What are the best accessories for increasing summon knockback in Terraria?

Increasing summon knockback in Terraria is a niche but useful strategy, especially for summoner builds that rely on minions to deal damage while keeping enemies at a safe distance. Knockback is a mechanic that determines how far an enemy is pushed back when hit by an attack. For summoners, this can be particularly valuable for crowd control, as it helps prevent enemies from getting too close, reducing the risk of taking damage. To maximize summon knockback, you need to focus on specific accessories, modifiers, and strategies that enhance this mechanic.

First, letÔÇÖs discuss the mechanics of knockback. Knockback is influenced by the weapon or minionÔÇÖs base knockback stat, the playerÔÇÖs accessories, and any modifiers applied to the weapon or accessories. Summon knockback specifically refers to the knockback dealt by minions, which can be increased through certain accessories and reforges. While knockback is not as commonly prioritized as damage or critical strike chance, it can be a valuable tool for summoners who want to maintain distance from enemies, especially in crowded or chaotic situations.

To increase summon knockback, youÔÇÖll need to focus on accessories that directly or indirectly boost this stat. The primary accessory for this purpose is the Summoner Emblem, which increases summon damage by 15%. While it doesnÔÇÖt directly increase knockback, higher damage can result in more effective knockback due to the way knockback scales with damage. Another key accessory is the Papyrus Scarab, which combines the Hercules Beetle and the Necromantic Scroll. The Hercules Beetle increases summon knockback by 15%, making it one of the few accessories that directly enhances this stat. The Papyrus Scarab retains this effect while also providing additional summon damage and minion capacity.

In addition to these, the Avenger Emblem and Celestial Shell can indirectly contribute to knockback by increasing overall damage output. The Celestial Shell, in particular, is a versatile accessory that provides a wide range of buffs, including increased damage and knockback during nighttime. Reforging your accessories to have the "Menacing" prefix (+4% damage) or "Warding" prefix (+4 defense) can also help, as increased damage will improve knockback effectiveness.

When preparing for a summon knockback build, youÔÇÖll need to gather the necessary materials to craft or obtain these accessories. The Summoner Emblem is crafted from an Avenger Emblem and a Papyrus Scarab, which in turn requires a Hercules Beetle and a Necromantic Scroll. The Hercules Beetle is sold by the Witch Doctor when he is living in the Jungle biome, and the Necromantic Scroll is dropped by the Pumpking during the Pumpkin Moon event. The Celestial Shell is crafted from a Moon Shell and a Celestial Stone, both of which require materials from various events and biomes.

One common mistake players make is neglecting to reforge their accessories or weapons. Reforging can significantly enhance your buildÔÇÖs effectiveness, so always aim for the best possible modifiers. Another mistake is focusing solely on knockback at the expense of other important stats like damage or defense. While knockback is useful, it should complement your overall build rather than dominate it.

Advanced techniques for optimizing summon knockback include combining it with other crowd control strategies, such as using sentries or traps. The Frost Hydra and Queen Spider sentries, for example, can provide additional knockback and damage, further enhancing your ability to control enemy movement. Additionally, using buffs like the Summoning Potion and Bewitching Table can increase your minion count, allowing for more frequent attacks and better knockback application.

In terms of class and equipment considerations, summon knockback builds are best suited for summoner-focused characters. Armor sets like the Stardust Armor, which provides the highest summon damage and minion capacity, are ideal for this playstyle. Weapons like the Stardust Dragon or Stardust Cell Staff can also benefit from increased knockback, as their attacks are frequent and widespread.

Specific scenarios where summon knockback shines include events like the Pumpkin Moon or Frost Moon, where waves of enemies can overwhelm you if not properly controlled. In these situations, high knockback can keep enemies at bay, giving you more time to focus on dealing damage. ItÔÇÖs also useful in boss fights where melee enemies can quickly close the distance, such as Plantera or the Empress of Light.

In summary, increasing summon knockback in Terraria requires a combination of specific accessories, reforges, and strategies. By focusing on items like the Hercules Beetle, Papyrus Scarab, and Celestial Shell, and optimizing your build with reforges and buffs, you can create a summoner character that excels at crowd control and enemy management. Always balance knockback with other important stats, and consider advanced techniques like combining minions with sentries for maximum effectiveness. With proper preparation and strategy, a summon knockback build can be a powerful and unique way to tackle TerrariaÔÇÖs challenges.