PSA: Beetle is better than Solar

[Kascin]

I've known this for some time now, but after seeing people around here constantly talking about Solar armor, it's time I get my word out here so people would quit making these mistakes.

Beetle armor is better than Solar Flare.
Why is this so? The stats of the Beetle set effects greatly outweigh Solar Flare in terms of raw numbers.
First though, let's compare their basic stats.

Beetle (with Scale Mail):

• 61 Defense
  
• +14% Melee damage
  
• +8% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +12% Melee speed
  
• +12% Movement speed

Beetle (with Shell):

• 73 Defense
  
• +11% Melee damage
  
• +5% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +6% Melee speed
  
• +6% Movement speed

Solar Flare:

• 78 Defense
  
• +22% Melee damage
  
• +17% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +15% Melee speed
  
• +15% Movement speed

On the surface, Solar Flare armor appears to be significantly better for most melee users. The interesting bit here though, lies within the set bonuses.
While in combat, constantly attacking, Beetle armor with the Scale Mail grants you the Beetle Might buff; which starts to increase your melee damage and melee speed by up to three stages of +10% each, totaling +30% at the maximum, in the heat of battle where it counts the most. With the already-existing stats of the armor, that adds up to +44% melee damage and +42% melee speed. Which is, on average, more than twice as good as Solar Flare. Wow. This pays off wonderfully when you're battling bosses or invasions, and your DPS goes through the roof the more you fight. There are many ways you can keep that damage up too.

But that's not all. Beetle armor with the Shell's set effect grants the Beetle Endurance buff, which rewards you for avoiding attacks and raises the buff to a maximum of three stages, reducing damage taken by 15% for each. As the total is 45% reduced damage, this is higher than the Solar Blaze shield that reduces damage taken by a flat 30%.

I do give the Solar Flare armor credit where it's due though. It's generally a slightly less powerful mix of both Beetle sets, with its own perks as well. You could argue that the Solar Shield is more reliable since the shield can take three rapid hits before temporarily dissipating, and the 30% damage reduction comes right back as soon as the shield starts up at stage 1 again.
Additionally, the Solar Shield can let you dash through enemies, blowing them up and granting a few frames on invincibility as you do so. But, since most of these stats only really matter on expert mode anyway, it's better to have the Master Ninja Gear which also grants you a chance to evade attacks entirely. The Solar Shield is easier and safer to use, but the Beetle sets with the Master Ninja Gear have a higher skill ceiling, so to speak.

Because Solar Flare appears to be better, it's no wonder it widely appeals to most people more than the other celestial armors, and is believed to be the "best" armor in the game purely because of its defense value. Plus, because of its utility and great upfront stats, it leads many people to fall under the illusion that they're automatically good at the game... which is of course, not the case.

On top of all this, while Solar Flare has more defense than either Beetle set, it doesn't matter in expert mode where defense is nearly useless (defense is around 75% more potent while monster damage is generally increased by 100%). Percent damage reduction, such as those provided by the Worm Scarf and Endurance Potion, are much more potent in staying alive in expert mode. So, a more skilled player would choose Beetle Shell armor in a defensive playstyle. If they plan to kill things faster, Beetle Scale Mail is more preferred.
Of course, the Beetle sets are more for players who know exactly what kind of Warrior they want to be. Solar Flare is more for those who wish to be well-rounded in their stats while not being too excellent in one particular field. If that's what you like to do, then by all means go ahead and don't let me stop you.
This isn't even factoring in all the options you have with accessories and prefixes; even then, they're still more likely to boost Beetle armor more than Solar Flare because of the simply higher percentages provided by the set effects.

So whether you're a new or veteran player who plays the Warrior class a lot, consider giving Beetle armor a try. Run through a boss or event with Solar Flare armor, then do it again with Beetle armor of your choice, and notice the differences. Of course it'll take some getting used to, but I promise you'll see some positive results.

This has been a public service announcement. Hopefully I've changed a few minds here and gotten someone to not blindly go for Solar Flare like most other people. That is, if they even bothered to read this far.

[\\ThatOneLamia]

Originally posted by Hugkyu:

I've known this for some time now, but after seeing people around here constantly talking about Solar armor, it's time I get my word out here so people would quit making these mistakes.

Beetle armor is better than Solar Flare.
Why is this so? The stats of the Beetle set effects greatly outweigh Solar Flare in terms of raw numbers.
First though, let's compare their basic stats.

Beetle (with Scale Mail):

• 61 Defense
  
• +14% Melee damage
  
• +8% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +12% Melee speed
  
• +12% Movement speed

Beetle (with Shell):

• 73 Defense
  
• +11% Melee damage
  
• +5% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +6% Melee speed
  
• +6% Movement speed

Solar Flare:

• 78 Defense
  
• +22% Melee damage
  
• +17% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +15% Melee speed
  
• +15% Movement speed

On the surface, Solar Flare armor appears to be significantly better for most melee users. The interesting bit here though, lies within the set bonuses.
While in combat, constantly attacking, Beetle armor with the Scale Mail grants you the Beetle Might buff; which starts to increase your melee damage and melee speed by up to three stages of +10% each, totaling +30% at the maximum, in the heat of battle where it counts the most. With the already-existing stats of the armor, that adds up to +44% melee damage and +42% melee speed. Which is, on average, more than twice as good as Solar Flare. Wow. This pays off wonderfully when you're battling bosses or invasions, and your DPS goes through the roof the more you fight. There are many ways you can keep that damage up too.

But that's not all. Beetle armor with the Shell's set effect grants the Beetle Endurance buff, which rewards you for avoiding attacks and raises the buff to a maximum of three stages, reducing damage taken by 15% for each. As the total is 45% reduced damage, this is higher than the Solar Blaze shield that reduces damage taken by a flat 30%.

I do give the Solar Flare armor credit where it's due though. It's generally a slightly less powerful mix of both Beetle sets, with its own perks as well. You could argue that the Solar Shield is more reliable since the shield can take three rapid hits before temporarily dissipating, and the 30% damage reduction comes right back as soon as the shield starts up at stage 1 again.
Additionally, the Solar Shield can let you dash through enemies, blowing them up and granting a few frames on invincibility as you do so. But, since most of these stats really matter on expert mode anyway, it's better to have the Master Ninja Gear which also grants you a chance to evade attacks entirely. The Solar Shield is easier and safer to use, but the Beetle sets with the Master Ninja Gear have a higher skill ceiling, so to speak.

Because Solar Flare appears to be better, it's no wonder it widely appeals to most people more than the other celestial armors, and is believed to be the "best" armor in the game purely because of its defense value. Plus, because of its utility and great upfront stats, it leads many people to fall under the illusion that they're automatically good at the game... which is of course, not the case.

On top of all this, while Solar Flare has more defense than either Beetle set, it doesn't matter in expert mode where defense is nearly useless (defense is around 75% more potent while monster damage is generally increased by 100%). Percent damage reduction, such as those provided by the Worm Scarf and Endurance Potion, are much more potent in staying alive in expert mode. So, a more skilled player would choose Beetle Shell armor in a defensive playstyle. If they plan to kill things faster, Beetle Scale Mail is more preferred.
Of course, the Beetle sets are more for players who know exactly what kind of Warrior they want to be. Solar Flare is more for those who wish to be well-rounded in their stats while not being too excellent in one particular field. If that's what you like to do, then by all means go ahead and take it.
This isn't even factoring in all the options you have wth accessories and prefixes; even then, they're still more likely to boost Beetle armor more than Solar Flare because of the simply higher percentages provided by the set effects.

So whether you're a new or veteran player who plays the Warrior class a lot, consider giving Beetle armor a try. Run through a boss or event with Solar Flare armor, then do it again with Beetle armor of your choice, and notice the differences. Of course it'll take some getting used to, but I promise you'll see some positive results.

This has been a public service announcement. Hopefully I've changed a few minds here and gotten someone to not blindly go for Solar Flare like most other people. That is, if they even bothered to read this far.

\\Pshhht, Who needs melee? Rangers are far better.

[fxnyx]

I personally dont play melee but you definitely have changed my mind about which armour is more useful overall

[lootjelly]

Originally posted by \\ThatOneLamia:

Originally posted by Hugkyu:

I've known this for some time now, but after seeing people around here constantly talking about Solar armor, it's time I get my word out here so people would quit making these mistakes.

Beetle armor is better than Solar Flare.
Why is this so? The stats of the Beetle set effects greatly outweigh Solar Flare in terms of raw numbers.
First though, let's compare their basic stats.

Beetle (with Scale Mail):

• 61 Defense
  
• +14% Melee damage
  
• +8% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +12% Melee speed
  
• +12% Movement speed

Beetle (with Shell):

• 73 Defense
  
• +11% Melee damage
  
• +5% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +6% Melee speed
  
• +6% Movement speed

Solar Flare:

• 78 Defense
  
• +22% Melee damage
  
• +17% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +15% Melee speed
  
• +15% Movement speed

On the surface, Solar Flare armor appears to be significantly better for most melee users. The interesting bit here though, lies within the set bonuses.
While in combat, constantly attacking, Beetle armor with the Scale Mail grants you the Beetle Might buff; which starts to increase your melee damage and melee speed by up to three stages of +10% each, totaling +30% at the maximum, in the heat of battle where it counts the most. With the already-existing stats of the armor, that adds up to +44% melee damage and +42% melee speed. Which is, on average, more than twice as good as Solar Flare. Wow. This pays off wonderfully when you're battling bosses or invasions, and your DPS goes through the roof the more you fight. There are many ways you can keep that damage up too.

But that's not all. Beetle armor with the Shell's set effect grants the Beetle Endurance buff, which rewards you for avoiding attacks and raises the buff to a maximum of three stages, reducing damage taken by 15% for each. As the total is 45% reduced damage, this is higher than the Solar Blaze shield that reduces damage taken by a flat 30%.

I do give the Solar Flare armor credit where it's due though. It's generally a slightly less powerful mix of both Beetle sets, with its own perks as well. You could argue that the Solar Shield is more reliable since the shield can take three rapid hits before temporarily dissipating, and the 30% damage reduction comes right back as soon as the shield starts up at stage 1 again.
Additionally, the Solar Shield can let you dash through enemies, blowing them up and granting a few frames on invincibility as you do so. But, since most of these stats really matter on expert mode anyway, it's better to have the Master Ninja Gear which also grants you a chance to evade attacks entirely. The Solar Shield is easier and safer to use, but the Beetle sets with the Master Ninja Gear have a higher skill ceiling, so to speak.

Because Solar Flare appears to be better, it's no wonder it widely appeals to most people more than the other celestial armors, and is believed to be the "best" armor in the game purely because of its defense value. Plus, because of its utility and great upfront stats, it leads many people to fall under the illusion that they're automatically good at the game... which is of course, not the case.

On top of all this, while Solar Flare has more defense than either Beetle set, it doesn't matter in expert mode where defense is nearly useless (defense is around 75% more potent while monster damage is generally increased by 100%). Percent damage reduction, such as those provided by the Worm Scarf and Endurance Potion, are much more potent in staying alive in expert mode. So, a more skilled player would choose Beetle Shell armor in a defensive playstyle. If they plan to kill things faster, Beetle Scale Mail is more preferred.
Of course, the Beetle sets are more for players who know exactly what kind of Warrior they want to be. Solar Flare is more for those who wish to be well-rounded in their stats while not being too excellent in one particular field. If that's what you like to do, then by all means go ahead and take it.
This isn't even factoring in all the options you have wth accessories and prefixes; even then, they're still more likely to boost Beetle armor more than Solar Flare because of the simply higher percentages provided by the set effects.

So whether you're a new or veteran player who plays the Warrior class a lot, consider giving Beetle armor a try. Run through a boss or event with Solar Flare armor, then do it again with Beetle armor of your choice, and notice the differences. Of course it'll take some getting used to, but I promise you'll see some positive results.

This has been a public service announcement. Hopefully I've changed a few minds here and gotten someone to not blindly go for Solar Flare like most other people. That is, if they even bothered to read this far.

\\Pshhht, Who needs melee? Rangers are far better.

yea rangers are better for dps

[syl]

omg I'm your biggest fan xdddd
sorry I had to do this.

[Sir Fancybritches Fizzlebottom]

Originally posted by \\ThatOneLamia:

Originally posted by Hugkyu:

I've known this for some time now, but after seeing people around here constantly talking about Solar armor, it's time I get my word out here so people would quit making these mistakes.

Beetle armor is better than Solar Flare.
Why is this so? The stats of the Beetle set effects greatly outweigh Solar Flare in terms of raw numbers.
First though, let's compare their basic stats.

Beetle (with Scale Mail):

• 61 Defense
  
• +14% Melee damage
  
• +8% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +12% Melee speed
  
• +12% Movement speed

Beetle (with Shell):

• 73 Defense
  
• +11% Melee damage
  
• +5% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +6% Melee speed
  
• +6% Movement speed

Solar Flare:

• 78 Defense
  
• +22% Melee damage
  
• +17% Melee critical strike chance
  
• +15% Melee speed
  
• +15% Movement speed

On the surface, Solar Flare armor appears to be significantly better for most melee users. The interesting bit here though, lies within the set bonuses.
While in combat, constantly attacking, Beetle armor with the Scale Mail grants you the Beetle Might buff; which starts to increase your melee damage and melee speed by up to three stages of +10% each, totaling +30% at the maximum, in the heat of battle where it counts the most. With the already-existing stats of the armor, that adds up to +44% melee damage and +42% melee speed. Which is, on average, more than twice as good as Solar Flare. Wow. This pays off wonderfully when you're battling bosses or invasions, and your DPS goes through the roof the more you fight. There are many ways you can keep that damage up too.

But that's not all. Beetle armor with the Shell's set effect grants the Beetle Endurance buff, which rewards you for avoiding attacks and raises the buff to a maximum of three stages, reducing damage taken by 15% for each. As the total is 45% reduced damage, this is higher than the Solar Blaze shield that reduces damage taken by a flat 30%.

I do give the Solar Flare armor credit where it's due though. It's generally a slightly less powerful mix of both Beetle sets, with its own perks as well. You could argue that the Solar Shield is more reliable since the shield can take three rapid hits before temporarily dissipating, and the 30% damage reduction comes right back as soon as the shield starts up at stage 1 again.
Additionally, the Solar Shield can let you dash through enemies, blowing them up and granting a few frames on invincibility as you do so. But, since most of these stats really matter on expert mode anyway, it's better to have the Master Ninja Gear which also grants you a chance to evade attacks entirely. The Solar Shield is easier and safer to use, but the Beetle sets with the Master Ninja Gear have a higher skill ceiling, so to speak.

Because Solar Flare appears to be better, it's no wonder it widely appeals to most people more than the other celestial armors, and is believed to be the "best" armor in the game purely because of its defense value. Plus, because of its utility and great upfront stats, it leads many people to fall under the illusion that they're automatically good at the game... which is of course, not the case.

On top of all this, while Solar Flare has more defense than either Beetle set, it doesn't matter in expert mode where defense is nearly useless (defense is around 75% more potent while monster damage is generally increased by 100%). Percent damage reduction, such as those provided by the Worm Scarf and Endurance Potion, are much more potent in staying alive in expert mode. So, a more skilled player would choose Beetle Shell armor in a defensive playstyle. If they plan to kill things faster, Beetle Scale Mail is more preferred.
Of course, the Beetle sets are more for players who know exactly what kind of Warrior they want to be. Solar Flare is more for those who wish to be well-rounded in their stats while not being too excellent in one particular field. If that's what you like to do, then by all means go ahead and take it.
This isn't even factoring in all the options you have wth accessories and prefixes; even then, they're still more likely to boost Beetle armor more than Solar Flare because of the simply higher percentages provided by the set effects.

So whether you're a new or veteran player who plays the Warrior class a lot, consider giving Beetle armor a try. Run through a boss or event with Solar Flare armor, then do it again with Beetle armor of your choice, and notice the differences. Of course it'll take some getting used to, but I promise you'll see some positive results.

This has been a public service announcement. Hopefully I've changed a few minds here and gotten someone to not blindly go for Solar Flare like most other people. That is, if they even bothered to read this far.

\\Pshhht, Who needs melee? Rangers are far better.

Non-yoyo melee is pretty ♥♥♥♥, desu.

[Eben 887]

Originally posted by AlchemistKun:

Originally posted by \\ThatOneLamia:

\\Pshhht, Who needs melee? Rangers are far better.

yea rangers are better for dps

Wrong, melee and mage always wins, from release till today+ Solar has dashing, and emits light.+ thorns.... I think Solar is more for utilltity, and beetle is for fighting.

[Kascin]

Don't get me wrong, Vortex, Nebula and Stardust have their own perks as well, but this wasn't intended to compare the Warrior to the others. More just to clear up some confusion with the armor preferences.
And this is coming from a Summoner main who doesn't care much about Warriors.

[Eben 887]

Originally posted by Hugkyu:

Don't get me wrong, Vortex, Nebula and Stardust have their own perks as well, but this wasn't intended to compare the Warrior to the others. More just to clear up some confusion with the armor preferences.
And this is coming from a Summoner main who doesn't care much about Warriors.

Still, Melee and mage all the way. I don't know while mage teams up with summoner, because summoner and range goes together better.

[Eben 887]

+ I think we shoul do this on the 'The Best Overall class?' thread.

[Pixel Peeper]

Totally agree.

I've been saying this since the Moon Lord content came out; Solar is simply not as good as Beetle in the vast majority of situations.

[PhantomDgen]

Originally posted by TheULTRA999:

Originally posted by AlchemistKun:

yea rangers are better for dps

Wrong, melee and mage always wins, from release till today+ Solar has dashing, and emits light.+ thorns.... I think Solar is more for utilltity, and beetle is for fighting.

shut up, its a thing about skills and ranged have DUH ranged atacks with give amuch more credit due the skills. while melle, ah its a tank somentimes dont worth it. and vortex have its perk (set bonuses) with give the skill to go stealh and deal a lot more damage but you get less speed. so stop saying "ah melle and mage wins" where are the arguments for saying thats true?

[Ruinae Retroque Rursus]

One: All of you, stop quoting gigantic walls of text. :P
Two: "it leads many people to fall under the illusion that they're automatically good at the game... which is of course, not the case." Someone couldn't beat the Wall of Flesh with Solar Armor.
Three: By the time you've got Solar Armor you should have your hands on your preferred weapon of choice.
Four: In Expert, melee is a rather terrible build as enemies do double damage... but with most melee weapons, you have to get close to them. Give me a Phantasm any day - but that's my opinion. (The exception is fighting Plantera :P)
Five: This will invariably get buried, so why not [advertising] post it on a small group we're attempting to create that is marginally sane? http://steamcommunity.com/groups/terrariadiscussions [/advertising] :P
Six: In large events, you'll be taking hits left right and centre, which makes Solar Armor's defense quite promising - although it would still probably be better to go with Beetle (Scale)

[Dr. Uncredible]

Cool and informative post, I approve, probably not chucking out my solar suit, but i´ll keep this in mind if I have need for something specific!

[Mr.Rogers]

Beetle Shell is worse than Solar, while yes you can get 45% in late game fights there is so much spam on the screen that you will likely be not be getting that 45% often where as solar you will be getting 30% every time its up. Scale Mail on the other hand is debatable if its better. While yes you will be doing a ton more dmg you lose out on the dmg reduction that the beetles/shield give and thats where Solar Armor shines. Its no longer a choice of defense vs offence its both and allows you to do both quit well. Beetle shell and Beetle Scale Mail do their respective jobs better than Solar but you lose out when choosing between them where Solar you only really lose when it comes to dmg.


Edit: so after some testing Beetle Scale give the Terrarian worse DPS,Beetle Scale was able to reach 9000-10000 consistently with its high being 13000 while Solar was able to do 11000-13000 consistently with a high of 15000.

[Kascin]

I suppose it's more of a profession kind of thing. In my experience, I prefer the Scale Mail and I'm more careful to dodge. That plus my fast killing tends to help me survive more.