Introduction
Terraria, the sprawling sandbox adventure game, offers a vast array of options for players to customize their character and playstyle. Among these choices is a flexible class system, albeit one that is player-defined through gear and weapon selection. One particularly engaging path is the Summoner class, focusing on summoning minions to fight alongside you. If you are looking to build a summoner playthrough, you’ll need a great early armour set.
This path of summoning creatures to fight by your side can seem daunting at first. With so many options to choose from in Terraria, how can you decide what gear you need to get started. Luckily, one particular set of armor provides a crucial power boost for aspiring summoners during the early to mid-game: the Necromancer Armor. Looking to boost your minion army and dominate pre-Hardmode Terraria? The Necromancer Armor in Terraria might be just what you need.
This article will serve as a comprehensive guide to the Necromancer Armor, covering its stats, how to obtain it, best uses, and ultimately, whether or not it’s the right choice for your summoner build. We’ll dive into crafting recipes, accessory synergies, combat strategies, and even explore alternative armor options. Prepare to unlock the power of the undead and become a formidable summoner!
What is Necromancer Armor?
The Necromancer Armor is a set of pre-Hardmode armor specifically designed to enhance the abilities of summoners. It’s recognizable by its distinct dark aesthetic, giving your character a mysterious and imposing appearance. The full set consists of three pieces, each contributing to the overall power and effectiveness of your minion army. Let’s take a closer look at each component:
Necromantic Hat
This headwear piece is the crown jewel of the set. The Necromantic Hat grants a bonus to your maximum number of minions and boosts your minion damage. It’s crucial for expanding your army and ensuring your minions pack a punch.
Necromantic Robe
The torso armor adds to your minion damage, further amplifying the offensive power of your summoned creatures.
Necromantic Pants
Completing the set, the Necromantic Pants provide another bonus to minion damage, solidifying the Necromancer Armor as a dedicated summoner set.
Wearing the complete set unlocks a unique set bonus, which is the main reason you’ll want to grab this armour. The set bonus grants another increase to your minion damage and a further increase to your maximum number of minions. The Necromancer Armor set turns you into a miniature one-person army. This combined effect makes you a force to be reckoned with in the pre-Hardmode world. The boosted minion damage, especially when combined with the increased minion capacity, allows you to deal significantly more damage per second with your summons.
Overall, the Necromancer Armor is a powerful tool for summoners, allowing them to effectively control battles and conquer challenging enemies. While it doesn’t offer the highest defense, its offensive capabilities more than make up for it. This armor set allows your minions to do the heavy lifting while you focus on dodging attacks and managing your resources.
How to Obtain Necromancer Armor
Crafting the Necromancer Armor requires gathering specific materials found within the depths of the Dungeon. The Dungeon itself is located at either the far left or far right side of your world. The entrance is typically guarded by a powerful Guardian, so be prepared for a tough fight if you try to enter before defeating Skeletron. However, to craft the armor, you do not need to fight Skeletron. Just be wary of the dangers!
Dungeon
The Dungeon is a dangerous place filled with traps, powerful enemies, and valuable loot. It’s also the primary source of the bones and silk needed to craft the Necromancer Armor. Be prepared with decent weapons, armor, and healing potions before venturing into its depths.
Bone
Bones are dropped by various enemies within the Dungeon, such as Skeletons, Bone Serpents, and Dark Casters. The drop rate isn’t guaranteed, so you’ll need to spend some time farming these enemies. Consider using a Water Candle or Battle Potion to increase enemy spawn rates and speed up the farming process.
Silk
Silk is crafted from Cobwebs, which are abundantly found in spider caves. However, you need to combine the Cobwebs in a Loom.
Gold/Platinum Bars
These bars are used to craft Gold or Platinum Chains. These are essential to crafting the Necromantic Robe. Gold and Platinum can be found in the underground layers of your world. You may need to fish or dig around to find a big vein of either material. Remember to smelt the ore into bars using a furnace.
Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials, you’ll need to craft each piece of the Necromancer Armor. The crafting process is relatively straightforward, but it does require the use of a Loom, which is made from Wooden Planks at a sawmill.
Here are the crafting recipes for each piece:
Necromantic Hat
Twelve Bone and Five Silk.
Necromantic Robe
Fifteen Bone, Ten Silk, and One Gold or Platinum Chain.
Necromantic Pants
Ten Bone and Six Silk.
To craft the Necromancer Armor, follow these steps:
First, gather the required bones, silk, and gold/platinum.
Second, place your Loom in a convenient location.
Third, open the crafting menu near the Loom.
Finally, craft each piece of the armor individually, starting with the Necromantic Hat, then the Robe, and finally the Pants.
With all three pieces crafted, equip the Necromancer Armor to unlock its full potential and embark on your summoner journey!
Strategies and Uses for Necromancer Armor
The Necromancer Armor is most effective when used with the right minions and accessories, allowing you to maximize your damage output and survivability. Here are some strategies and tips for using the armor effectively:
Best Minions to Use With Necromancer Armor
Early Game
During the early game, the Hornet Staff and Flinx Staff are excellent choices for minions. The Hornet Staff summons a fast-flying hornet that can inflict poison damage, while the Flinx Staff summons cute but ferocious Flinx, furry little monsters that can pack a punch early on. These minions synergize well with the Necromancer Armor’s damage bonus, allowing you to clear out enemies with ease.
Progression
As you progress, consider upgrading to stronger minions like the Imp Staff or the Vampire Frog Staff. The Imp Staff summons a fire-breathing imp that deals high damage, while the Vampire Frog Staff summons a frog that can latch onto enemies and deal continuous damage. These minions provide even greater offensive power, making you a formidable force in combat.
Accessories to Complement the Armor
To further enhance the Necromancer Armor’s effectiveness, consider using accessories that boost minion damage, defense, or utility. Some examples include:
Fledgling Wings: These wings make it easier to kite enemies, while still allowing your minions to attack.
Any Shield: These will help you defend against stronger enemies, as the armor has low defence.
Summoning Potion: These are consumable items that grants another increase to your maximum number of minions.
Combat Tactics
When using the Necromancer Armor, it’s crucial to employ effective combat tactics to maximize your survivability and damage output. Focus on positioning yourself strategically, kiting enemies, and prioritizing targets to ensure your minions can effectively engage in combat. Use your ranged weapons to support your minions and deal additional damage, and don’t be afraid to use healing potions when necessary.
Boss Fights
The Necromancer Armor is particularly useful against early-game bosses such as the Eye of Cthulhu, the Eater of Worlds, and the Brain of Cthulhu. Use your minions to focus fire on the boss, while you dodge attacks and provide support. With proper preparation and strategy, you can easily defeat these bosses and progress further in the game.
Alternatives and Upgrades
While the Necromancer Armor is a solid choice for pre-Hardmode summoners, there are alternative armor sets and upgrades to consider as you progress through the game. Here’s a brief overview of some options:
Pre-Hardmode Alternatives
Cactus Armor
One of the first armours you’ll be able to craft, Cactus Armour is easy to get but has low defence. It’s an okay armour to use to defeat bosses early on.
Jungle Armor
Crafted from jungle spores and stingers, Jungle Armor provides a good balance of magic and summon damage and defence, making it a versatile option for hybrid builds.
Hardmode Upgrades
Once you enter Hardmode, it’s time to upgrade to stronger armor sets that offer greater stats and set bonuses. Some popular choices for summoners include:
Spider Armor
Crafted from Spider Fangs, Spider Armor provides a significant boost to minion damage and capacity, making it a great choice for summoners who want to maximize their offensive power.
Obsidian Armor
Crafted from Obsidian and Shadow Scales or Tissue Samples, Obsidian Armor offers a unique set bonus that increases the damage of whips and other summon-related items, making it ideal for hybrid builds.
Tiki Armor
Acquired from the Witch Doctor NPC, Tiki Armor provides a massive boost to minion damage and capacity, making it the ultimate choice for summoners who want to command a large and powerful army.
Why Players Might Want to Switch to Other Sets
While the Necromancer Armor is effective in pre-Hardmode, its low defense can become a liability as you face stronger enemies. Additionally, its lack of utility bonuses may make it less appealing to players who prefer a more versatile playstyle. As such, it’s important to consider your playstyle and preferences when choosing an armor set, and be prepared to switch to other options as you progress through the game.
Pros and Cons of Necromancer Armor
Like any item in Terraria, the Necromancer Armor has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Advantages
Easy to obtain in pre-Hardmode, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
Significant boost to minion damage and capacity, allowing you to command a powerful army.
Relatively inexpensive to craft, making it a cost-effective option for early-game summoners.
Cool looking – what’s not to love about a set that looks like it’s made out of bone?
Disadvantages
Low defense compared to other armor sets, making you vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Outclassed by Hardmode armor, making it necessary to upgrade as you progress.
Requires exploration of the Dungeon, which can be dangerous and time-consuming.
Conclusion
The Necromancer Armor is a valuable asset for summoners looking to establish themselves in the pre-Hardmode world of Terraria. Its ease of access, significant damage boost, and relatively low cost make it an excellent choice for players looking to command a powerful army of minions.
While it may not offer the highest defense or the most versatile bonuses, the Necromancer Armor provides a crucial stepping stone for summoner builds, allowing you to conquer challenging enemies and progress further in the game. So, embrace the power of the undead and unlock your potential as a formidable summoner! While it’s not the strongest armor in Terraria, the Necromancer Armor provides a valuable power boost for summoners just starting out. Experiment with different minion combinations and accessories to maximize its potential!
What’s your favorite minion to use with the Necromancer Armor? Have you discovered any unique strategies or accessory combinations that work well with this set? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below! And if you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy summoning!
