How do I prepare for the Old One's Army event in Terraria?

The Old One's Army event in Terraria is a unique wave-based defense event where players must protect the Eternia Crystal from waves of enemies. This event is tied to the Tavernkeep NPC, who sells special items and armor sets designed for this event. Preparing for the Old One's Army requires careful planning, as the difficulty scales with your progression in the game. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide to help you prepare effectively.

First, understand the mechanics of the event. The Old One's Army consists of multiple waves of enemies, culminating in a boss fight in the final wave. The event takes place at an Eternia Crystal Stand, which you can purchase from the Tavernkeep. You must place the stand in a flat, open area to summon the event. The crystal has health, and if it is destroyed, the event ends in failure. Your goal is to defend the crystal by defeating all waves of enemies.

To prepare for the event, start by building a suitable arena. The arena should be flat and wide, with enough space to move around and place defenses. Platforms can be useful for mobility, but avoid making the arena too vertical, as enemies will spawn on the ground level. Place walls or barriers on either side of the crystal to funnel enemies into a central area, making it easier to focus your attacks. You can also use traps, such as dart traps or flame traps, to deal passive damage to enemies. However, avoid using lava, as it can destroy dropped loot.

Next, gather the necessary resources and equipment. The Old One's Army event is divided into tiers based on your progression: Tier 1 is pre-Hardmode, Tier 2 is post-Mechanical Bosses, and Tier 3 is post-Golem. For Tier 1, focus on obtaining strong pre-Hardmode weapons and armor. Melee players should use weapons like the Night's Edge or Starfury, while ranged players can use the Minishark or Phoenix Blaster. Mages can rely on the Water Bolt or Demon Scythe, and summoners should use the Imp Staff or Snapthorn. For Tier 2 and Tier 3, upgrade to Hardmode gear such as the Terra Blade, Megashark, or Spectre Armor.

Accessories are crucial for success in the Old One's Army. Equip items that boost your damage, defense, and mobility. Wings, such as the Leaf Wings or Harpy Wings, are essential for dodging attacks. The Shield of Cthulhu or Master Ninja Gear can help with quick dashes and dodges. Damage-boosting accessories like the Warrior Emblem or Avenger Emblem are also highly recommended. DonÔÇÖt forget to use buff potions, such as Ironskin, Regeneration, and Swiftness, to enhance your combat effectiveness.

During the event, prioritize targeting enemies that pose the greatest threat to the crystal. Flying enemies and ranged attackers should be dealt with first, as they can bypass your defenses. Use area-of-effect weapons or abilities to clear groups of enemies quickly. Summoners can use minions to distract and damage enemies while focusing on the most dangerous targets. Melee players should stay close to the crystal to intercept enemies before they reach it, while ranged and magic users can attack from a distance.

One common mistake is neglecting to upgrade your gear between tiers. The Old One's Army becomes significantly harder in Tier 2 and Tier 3, so make sure to farm for better weapons and armor as you progress. Another mistake is not using the TavernkeepÔÇÖs sentries effectively. Sentries like the Ballista or Explosive Trap can deal massive damage to enemies, so place them strategically around the arena.

Advanced techniques include optimizing your sentry placement and using crowd control abilities. For example, the Frost Hydra sentry is excellent for slowing down enemies, while the Lightning Aura sentry can deal consistent damage to groups. Combining different sentries can create a powerful defense network. Additionally, using the Rod of Discord or similar teleportation items can help you quickly reposition during the event.

In summary, preparing for the Old One's Army requires a well-built arena, strong gear, and strategic use of sentries and buffs. Focus on upgrading your equipment as you progress, and prioritize high-threat enemies during the event. With careful preparation and execution, you can successfully defend the Eternia Crystal and earn valuable rewards from the Tavernkeep.