How do I craft a reaver shark in Terraria?

The Reaver Shark is a powerful early-game tool in Terraria, functioning as both a pickaxe and an axe. It is highly sought after because it can mine hardmode ores like Demonite, Crimtane, and even Hellstone, making it a game-changer for progression. However, the Reaver Shark is not crafted. Instead, it is obtained through fishing in the Ocean biome. Below is a detailed guide on how to obtain the Reaver Shark, including mechanics, strategies, and tips.

To get the Reaver Shark, you need to fish in the Ocean biome. Fishing in Terraria requires a fishing rod, bait, and a body of water. The Ocean biome is located at either the far left or far right of the world map. It is identifiable by its sandy beaches, palm trees, and unique enemies like crabs and sharks. The water in the Ocean biome is typically deep enough for fishing, but you may need to clear out some sand or dirt to create a larger pool if necessary.

First, you need a fishing rod. The easiest fishing rod to obtain early in the game is the Wooden Fishing Rod, which can be purchased from the Merchant NPC for 7 gold coins. The Merchant spawns once you have at least 50 silver coins in your inventory and have built a suitable house for him. If you want a better fishing rod, you can craft the Reinforced Fishing Rod using 8 iron or lead bars at an anvil. This rod has a higher fishing power, increasing your chances of catching rare items like the Reaver Shark.

Next, you need bait. Bait is essential for fishing and can be obtained in several ways. Common sources of bait include catching bugs with a bug net, breaking grass or rocks, or opening crates. The Bug Net is sold by the Merchant for 25 silver coins and is used to catch critters like worms, grasshoppers, and fireflies, which can be used as bait. The higher the bait power, the better your chances of catching rare fish and items. Aim to gather at least 20-30 pieces of bait before heading to the Ocean biome.

Once you have a fishing rod and bait, head to the Ocean biome. Make sure the water is deep enough for fishing. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 300 tiles of water in your fishing pool. If the Ocean biome is too shallow, you can dig out some sand or dirt to create a deeper pool. Stand near the water, equip your fishing rod, and cast your line. Wait for a bite, indicated by a bobber movement and a sound cue, then click to reel in your catch.

The Reaver Shark has a 1/100 (1%) chance to be caught while fishing in the Ocean biome. This means you may need to fish for a while before obtaining it. To increase your chances, use a fishing potion, which boosts your fishing power by 15, and a Sonar Potion, which lets you see what you are about to catch. These potions can be crafted at an alchemy station using ingredients like Waterleaf, Coral, and Bottled Water. Additionally, equipping accessories like the Angler Tackle Bag or High Test Fishing Line can improve your fishing efficiency.

One common mistake is not having enough bait or using low-quality bait. Always gather a good amount of bait before starting, and prioritize high-power bait like worms or fireflies. Another mistake is fishing in shallow water, which reduces your chances of catching rare items. Ensure your fishing pool is deep enough to maximize your success rate.

Advanced techniques include creating an artificial Ocean biome near your base for convenience. This involves placing at least 1,500 blocks of water and 300 blocks of sand or sandstone in a designated area. This allows you to fish for the Reaver Shark without traveling to the far edges of the world. Additionally, you can use the Chum Caster, a hardmode item that increases fishing power, to further boost your chances.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, fishing for the Reaver Shark does not require specific gear, but having mobility accessories like Hermes Boots or a Cloud in a Bottle can help you navigate the Ocean biome more easily. If you are playing as a melee class, the Reaver Shark will be particularly useful for mining hardmode ores early in the game, giving you a significant advantage in progression.

In summary, obtaining the Reaver Shark involves fishing in the Ocean biome with a fishing rod, bait, and a deep enough pool of water. Use fishing potions, high-quality bait, and accessories to increase your chances. Avoid common mistakes like fishing in shallow water or running out of bait. With patience and preparation, you can obtain this powerful tool and accelerate your progression in Terraria.