What is the best way to farm for the Flying Dragon in Terraria?

Farming for the Flying Dragon in Terraria can be a challenging but rewarding task. The Flying Dragon is a powerful melee weapon dropped by the Betsy boss during the Old One's Army event in Tier 3. This weapon is highly sought after due to its long-range projectile attacks and high damage output, making it a valuable tool for both melee and hybrid builds. To efficiently farm for the Flying Dragon, you need to understand the mechanics of the Old One's Army event, prepare adequately, and execute a solid strategy.

First, you need to unlock the Old One's Army event. This event is accessed by placing an Eternia Crystal on the Eternia Crystal Stand, which can be purchased from the Tavernkeep NPC. The Tavernkeep appears after defeating the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu, so ensure you have progressed far enough in the game to access him. The Old One's Army event has three tiers, and the Flying Dragon is only available in Tier 3, which requires you to have defeated Golem to unlock.

To prepare for the event, you need to gather resources and set up an arena. The arena should be built near the Eternia Crystal Stand, with platforms for mobility and space for traps or defensive structures. Since the event involves waves of enemies, including powerful bosses, you need to focus on both offense and defense. Place heart statues connected to timers for healing, and consider using lava traps or dart traps to thin out weaker enemies. Buff stations like the Bast Statue, Campfire, and Heart Lantern can provide additional defense and regeneration.

For equipment, you should aim for endgame gear. Melee builds are ideal for this event due to the Flying Dragon being a melee weapon. The Terra Blade, Influx Waver, or Daybreak are excellent choices for dealing with the waves of enemies. If you prefer ranged or magic builds, weapons like the Phantasm or Razorblade Typhoon can also be effective. Accessories like the Warrior Emblem, Fire Gauntlet, and Ankh Shield will enhance your combat effectiveness. Don't forget to use potions like Endurance, Ironskin, and Lifeforce to boost your survivability.

During the event, focus on protecting the Eternia Crystal while dealing with the waves of enemies. Betsy, the boss that drops the Flying Dragon, appears in the final wave of Tier 3. She is a dragon with high health and powerful attacks, so you need to be prepared for a tough fight. Use your strongest weapons and keep moving to avoid her fireballs and charges. If you have a summoner build, minions can help distract her while you focus on dealing damage.

One common mistake is underestimating the difficulty of the Old One's Army event. Tier 3 is particularly challenging, and failing to prepare adequately can result in losing the event and wasting resources. Make sure your arena is well-designed, and your gear is optimized for the fight. Another mistake is ignoring the smaller enemies. While Betsy is the main target, the waves of enemies can overwhelm you if not dealt with properly. Use area-of-effect weapons or traps to manage the smaller foes.

Advanced techniques include using the Nurse NPC for quick healing during the event. Place her house near the arena so you can quickly heal if your health gets low. Additionally, using the Rod of Discord can help you dodge Betsy's attacks more effectively. If you have a team, coordinating roles can make the event easier, with one player focusing on defense and another on offense.

In summary, farming for the Flying Dragon requires careful preparation, a well-designed arena, and strong equipment. Focus on protecting the Eternia Crystal while dealing with the waves of enemies, and be ready for a tough fight against Betsy. Use buffs, traps, and advanced techniques to increase your chances of success. With persistence and the right strategy, you can obtain the Flying Dragon and add a powerful weapon to your arsenal.