How do I unlock the best summoner weapons in Terraria?

Unlocking the best summoner weapons in Terraria requires a combination of progression through the game's stages, defeating specific bosses, and gathering rare materials. Summoner is a unique class that relies on minions and sentries to deal damage, and its weapons are tied to summoning these allies. To achieve the best summoner weapons, you need to follow a clear path of progression, starting from early game and moving into hardmode and beyond.

In the early game, summoner weapons are limited, but you can start by crafting the Slime Staff, which is a rare drop from slimes. This staff summons a baby slime to fight for you. While it is not the strongest weapon, it is a good starting point. Another early option is the Finch Staff, which can be found in Living Mahogany Trees in the Underground Jungle. These weapons are useful for beginners but will need to be replaced as you progress.

Once you enter hardmode, summoner weapons become more powerful and accessible. The first major upgrade is the Spider Staff, which can be crafted using Spider Fangs dropped by Black Recluses in the Spider Caves. This staff summons spider minions that deal decent damage and can latch onto enemies. Alongside this, you can craft the Spider Armor, which increases your minion count and damage. This set is essential for early hardmode summoners.

The next step is to defeat the Queen Slime, a hardmode boss found in the Hallow biome. Defeating her grants access to the Blade Staff, one of the best summoner weapons in the game. The Blade Staff summons enchanted daggers that deal rapid damage and ignore a portion of enemy defense. This weapon is highly effective against fast-moving enemies and bosses. Pair it with the Hallowed Armor or the Forbidden Armor for increased summon damage and survivability.

To further progress, you will need to defeat the mechanical bosses: The Destroyer, Skeletron Prime, and The Twins. These bosses drop Souls of Might, Sight, and Fright, which are used to craft powerful summoner weapons like the Optic Staff and the Deadly Sphere Staff. The Optic Staff summons twin minions that deal high damage, while the Deadly Sphere Staff summons a deadly sphere that attacks enemies with precision. These weapons are excellent for mid-hardmode and can carry you through the next stages of the game.

After defeating the mechanical bosses, you can challenge Plantera, a boss found in the Underground Jungle. Defeating Plantera unlocks the Temple Key, which allows you to enter the Jungle Temple. Inside the temple, you can find the Pygmy Staff, which summons pygmy minions that throw spears at enemies. This weapon is a solid choice for summoners and pairs well with the Tiki Armor, which further increases minion count and damage.

The final stage of summoner progression involves defeating the Lunatic Cultist and the Moon Lord. The Lunatic Cultist drops the Lunar Portal Staff, which summons a portal that fires projectiles at enemies. However, the ultimate summoner weapon is the Stardust Dragon Staff, crafted from Stardust Fragments dropped by the Moon Lord. This staff summons a powerful dragon that grows longer and deals more damage as you summon additional segments. The Stardust Armor set, also crafted from Stardust Fragments, is the best summoner armor in the game, providing significant boosts to minion damage and count.

To optimize your summoner build, focus on accessories that increase minion count and damage. The Papyrus Scarab, Necromantic Scroll, and Summoner Emblem are essential for maximizing your summoning potential. Additionally, use buffs like the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table to further enhance your minions.

Common mistakes to avoid include neglecting defense and mobility. While summoners rely on minions for damage, you still need to survive enemy attacks. Equip accessories like the Worm Scarf or Ankh Shield for defense, and use wings or the Master Ninja Gear for mobility. Another mistake is not managing your minion count effectively. Always summon the maximum number of minions to ensure you are dealing the most damage possible.

In summary, unlocking the best summoner weapons in Terraria requires careful progression through the game's stages, defeating key bosses, and crafting powerful gear. Start with early game weapons like the Slime Staff and Finch Staff, then move on to hardmode weapons like the Spider Staff and Blade Staff. Defeat the mechanical bosses and Plantera to unlock mid-hardmode weapons, and finally challenge the Moon Lord for the ultimate summoner gear. Focus on accessories and buffs that enhance your minions, and avoid common mistakes like neglecting defense and mobility. With the right strategy and preparation, you can become a powerful summoner capable of taking on Terraria's toughest challenges.