What is the best summoner weapon for early hardmode in Terraria?
In early hardmode, summoners in Terraria have a few strong options for weapons, but the best summoner weapon at this stage is typically the Spider Staff. This weapon is highly effective due to its ability to summon spider minions that latch onto enemies and deal consistent damage. The Spider Staff is relatively easy to obtain and provides a significant boost to your summoner build as you transition into hardmode.
To craft the Spider Staff, you will need to gather 16 Spider Fangs. These are dropped by Black Recluses, which are found in the Spider Caves biome. Spider Caves are typically located in the Underground or Cavern layers, often near the Jungle biome. Once you have the Spider Fangs, you can craft the Spider Staff at an Anvil. The Spider Staff summons spider minions that crawl along surfaces and walls, making them highly versatile in various combat scenarios. They deal 26 summon damage each, and you can summon up to three spiders at a time with the default summoner setup.
To maximize the effectiveness of the Spider Staff, you should focus on increasing your minion count and summon damage. Equip the Spider Armor, which is crafted using 36 Spider Fangs and provides a significant boost to summon damage and minion count. The Spider Armor set bonus allows you to summon an additional minion, bringing your total to four spiders. This armor set is essential for early hardmode summoners and should be prioritized as soon as you enter hardmode.
Accessories also play a crucial role in enhancing your summoner build. The Pygmy Necklace, which increases your minion count by one, is a must-have. You can obtain it by defeating Plantera, but if you haven't reached that point yet, focus on other accessories like the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage by 15%. The Hercules Beetle, another Plantera drop, further boosts summon damage, but until then, you can use the Papyrus Scarab, which combines the Hercules Beetle and the Pygmy Necklace effects. Additionally, the Avenger Emblem and the Celestial Stone are excellent choices for increasing overall damage output.
Buff potions are another important consideration. Use the Summoning Potion to increase your minion count by one, and the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, to temporarily increase your minion count by one. These buffs can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, especially during boss fights. Other useful potions include the Wrath Potion, which increases damage, and the Endurance Potion, which reduces damage taken.
When using the Spider Staff, positioning is key. Since the spiders latch onto enemies, you want to ensure they can reach their targets. Build arenas with platforms and open spaces to allow your spiders to move freely and attack effectively. Avoid tight, enclosed spaces where your spiders might struggle to reach enemies. During boss fights, focus on dodging attacks while your spiders deal damage. Use mobility accessories like the Lightning Boots or the Wings to stay agile and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
One common mistake is neglecting defense. While summoners rely heavily on their minions, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Equip accessories like the Worm Scarf or the Charm of Myths to increase your survivability. Additionally, consider using the Shield of Cthulhu for a quick dash ability, which can help you evade attacks more effectively.
Advanced techniques include combining the Spider Staff with other summoner weapons like the Optic Staff or the Blade Staff. The Optic Staff summons twin minions that deal high damage, while the Blade Staff summons fast, piercing minions. Combining these with the Spider Staff can create a diverse and powerful minion army. However, the Spider Staff remains the most reliable option in early hardmode due to its consistent damage and ease of access.
Resource management is crucial. Ensure you have enough Spider Fangs to craft the Spider Staff and Spider Armor. Farm Black Recluses in Spider Caves, and consider setting up a small arena with campfires and heart lanterns to increase your survivability during farming sessions. Use a Battle Potion and a Water Candle to increase enemy spawn rates, making farming more efficient.
In summary, the Spider Staff is the best summoner weapon for early hardmode in Terraria. Focus on crafting the Spider Armor, increasing your minion count, and enhancing your summon damage with accessories and buffs. Build effective arenas, prioritize survivability, and combine the Spider Staff with other summoner weapons for maximum effectiveness. With proper preparation and strategy, the Spider Staff will carry you through the early stages of hardmode and prepare you for the challenges ahead.
To craft the Spider Staff, you will need to gather 16 Spider Fangs. These are dropped by Black Recluses, which are found in the Spider Caves biome. Spider Caves are typically located in the Underground or Cavern layers, often near the Jungle biome. Once you have the Spider Fangs, you can craft the Spider Staff at an Anvil. The Spider Staff summons spider minions that crawl along surfaces and walls, making them highly versatile in various combat scenarios. They deal 26 summon damage each, and you can summon up to three spiders at a time with the default summoner setup.
To maximize the effectiveness of the Spider Staff, you should focus on increasing your minion count and summon damage. Equip the Spider Armor, which is crafted using 36 Spider Fangs and provides a significant boost to summon damage and minion count. The Spider Armor set bonus allows you to summon an additional minion, bringing your total to four spiders. This armor set is essential for early hardmode summoners and should be prioritized as soon as you enter hardmode.
Accessories also play a crucial role in enhancing your summoner build. The Pygmy Necklace, which increases your minion count by one, is a must-have. You can obtain it by defeating Plantera, but if you haven't reached that point yet, focus on other accessories like the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage by 15%. The Hercules Beetle, another Plantera drop, further boosts summon damage, but until then, you can use the Papyrus Scarab, which combines the Hercules Beetle and the Pygmy Necklace effects. Additionally, the Avenger Emblem and the Celestial Stone are excellent choices for increasing overall damage output.
Buff potions are another important consideration. Use the Summoning Potion to increase your minion count by one, and the Bewitching Table, found in Dungeons, to temporarily increase your minion count by one. These buffs can significantly enhance your combat effectiveness, especially during boss fights. Other useful potions include the Wrath Potion, which increases damage, and the Endurance Potion, which reduces damage taken.
When using the Spider Staff, positioning is key. Since the spiders latch onto enemies, you want to ensure they can reach their targets. Build arenas with platforms and open spaces to allow your spiders to move freely and attack effectively. Avoid tight, enclosed spaces where your spiders might struggle to reach enemies. During boss fights, focus on dodging attacks while your spiders deal damage. Use mobility accessories like the Lightning Boots or the Wings to stay agile and avoid taking unnecessary damage.
One common mistake is neglecting defense. While summoners rely heavily on their minions, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Equip accessories like the Worm Scarf or the Charm of Myths to increase your survivability. Additionally, consider using the Shield of Cthulhu for a quick dash ability, which can help you evade attacks more effectively.
Advanced techniques include combining the Spider Staff with other summoner weapons like the Optic Staff or the Blade Staff. The Optic Staff summons twin minions that deal high damage, while the Blade Staff summons fast, piercing minions. Combining these with the Spider Staff can create a diverse and powerful minion army. However, the Spider Staff remains the most reliable option in early hardmode due to its consistent damage and ease of access.
Resource management is crucial. Ensure you have enough Spider Fangs to craft the Spider Staff and Spider Armor. Farm Black Recluses in Spider Caves, and consider setting up a small arena with campfires and heart lanterns to increase your survivability during farming sessions. Use a Battle Potion and a Water Candle to increase enemy spawn rates, making farming more efficient.
In summary, the Spider Staff is the best summoner weapon for early hardmode in Terraria. Focus on crafting the Spider Armor, increasing your minion count, and enhancing your summon damage with accessories and buffs. Build effective arenas, prioritize survivability, and combine the Spider Staff with other summoner weapons for maximum effectiveness. With proper preparation and strategy, the Spider Staff will carry you through the early stages of hardmode and prepare you for the challenges ahead.