Terraria has a huge weapon pool, but most players do not need one giant list. The useful way to browse weapons is by damage class, progression stage and the kind of encounter the weapon needs to solve.
Main damage directions
- Melee
- Ranged
- Magic
- Summon
Attack pattern matters
Projectile speed, reach, piercing, area coverage and attack commitment can matter more than raw tooltip damage. A weapon that clears groups well may not be the best choice for one compact boss.
Boss versus exploration use
Keep at least one weapon that feels safe for general exploration and one option suited to the boss or event you are preparing for. You do not need one weapon to solve every situation.
Progression context
Availability is part of weapon value. A strong late-game weapon is not useful when your current problem is an early Hardmode boss.
Armor and accessory fit
Weapons perform best when armor and accessories support the same damage class or combat loop. If a weapon feels weak, check the whole loadout before replacing it.
Source: Official Terraria Wiki — Weapons.