5 Drunk Princess alcohols without getting Alcohol Poisoning.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit) Gives strong stats overall and 2 powerful minions, which do 140 base damage. However, the decreased movement speed may make it less practical than other options.
Summon
Overall
Spider Mask	Spider Breastplate	Spider Greaves	(28% dmg, +3 minion slots, 20 def) Gives very strong boosts to minions.
Defensive
Statigel Hood	Statigel Armor	Statigel Greaves	(22 def, 12% jump speed) Gives an extra jump and jump speed.
Offensive
Spider Mask	Spider Breastplate	Spider Greaves	(28% dmg, +3 minion slots) Gives very strong boosts to minions.
Rogue
Overall
Titan Heart Mask	Titan Heart Mantle	Titan Heart Boots	(24% dmg, -15% firing speed. 100 stealth, 43 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 43 def) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.
Defensive
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(55 def) Gives very high defense while maintaining strong offensive stats, but the decreased mobility means you may take more hits.
Offensive
Titan Heart Mask	Titan Heart Mantle	Titan Heart Boots	(24% dmg, -15% firing speed. 100 stealth, 43 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit) Gives high stats and 2 powerful minions, which do 140 base damage. However, the decreased movement speed makes it impractical. Also lacks stealth.

Post-1 Mech

Players unlock Mythril armor, which has incredible dps, and Orichalcum armor, which has excellent defense and crowd control.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Mask	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(19% dmg, 10% crit, 11% melee speed, 52 def) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Defensive
Crystal Assassin Hood	Crystal Assassin Shirt	Crystal Assassin Pants	(38 def) Gives decent defense along with a dash, allowing you to devote another slot to survivability. Not advisable if you want the iframe effect of the Shield of Cthulhu.
Palladium Mask	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(39 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent defense with 2hp/sec regen regardless of conditions.
Orichalcum Mask	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(52 def) Simply has high defense.
Offensive
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Mask	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(19% dmg, 10% crit, 11% melee speed, 52 def) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
True Melee
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Statigel Helm	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 10% melee speed, 46 def) Gives excellent offensive stats and solid defense.
Ranged
Overall
Mythril Hat	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(24% dmg, 21% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Helmet	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(8% dmg, 25% crit, 40 def) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Defensive
Crystal Assassin Hood	Crystal Assassin Shirt	Crystal Assassin Pants	(38 def) Gives decent defense along with a dash, allowing you to devote another slot to survivability. Not advisable if you want the iframe effect of the Shield of Cthulhu.
Palladium Helmet	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(29 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent defense and 2 hp/sec regen.
Offensive
Mythril Hat	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Helmet	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(8% dmg, 25% crit) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Magic
Overall
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 24 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Headgear	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(8% dmg, 28% crit, 36 def) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Defensive
Crystal Assassin Hood	Crystal Assassin Shirt	Crystal Assassin Pants	(38 def) Gives decent defense along with a dash, allowing you to devote another slot to survivability. Not advisable if you want the iframe effect of the Shield of Cthulhu.
Palladium Headgear	Palladium Breastplate	Palladium Leggings	(32 def, 2hp/sec regen) Gives decent defense and 2 hp/sec regen.
Offensive
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(24% dmg, 21% crit) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Headgear	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(8% dmg, 25% crit) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Summon
Overall
Spider Mask	Spider Breastplate	Spider Greaves	(28% dmg, +3 minion slots, 20 def) Gives very strong boosts to minions.
Defensive
Squire's Great Helm	Squire's Plating	Squire's Greaves	(58 def, 2 hp/sec regen) Gives high defense and regen.
Offensive
Spider Mask	Spider Breastplate	Spider Greaves	(28% dmg, +3 minion slots) Gives very strong boosts to minions.
Huntress's Wig	Huntress's Jerkin	Huntress's Pants	† (30% dmg, +2 sentry slots, set bonus) The buffs this armor set gives to Explosive Trap Cane are ludicrious, especially against worms like Destroyer and Aquatic Scourge, but require a specific playstyle many players may find difficult to adapt to.
Rogue
Overall
Titan Heart Mask	Titan Heart Mantle	Titan Heart Boots	(24% dmg, -15% firing speed. 100 stealth, 43 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 43 def) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.
Defensive
Crystal Assassin Hood	Crystal Assassin Shirt	Crystal Assassin Pants	(38 def) Gives decent defense along with a dash, allowing you to devote another slot to survivability. Not advisable if you want the iframe effect of the Shield of Cthulhu.
Offensive
Titan Heart Mask	Titan Heart Mantle	Titan Heart Boots	(24% dmg, -15% firing speed. 100 stealth, 43 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.
Mollusk Shellmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(37% dmg, 14% crit) Gives absurd stats and 2 powerful minions, which do 140 base damage. However, the decreased movement speed makes it less practical than other options. Also lacks stealth.

Post-2 Mechs

Players unlock Adamantite armor, which has excellent defense, and Titanium armor which is focused on crowd control for enemies. Melee and ranged players unlock Frost armor, which is virtually useless. Summoners and mages unlock Forbidden armor, a useful crowd control option, which rogues can also access through the Forbidden Circlet.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Adamantite Helmet	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(22% dmg, 14% crit, 80 def) Very high defense and synergizes with damage reduction builds by converting half your damage reduction into crit.
Defensive
Adamantite Helmet	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(80 def) Very high defense and synergizes with damage reduction builds by converting half your damage reduction into crit.
Offensive
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Mask	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(19% dmg, 10% crit, 11% melee speed, 52 def) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
True Melee
Adamantite Helmet	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(22% dmg, 14% crit, 80 def) Very high defense and synergizes with damage reduction builds by converting half your damage reduction into crit.
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Titanium Helmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(31% dmg, 19% crit, 9% melee speed, 60 defense) Good defense and the best melee stats availible.
Ranged
Overall
Mythril Hat	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(24% dmg, 21% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Adamantite Mask	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(22% dmg, 17% crit, 66 def) Very high defense with decent stats.
Defensive
Adamantite Mask	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(66 def) Very high defense.
Offensive
Mythril Hat	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(24% dmg, 21% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Orichalcum Helmet	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(8% dmg, 28% crit) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Magic
Overall
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 22 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Adamantite Headgear	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(22% dmg, 19% crit, 62 def) Very high defense with decent stats.
Defensive
Adamantite Headgear	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(66 def) Very high defense.
Offensive
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Adamantite Headgear	Cirrus' Dress	Mollusk Shelleggings	(22% dmg, 21% crit) Gives strong magic stats along with the ability to use up to 5 Drunk Princess alcohols without getting Alcohol Poisoning.
Orichalcum Headgear	Orichalcum Breastplate	Orichalcum Leggings	(8% dmg, 28% crit) Petal set bonus is excellent for The Destroyer.
Summon
Overall
Spider Mask	Spider Breastplate	Spider Greaves	(28% dmg, +3 minion slots, 20 def) Gives very strong boosts to minions.
Forbidden Circlet/Forbidden Mask	Forbidden Robes	Forbidden Treads	† (20% dmg, +2 minion slots, 21/26 def, set bonus) The powerful Ancient Storm tornados this set can summon, alongside its multiclass capabilities make the Forbidden sets very powerful options, and with proper play, can even surpass Spider armor, even without utilizing out of class weapons.
Defensive
Squire's Great Helm	Squire's Plating	Squire's Greaves	(58 def, 2 hp/sec regen) Gives high defense and regen.
Offensive
Spider Mask	Spider Breastplate	Spider Greaves	(28% dmg, +3 minion slots) Gives very strong boosts to minions.
Forbidden Circlet/Forbidden Mask	Forbidden Robes	Forbidden Treads	† (20% dmg, +2 minion slots, set bonus) The powerful Ancient Storm tornados this set can summon, alongside its multiclass capabilities make the Forbidden sets very powerful options, and with proper play, can even surpass Spider armor, even without utilizing out of class weapons.
Rogue
Overall
Titan Heart Mask	Titan Heart Mantle	Titan Heart Boots	(24% dmg, -15% firing speed. 100 stealth, 43 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit, 43 def) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.
Defensive
Crystal Assassin Hood	Crystal Assassin Shirt	Crystal Assassin Pants	(38 def) Gives decent defense along with a dash, allowing you to devote another slot to survivability. Not advisable if you want the iframe effect of the Shield of Cthulhu.
Offensive
Titan Heart Mask	Titan Heart Mantle	Titan Heart Boots	(24% dmg, -15% firing speed. 100 stealth, 43 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.

Post-Mechs and Cryogen

Players unlock Hallowed armor, which is heavily nerfed; Daedalus armor, which is poor; and Chlorophyte armor, which has excellent defense and offense.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Chlorophyte Mask	Chlorophyte Plate Mail	Chlorophyte Greaves	(21% dmg, 21% crit, 51 def) Set bonus gives powerful area dps and heals 12 hp every 5 seconds, that healing can be increased through buffing your damage stat.
Defensive
Adamantite Helmet	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(80 def) Very high defense and synergizes with damage reduction builds by converting half your damage reduction into crit.
Turtle Helmet	Turtle Scale Mail	Turtle Leggings	(65 def, 15% dr) Decent defense and damage reduction.
Offensive
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
True Melee
Adamantite Helmet	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(22% dmg, 14% crit, 80 def) Very high defense and synergizes with damage reduction builds by converting half your damage reduction into crit.
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Titanium Helmet	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(31% dmg, 19% crit, 9% melee speed, 60 defense) Good defense and the best melee stats availible.
Ranged
Overall
Mythril Hat	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(24% dmg, 21% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Chlorophyte Helmet	Chlorophyte Plate Mail	Chlorophyte Greaves	(21% dmg, 16% crit, 44 def) Set bonus gives powerful area dps and heals 12 hp every 5 seconds, that healing can be increased through buffing your damage stat.
Defensive
Adamantite Mask	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(66 def) Very high defense.
Offensive
Mythril Hat	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(24% dmg, 21% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Magic
Overall
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 22 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Chlorophyte Headgear	Chlorophyte Plate Mail	Chlorophyte Greaves	(21% dmg, 15% crit, 38 def) Set bonus gives powerful area dps and heals 12 hp every 5 seconds, that healing can be increased through buffing your damage stat.
Defensive
Adamantite Headgear	Adamantite Breastplate	Adamantite Leggings	(66 def) Very high defense.
Offensive
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Adamantite Headgear	Cirrus' Dress	Mollusk Shelleggings	(22% dmg, 21% crit) Gives strong magic stats along with the ability to use up to 5 Drunk Princess alcohols without getting Alcohol Poisoning.
Summon
Overall
Daedalus Mask	Daedalus Breastplate	Daedalus Leggings	(28% dmg, +2 minion slots, 37 def, 10% move speed, set bonus) Gives strong boosts to minions and a powerful set exclusive minion.
Defensive
Squire's Great Helm	Squire's Plating	Squire's Greaves	(58 def, 2 hp/sec regen) Gives high defense and regen.
Offensive
Forbidden Circlet/Forbidden Mask	Forbidden Robes	Forbidden Treads	† (20% dmg, +2 minion slots, set bonus) The powerful Ancient Storm tornados this set can summon, alongside its multiclass capabilities make the Forbidden sets very powerful options.
Daedalus Mask	Daedalus Breastplate	Daedalus Leggings	(28% dmg, +2 minion slots, set bonus) Gives very strong boosts to minions and a powerful set exclusive minion.
Rogue
Overall
Daedalus Facemask	Daedalus Breastplate	Daedalus Leggings	(21% dmg, 13% crit, 105 stealth, 41 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Daedalus Facemask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(35% dmg, 17% crit, 44 def) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.
Defensive
Crystal Assassin Hood	Crystal Assassin Shirt	Crystal Assassin Pants	(38 def) Gives decent defense along with a dash, allowing you to devote another slot to survivability. Not advisable if you want the iframe effect of the Shield of Cthulhu.
Offensive
Daedalus Facemask	Daedalus Breastplate	Daedalus Leggings	(21% dmg, 13% crit, 105 stealth, 41 def) Gives excellent boosts for players using rogue stealth.
Statigel Mask	Mollusk Shellplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(32% dmg, 17% crit) An alternative only for players who forgo stealth.

Post-Plantera and Calamitas Clone

Players unlock Reaver armor, which offers excellent defense with reduced damage, enhanced mobility, and utility. Mages unlock Brimflame armor, a glass cannon option; and Spectre armor, with great survivability and damage. Summoners unlock the incredible Spooky armor and the versatile Tiki armor. Rogues obtain Umbraphile armor, which carries until Moon Lord.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Chlorophyte Mask	Chlorophyte Plate Mail	Chlorophyte Greaves	(21% dmg, 21% crit, 51 def) Set bonus helps with both damage and survivability.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Mythril Helmet	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(22% dmg, 22% crit, 37 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
True Melee
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Ranged
Overall
Shroomite Helmet/Shroomite Headgear/Shroomite Mask	Shroomite Breastplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(25% dmg, *1.15 dmg, 22% crit, 51 def) Mixed set gives insane damage boosts.
Chlorophyte Helmet	Chlorophyte Plate Mail	Chlorophyte Greaves	(21% dmg, 16% crit, 44 def) Set bonus gives powerful area dps and heals 12 hp every 5 seconds, that healing can be increased through buffing your damage stat.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Shroomite Helmet/Shroomite Headgear/Shroomite Mask	Shroomite Breastplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(25% dmg, *1.15 dmg, 22% crit, 51 def) Mixed set gives insane damage boosts.
Magic
Overall
Spectre Mask/ Spectre Hood	Spectre Robe	Spectre Pants	(25% dmg/-5% dmg, 17% crit/7% crit, 13%/0% reduced mana usage 42/30 def) Mask has excellent dps, and you can always swap to the hood for pinch healing.
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 22 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Chlorophyte Headgear	Chlorophyte Plate Mail	Chlorophyte Greaves	(21% dmg, 15% crit, 38 def) Set bonus gives powerful area dps and heals 12 hp every 5 seconds, that healing can be increased through buffing your damage stat.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Summon
Overall
Spooky Helmet	Spooky Breastplate	Spooky Leggings	(58% dmg, +4 minions, 30 def) Absurd minion stats.
Tiki Mask	Tiki Shirt	Tiki Pants	(30% dmg, +4 minions, 35 def) Strong minion stats, along with +13 defense, 5% damage reduction, and 3 hp/second while using Leaf Wings.
Fathom Swarmer Visage	Fathom Swarmer Breastplate	Fathom Swarmer Greaves	Ω (55% dmg, +2 minions, 77 def, 5% dr, 2.5hp/sec regen) Absolutely broken defense underwater.
Defensive
Tiki Mask	Tiki Shirt	Tiki Pants	(35 def) Gives +13 defense, 5% damage reduction, and 3 hp/second while using Leaf Wings. While using Leaf Wings restricts your flight time, Tiki's minion stats enable you to devote an accessory slot to mobility if you wish.
Fathom Swarmer Visage	Fathom Swarmer Breastplate	Fathom Swarmer Greaves	Ω (77 def, 5% dr, 2.5hp/sec regen) Absolutely broken defense underwater.
Offensive
Spooky Helmet	Spooky Breastplate	Spooky Leggings	(58% dmg, +4 minions) Absurd minion stats.
Rogue
Overall
Umbraphile Hood	Umbraphile Regalia	Umbraphile Boots	(27% dmg, 16% crit, 110 stealth, 36 defense) Strong stats and set bonus greatly enhances dps.
Reaver Visage	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(9% dmg, 9% crit, 46 def, 10% jump speed, 10% flight time, 10% hook velocity) Viable for players who forgo Rogue stealth. Greatly increases mobility, including reducing the cooldown of dashes.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Umbraphile Hood	Umbraphile Regalia	Umbraphile Boots	(27% dmg, 16% crit, 110 stealth) Strong stats and set bonus greatly enhances dps.

Post-Golem and Plaguebringer Goliath

Players unlock Hydrothermic armor a generalist armor open to all classes. Melee players unlock Beetle armor, which has incredible defense and offense. Rangers unlock Plague Reaper armor, a glass cannon option. Summoners obtain Plaguebringer armor, a versatile and powerful set.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Scale Mail	Beetle Leggings	(44% dmg, 8% crit, 42% melee speed, 61 def) Excellent offensive stats.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Shell	Beetle Leggings	(73 def, 30% dr) Excellent defensive stats.
Offensive
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Scale Mail	Beetle Leggings	(44% dmg, 8% crit, 42% melee speed) Excellent offensive stats.
True Melee
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Scale Mail	Beetle Leggings	(44% dmg, 8% crit, 42% melee speed, 61 def) Allows you to melt bosses
Ranged
Overall
Shroomite Helmet/Shroomite Headgear/Shroomite Mask	Shroomite Breastplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(25% dmg, *1.15 dmg, 22% crit, 51 def) Mixed set gives insane damage boosts.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Plague Reaper Mask	Plague Reaper Vest	Plague Reaper Striders	(25% dmg, *1.11 dmg, 16% crit, 36 def) Better damage than Shroomite if you use the set bonus ability.
Shroomite Helmet/Shroomite Headgear/Shroomite Mask	Shroomite Breastplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(25% dmg, *1.15 dmg, 22% crit, 51 def) Mixed set gives insane damage boosts.
Magic
Overall
Dark Artist's Hat	Dark Artist's Robes	Dark Artist's Leggings	(25% mage dmg, 25% crit, -15% mana usage, +3 sentries, 42 def) Gives good stats and sentry slots that greatly increase dps.
Spectre Mask/ Spectre Hood	Spectre Robe	Spectre Pants	(25% dmg/-5% dmg, 17% crit/7% crit, 13%/0% reduced mana usage 42/30 def) Mask has excellent dps, and you can always swap to the hood for pinch healing.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Dark Artist's Hat	Dark Artist's Robes	Dark Artist's Leggings	(25% mage dmg, 25% crit, -15% mana usage, + 3sentries, 42 def) Gives good stats and sentry slots that greatly increase dps.
Mythril Hood	Mythril Chainmail	Mythril Greaves	(27% dmg, 14% crit, 27 def) Gives good stats and a set bonus that massively increases dps.
Summon
Overall
Plaguebringer Visor	Plaguebringer Carapace	Plaguebringer Pistons	(40% dmg, +3 minions, 32 def) Gives a dash and causes it to buff summon damage by a flat 10 to 20, making it the best offensively and mobility wise.
Hydrothermic Hood	Hydrothermic Armor	Hydrothermic Subligar	(53% dmg, +2 minions, 40 def, set bonus) Performing best on Lunatic Cultist, Hydrothermic's Hydrothermic Vent minion is nothing to scoff at, easily shredding this frequently stationary boss, and the set overall serving as the best option until the player beats the Plaguebringer Goliath.
Defensive
Valhalla Knight's Helm	Valhalla Knight's Breastplate	Valhalla Knight's Greaves	(68 def, 4 hp/sec regen) Strong defense and regen.
Offensive
Plaguebringer Visor	Plaguebringer Carapace	Plaguebringer Pistons	(40% dmg, +3 minions, 32 def) Set bonus minion increases summon damage as well as doing damage, giving it higher dps than Spooky armor.
Hydrothermic Hood	Hydrothermic Armor	Hydrothermic Subligar	(53% dmg, +2 minions, 40 def, set bonus) Performing best on Lunatic Cultist, Hydrothermic's Hydrothermic Vent minion is nothing to scoff at, easily shredding this frequently stationary boss, and the set overall serving as the best option until the player beats the Plaguebringer Goliath.
Red Riding Hood	Red Riding Dress	Red Riding Leggings	† (60% dmg, +3 sentries, +20% ms, set bonus) The buffs this armor set gives to Explosive Trap Staff are ludicrious, easily overperforming on Astrum Deus, Lunatic Cultist, and Ravager, and even decently on Duke Fishron and the Plaguebringer Goliath, but requires a specific playstyle many players may find difficult to adapt to.
Rogue
Overall
Umbraphile Hood	Umbraphile Regalia	Umbraphile Boots	(27% dmg, 16% crit, 110 stealth, 36 defense) Strong stats and set bonus greatly enhances dps.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Umbraphile Hood	Umbraphile Regalia	Umbraphile Boots	(27% dmg, 16% crit, 110 stealth) Strong stats and set bonus greatly enhances dps.

Pre Moon Lord

Players unlock Astral armor, a generalist armor open to all classes featuring strong stats.

Head	Chest	Legs	Notes
Melee
Overall
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Scale Mail	Beetle Leggings	(44% dmg, 8% crit, 42% melee speed, 61 def) Excellent offensive stats.
Astral Helm	Astral Breastplate	Astral Leggings	(35% dmg, 25% crit, +3 minion slots 63 def) Excellent offensive stats, superior to Beetle if you do not need melee speed.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Shell	Beetle Leggings	(73 def, 30% dr) Excellent defensive stats.
Offensive
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Scale Mail	Beetle Leggings	(44% dmg, 8% crit, 42% melee speed) Excellent offensive stats.
Astral Helm	Astral Breastplate	Astral Leggings	(35% dmg, 25% crit, +3 minion slots 63 def) Excellent offensive stats, superior to Beetle if you do not need melee speed.
True Melee
Beetle Helmet	Beetle Scale Mail	Beetle Leggings	(44% dmg, 8% crit, 42% melee speed, 61 def) Allows you to melt bosses
Ranged
Overall
Shroomite Helmet/Shroomite Headgear/Shroomite Mask	Shroomite Breastplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(25% dmg, *1.15 dmg, 22% crit, 51 def) Mixed set gives insane damage boosts.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Plague Reaper Mask	Plague Reaper Vest	Plague Reaper Striders	(25% dmg, *1.11 dmg, 16% crit, 36 def) Better damage than Shroomite if you use the set bonus ability.
Shroomite Helmet/Shroomite Headgear/Shroomite Mask	Shroomite Breastplate	Mollusk Shelleggings	(25% dmg, *1.15 dmg, 22% crit, 51 def) Mixed set gives insane damage boosts.
Magic
Overall
Astral Helm	Astral Breastplate	Astral Leggings	(35% dmg, 25% crit, +3 minion slots, 63 def) Excellent offensive stats, good defense, and minion slots.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Astral Helm	Astral Breastplate	Astral Leggings	(35% dmg, 25% crit, +3 minion slots, 63 def) Excellent offensive stats and gives minion slots.
Summon
Overall
Plaguebringer Visor	Plaguebringer Carapace	Plaguebringer Pistons	(40% dmg, +3 minions, 32 def) Gives a dash and causes it to buff summon damage by a flat 10 to 20, making it the best offensively and mobility wise.
Hydrothermic Hood	Hydrothermic Armor	Hydrothermic Subligar	(53% dmg, +2 minions, 40 def, set bonus) Hydrothermic's Hydrothermic Vent minion is very strong, causing the armor to outperform what its stats may suggest. It also has better defense than Plaguebringer, making it strong all-around.
Defensive
Valhalla Knight's Helm	Valhalla Knight's Breastplate	Valhalla Knight's Greaves	(68 def, 4 hp/sec regen) Very high defense and regen, but no minion slots.
Offensive
Plaguebringer Visor	Plaguebringer Carapace	Plaguebringer Pistons	(40% dmg, +10-20 dmg, +3 minions, 32 def) Set bonus minion increases summon damage as well as doing damage and inflicting plague, giving it higher dps than Spooky armor.
Hydrothermic Hood	Hydrothermic Armor	Hydrothermic Subligar	† (53% dmg, +2 minions, 40 def, set bonus) If you have good awareness of both your own and the boss's movement and location, Hydrothermic's Hydrothermic Vent minion allows it to out-DPS Plaguebringer armor even though the stats of the armor suggest otherwise.
Rogue
Overall
Umbraphile Hood	Umbraphile Regalia	Umbraphile Boots	(27% dmg, 16% crit, 110 stealth, 36 defense) Strong stats and set bonus greatly enhances dps.
Defensive
Reaver Helm	Reaver Scale Mail	Reaver Cuisses	(73 def, 15% DR, 2.5 hp/sec regen) Powerful defense with a 10% chance to lifesteal for 20% of the projectiles damage, capped at 10 hp.
Offensive
Umbraphile Hood	Umbraphile Regalia	Umbraphile Boots	(27% dmg, 16% crit, 110 stealth) Strong stats and set bonus greatly enhances dps.