Terraria doesn’t have an official class system. The gameplay is dynamic and geared towards exploration, experimentation and discovery, so it doesn’t goad players into picking a class or a combat style and sticking with it. The beauty is that you can always switch between, for example, melee weapons and magic at any time – depending on your situation.
But if you’re a new player, you may be looking for some structure as you get to grips with the game. On the other hand, veteran players might also be interested in learning how to set up their character to work well in a team and maximise their combat potential. In this guide, we’re going to run through some basic in-game classes and builds to help you conquer Terraria.
Terraria Weapon Classes and Builds Explained
There are four main weapon classes in Terraria which we’re going to run through below. Once you’ve picked the one you like, you should sort your team into typical RPG classes on top of their weapon setups so that everyone can survive in a fight.
Consider who is the tank and who is the mage of your team, and think about how to protect your glass cannon, a character with low Defense that deals high damage. Having every player in one role could work with some effort, but having a spread across the weapon classes will lead to more success and tactical combat situations.
Melee
The first class you’ll be introduced to is Melee, which focuses on the use of swords and spears. Everyone remembers the first time they managed to gather enough Demonite Bars to craft Light’s Bane after toiling away with a Copper Shortsword… melee weapons are great up close, and some enchanted swords like the Starfury even have ranged effects in Terraria, making them very versatile.
If you’re rolling a melee character, it’d be good to grab the Shadow armor which gives you +21% melee speed and higher movement speed.
Ranged
Beyond Melee, the next choice is likely Ranged weapons, with bows like the Demon Bow and Repeaters and Guns available in Terraria. Handy at range and great for pushing back enemies from the rest of your team, Ranged weapons are very fun to use in Terraria, whether you want to nail precise shots or destroy your foes completely with a Grenade Launcher. Just be mindful that shooting a gun actually costs ammo, whereas swinging your sword is free. You’re going to have to be mindful of your supplies!
Necro armor is a great set for Ranged characters as it buffs ranged damage and gives you a 20% chance to not consume your ammo.
Magic
Next up is Magic — blasting bolts out of wands from range. If you want to roll like a wizard this is the class for you. A famous wand is the Vilethorn, which shoots a devastating spear that can ravage enemies as it passes through them, dealing multiple bursts of damage. If you like making a scene with elemental attacks while the rest of the team get up close and mucky, pick this class.
Jungle armor is a solid early pick for a Magic character due to the +80 mana capacity and +6% magic damage buff.
Summoning
Summoning is a niche choice but a seperate class of its own, where players can usher minions into existence and whip enemies to make their creatures focus them in combat. If you’re a MOBA Jungler or a Pokemon fan this class might appeal to you. Many of the summonable creatures like the Vampire Frog and Baby Slime are mega-cute too, which always helps! Eventually you’ll be able to summon Sharknado’s and Pirates, and command your legions against the game’s most challenging enemies.
Grab some Obsidian Armor if you’re a summoner as it will increase the max number of minions you can have, buff your damage and give your whip greater range.
