What is the fastest way to get Hellstone Bars in Terraria?

To obtain Hellstone Bars in Terraria, you need to gather Hellstone Ore and Obsidian, then smelt them together at a Hellforge. Hellstone Bars are essential for crafting powerful pre-hardmode gear, such as the Molten Armor set and weapons like the Fiery Greatsword or Phoenix Blaster. HereÔÇÖs a detailed guide on how to efficiently gather Hellstone Bars, including strategies, tips, and considerations.

First, you need to prepare for your journey to the Underworld, the biome where Hellstone Ore is found. The Underworld is located at the bottom of the world, so youÔÇÖll need to dig or use a Hellevator to reach it. Before heading down, ensure you have the right equipment. A Nightmare or Deathbringer Pickaxe (or better) is required to mine Hellstone Ore. If youÔÇÖre in pre-hardmode, these pickaxes are crafted from Demonite or Crimtane Bars, which are dropped by the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu. Additionally, bring Obsidian Skin Potions, as Hellstone Ore is surrounded by lava, and touching it without protection will cause significant damage.

Obsidian Skin Potions are crafted at an Alchemy Station using Water Bottles, Fireblossom, and Obsidian. Fireblossom grows in the Underworld, so you can gather it while youÔÇÖre there, but itÔÇÖs better to prepare some potions beforehand. YouÔÇÖll also need a good supply of healing potions, a grappling hook for mobility, and a weapon to deal with the UnderworldÔÇÖs enemies, such as Fire Imps, Bone Serpents, and Demons. A ranged weapon like the Minishark or a magic weapon like the Space Gun is highly recommended for dealing with flying enemies.

Once youÔÇÖre in the Underworld, look for large patches of Hellstone Ore embedded in Ash Blocks. These are often found near lava pools. Use your Obsidian Skin Potion to safely mine the ore without taking lava damage. Be cautious of enemies, as they can knock you into lava if youÔÇÖre not careful. Mining Hellstone Ore will also drop Obsidian, which is needed to craft Hellstone Bars. YouÔÇÖll need 3 Hellstone Ore and 1 Obsidian to craft 1 Hellstone Bar at a Hellforge. Hellforges are naturally found in Underworld structures, so you can smelt your bars on the spot or bring a Hellforge back to your base for convenience.

A common mistake is not bringing enough Obsidian Skin Potions or forgetting to equip them before mining. This can lead to unnecessary deaths and loss of progress. Another mistake is not having a good weapon to deal with Underworld enemies, which can overwhelm you if youÔÇÖre unprepared. Always keep an eye on your health and retreat if necessary.

For advanced players, creating a safe mining area in the Underworld can speed up the process. Use platforms to create walkways above lava pools, and place blocks to prevent enemies from spawning near your mining site. You can also use explosives like Bombs or Dynamite to clear large areas of Hellstone Ore quickly, but be cautious of lava spills. If youÔÇÖre playing in multiplayer, one player can focus on mining while the other defends against enemies, making the process more efficient.

Resource management is crucial when gathering Hellstone Bars. Bring plenty of potions, ammunition, and building materials to ensure you can stay in the Underworld for extended periods. If youÔÇÖre low on Obsidian, you can create it by pouring water on lava, but this requires careful placement to avoid wasting resources.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, melee players should prioritize Molten Armor for its high defense, while ranged players can benefit from the Hellwing Bow or Phoenix Blaster. Mages might prefer the Flamelash or Sunfury, and summoners can use the Imp Staff, which is crafted from Hellstone Bars. Each class has unique gear that can be crafted with Hellstone Bars, so plan your crafting goals accordingly.

In summary, the fastest way to get Hellstone Bars involves preparing with the right tools, potions, and weapons, then efficiently mining Hellstone Ore and Obsidian in the Underworld. Use Obsidian Skin Potions to avoid lava damage, create safe mining areas, and manage your resources carefully. With the right strategy, you can gather enough Hellstone Bars to craft powerful gear and prepare for the challenges of hardmode.