Terraria: Best Magic Build In Terraria 1.4 (2024)

With the console release of Terraria 1.4 hopefully just around the corner, here's a closer look at the best Magic/Mage build available in the newest version of Terraria. The Mage build relies on high mana or max mana regeneration, a wide array of different weapons and accessories, and a playstyle that turns your character into a glass cannon.

RELATED: The Best Armor Sets In Terraria (And How To Get Them)

Getting access to the best mage items is more likely after defeating the Wall of Flesh, but there are still some interesting approaches to take with a mage build Pre-Hardmode. Here's our build guide.

Updated March 5, 2023: Even after the supposed end of Terraria, the game still keeps getting updated. To that end, we've gone over this guide to make sure you have all the best information you need when crafting a magic build.

Pre-Hardmode Mage Build

There's one thing to remember about building a mage in Pre-Hardmode: you really need max mana to be able to get the most out of the weapons. Once you have the mana then you can start thinking about which items and weapons are best.

Best Pre-Hardmode Mage Weapons

One of the best aspects of the mage build in Terraria is its versatility. A sword chops (which works perfectly fine in Terraria) and a bow-and-arrow fires, but the mage has all sorts of abilities available. The Water Bolt, for example, fires a ricocheting channel of blue light that pierces multiple enemies. Or you could use the Magic Missile, a weapon that will home in on your enemies.

We recommend:

• The Water Bolt, found in the Dungeon on bookshelves. Before 1.4, getting the Water Bolt as a mage was much easier, as the bolt sometimes spawned on top-level bookshelves. This is no longer the case.
• Flamelash, found in the Underworld's Shadow Chests.
• Space Gun, crafted from Meteorite bars. Arguably one of the best mage weapons in Terraria, at least before Hardmode. If you craft a full set of Meteor Armor, the gun costs no mana to fire.
• Magic Missile, found in locked Gold Dungeon chests.

Best Pre-Hardmode Mage Armor

The mage build is heavily reliant on armor sets in Pre-Hardmode. The key is to have plenty of mana, otherwise, you will have to switch out to other weapons. While this is okay at the start of the game (enemies and bosses aren't too strong), it's still a good idea to aim for a set of Jungle Armor, that increases the amount of max mana by eight and reduces mana usage by 16 percent. There are some other options, too - we recommend:

• Meteor Armor, crafted from Meteorite bars, reduces the mana cost of the Space Gun to zero.
• The Wizard Set, any Wizard hat or colored Robe, increases mana by 60 overall and a ten percent critical damage chance. Not the best suit of armor for defensiveness, though, due to its low defense rating.
• Jungle Armor, crafted with Jungle Spores and Vine, is probably the best Pre-Hardmode mage armor.

The Jungle Armor set can be interchanged from items in the Ancient Cobalt armor set, which is dropped by Hornets and Man-Eaters in the Jungle biome. The two armors have identical stats but have a different aesthetic when each set is worn. You can also wear a Wizard hat with any of the armor sets if you want to boost your damage slightly.

Best Pre-Hardmode Mage Accessories

Like the other builds, there aren't many options when it comes to accessories in this early stage of the game. That being said, there are still some important accessories to look out for if you want to build the optimum Pre-Hardmode mage.

• The Celestial Cuffs are the best option, crafted at a Tinkerer's station with a Celestial Magnet and Magic Cuffs. This increases the range of Mana star pick-up and restores mana whenever the player is damaged. They also provide a flat 20 mana increase.
  • The Celestial Magnet is purchased from the Traveling Merchant.
  • Magic Cuffs are crafted from a Shackle and a Mana Regeneration Band at a Tinkerer's Workshop.

The other best mage accessories in Terraria pre-Hardmode are:

• Mana Flower, crafted with Nature's Gift and a mana potion at the Tinkerer's Workshop, reduces mana usage by 8 percent.
• Magnet Flower, crafted with a Mana Flower and Celestial Magnet at the Tinkerer's Workshop, reduces mana usage by 8 percent and automatically consumes mana potions when needed.

The player should also carry around plenty of mana potions, even if they don't have these accessories. Mana Regeneration potions and Magic Power potions are the best Pre-Hardmode potions for a mage.

Hardmode Mage Build

After the player defeats the Wall of Flesh, Terraria really starts to open up. The initial struggle with the new enemies and more difficult biomes is soon replaced with an arsenal of powerful gear. At this point in the game (just before the player takes down the mechanical bosses) and later into progression, it's essential to pick a class. Armor sets and accessories now begin to have very specific roles.

Best Hardmode Mage Weapons

Hardmode is divided up into several smaller sections of progression, such as when the player first defeats a mechanical boss, takes down Plantera, or defeats the Golem in the Jungle Temple.

Our first weapon of choice is the Nimbus Rod. Dropped by Angry Nimbus clouds during rain, this weapon spawns a cloud that rains down consistent damage on your foes. This weapon will make defeating The Destroyer much easier and can even be used later in the game during the Celestial Pillar fights. The Nimbus Rod is probably one of the best Mage weapons in the game.

Other great options in Hardmode include:

• The Sky Fracture, which is crafted at a Hardmode anvil with the Magic Missile, Light Shards, and Souls of Light (Earlygame).
• The Spectre Staff is dropped by Ragged Casters in the Dungeon after defeating Plantera (Mid-game).
• The Razorpine has a seven percent chance to be dropped by Everscream during the Frost Moon event (Mid-game).
• The Nebula Blaze is an Endgame item crafted with Nebula Fragments at an Ancient Manipulator (Endgame).

Best Hardmode Mage Armor

Almost any armor that is crafted from Hardmode bars is a good choice at the very beginning of Hardmode. A player requires that extra defense just to survive the onslaught of powerful enemies. Later in the game, you can start to experiment with different armor sets and their bonuses. Adamantine Armor is the best armor set for mages early in Hardmode as it reduces mana usage.

Other options include:

• Hallowed Armor with a Hallowed Headgear, which is crafted from Hallowed Bars (increases maximum mana by 100).
• Chlorophyte Armor with Chlorophyte Headgear, which is crafted from Chlorophyte Bars (a direct upgrade from Hallowed Armor).
• Spectre Armor, crafted with Chlorophyte Bars, Spectre Bars, and Ectoplasm, increases magic damage, can heal you, and causes area-of-effect damage.

Best Hardmode Mage Accessories

The accessories in Hardmode let a player finetune their build. Some of those pre-Hardmode accessories, specifically the Celestial Cuffs, will still be useful in Hardmode. You should hold onto all your accessories in an organized chest.

There are a few other options to consider, such as the Mana Cloak, crafted with a Mana Flower and Star Cloak, or the Sorcerer Emblem which is dropped by the Wall of Flesh and increases magic damage by 15 percent. You should also check out the Celestial Emblem, crafted at a Tinkerer's Workshop, this item increases magic damage by 15 percent.

Other Things To Consider With A Mage Build

Hardmode Terraria is full of different accessories, Wings, and mounts that can complement a Mage build. Some accessories, like the Celestial Shell, are useful for every class. Wings, like the Fishron Wings, can be the make or break in a late-game boss fight. You should experiment with the different items available and figure out the way you like to play.

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