What are the steps to make a summoning mount in Terraria?

To create a summoning mount in Terraria, you need to craft the Slime Staff, which is a unique summon weapon that allows you to summon a baby slime minion. While the Slime Staff itself is not a mount, it is a key component in the summoning class progression, which can lead to more powerful summoning items and mounts later in the game. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this, including the steps, strategies, and considerations.

First, let's talk about the mechanics involved. The Slime Staff is a rare drop from most slimes in the game, with a drop rate of approximately 1 in 10,000 from regular slimes and 1 in 100 from Pinky, a rare slime variant. The Slime Staff is one of the earliest summon weapons you can obtain, and it is essential for players who want to focus on the summoner class. Once you have the Slime Staff, you can summon a baby slime minion that will fight for you. This minion does not count as a mount, but it is a crucial step in the summoner progression.

To obtain the Slime Staff, you need to farm slimes. The best way to do this is to create a slime farm. A slime farm is a structure that allows you to efficiently kill slimes and increase your chances of getting the Slime Staff. To build a slime farm, you need to find a flat area in the forest biome. Dig a pit that is about 10 blocks wide and 10 blocks deep. Place a layer of lava at the bottom of the pit, but make sure the lava is only one block deep so that the slimes can still spawn and die in the lava. Then, create a platform above the pit where you can stand and wait for slimes to spawn. The slimes will fall into the pit and die in the lava, and you can collect their drops.

Once you have the Slime Staff, you can start using it to summon your baby slime minion. The baby slime will follow you around and attack enemies automatically. While the Slime Staff is not a mount, it is an important step in the summoner progression. As you progress through the game, you will unlock more powerful summon weapons and mounts, such as the Queen Slime mount, which is obtained by defeating the Queen Slime boss in Hardmode.

To prepare for farming the Slime Staff, you should gather some basic resources. You will need wood to build the platform for your slime farm, and you will need a bucket of lava to place at the bottom of the pit. You should also bring some basic weapons and armor to protect yourself while farming. A good strategy is to use a weapon with a wide area of effect, such as a sword or a bow, to quickly kill any slimes that spawn.

One common mistake to avoid is not having enough patience. The Slime Staff is a rare drop, and it can take a long time to obtain. It is important to stay focused and keep farming slimes until you get the staff. Another mistake is not building the slime farm correctly. Make sure the pit is deep enough and the lava is only one block deep, or the slimes may not die properly.

Advanced techniques for farming the Slime Staff include using battle potions and water candles to increase the spawn rate of slimes. Battle potions can be crafted using bottled water, deathweed, and rotten chunks or vertebrae. Water candles can be found in the dungeon or crafted using a candle and pink gel. Using these items will increase the number of slimes that spawn, which will increase your chances of getting the Slime Staff.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, the Slime Staff is best suited for summoner class players. However, it can be used by any class as a secondary weapon. If you are focusing on the summoner class, you should also consider crafting other summoner items, such as the Finch Staff or the Abigail's Flower, which are easier to obtain and can help you in the early game.

In conclusion, obtaining the Slime Staff in Terraria requires patience and preparation. By building a slime farm and using battle potions and water candles, you can increase your chances of getting the staff. Once you have the Slime Staff, you can start using it to summon your baby slime minion and progress through the summoner class. While the Slime Staff is not a mount, it is an important step in the summoner progression and can lead to more powerful summoning items and mounts later in the game.