What is the best weapon to use against the Solar Pillar's crawltipedes in Terraria?

The Solar Pillar is one of the four Celestial Pillars in Terraria, and it is widely considered one of the most challenging due to the presence of Crawltipedes, which are fast, flying enemies that deal massive damage if not handled correctly. These enemies are unique because they are only vulnerable to attacks when their tail is hit, and they become invulnerable when attacking from above. This makes them particularly tricky to deal with, especially for players who are unprepared. To effectively combat Crawltipedes, you need to understand their mechanics, choose the right weapons, and employ specific strategies.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of Crawltipedes. These enemies are highly aggressive and will target players relentlessly. They have two key behaviors: they will fly toward you from a distance, and they will dive down from above to attack. The critical detail is that Crawltipedes are only vulnerable when their tail is hit. If you attack their body or head, they will take no damage. Additionally, they become invulnerable when they are diving from above, so timing your attacks is crucial. This means you need to focus on hitting their tail while avoiding their dive attacks.

To effectively fight Crawltipedes, you should use weapons that can target their tail consistently. Ranged weapons are often the best choice because they allow you to maintain distance and aim precisely. The Phantasm, a powerful bow dropped by the Duke Fishron, is an excellent option because it fires multiple arrows that can home in on the tail. Alternatively, the Vortex Beater, a gun obtained from the Vortex Pillar, is also effective due to its high fire rate and accuracy. For magic users, the Razorblade Typhoon or Lunar Flare can work well, as they can target the tail with precision. Summoners can use the Stardust Dragon or Terraprisma, as these minions can automatically target the tail without requiring precise aiming.

When engaging Crawltipedes, positioning is key. Avoid standing directly beneath them, as this will trigger their dive attack, making them invulnerable. Instead, stay at ground level or on a platform and focus on attacking their tail as they approach horizontally. Using a grappling hook or wings to maneuver quickly can help you avoid their attacks while maintaining the right angle for your shots. Building a small arena with platforms can also help you stay mobile and avoid being overwhelmed by other enemies from the Solar Pillar event.

Preparation is essential for this fight. Make sure you have the best armor and accessories for your chosen class. For ranged users, the Shroomite Armor with the helmet that boosts arrow or bullet damage is ideal. Magic users should wear Spectre or Nebula Armor, while melee users can benefit from Beetle or Solar Flare Armor. Summoners should use Stardust Armor for maximum minion effectiveness. Accessories like the Celestial Shell, Ankh Shield, and Wings are highly recommended for survivability and mobility. Buffs such as Ironskin, Endurance, and Lifeforce potions will also increase your chances of success.

One common mistake players make is using melee weapons against Crawltipedes. While melee weapons like the Solar Eruption or Daybreak can deal damage, they require you to get close, which increases the risk of being hit by the CrawltipedeÔÇÖs dive attack. Another mistake is not focusing on the tail, which results in wasted attacks and prolonged fights. Additionally, players often forget to clear other enemies from the Solar Pillar event, which can overwhelm them if not managed properly.

Advanced techniques include using traps and environmental hazards to your advantage. For example, placing lava pits or spiky ball traps in your arena can help deal with other enemies while you focus on the Crawltipedes. You can also use the Nurse NPC to heal quickly during the fight, though this requires careful positioning to avoid being overwhelmed.

In summary, defeating Crawltipedes during the Solar Pillar event requires a combination of the right weapons, proper positioning, and careful preparation. Ranged weapons like the Phantasm or Vortex Beater are highly effective, while magic and summoner weapons can also work well if used correctly. Avoid melee weapons and focus on hitting the tail while staying mobile to avoid dive attacks. With the right strategy and preparation, you can overcome this challenging enemy and progress toward defeating the Moon Lord.