Guide:Class setups

While Terraria has no formal player class or leveling system, weapons can be grouped into four distinct categories- Melee. Ranged. Magic. and Summoning. (There is also a minor Throwing class and some playful classes in the PC version). Each class has its strengths, weaknesses, and roles, and every class has a wide variety of weapons and tactics to choose from. As you progress through the game, every class gains more intricate and complex abilities, allowing more variety in strategy and combat as time goes on. It is advised for the player to try out every weapon they find to help determine what works best for them. It is also suggested that players learn how to effectively use buffs and potions to increase their efficiency and survivability in combat (Especially during Events and Boss fights).

In general, it is recommended to focus on one class (especially further into the game), as many armors, accessories and buffs only benefit a specific class and using a mix of weapons can reduce your damage output. However having a backup weapon from another class can be helpful should the situation require a different weapon. Furthermore, each class can use at least one minion, so it is recommended to have one active at all times. Besides that the summoning class can use another weapon once finished summoning the max number of minions.

Prior to encountering a boss, set bonuses from wooden and ore armor will almost exclusively provide additional defense, and accessories will not discriminate by weapon type when giving bonuses. When combined with the general scarcity of weapons and the need to survive, there is little point to sticking to a "class" this early on. Notably, there are nearly no summoning items available at this point- only the Slime Staff. the Hornet Staff and the Imp Staff. For these reasons, players are recommended to make use of whatever they can get their hands on.