What is the best weapon for a summoner in pre-Hardmode Terraria?

In pre-Hardmode Terraria, the summoner class is a unique and challenging playstyle that relies on minions to deal damage while the player focuses on dodging and positioning. The best weapon for a summoner in pre-Hardmode is the Slime Staff, but obtaining it can be difficult due to its low drop rate. Alternatively, the Finch Staff or the Hornet Staff are more accessible options that still provide strong summoning capabilities.

The Slime Staff is the rarest summon weapon in pre-Hardmode, with a 1 in 10,000 drop chance from most slimes. It summons a Baby Slime minion that bounces around and deals damage to enemies. While its damage output is modest, it is the earliest summon weapon available and can be obtained as early as the start of the game. To farm for the Slime Staff, players should create a slime farm by building a flat area with lava traps or using water candles and battle potions to increase spawn rates. This method requires patience, but it is worth it for summoners who want to start their journey with a strong minion.

If the Slime Staff proves too difficult to obtain, the Finch Staff is a more reliable option. It is found in Living Wood Chests in Living Trees, which are large tree structures found in the surface forest biome. The Finch Staff summons a Finch minion that flies around and attacks enemies. While its damage is lower than the Slime Staff, it is easier to acquire and still provides a solid early-game summoning option.

For players who have defeated the Queen Bee, the Hornet Staff is a powerful pre-Hardmode summon weapon. It is crafted using 14 Bee Wax, which is dropped by the Queen Bee. The Hornet Staff summons a Hornet minion that shoots stingers at enemies, dealing ranged damage. This weapon is particularly effective against bosses and large groups of enemies due to its ranged attacks. To obtain the Hornet Staff, players must first locate a Bee Hive in the Underground Jungle and summon the Queen Bee using an Abeemination or by breaking a Larva inside the hive. Defeating the Queen Bee requires careful preparation, including armor like Bee Armor, which increases minion damage and capacity, and accessories like the Shield of Cthulhu for mobility.

When using summoner weapons, it is important to maximize minion damage and capacity. The Bee Armor set is the best pre-Hardmode summoner armor, providing a total of 3 additional minion slots and a 23% increase in minion damage. This set is crafted using 30 Bee Wax, making it essential for summoners who have defeated the Queen Bee. Additionally, accessories like the Summoner Emblem, which increases minion damage by 15%, and the Pygmy Necklace, which increases minion capacity by 1, are valuable for optimizing summoner builds.

Summoners should also focus on mobility and survivability, as they rely on dodging attacks while their minions deal damage. Accessories like the Cloud in a Bottle, Hermes Boots, and the Shield of Cthulhu are essential for evading enemy attacks. Buffs like the Summoning Potion, which increases minion capacity by 1, and the Bewitching Table, which provides a similar effect, are also crucial for maximizing minion effectiveness.

Common mistakes for summoners include neglecting defense and mobility, as well as failing to manage minion capacity. Summoners should prioritize dodging over dealing direct damage, as their minions are the primary source of damage. Additionally, players should avoid using weapons or accessories that conflict with summoner builds, such as melee or ranged weapons, as these can dilute the effectiveness of minions.

Advanced techniques for summoners include using minions to farm resources or clear areas while the player focuses on other tasks. For example, summoners can use their minions to clear out enemies while mining or exploring, allowing them to gather resources more efficiently. Additionally, summoners can use minions to distract bosses while they focus on dodging attacks, making boss fights easier to manage.

In summary, the best pre-Hardmode summoner weapon is the Slime Staff, but the Finch Staff and Hornet Staff are more accessible alternatives. Summoners should prioritize obtaining Bee Armor and accessories that increase minion damage and capacity, while also focusing on mobility and survivability. By carefully managing minions and avoiding common mistakes, summoners can effectively tackle pre-Hardmode challenges and prepare for the transition to Hardmode.