I'll probably update the main thread later with this, but since Terraria is still up to hotfixes, I'll do a quick rundown for now:
Current tested version: 1.4.0.5
As far I've tested, this is my current pre-ML build that I've found the most useful against Expert Moon Lord:
View attachment 276896
Armor:
- The Squire's Great Helm and the Chlorophyte Mask were already in competition against each other, and now both have been nerved. Personally, I think having more defence is more useful than relying on the Squire's life regen to make up for it. Thus so far, Hallowed Mask with 24 defence has earned it's top spot. (It also was the most offensive melee helmet as well, lol)
- Valhalla's Chestpiece may no longer be broken, but it's still viable to use, it's however more in competition with Beetle Armor's set bonus though.
- The Valhalla Leggings have been buffed in defence, and may have become the most defensive leggings so far. Which makes up for the lost defence of the Chestpiece.
Overall, this set works pretty well, but it comes in competition with Beetle Armor's set bonus with Shell. Both rely on not getting hit too much to work efficient.
For Master Mode, I certainely recommend Beetle Armor. As the damage reduction scales with the damage, where life regen remains the same.
Accessoires:
A rundown of probably major accessoires to use:
- Celestial Shell, Cross Necklace and Worm Scarf remain as they are.
- The Frozen Shield may have become my favorite shield by now. Immumity to Knockback, 6 defence and extra damage resistence after reaching half health is very welcoming.
As for other possible options:
- Flesh Knuckles and it's tinkers are decent options as well. 7 extra raw defence is already enough to make up the loss of Celestial Stone stacking.
- This part may become a bit luck-reliable, but the Brain of Confusion and the Black Belt work really well as dodging accessoires, you also get extra immumity frames if you're wearing the Cross Necklace as well. Even just having 1 dodge may already make up for other accessoires it could've used instead.
- Ankh Shield can prove it's use in Expert/Master Mode against debuffs, but the Paladin Shield and it's tinkers tops it's other uses, good thing that it's a vanity accessoire, so you can swap it out whenever needed.
- The Shiny Stone, It's cooldown after getting hit is much shorter than I expected, and with the amplified effect, it may even be worth using over some other accessoires, if you don't mind standing still using only minions though. (This makes it from 'not recommended' to 'minor', so I updated the OP)
Buffs:
View attachment 276897
For now only gonna mention the changes since last time:
- Bast Statue is a new placeable buff (like campfire) that increases defence by 5.
- Major well fed is basically double the well fed buff, which doubles the defence given. (which is only 2 defence though)
- And something I've overlooked in the past, Obsidian Skin Potion actually cancels out On Fire! Which can be helpful against fighting Betsy. (I've also updated the OP with this)
VS Moon Lord
With this build, I've managed to defeat Expert Moon Lord without using cheesy strategies. But standing still in one spot won't do.
You'll still have to move around a bit to dodge some attacks, like the eyeball sphere's, and I had to use Greater Healing potions as well. (Forgotting that Super Healing potions are technically available pre-moon lord)
In my strategy to dodge the Moon Lord's Deathray, I've let me get hit by a weaker attack and then pass through the beam using the Cross Necklace's invinicility frames, the Moon Lord throws a lot of small projectiles at you, so it was not too difficult to get hit before the laser hits you. And if you happen to either Black-Belt-dodge the weaker attack or the Deathray itself, then you're safe too.
Additionally, setting teleporters, using the teleport hook, or even the Magic Mirror may work as well to dodge the Deathray, but there also are some new mobility tools that helps you to dodge the laser by outrunning it.
Hopefully this helps out some of you struggling against the new Moon Lord, Empress of Light strategies.