How do I build a base that is safe from the Goblin Army in Terraria?

To build a base that is safe from the Goblin Army in Terraria, you need to understand the mechanics of the Goblin Army event and how to design a base that can withstand their attacks. The Goblin Army is an early to mid-game invasion event that occurs randomly after you meet certain conditions, such as breaking a Shadow Orb or Crimson Heart and having at least 200 health. The event consists of waves of Goblin Peons, Goblin Thieves, Goblin Sorcerers, and Goblin Archers, with the final wave including the Goblin Warlord. These enemies can break down doors and attack NPCs, so your base must be designed to protect both your character and your NPCs.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of the Goblin Army. The invasion begins with a message saying, ÔÇ£A Goblin Army is approaching from the east/west!ÔÇØ The goblins will spawn from the direction indicated and move toward your base. They can open doors, climb platforms, and attack NPCs, so your base must have defenses to prevent them from entering. The event ends when you defeat all waves of goblins, but if you die or leave the world, the invasion will pause and resume when you return.

To build a safe base, start by choosing a location. Your base should be centrally located in the world to minimize travel time during the invasion. It should also be elevated above ground level to reduce the number of enemies that can reach it. A good strategy is to build your base on a floating island or a raised platform at least 10-15 blocks above the ground. This makes it harder for ground-based enemies to reach you.

Next, focus on the structure of your base. Use strong building materials like stone bricks, wood, or dungeon bricks to create walls and floors. Avoid using weak materials like dirt or sand, as they can be easily destroyed. Your base should have multiple layers of defense. The outer layer should consist of solid walls with no gaps, and the inner layer should have platforms or traps to slow down enemies. You can also use lava traps or dart traps to deal damage to incoming goblins.

For the entrance, avoid using doors, as goblins can open them. Instead, use platforms or a one-block gap that you can jump through but enemies cannot. You can also place a row of blocks above the entrance to prevent flying enemies from entering. Inside your base, create a safe room for your NPCs. This room should have solid walls, a roof, and no gaps. Place furniture like tables and chairs to make it a valid house, and add a bed so you can respawn there if you die.

To further protect your base, consider adding traps and defensive mechanisms. Dart traps, spear traps, and boulder traps can be placed around the perimeter of your base to damage enemies. You can also use lava moats, but be careful not to let the lava destroy dropped items. Additionally, place campfires and heart lanterns around your base to increase health regeneration during the fight.

Resource requirements for building a safe base include plenty of stone, wood, and other building materials. You will also need traps, wires, and a wrench to set up defensive mechanisms. If you plan to use lava, make sure you have a bucket or pump system to create the moat. Preparation is key, so gather these resources before the invasion begins.

In terms of class and equipment, any class can defend a base, but ranged and magic classes have an advantage due to their ability to attack from a distance. Equip yourself with weapons like the Minishark, Demon Bow, or Space Gun, and wear armor that provides good defense, such as Gold or Platinum armor. Summoning weapons like the Imp Staff can also help by providing additional damage.

Common mistakes to avoid include using weak materials, leaving gaps in your walls, and relying solely on doors for entry. Another mistake is not having enough healing items or buffs. Make sure to stock up on potions like Healing Potions, Ironskin Potions, and Swiftness Potions to increase your survivability during the fight.

Advanced techniques include using actuators to create hidden doors or traps that can be activated during the invasion. You can also use teleporters to quickly move between different parts of your base or to escape dangerous situations. Additionally, consider building a secondary base or safe house in case your primary base is overrun.

In summary, building a base that is safe from the Goblin Army requires careful planning and preparation. Use strong materials, create multiple layers of defense, and avoid using doors. Equip yourself with powerful weapons and armor, and set up traps and defensive mechanisms to protect your base. By following these strategies, you can successfully defend against the Goblin Army and keep your NPCs safe.