What is the best weapon to use against the Stardust Pillar in Terraria?

The Stardust Pillar is one of the four Celestial Pillars in Terraria, and it is the final pillar you will face before the Moon Lord. It is associated with the Summoner class, as it spawns enemies that drop Stardust Fragments, which are used to craft powerful summoner weapons and armor. To effectively defeat the Stardust Pillar, you need to understand its mechanics, prepare the right gear, and employ a solid strategy.

The Stardust Pillar is surrounded by a shield that can only be broken by defeating a certain number of enemies that spawn around it. These enemies include Stardust Cells, Flow Invaders, and Milkyway Weavers. The Stardust Cells are particularly dangerous because they split into smaller cells when killed, increasing the number of enemies you have to deal with. Flow Invaders are fast and can teleport, making them hard to hit, while Milkyway Weavers are tanky and deal significant damage. The key to breaking the pillar's shield is to focus on killing these enemies efficiently.

To prepare for the Stardust Pillar, you should have endgame gear. For melee users, the Solar Eruption or Daybreak are excellent choices due to their high damage and area-of-effect capabilities. Ranged players should consider using the Phantasm with Holy Arrows or the Vortex Beater with Chlorophyte Bullets. Magic users can rely on the Last Prism or Nebula Blaze, both of which deal massive damage. Summoners should use the Stardust Dragon or Stardust Cell Staff, as these summons can attack multiple enemies at once. Additionally, make sure to equip accessories that boost your damage, such as the Celestial Shell, Destroyer Emblem, and Avenger Emblem. Wings and a dash accessory like the Master Ninja Gear are also essential for mobility.

Before engaging the Stardust Pillar, set up a small arena with platforms and campfires for health regeneration. You can also place heart lanterns and honey pools for additional healing. Buffs are crucial for this fight, so use potions like Ironskin, Regeneration, Endurance, and Lifeforce. If you are a summoner, use the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table to increase the number of minions you can summon.

When the fight begins, focus on killing the enemies quickly to lower the pillar's shield. Avoid standing still for too long, as the enemies can overwhelm you. Use your weapon's area-of-effect capabilities to deal with groups of enemies, especially the Stardust Cells. Keep moving to dodge attacks, and use your dash or wings to avoid being cornered. Once the shield is down, attack the pillar directly. It does not move or attack, so you can focus all your damage on it.

One common mistake is underestimating the enemies around the Stardust Pillar. They can deal significant damage if you are not careful, so always prioritize killing them over attacking the pillar. Another mistake is not having enough mobility. The Flow Invaders and Milkyway Weavers can quickly close the distance, so make sure you have wings and a dash accessory to stay out of harm's way.

For advanced players, consider using traps or sentries to help deal with the enemies. The Explosive Trap from the Tavernkeep or the Ballista Staff from the Old One's Army event can provide additional damage. You can also use the Rod of Discord to teleport away from dangerous situations, but be cautious of the Chaos State debuff.

In terms of resource requirements, make sure you have plenty of healing potions and buff potions. You will also need ammunition or mana potions if you are using ranged or magic weapons. If you are a summoner, have a few Bewitching Tables and Summoning Potions ready to maximize your minion count.

Class and equipment considerations are important for this fight. Melee users should focus on high-damage weapons with area-of-effect capabilities. Ranged users should prioritize weapons with high fire rates and piercing abilities. Magic users need weapons that can deal consistent damage to multiple enemies. Summoners should use the Stardust Dragon or Stardust Cell Staff, as these summons can attack multiple enemies at once.

In summary, defeating the Stardust Pillar requires preparation, the right gear, and a solid strategy. Focus on killing the enemies quickly to lower the pillar's shield, and use area-of-effect weapons to deal with groups of enemies. Avoid common mistakes like underestimating the enemies or lacking mobility. Use advanced techniques like traps or sentries to help with the fight, and make sure you have enough resources to sustain yourself. With the right approach, you can defeat the Stardust Pillar and move on to the final battle with the Moon Lord.