What is the best weapon to use against the Vortex Pillar's enemies in Terraria?

The Vortex Pillar is one of the four Celestial Pillars in Terraria, and it is associated with the ranged class. The enemies around the Vortex Pillar are fast, deal high damage, and can be challenging to deal with if you are not properly prepared. To effectively fight the Vortex Pillar's enemies, you need to focus on mobility, crowd control, and high-damage weapons. Here is a detailed guide to help you succeed.

First, let's talk about the mechanics of the Vortex Pillar and its enemies. The Vortex Pillar is surrounded by a shield that can only be broken by defeating 100 enemies (150 in Expert or Master Mode). Once the shield is down, you can attack the pillar directly. The enemies around the Vortex Pillar include Vortexians, Storm Divers, Alien Queens, and Alien Hornets. These enemies are fast, can teleport, and often swarm you in large numbers. Vortexians summon smaller drones that can overwhelm you if not dealt with quickly. Storm Divers drop explosive projectiles, and Alien Queens can shoot homing projectiles. Alien Hornets are fast and can deal significant damage if they get too close.

To prepare for this fight, you should focus on mobility and crowd control. The best weapon to use against the Vortex Pillar's enemies is the Phantasm, a powerful ranged weapon that fires multiple arrows and deals massive damage. The Phantasm is crafted using 18 Vortex Fragments, which are dropped by enemies near the Vortex Pillar. If you don't have the Phantasm yet, you can use other high-damage ranged weapons like the Tsunami or the Chain Gun with Chlorophyte Bullets. These weapons are effective at dealing with the fast-moving enemies around the pillar.

For armor, you should wear the Vortex armor set, which is the best ranged armor in the game at this stage. The Vortex armor provides a stealth ability that increases your damage and reduces enemy aggression, making it easier to deal with swarms of enemies. If you don't have the Vortex armor yet, you can use Shroomite armor, which also boosts ranged damage.

Accessories are crucial for this fight. Equip the Ranger Emblem, Sniper Scope, and Magic Quiver to increase your ranged damage and critical strike chance. The Celestial Shell or Celestial Stone will boost your overall stats, and the Ankh Shield will protect you from debuffs. Wings like the Fishron Wings or Betsy's Wings are essential for mobility, allowing you to dodge enemy attacks and stay airborne. The Master Ninja Gear is also useful for dodging attacks and increasing mobility.

Potions and buffs are important for this fight. Use the Archery Potion to increase your ranged damage, the Ammo Reservation Potion to conserve ammo, and the Endurance Potion to reduce incoming damage. The Lifeforce Potion will increase your maximum health, and the Ironskin Potion will boost your defense. The Swiftness Potion will increase your movement speed, making it easier to dodge enemy attacks. Finally, the Wrath and Rage Potions will increase your damage and critical strike chance.

When fighting the Vortex Pillar's enemies, focus on staying mobile and avoiding large groups of enemies. Use platforms and grapple hooks to stay airborne and avoid being overwhelmed. The Phantasm is particularly effective because it fires multiple arrows that can hit multiple enemies at once. If you are using the Chain Gun, make sure to use Chlorophyte Bullets, which home in on enemies and make it easier to hit fast-moving targets.

One common mistake is staying in one place for too long. The enemies around the Vortex Pillar are fast and can quickly surround you if you are not careful. Always keep moving and use your wings and grappling hook to stay out of reach. Another mistake is not focusing on the smaller drones summoned by Vortexians. These drones can quickly overwhelm you if not dealt with quickly, so prioritize them when they appear.

Advanced techniques include using the Vortex armor's stealth ability to deal massive damage to groups of enemies. Activate the stealth ability when you are surrounded, and then unleash a barrage of arrows with the Phantasm to clear the area. You can also use traps and environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, you can set up a small arena with lava traps to damage enemies as they approach.

In terms of resource requirements, you will need Vortex Fragments to craft the Phantasm and Vortex armor. These fragments are dropped by enemies near the Vortex Pillar, so you will need to defeat a significant number of enemies to gather enough fragments. Make sure to bring plenty of ammo and potions, as the fight can be long and resource-intensive.

In conclusion, the best weapon to use against the Vortex Pillar's enemies is the Phantasm, combined with Vortex armor and the right accessories and potions. Focus on mobility, crowd control, and high-damage output to deal with the fast and aggressive enemies around the pillar. Avoid common mistakes like staying in one place for too long and not prioritizing smaller drones. With the right preparation and strategy, you can successfully defeat the Vortex Pillar and its enemies.