What is the best hardmode melee weapon in Terraria?

The best hardmode melee weapon in Terraria is widely considered to be the Terra Blade. This weapon is a powerful sword that combines the strengths of several earlier swords, making it a versatile and highly effective weapon for melee players. The Terra Blade is capable of firing a projectile with each swing, which deals significant damage and can hit enemies from a distance. This makes it useful for both close-quarters combat and dealing with enemies that are farther away.

To craft the Terra Blade, you will need to combine several swords and materials. The process is complex and requires you to progress through hardmode, defeat certain bosses, and gather rare materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to crafting the Terra Blade:

1. First, you need to craft the Night's Edge. This is a pre-hardmode sword that requires four components: the Blade of Grass, the Muramasa, the Fiery Greatsword, and the Blood Butcherer or Light's Bane. The Blade of Grass is crafted from jungle spores and stingers, the Muramasa is found in the dungeon, the Fiery Greatsword is crafted from hellstone bars, and the Blood Butcherer or Light's Bane is crafted from crimtane or demonite bars, respectively. Combine these four swords at a demon altar or crimson altar to create the Night's Edge.

2. Next, you need to upgrade the Night's Edge to the True Night's Edge. This requires three souls of might, sight, and fright, which are dropped by the mechanical bosses: The Destroyer, The Twins, and Skeletron Prime. You also need 20 souls of night, which are dropped by enemies in the underground corruption or crimson. Combine these materials with the Night's Edge at a mythril or orichalcum anvil to create the True Night's Edge.

3. After that, you need to craft the True Excalibur. This requires 12 hallowed bars, which are dropped by the mechanical bosses, and a broken hero sword, which is a rare drop from the solar eclipse event. Combine these materials at a mythril or orichalcum anvil to create the True Excalibur.

4. Finally, combine the True Night's Edge and the True Excalibur with another broken hero sword at a mythril or orichalcum anvil to create the Terra Blade.

The Terra Blade is a powerful weapon that deals high damage and has a fast attack speed. Its projectile can pierce through multiple enemies, making it effective against groups. The weapon is especially useful in hardmode, where enemies are tougher and more numerous.

When using the Terra Blade, it is important to consider your equipment and accessories. Melee players should focus on increasing their damage output and defense. Accessories like the warrior emblem, mechanical glove, and fire gauntlet can significantly boost your melee damage. Armor sets like the beetle armor or turtle armor provide high defense and melee bonuses. Additionally, using potions like the ironskin potion, regeneration potion, and wrath potion can further enhance your combat effectiveness.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting to prepare for the solar eclipse event. The broken hero sword is a rare drop, and you may need to fight multiple solar eclipses to obtain it. Make sure you have strong weapons and armor, and consider setting up a battle arena with traps and platforms to make the event easier.

Advanced techniques for using the Terra Blade include combining it with other melee accessories and buffs to maximize its potential. For example, the yoyo bag can be used in conjunction with the Terra Blade to deal additional damage with yoyos. Additionally, using the solar eruption or daybreak alongside the Terra Blade can provide a powerful combination of melee and ranged attacks.

In terms of resource requirements, crafting the Terra Blade requires a significant amount of materials and preparation. You will need to defeat the mechanical bosses multiple times to gather enough souls and hallowed bars. Additionally, you will need to farm enemies in the underground corruption or crimson for souls of night. The solar eclipse event can be challenging, so make sure you are well-prepared with strong weapons, armor, and potions.

Overall, the Terra Blade is the best hardmode melee weapon in Terraria due to its high damage, versatility, and projectile attack. By following the steps outlined above and preparing adequately, you can craft this powerful weapon and dominate your enemies in hardmode.